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		1	3,053			3,054		3,054
Exercise of stock options, shares		61,273						61,273
Stock compensation, net, value			5,608			5,608		5,608
Stock compensation, net, shares		8,066
Net income				76,499		76,499	8,430	84,929
Distributions:
Preferred stock					(45,366)	(45,366)		(45,366)
Common stock					(40,351)	(40,351)		(40,351)
Noncontrolling interests							(10,958)	(10,958)
Adjustment to noncontrolling interests in underlying operating partnership			(1,472)			(1,472)	1,472
Balances, value at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 995,000	$ 268	$ 706,503	$ 1,147,474	$ (1,133,332)	$ 1,715,913	$ 195,643	$ 1,911,556
Balances, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	39,800	26,919,161