Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period Real estate facilities, at cost: Land Buildings and Improvements, Gross Buildings and improvements Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Gross real estate investment property Accumulated depreciation Accumulated depreciation The net book value of real estate property held for investment purposes. Excludes (1) property held for disposition and (2) land held for development Real Estate Investment Property Excluding Property Held For Disposition And Land Held For Development Balances Balances Net real estate investment property Land And Buildings Available For Development Land And Buildings Available For Development Land and building held for development Real Estate Investments, Total Total real estate investments Rent receivable Deferred rent receivable Other assets Total assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accrued and other liabilities Accrued and other liabilities Unsecured Debt Unsecured debt Term loan Secured Debt Mortgage notes payable, carrying amount Mortgage notes payable Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments And Contingencies 2009 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders Equity Note Abstract PS Business Parks, Inc.'s shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 22,877 and 25,042 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 39,800 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 24,619,482 and 24,399,509 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 26,896,136 and 26,849,822 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively Additional Paid in Capital Paid-in capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Cumulative net income Cumulative preferred stock and common stock cash dividend declared by the Company. Includes issuance costs related to preferred equity recognized upon redemption/repurchase. Total Cumulative distributions Cumulative distributions Stockholders' equity PS Total PS Business Parks, Inc.'s shareholders' equity Noncontrolling interests: Common units Total noncontrolling interests Total noncontrolling interests Total equity Balances, value Balances, value Total equity Total liabilities and equity Total liabilities and equity Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares issued Common stock, shares outstanding Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract] Revenues: Rental income Rental income Facility management fees Management fee revenues Total operating revenues Total operating revenues Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Expenses: Cost of operations Depreciation and amortization General and administrative Total costs associated with ongoing operations. Includes depreciation, amortization, and general and administrative expenses. Total Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Other income and (expenses): Interest and Other Income Interest and other income Interest expense Interest and other expenses Total other income and expenses Total other income and (expenses) Net income Net income Net income Net income allocable to noncontrolling interests: Noncontrolling interests - common units Noncontrolling interests - common units Total net income allocable to noncontrolling interests Total net income allocable to noncontrolling interests Net income allocable to PS Business Parks, Inc.: Net Income Allocable To Preferred Shareholders Net Income Allocable To Preferred Shareholders Preferred shareholders Net Income Allocable To Restricted Stock Unit Holders Net Income Allocable To Restricted Stock Unit Holders Restricted stock unit holders Remaining net income, which is allocated to common shareholders Common Shareholders Common shareholders Net income allocable to common shareholders Total net income allocable to PS Business Parks, Inc Total net income allocable to PS Business Parks, Inc. Net income per common share Net income per share: Basic Net income per common share - Basic Basic Net income per share: Diluted Net income per common share - Diluted Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic Basic weighted average common shares outstanding Diluted Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Consolidated Statement Of Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Paid-In Capital [Member] Cumulative Net Income [Member] Cumulative Net Income [Member] Cumulative Net Income [Member] Cumulative Distributions [Member] Cumulative Distributions [Member] Cumulative Distributions [Member] Parent [Member] Total PS Business Parks, Inc.'s Shareholders' Equity [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Shares, Issued Balances, shares Balances, shares Exercise of stock options, value Exercise of stock options, shares Number of Options, Exercised Stock Compensation, Net, Value Stock compensation, net, value Stock compensation, net, shares Distributions: Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Preferred stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Common stock Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling interests Adjustment to reflect the noncontrolling interests' equity interest in the Company. Adjustment To Noncontrolling Interests' Equity Interest Adjustment to noncontrolling interests in underlying operating partnership Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 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. Depreciation And Amortization Including Amounts In Discontinued Operations Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization expense The net amortization of above-market and below-market in-place lease value In-place lease adjustment In-place lease adjustment Increase (decrease) in rental income due to amortization of net intangible assets or liabilities The net amortization of lease incentives and tenant improvement reimbursements Lease incentives net of tenant improvement reimbursements Tenant improvement reimbursements net of lease incentives Share Based Compensation Stock compensation Decrease in receivables and other assets Decrease in receivables and other assets Increase in accrued and other liabilities Decrease in accrued and other liabilities Total adjustments Total adjustments Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Capital improvements to real estate facilities