XML 38 R87.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Fixtures and Equipment, Gross $ 1,365,276,000us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross $ 1,214,220,000us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross    
Land And Depreciable Property Net 16,700,000,000eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet 15,200,000,000eqr_LandAndDepreciablePropertyNet    
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Accumulated Depreciation (5,432,805,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (4,807,709,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (4,912,221,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (4,539,583,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
Partially Owned Unconsolidated Properties 3eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnconsolidatedProperties      
Number Of Unconsolidated Projects 1eqr_NumberOfUnconsolidatedProjects      
Partially Owned Unconsolidated Units 1,281eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnconsolidatedUnits      
Military Housing Properties 2eqr_MilitaryHousingProperties      
Military Housing Units 5,033eqr_MilitaryHousingUnits      
100 K Street [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 1,949,701us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 1,949,701eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,549,701eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 17,549,701eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A100KStreetMember
     
1111 Belle Pre (fka The Madison) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Alexandria, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 360eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,937,702us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 92,495,595us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 17,838eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,937,702us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 92,513,433eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 111,451,135eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,422,538)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 108,028,597eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1111BellePrefkaTheMadisonMember
     
1210 Mass [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 144eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,213,512us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 36,559,189us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 610,534eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,213,512us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,169,723eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,383,235eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,689,430)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 33,693,805eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Mass1210Member
     
1401 E Madison [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,322,187us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 1,019,404us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,322,187us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 1,019,404eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 11,341,591eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,341,591eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1401EMadisonMember
     
1500 Mass Ave [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 556eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 54,638,298us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,361,702us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 13,296,439eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 54,638,298us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 53,658,141eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 108,296,439eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,670,887)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 93,625,552eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1500MassAveMember
     
170 Amsterdam [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 97,371,663us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 97,371,663eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 97,371,663eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 97,371,663eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A170AmsterdamMember
     
175 Kent [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Brooklyn, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 113eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 22,037,831us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 53,962,169us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,072,648eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 22,037,831us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,034,817eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 77,072,648eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,337,345)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 68,735,303eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A175KentMember
     
180 Montague (fka Brooklyn Heights) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Brooklyn, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 193eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 32,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 92,675,228us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 946,790eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 32,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 93,622,018eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 126,022,018eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,067,159)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 115,954,859eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A180MontagueMember
     
1800 Oak (fka Rosslyn) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 314eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 31,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 109,005,734us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,424,829eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 31,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 110,430,563eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 141,830,563eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,550,245)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 130,280,318eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A1800OakMember
     
200 N Lemon Street [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Anaheim, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,865,235us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,802,003us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,865,235us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 2,802,003eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 8,667,238eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,667,238eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A200NLemonStreetMember
     
204-206 Pine Street/1610 2nd Avenue [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 22,106,465us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,015,203us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 22,106,465us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,015,203eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,121,668eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 40,121,668eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A204206PineStreet16102NdAvenueMember
     
2201 Pershing Drive [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 188eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 11,321,198us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 49,316,482us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,018,023eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 11,321,198us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,334,505eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 62,655,703eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,704,104)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 57,951,599eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201PershingDriveMember
     
2201 Wilson [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 219eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 21,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 78,724,663us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,155,814eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 21,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 79,880,477eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 101,780,477eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,243,035)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 93,537,442eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2201WilsonMember
     
2400 M St [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 359eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 30,006,593us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 114,013,785us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,170,237eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 30,006,593us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 117,184,022eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 147,190,615eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (37,361,925)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 109,828,690eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MSt2400Member
     
340 Fremont [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 42,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 64,972,143us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 42,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 64,972,143eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 106,972,143eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 106,972,143eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A340FremontMember
     
420 East 80th Street [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 155eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 39,277,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,026,984us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,746,938eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 39,277,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,773,922eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 66,050,922eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,547,486)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 55,503,436eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FourHundredAndTwentyEastEightiethStreetMember
     
425 Mass [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 559eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 28,150,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 138,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,341,423eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 28,150,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 141,941,423eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 170,091,423eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (29,744,846)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 140,346,577eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425MassMember
     
443 - 459 Eye Street [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,671,446us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,660,628us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,671,446us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 7,660,628eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,332,074eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,332,074eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A443459EyeStreetMember
     
4885 Edgemoor Lane [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bethesda, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 520,879us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 520,879eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 520,879eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 520,879eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4885EdgemoorLaneMember
     
4th and Hill [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,131,456us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 1,242,358us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,131,456us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 1,242,358eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,373,814eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 14,373,814eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4thandHillMember
     
600 Washington [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 135eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 32,852,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 43,140,551us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 394,984eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 32,852,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,535,535eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 76,387,535eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,049,427)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 61,338,108eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Washington600Member
     
