Consolidated Statement Of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	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, 2013	$ 995,000	$ 267	$ 699,314	$ 1,070,975	$ (1,047,615)	$ 1,717,941	$ 196,699	$ 1,914,640
Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	39,800	26,849,822
Exercise of stock options, value			2,033			2,033		2,033
Exercise of stock options, shares		40,973						40,973
Stock compensation, net, value			935			935		935
Stock compensation, net, shares		5,341
Net income				25,098		25,098	2,703	27,801
Distributions:
Preferred stock					(15,122)	(15,122)		(15,122)
Common stock					(13,443)	(13,443)		(13,443)
Noncontrolling interests							(3,653)	(3,653)
Adjustment to noncontrolling interests in underlying operating partnership			(374)			(374)	374
Balances, value at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 995,000	$ 267	$ 701,908	$ 1,096,073	$ (1,076,180)	$ 1,717,068	$ 196,123	$ 1,913,191
Balances, shares at Mar. 31, 2014	39,800	26,896,136