Capital improvements to real estate facilities Payments For Capital Improvements For Land And Buildings Available For Development Payments For Capital Improvements For Land And Buildings Available For Development Capital improvements to land and building held for development Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Repayments of Unsecured Debt Repayment of borrowings on term loan debt Principal payments on mortgage notes payable Principal Payments On Mortgage Notes Payable Principal payments on mortgage notes payable Repayment of mortgage note payable Repayment of mortgage notes payable Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Net proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Distributions paid to preferred shareholders Distributions paid to preferred shareholders Distributions paid to preferred shareholders Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests - common units Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests - common units Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests - common units Distributions paid to common shareholders Distributions paid to common shareholders Net cash used in financing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: Adjustment to noncontrolling interests in underlying operating partnership [Abstract] Adjustment to noncontrolling interests in underlying operating partnership [Abstract] Adjustment to noncontrolling interests in underlying operating partnership: The effect of the adjustment on noncontrolling interests-common units to reflect the noncontrolling interests' equity interest in the Company Adjustment to Noncontrolling interests - common units Noncontrolling interests - common units The effect of the adjustment on paid-in capital to reflect the noncontrolling interests' equity interest in the Company Adjustment To Noncontrolling Interests Paid In Capital Paid-in capital Accrued preferred stock distribution [Abstract] Accrued preferred stock distribution [Abstract] Accrued preferred stock distribution: Accrued And Other Liabilities Related To Preferred Stock Distribution Accrued And Other Liabilities Related To Preferred Stock Distribution Accured and other liabilities Cumulative Preferred Stock Distributions Cumulative Preferred Stock Distributions Cumulative distributions Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development [Abstract] Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development [Abstract] Transfer to land and building held for development: Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Land Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Land Land Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Buildings And Improvements Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Buildings And Improvements Buildings and improvements Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Accumulated Depreciation Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated depreciation Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Land And Building Held For Development Transfer To Land And Building Held For Development, Land And Building Held For Development Land and building held for development Organization And Description Of Business [Abstract] NatureOfOperations Organization And Description Of Business Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Real Estate Facilities [Abstract] RealEstateDisclosureTextBlock Real Estate Facilities Leasing Activity [Abstract] Operating Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Leasing Activity Bank Loans [Abstract] Bank Loans [Abstract] Bank Loans Disclosure [Text Block] Bank Loans Disclosure [Text Block] Bank Loans Mortgage Notes Payable [Abstract] Debt Disclosure Text Block Mortgage Notes Payable Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract] Noncontrolling interests disclosure Noncontrolling Interests Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure Text Block Related Party Transactions Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure Text block Shareholders' Equity Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and contingencies disclosure text block Commitments And Contingencies Stock Compensation [Abstract] Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] Stock Compensation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis Of Presentation Noncontrolling Interests [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use Of Estimates Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Instruments Describes the company's policies for real estate facilities. Real Estate Facilities [Policy Text Block] Real Estate Facilities Real Estate Held for Development and Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block] Land And Building Held For Development Discontinued Operations, Policy [Text Block] Properties Held For Disposition Intangible Assets And liabilities [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets/Liabilities Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Text Block] Evaluation Of Asset Impairment Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Text Block] Stock Compensation Describes the company's policies for revenue and expenses recognition. Revenue and Expense Recognition [Policy Text Block] Revenue And Expense Recognition Describes the company's policies for gains from sale of real estate facilities. Gains From Sales Of Real Estate Facilities [Policy Text Block] Gains From Sales Of Real Estate Facilities Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Text Block] General And Administrative Expenses Income Tax, Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Describes the company's policies for preferred equity issuance costs. Preferred Equity Issuance Costs [Policy Text Block] Accounting For Preferred Equity Issuance Costs Net Income Allocation [Policy Text Block] Net Income Allocation [Policy Text Block] Net Income Allocation Earnings Per Share, Policy [Text Block] Net Income Per Common Share Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Net Income Allocation [Table Text Block] Net Income Allocation [Table Text Block] Net Income Allocation Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Calculation Of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Schedule Of Real Estate Activities [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Real