Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Rental properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $375,684 and $335,116 at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	$ 1,885,093	$ 1,819,176
Rental properties held for sale, net	2,788	4,696
Land held for development	196,177	184,457
Property under development	29,376	22,761
Mortgage notes and related accrued interest receivable, net	455,752	325,097
Investment in a direct financing lease, net	234,089	233,619
Investment in joint ventures	11,971	25,053
Cash and cash equivalents	10,664	14,625
Restricted cash	23,991	19,312
Deferred financing costs, net	19,679	18,527
Accounts receivable, net	38,738	35,005
Other assets	38,412	31,667
Total assets	2,946,730	2,733,995
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	65,481	36,036
Common dividends payable	35,165	32,709
Preferred dividends payable	6,021	6,002
Unearned rents and interest	11,333	6,850
Long-term debt	1,368,832	1,154,295
Total liabilities	1,486,832	1,235,892
Equity:
Common Shares, $.01 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; and 48,454,181 and 48,062,593 shares issued at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	484	480
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Additional paid-in-capital	1,769,227	1,719,066
Treasury shares at cost: 1,566,780 and 1,335,879 common shares at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively	(55,308)	(44,834)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	20,622	23,463
Distributions in excess of net income	(275,643)	(228,261)
EPR Properties shareholders’ equity	1,459,521	1,470,049
Noncontrolling interests	377	28,054
Equity	1,459,898	1,498,103
Total liabilities and equity	2,946,730	2,733,995
Series C Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	54	54
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	0	46
Series E Preferred Shares [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	35	35
Series F Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred shares, $.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized:
Preferred shares	$ 50	$ 0