1.0.0.3 true Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands false 1 $ false false Unit_1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit_2 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Unit_3 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit_4 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 false 2 $ false false Unit_1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit_2 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Unit_3 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit_4 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 false 3 $ false false Unit_1 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Unit_2 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 Unit_3 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Unit_4 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 2 Cash flows from operating activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 3 Net income 2 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 true true 790456000 790456 false false 2 true true 973872000 973872 false false 3 true true 487078000 487078 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 4 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 5 Gain on disposition of real estate investments, including amounts in discontinued operations 2 psa_Gainondipositionofrealestateinvestments psa false debit duration monetary This item represents the gain or loss realized during the period from the sale of real estate facilities or investments in... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -39444000 -39444 false false 2 false true -336545000 -336545 false false 3 false true -6883000 -6883 false false This item represents the gain or loss realized during the period from the sale of real estate facilities or investments in real estate entities. No authoritative reference available. false 6 Gain on early retirement of debt 2 us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -4114000 -4114 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 7 Impairment charge on intangible asset included in discontinued operations 2 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 8205000 8205 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 8 Depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations 2 psa_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingAmountsInDiscontinuedOperations psa false debit duration monetary The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 342127000 342127 false false 2 false true 414201000 414201 false false 3 false true 622894000 622894 false false The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. Includes amounts in discontinued operations. No authoritative reference available. false 9 Distributions received from real estate entities (less than) in excess of equity in earnings of real estate entities 2 psa_Distributionsreceivedfromrealestateentitiesinexcessofotherequityinearnings psa false debit duration monetary This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from equity method investees in... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -3836000 -3836 false false 2 false true 23064000 23064 false false 3 false true 10868000 10868 false false This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from equity method investees in excess of equity income (excluding pro-rata share of benefits or charges related to preferred redemptions) recognized No authoritative reference available. false 10 Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss 2 us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossUnrealized us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -9662000 -9662 false false 2 false true 25362000 25362 false false 3 false true -58444000 -58444 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 11 Other 2 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 29125000 29125 false false 2 false true -22983000 -22983 false false 3 false true -7861000 -7861 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. true 12 Total adjustments 2 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 322401000 322401 false false 2 false true 103099000 103099 false false 3 false true 560574000 560574 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. true 13 Net cash provided by operating activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 1112857000 1112857 false false 2 false true 1076971000 1076971 false false 3 false true 1047652000 1047652 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. true 14 Cash flows from investing activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 15 Capital improvements to real estate facilities 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForCapitalImprovements us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -62352000 -62352 false false 2 false true -76311000 -76311 false false 3 false true -69102000 -69102 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 16 Construction in process 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForConstructionInProcess us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -14165000 -14165 false false 2 false true -74611000 -74611 false false 3 false true -122320000 -122320 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 17 Acquisitions of real estate facilities 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireRealEstate us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -43569000 -43569 false false 3 false true -72787000 -72787 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 18 Acquisition of common stock of PS Business Parks 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -17825000 -17825 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 19 Proceeds from sales of real estate and other real estate investments 2 psa_ProceedsFromSalesOfOtherRealEstateInvestments psa false debit duration monetary The cash inflow associated with the sale of other real estate or real estate investments held for investment not otherwise... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 11596000 11596 false false 2 false true 2227000 2227 false false 3 false true 8708000 8708 false false The cash inflow associated with the sale of other real estate or real estate investments held for investment not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. No authoritative reference available. false 20 Proceeds from the disposition of interest in Shurgard Europe (Note 3) 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInJointVenture us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 609059000 609059 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 21 Deconsolidation of Shurgard Europe (Note 3) 2 us-gaap_CashDivestedFromDeconsolidation us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -34588000 -34588 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 22 Investment in Shurgard Europe 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -54702000 -54702 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 23 Sale of real estate investments to affiliates (Note 7) 2 psa_SaleOfRealEstateInvestmentsToAffiliatesNote7 psa false debit duration monetary Net cash in flow due to the sale to an affiliate of a noncontrolling interest in subsidiary. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 4909000 4909 false false Net cash in flow due to the sale to an affiliate of a noncontrolling interest in subsidiary. No authoritative reference available. false 24 Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsToMinorityShareholders us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -750000 -750 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 25 Other investing activities 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -7913000 -7913 false false 2 false true 12513000 12513 false false 3 false true -11284000 -11284 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. true 26 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -91409000 -91409 false false 2 false true 340018000 340018 false false 3 false true -261876000 -261876 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. true 27 Net cash flows from financing activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 28 Principal payments on notes payable 2 psa_PrincipalPaymentsOnNotesPayable psa false debit duration monetary The net cash outflow from scheduled principal payments on notes payable. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -7504000 -7504 false false 2 false true -62877000 -62877 false false 3 false true -508942000 -508942 false false The net cash outflow from scheduled principal payments on notes payable. No authoritative reference available. false 29 Redemption of senior unsecured notes payable 2 us-gaap_EarlyRepaymentOfSeniorDebt us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -109622000 -109622 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 30 Issuance of secured note payable 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSecuredDebt us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 12750000 12750 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 31 Net repayments on bank credit facilities 2 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermLinesOfCredit us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 345000000 345000 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 32 Proceeds from borrowing on debt of Existing European Joint Ventures 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfDebt us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 14654000 14654 false false 3 false true 54081000 54081 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 33 Net proceeds from the issuance of common shares 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 2192000 2192 false false 2 false true 10890000 10890 false false 3 false true 8457000 8457 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 34 Net proceeds from the issuance of cumulative preferred shares 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfRedeemablePreferredStock us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 651892000 651892 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 35 Repurchases of common shares 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -111903000 -111903 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 36 Repurchases of cumulative preferred shares 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -17535000 -17535 false false 2 false true -66879000 -66879 false false 3 false true -302150000 -302150 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 37 Repurchases of Equity Shares, Series A 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfOtherEquity us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -7707000 -7707 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 38 Repurchases of permanent noncontrolling interests 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -153000000 -153000 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 39 Distributions paid to Public Storage shareholders 2 us-gaap_PaymentsOfCapitalDistribution us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -624665000 -624665 false false 2 false true -733676000 -733676 false false 3 false true -598183000 -598183 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 40 Distributions paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests 2 psa_DistributionsPaidToRedeemableNoncontrollingInterests psa false debit duration monetary Distributions paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -1290000 -1290 false false 2 false true -1335000 -1335 false false 3 false true -1092000 -1092 false false Distributions paid to redeemable noncontrolling interests. No authoritative reference available. false 41 Distributions paid to permanent noncontrolling equity interests 2 psa_DistributionsPaidToPermanentNoncontrollingEquityInterests psa false debit duration monetary Distributions paid to permanent noncontrolling equity interests. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -26977000 -26977 false false 2 false true -37993000 -37993 false false 3 false true -40567000 -40567 false false Distributions paid to permanent noncontrolling equity interests. No authoritative reference available. true 42 Net cash used in financing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -938401000 -938401 false false 2 false true -984076000 -984076 false false 3 false true -1081504000 -1081504 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. true 43 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 83047000 83047 false false 2 false true 432913000 432913 false false 3 false true -295728000 -295728 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 44 Net effect of foreign exchange translation on cash 2 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents us-gaap true debit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 41000 41 false false 2 false true 2344000 2344 false false 3 false true 5488000 5488 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 45 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 2 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false true false false 1 false true 680701000 680701 false false 2 false true 245444000 245444 false false 3 false true 535684000 535684 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 46 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 2 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false true false 1 false true 763789000 763789 false false 2 false true 680701000 680701 false false 3 false true 245444000 245444 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 79 Cumulative Preferred Shares | Preferred Stock [Member] 0 na true na na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 80 Cash flows from operating activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 81 Net income 2 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 157 Common Shares (CommonStockMember) | Common Shares (CommonStockMember) 0 na true na na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 158 Cash flows from operating activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 159 Net income 2 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration monetary No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 235 Foreign currency translation adjustment [Member] 0 na true na na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 281 Supplemental schedule of non cash investing and financing activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 282 Real estate facilities, net of accumulated depreciation 2 psa_RealEstateFacilitiesNetOfAccumulatedDepreciationfc psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in real estate facilities, net of accumulated depreciation due to the impact of changing exchange... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -1444000 -1444 false false 2 false true -90921000 -90921 false false 3 false true -127456000 -127456 false false Increases or decreases in real estate facilities, net of accumulated depreciation due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 284 Construction in process 2 psa_ConstructionInProcessCF psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in construction in process due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -957000 -957 false false 3 false true -4623000 -4623 false false Increases or decreases in construction in process due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 286 Investment in real estate entities 2 psa_InvestmentInRealEstateEntitiescf psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in investment in real estate entities due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -15764000 -15764 false false 2 false true 63495000 63495 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false Increases or decreases in investment in real estate entities due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 288 Intangible assets, net 2 psa_IntangibleAssetsNetcf psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in intangible assets, net due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -4528000 -4528 false false 3 false true -6226000 -6226 false false Increases or decreases in intangible assets, net due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 289 Loan receivable from Shurgard Europe 2 psa_LoanReceivableFromShurgardEuropecf psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in loan receivable from Shurgard Europe due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -9342000 -9342 false false 2 false true 66461000 66461 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false Increases or decreases in loan receivable from Shurgard Europe due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 290 Other assets 2 psa_OtherAssetsincdec psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in other assets due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -3756000 -3756 false false 3 false true -7070000 -7070 false false Increases or decreases in other assets due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss No authoritative reference available. false 294 Notes payable 2 psa_Notespayableft psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in notes payable due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 28912000 28912 false false 3 false true 38116000 38116 false false Increases or decreases in notes payable due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 296 Accrued and other liabilities 2 psa_AccruedAndOtherLiabilitiescf psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in accrued and other liabilities due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 5879000 5879 false false 3 false true 13827000 13827 false false Increases or decreases in accrued and other liabilities due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 298 Permanent noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries 2 psa_PermanentNoncontrollingEquityInterestsInSubsidiaries psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in permanent noncontrolling equity interests in subsidiaries due to the impact of changing exchange... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 7263000 7263 false false 3 false true 9740000 9740 false false Increases or decreases in permanent noncontrolling equity interests in subsidiaries due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 300 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 2 psa_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncome psa false debit duration monetary Increases or decreases in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income due to the impact of changing exchange rates,... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 26591000 26591 false false 2 false true -69504000 -69504 false false 3 false true 89180000 89180 false false Increases or decreases in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income due to the impact of changing exchange rates, resulting in an unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss. No authoritative reference available. false 301 Real estate disposed of in exchange for other asset 2 psa_RealEstateDisposedOfInExchangeForOtherAsset psa false debit duration monetary The amount of real estate disposed of in exchange for assumption of other asset that an Entity assumes or disposes in a... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 2941000 2941 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of real estate disposed of in exchange for assumption of other asset that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 302 Other asset received in exchange for disposal of real estate 2 psa_OtherAssetReceivedInExchangeForDisposalOfRealEstate psa false debit duration monetary The amount of other asset assumed in connection with the acquisiton of real estate that an Entity assumes or disposes in a... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -2941000 -2941 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of other asset assumed in connection with the acquisiton of real estate that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 313 Revaluation of redeemable noncontrolling interest [Member] 0 na true na na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 359 Supplemental schedule of non cash investing and financing activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 386 Accumulated deficit 2 psa_RetainedDeficitNc psa false debit duration monetary The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true -1392000 -1392 false false 2 false true -6469000 -6469 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. No authoritative reference available. false 387 Redeemable noncontrolling interests 2 psa_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestsNc psa false debit duration monetary The carrying value (book value) of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity in... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 1392000 1392 false false 2 false true 6469000 6469 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The carrying value (book value) of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity in Stockholders Equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer. No authoritative reference available. false 391 Deconsolidation of Shurgard Europe [Member] 0 na true na na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 437 Supplemental schedule of non cash investing and financing activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 439 Real estate facilities, net of accumulated depreciation 2 psa_RealEstateFacilitiesNetOfAccumulatedDepreciation psa false debit duration monetary The amount of fixed assets that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 1693524000 1693524 false false 3 false true 41409000 41409 false false The amount of fixed assets that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 441 Construction in process 2 psa_ConstructionInProcesscf psa false debit duration monetary The amount of construction in process that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 10886000 10886 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of construction in process that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 443 Investment in real estate entities 2 psa_InvestmentInRealEstateEntitiesCF psa false debit duration monetary The amount of investments in an equity method investee that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash)... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -588801000 -588801 false false 3 false true -23079000 -23079 false false The amount of investments in an equity method investee that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. No authoritative reference available. false 447 Loan receivable from Shurgard Europe 2 psa_LoanReceivableFromShurgardEurope psa false debit duration monetary The amount of loan receivable that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -618822000 -618822 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of loan receivable that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 448 Intangible assets, net 2 psa_IntangibleAssetsNet psa false debit duration monetary The amount of intangibles that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 78135000 78135 false false 3 false true 1816000 1816 false false The amount of intangibles that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 449 Other assets 2 psa_OtherAssetsCF psa false debit duration monetary The amount of other assets that an Entity acquires or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 68486000 68486 false false 3 false true 344000 344 false false The amount of other assets that an Entity acquires or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 451 Notes payable 2 psa_NotesPayablecf psa false debit duration monetary The amount of notes payable that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -424995000 -424995 false false 3 false true -19329000 -19329 false false The amount of notes payable that an Entity acquires or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 453 Accrued and other liabilities 2 psa_AccruedAndOtherLiabilities psa false debit duration monetary The amount of accrued and other liabilities that an Entity acquires or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -104100000 -104100 false false 3 false true -544000 -544 false false The amount of accrued and other liabilities that an Entity acquires or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 455 Permanent noncontrolling equity interests in subsidiaries 2 psa_PermanentNoncontrollingEquityInterestsInSubsidiariesCF psa false debit duration monetary The amount of permanent noncontrolling equity interests in subsidiaries that an Entity assumes or disposes of in a noncash... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -148901000 -148901 false false 3 false true -682000 -682 false false The amount of permanent noncontrolling equity interests in subsidiaries that an Entity assumes or disposes of in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 459 Real estate acquired in exchange for assumption of note payable and extinguishment of investment 2 psa_RealEstateAcquiredInExchangeForAssumptionOfNotePayableAndExtingquishmentOfInvestment psa false debit duration monetary The amount of real estate acquired in exchange for assumption of note and investment that an Entity assumes or disposes in a... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -12388000 -12388 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of real estate acquired in exchange for assumption of note and investment that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 460 Note payable assumed in connection with the acquisition of real estate 2 psa_NotePayableAssumedInConnectionWithAcquisitionOfRealEstate psa false debit duration monetary The amount of note assumed in connection with the acquisiton of real estate that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 10250000 10250 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of note assumed in connection with the acquisiton of real estate that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 461 Investment extinguished in exchange for real estate 2 psa_InvestmentExtinquisedInExchangeForRealEstate psa false debit duration monetary The amount of investment extinguished in connection with the acquisiton of real estate that an Entity assumes or disposes in... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 2138000 2138 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of investment extinguished in connection with the acquisiton of real estate that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 462 Investment in real estate entities disposed in exchange for other asset 2 psa_InvestmentInRealEstateEntitiesDisposedOfInExchangeForOtherAssetsnc psa false debit duration monetary The amount of investment in real estate entities disposed of in exchange for assumption of other asset that an Entity assumes... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 5300000 5300 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of investment in real estate entities disposed of in exchange for assumption of other asset that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 463 Other asset received in connection with disposal of real estate investment 2 psa_OtherAssetReceivedInConnectionWithDisposalOfRealEstateInvestmentnc psa false debit duration monetary The amount of other asset assumed in connection with the disposal of real estate investment that an Entity assumes or... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true -5300000 -5300 false false 3 false true 0 0 false false The amount of other asset assumed in connection with the disposal of real estate investment that an Entity assumes or disposes in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 469 Consolidation of entities in connection with the acquisition of an interest in the Unconsolidated Entities:[Member] 0 na true na na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 515 Supplemental schedule of non cash investing and financing activities: 2 us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false 2 false false 0 0 false false 3 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 544 Real estate facilities 2 psa_RealEstateFacilitiesnc psa false debit duration monetary The amount of real estate reduction from consolidating of entities pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Topic 04-5 or in... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true -14604000 -14604 false false The amount of real estate reduction from consolidating of entities pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Topic 04-5 or in connnection with the acquisition of an interest in the Unconsolidated Entities in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 545 Intangible assets 2 psa_IntangibleAssetsnc psa false debit duration monetary The amount of intangible assets reduction from consolidating of entities pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Topic 04-5 or... false false false false false false false false false 1 false true 0 0 false false 2 false true 0 0 false false 3 false true -1048000 -1048 false false The amount of intangible assets reduction from consolidating of entities pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Topic 04-5 or in connnection with the acquisition of an interest in the Unconsolidated Entities in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false 546 Notes payable 2 psa_NotesPayablenc psa false debit duration monetary The amount of notes payable increase from consolidating of entities pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Topic 04-5 or in... false false false false false false false false false 1 true true 0 0 false false 2 true true 0 0 false false 3 true true 6681000 6681 false false The amount of notes payable increase from consolidating of entities pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Topic 04-5 or in connnection with the acquisition of an interest in the Unconsolidated Entities in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. No authoritative reference available. false false 3 90 false Thousands UnKnown UnKnown false true