Estate Activities [Table Text Block] Activity In Real Estate Facilities Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Summary Of Future Minimum Rental Revenues Excluding Recovery Of Operating Expenses Schedule of Mortgage Notes Payable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Mortgage Notes Payable [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Mortgage Notes Payable Schedule of Preferred Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Preferred Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Preferred Stock Outstanding Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Stock Options Activity Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Nonvested Restricted Stock Units The Company's Ownership Percentage of the Limited Partnership. The Company's Ownership Percentage of the Limited Partnership The Company's ownership percentage of the limited partnership The amount of square footage related to real estate property owned and operated by the Company. Total Square Footage Of Real Estate Property Owned and operated properties (in rentable square feet) Number of states with rentable commercial space Number of states with rentable commercial space The amount of square footage related to managed real estate property. Square Footage Of Managed Real Estate Property Managed properties (in rentable square feet) Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Allowance for uncollectible accounts Allowance to deferred rent receivables attributable to, for instance, credit risk associated with a lessee. Straight Line Rents Receivable Allowance Allowance for uncollectable deferred rent receivables Cash and cash equivalents maximum benchmark Cash And Cash Equivalents Maximum Benchmark (in months) Cash and cash equivalents maximum benchmark (in months) Expenditures subject to depreciation. Minimum Expenditure Costs Subject To Capitalization And Depreciation Minimum expenditure costs subject to capitalization and depreciation Expenditures expected future benefit period. Capital Expenditure Expected Future Benefit Period Minimum expected future benefit period on expenditures cost to be capitalized and depreciated (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Estimated useful life (in years) Transaction Cost for Lease Subject to Deprecation Transaction Cost for Lease Subject to Capitalization and Depreciation Minimum transaction cost subject to capitalization and depreciation Transaction cost Expected Future Benefit Period Transaction cost Expected Future Benefit Period Minimum expected future benefit period on transaction cost to be capitalized and depreciated (in years) Transaction Costs Of Leases, Subject To Recognition As Expense Transaction Costs Of Current Leases, Subject To Recognition As Expense Maximum transaction costs subject to being expensed as incurred Transaction Costs Of Leases, Subject To Recognition As Expense, Maximum Period Transaction Costs Of Leases, Subject To Recognition As Expense, Maximum Period Maximum length of lease period for transaction costs to be expensed as incurred This element represents the identifiable intangible asset at balance sheet date established upon acquisition based on a favorable difference between the terms of an acquired lease and the current market terms for that lease at the acquisition date. Net Intangible Assets at Balance Sheet Date Value of in-place leases resulting in a net intangible asset Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization - intangible assets Intangible Asset Weighted Average Amortization Period Intangible Asset Weighted Average Amortization Period Intangible assets, weighted average amortization period (in years) This element represents the identifiable intangible liability at balance sheet date established upon acquisition based on an unfavorable difference between the terms of an acquired lease and the current market terms for that lease at the acquisition date. Net Intangible Liability At Balance Sheet Date Value of in-place leases resulting in a net intangible liability The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible liability class. A major class is composed of intangible liabilities that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Finite Lived Intangible Liability Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization - intangible liabilities Intangible Liability Weighted Average Amortization Period Intangible Liability Weighted Average Amortization Period Intangible liability, weighted average amortization period (in years) Minimum distribution percentage of taxable income requirement. Distribution Of Taxable Income Requirement Distribution of taxable income requirement Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision Odds of a particular tax position will be sustained upon examination or audit. Percentage of recognized settlement Odds of a particular tax position will be sustained upon examination or audit Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Anti-dilutive share options to purchase Number of Operating Segments Number of operating segments Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Net effect of dilutive stock compensation - based on treasury stock method using average market price Real Estate Facilities [Table] Real Estate Facilities [Table] Real Estate Properties [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Bayshore Commons [Member] Bayshore Commons [Member] Bayshore Commons [Member] Dallas Multi Tenant Flex Buildings [Member] Dallas Multi Tenant Flex Buildings [Member] Dallas Multi Tenant Flex Buildings [Member] Dallas Multi-Tenant Flex Parks [Member] Dallas Multi Tenant Flex Parks [Member] Dallas Multi-Tenant Flex Parks [Member] Dallas Industrial Park [Member] Dallas Industrial Park [Member] Dallas Industrial Park [Member] Northern Virginia Redeveloped Land [Member] Northern Virginia Redeveloped Land [Member] Northern Virginia Redeveloped Land [Member] Real Estate Facilities [Line Items] Real Estate Facilities [Line Items] Acquisition date of real estate Acquisition/disposal date of real estate Number Of Buildings Acquired Number Of Buildings Acquired Number of buildings acquired Number Of Parks Acquired Number Of Parks Acquired Number of parks acquired Number Of Acres Acquired Number Of Acres Acquired