660 Washington (fka Boston Common) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boston, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 420eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 106,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 166,311,679us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 785,303eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 106,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 167,096,982eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 273,196,982eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,440,877)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 254,756,105eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A660WashingtonMember
     
70 Greene [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Jersey City, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 28,108,899us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 236,941,402us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 648,362eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 28,108,899us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 237,589,764eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 265,698,663eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (41,945,093)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 223,753,570eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Greene70Member
     
71 Broadway [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 238eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 22,611,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 77,492,171us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 11,705,700eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 22,611,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 89,197,871eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 111,809,471eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (32,081,951)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 79,727,520eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Broadway71Member
     
77 Bluxome [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 102eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,249,124us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,609,876us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 91,584eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,249,124us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,701,460eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,950,584eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,715,377)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,235,207eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77BluxomeDomain
     
777 Sixth [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 294eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 65,352,706us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 65,747,294us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,569,464eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 65,352,706us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 67,316,758eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 132,669,464eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (19,832,874)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 112,836,590eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A777SixthMember
     
801 Brannan [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 42,367,171us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,605,097us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 42,367,171us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,605,097eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 52,972,268eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 52,972,268eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A801BrannanMember
     
A88 Hillside [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Daly City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 95eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,786,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 31,587,325us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,440,789eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,786,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,028,114eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,814,914eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,524,720)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 36,290,194eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A88HillsideMember
     
Abington Glen [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Abington, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 90eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 553,105us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,697,396us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,640,482eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 553,105us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 6,337,878eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 6,890,983eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,166,796)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 2,724,187eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AbingtonGlenMember
     
Agoura Hills [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Agoura Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 178eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 30,103,716us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 199,116eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,302,832eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,002,832eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,124,770)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 42,878,062eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AgouraHillsMember
     
Alban Towers [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 229eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 89,794,201us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 209,270eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 90,003,471eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 108,903,471eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,591,406)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 99,312,065eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlbanTowersMember
     
Arbor Terrace [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Sunnyvale, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 175eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,057,300us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,483,642us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,555,686eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,057,300us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,039,328eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,096,628eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,373,084)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 17,723,544eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArborTerraceMember
     
Arboretum (MA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Canton, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 156eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,685,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,992,751us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,419,397eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,685,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,412,148eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,098,048eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,193,657)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,904,391eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArboretumMaMember
     
Artisan on Second [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 118eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,000,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 36,074,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 389,768eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,000,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,464,368eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,464,768eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,430,450)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 38,034,318eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanOnSecondMember
     
Artistry Emeryville (fka Emeryville) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Emeryville, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 261eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 61,466,267us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,320,923eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 62,787,190eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 75,087,190eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,113,391)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 67,973,799eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtistryEmeryvilleMember
     
Ashton, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Corona Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 492eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,594,264us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,042,397us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,987,399eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,594,264us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,029,796eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 42,624,060eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (24,912,155)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 17,711,905eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AshtonMember
     
Avenue Two [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redwood City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 123eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,995,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,005,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,462,589eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,995,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,467,589eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,462,589eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,258,935)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,203,654eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenueTwoMember
     
Azure (fka Mission Bay-Block 13) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 32,855,115us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 113,753,727us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 32,855,115us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 113,753,727eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 146,608,842eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 146,608,842eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AzurefkaMissionBayBlock13Member
     
Ball Park Lofts [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Denver, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 354eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,481,556us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 51,658,741us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,682,528eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,481,556us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,341,269eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 61,822,825eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (21,540,968)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 40,281,857eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BallParkLoftsMember
     
Barrington Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Oviedo, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 233eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,990,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,740,825us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,018,496eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,990,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,759,321eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,749,321eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,212,819)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 16,536,502eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BarringtonPlaceMember
     
Bay Hill [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Long Beach, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 160eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 27,437,239us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 963,706eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 28,400,945eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,000,945eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,977,611)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 25,023,334eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BayHillMember
     
Beatrice, The [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 302eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 114,351,405us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 165,648,595us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 593,292eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 114,351,405us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 166,241,887eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 280,593,292eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation (23,101,995)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 257,491,297eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BeatriceDomain
     
Belle Terra [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Mukilteo, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 235eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,686,861us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,070,540us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,142,423eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,686,861us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,212,963eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,899,824eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,954,172)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,945,652eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleTerraMember
     
Belle Arts Condominium Homes, LLC [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bellevue, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 1eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 63,158us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 248,929us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures (5,320)eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 63,158us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 243,609eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 306,767eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 306,767eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BelleArtsCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Bella Fontaine [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Marina Del Rey, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 102eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,098,808us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 28,701,192us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 236,115eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,098,808us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 28,937,307eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,036,115eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,398,214)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 33,637,901eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaFontaineMember
     
