Consolidated Statement Of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Cumulative Net Income [Member]	Cumulative Distributions [Member]	Total PS Business Parks, Inc.'s Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Balances, value at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 598,546	$ 246	$ 557,882	$ 784,616	$ (747,762)	$ 1,193,528	$ 229,597	$ 1,423,125
Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	23,942	24,671,177
Repurchase of preferred units, net of issuance costs, value			10,107			10,107	(49,194)	(39,087)
Common stock repurchased		(591,500)						591,500
Repurchase of common stock, value		(6)	(30,246)			(30,252)		(30,252)
Exercise of stock options, value			1,050			1,050		1,050
Exercise of stock options, shares		24,600						24,600
Stock compensation, net, value			494			494		494
Stock compensation, net, shares		23,907
Net income				74,839		74,839	5,767	80,606
Distributions:
Preferred stock					(31,349)	(31,349)		(31,349)
Common stock					(32,430)	(32,430)		(32,430)
Noncontrolling interests							(9,940)	(9,940)
Adjustment to noncontrolling interests in underlying operating partnership			(5,538)			(5,538)	5,538	(5,538)
Balances, value at Sep. 30, 2011	$ 598,546	$ 240	$ 533,749	$ 859,455	$ (811,541)	$ 1,180,449	$ 181,768	$ 1,362,217
Balances, shares at Sep. 30, 2011	23,942	24,128,184