Number of acres acquired Square Footage of Real Estate Property Leasable space (in square feet) Contractual Purchase Price Of Real Estate Contractual Purchase Price Of Real Estate Purchase price Area Of Redevelopment Of Real Estate Property Area Of Redevelopment Of Real Estate Property Area of redevelopment of real estate property Property Development, Capitalized Cost Property Development, Capitalized Cost Capitalized cost Property Development, Capitalized Interest Expense Property Development, Capitalized Interest Expense Captialized interest expense Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Accumulated Depreciation [Member] Accumulated Depreciation [Member] Accumulated Depreciation [Member] Real Estate, Improvements Capital improvements, net Write off of fully amortized transaction costs. Write off of fully amortized transaction costs Disposals Non Cancelable Leases Term Non Cancelable Leases Term Non-cancelable leases term (in years) Tenant reimbursements Percentage Of The Leased Asset Subjected To Termination Options. Percentage of leased asset subjected to termination options Percentage Of Leased Asset Exercisable In Period Two Thousand Thirteen Percentage Of Leased Asset Exercisable In Period Two Thousand Thirteen Percentage of leased asset exercisable in period Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Total Line of Credit Facility [Table] Lender Name [Axis] Line Of Credit Facility Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit Facility, borrowing limit Line of Credit Facility, Frequency of Payments Credit Facility, frequency of interest payment Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Spread over LIBOR Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Previous Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Previous Rate Previous spread over LIBOR Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage ## Credit Facility, percentage of commitment fees Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Credit Facility, amount outstanding Unamortized commitments fees Unamortized Commitments Fees Unamortized commitments fees Debt Instrument Term Debt Instrument Term Length of debt term (in years) Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Mortgage note due date Term loan, maturity date Debt Instrument, Repayment Date Debt Instrument, Repayment Date Term loan, repayment date Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Five Point Four Five Percent Mortgage Notes [Member] Five Point Four Five Percent Mortgage Notes [Member] 5.45% Mortgage Note [Member] Two Repaid Mortgage Notes [Member] Two Repaid Mortgage Notes [Member] Two Repaid Mortgage Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Interest rate The net book value for the real estate facilities secured by the mortgage note payable at the end of the reporting period. Net book value of real estate facilities securing notes payable Net book value of secured property Secured by square feet of real estate facilities Secured By Square Feet Of Real Estate Facilities Secured by square feet of real estate facilities Number Of Mortgage Notes Number Of Mortgage Notes Number of mortgage notes repaid Repayments of Debt Mortgage note repayment amount Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] The waiting period from the date of admission as a limited partner that each limited partner has to be able to exercise the right to redemption of its partnership interest. Waiting Period In Years For Redemption Of Partnership Interest Number of years from date of admission as a limited partner for redemption of partnership interest Units owned by noncontrolling partners in an operating partnership . Minority Interest Units In Operating Partnerships Common units owned by affiliate Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Affiliate's percent ownership of the Company's common equity Preferred Units, Outstanding Preferred units outstanding Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage or Per-Dollar-Amount Cumulative preferred stock, dividend rate Dividend Rate Cumulative preferred stock, dividend rate Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Royalty-free license agreement written notice of termination period minimum. Royalty Free License Agreement Termination Minimum Notice Royalty-free license agreement written notice of termination period minimum (in months) Property management contract written notice of termination period minimum Property Management Contract Term Property management contract term (in years) Extended property management contract period to manage related party properties. Extended Property Management Contract period Extended property management contract period (in years) Number of assets owned that are managed by affiliate. Number Of Assets Owned That Are Managed By Affiliate Number of assets owned that are maintained by Public Storage Notice period of property management contract to manage PSB's mini storages. Notice Period of Property Management Contract Property management contract written notice of termination period minimum (in days) Management fee expenses Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Administrative services costs Due to related parties Due to related parties Preferred Equity Issuance Date. Preferred Equity Issuance Date Issuance Date Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding Amount Proceeds from issuance of depositary shares Depositary Shares Issued Depositary Shares Issued Depositary shares issued Underlying conversion ratio from depository shares to preferred share. Underlying conversion ratio from depository shares Depository shares conversion ratio to preferred share Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Depositary shares issued price per share Cash paid and dividends accrued for preferred distributions. Distributions Recorded To Preferred Shareholders Distributions recorded to preferred shareholders Number of quarterly dividends in arrearage before preferred shareholders can elect additional board members Cumulative Arrearage Of Quarterly Dividends Number of quarterly dividends in arrearage before preferred shareholders can elect additional board members Number of Additional Members Right To Elect Number of Additional Members Right To Elect Number of additional board members the preferred shareholders can elect in the case of an excess arrearage of quarterly dividends Preferred Stock, Amount of Preferred Dividends in Arrears Dividends in arrears Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Redeemable preferred stock, redemption price per share Preferred Stock, Aggregate Deferred Issuance Costs Outstanding Preferred Stock, Aggregate Deferred Issuance Costs Outstanding Preferred stock, aggregate deferred issuance costs outstanding Shareholders' Equity [Table] Shareholders' Equity [Table] Share repurchase program, by repurchase period [Axis] Share Repurchase Program, By Repurchase Period [Axis] Share repurchase program, by repurchase period [Domain] Share Repurchase Program By Repurchase Period [Domain] Share Repurchase Program, By Repurchase Period [Domain] Since inception [Member] Since Inception [Member] Since Inception [Member] Shareholders' Equity [Line Items] Shareholders' Equity [Line Items] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Shares issued or sold Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Shares authorized for repurchase Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Aggregate number of common stock repurchased in the period Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Aggregate cost of shares repurchased Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Average cost per share of common stock Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Shares available for repurchase under existing repurchase program Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common stock distributions per share The maximum number of equity stock permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Equity stock, shares authorized Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series R [Member] Series R [Member] Series R [Member] Series S [Member] Series S [Member] Series S [Member] Redemption date Earliest Potential Redemption Date Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of shares covered under Stock Option and Incentive Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of Units, Granted Restricted stock units granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Options and restricted stock units authorized to grant The maximum number of defined targets for the Company to achieve for restricted stock units to vest. Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Defined Targets Number of defined targets to achieve for restricted stock unit awards, maximum The minimum number of defined targets for the Company to achieve for restricted stock units to vest. Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Defined Targets, Minimum Number of defined targets to achieve for restricted stock unit awards, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Length of Restricted Stock Unit program (in years) Number of annual vesting installments. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number Of Annual Installments Number of annual vesting installments Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Granted Per Year, Maximum Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Granted Per Year, Maximum Approximate number of restricted stock units granted per year, maximum Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Granted, Maximum Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Granted, Maximum Cumulative number of restricted stock units granted Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Compensation expense Stock Option Plan Expense Stock options expense Restricted Stock Expense Restricted stock units expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Unamortized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards, Weighted Average Period of Recognition Weighted average recognized period of unamortized compensation expenses (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Number of Units, Vested Number of units vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Aggregate fair value of the shares vested Share-based Goods and Nonemployee Services Transaction, Shares Approved for Issuance Shares approved for issuance Number of Shares Granted for Each Year Served Number of Shares Granted for Each Year Served Number of shares granted for each year served Maximum Number of Shares Issued Upon Retirement Maximum Number of Shares Issued Upon Retirement Maximum number of shares issued upon retirement Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of Options, Outstanding Number of Options, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Number of Options, Exercisable at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life, Outstanding at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted Average Remaining Contract Life, Exercisable at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at March 31, 2014 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Number of Units, Nonvested Number of Units, Nonvested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Number of Units, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited Building And Building Improvements [Member] Building And Improvements [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Series V [Member] Series V [Member] Series V [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Public Storage [Member] Public Storage [Member] PS [Member] Series T [Member] Series T [Member] Series T [Member] Series U [Member] Series U [Member] Series U [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Two Thousand Three Stock Option and Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Three Stock Option And Incentive Plan [Member] 2003 Plan [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Equity And Performance-Based Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Equity And Performance Based Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] 2012 Plan [Member] Retirement Plan for Non-Employee Directors [Member] Retirement Plan For Non Employee Directors [Member] Retirement Plan For Non-Employee Directors [Member] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Program [Member] 2014 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program [Member] Two Thousand Twelve Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit Program [Member] 2012 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program [Member]