Berkeley Land [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,908,910us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 8,409,958us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,908,910us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 8,409,958eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,318,868eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 22,318,868eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyLandMember
     
Bradford Apartments [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Newington, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 64eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 401,091us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,681,210us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 904,877eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 401,091us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 3,586,087eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 3,987,178eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,902,145)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 2,085,033eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BradfordApartmentsMember
     
Breakwater at Marina Del Rey [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Marina Del Rey, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 224eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 73,040,897us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 390,829eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 73,431,726eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 73,431,726eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,397,690)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 65,034,036eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BreakwateratMarinaDelReyMember
     
Briar Knoll Apts [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Vernon, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 150eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 928,972us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 6,209,988us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,440,679eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 928,972us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 8,650,667eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 9,579,639eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,376,105)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 5,203,534eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarKnollAptsMember
     
Briarwood (CA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Sunnyvale, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 192eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,991,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 22,247,278us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,407,674eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,991,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,654,952eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,646,452eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,931,009)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,715,443eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BriarwoodCAMember
     
Bridford Lakes II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Greensboro, NC      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,100,564us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 792,508us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,100,564us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 792,508eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 1,893,072eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 1,893,072eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BridfordLakesTwoMember
     
Brooklyner (fka 111 Lawrence) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Brooklyn, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 490eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 40,099,922us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 221,438,631us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 785,785eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 40,099,922us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 222,224,416eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 262,324,338eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (30,934,466)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 231,389,872eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheBrooklynerfka111LawrenceMember
     
Brookside (CO) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boulder, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 144eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,600,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,211,159us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,708,411eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,600,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,919,570eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 16,519,970eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,278,630)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 9,241,340eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BrooksideCoMember
     
Cambridge Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cambridge, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 312eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 31,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 106,048,587us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,280,508eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 31,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 107,329,095eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 138,529,095eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,557,359)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 126,971,736eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CambridgeParkMember
     
Carlyle Mill [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Alexandria, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 317eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 51,367,913us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,851,009eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 57,218,922eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 67,218,922eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (23,791,982)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 43,426,940eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarlyleMillMember
     
Cascade [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 23,751,564us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,791,356us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 23,751,564us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,791,356eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,542,920eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 34,542,920eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CascadeDomain
     
Centennial (fka Centennial Court & Centennial Tower) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 408eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 70,080,378us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,937,805eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 77,018,183eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 86,718,183eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (27,564,879)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 59,153,304eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentennialfkaCentennialCourtCentennialTowerMember
     
Centre Club [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Ontario, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 312eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,616,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,485,891us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,450,905eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,616,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,936,796eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,552,796eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,897,951)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,654,845eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubMember
     
Centre Club II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Ontario, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,820,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,528,898us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 819,747eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,820,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,348,645eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,168,645eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,700,524)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 7,468,121eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CentreClubIiMember
     
Church Corner [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cambridge, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 85eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,220,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,744,643us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,800,805eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,220,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,545,448eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,765,448eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,065,181)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 16,700,267eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChurchCornerMember
     
Cierra Crest [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Denver, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,803,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,894,898us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,414,548eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,803,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,309,446eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 45,112,546eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (24,419,410)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,693,136eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CierraCrestMember
     
City Gate at Cupertino (fka Cupertino) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cupertino, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 311eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 40,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 95,937,046us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,779,973eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 40,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 97,717,019eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 138,117,019eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,309,105)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 127,807,914eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityGateatCupertinofkaCupertinoMember
     
City Pointe [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Fullerton, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 183eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,863,792us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 36,476,208us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 721,681eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,863,792us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,197,889eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,061,681eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,178,639)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 34,883,042eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityPointeMember
     
City Square Bellevue (fka Bellevue) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bellevue, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 191eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 41,876,257us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,050,569eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,926,826eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 59,026,826eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,422,723)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 54,604,103eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitySquareBellevuefkaBellevueMember
     
Cleo, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 92eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,615,467us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,829,335us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,773,750eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,615,467us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,603,085eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,218,552eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,103,987)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,114,565eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CleoMember
     
Coconut Palm Club [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Coconut Creek, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 301eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,001,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,678,928us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,041,006eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,001,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,719,934eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,721,634eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,873,552)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,848,082eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoconutPalmClubMember
     
Colorado Pointe [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Denver, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 193eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,790,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 28,815,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 752,433eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,790,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,568,040eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,358,040eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,517,365)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,840,675eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColoradoPointeMember
     
Copper Canyon [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Highlands Ranch, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 222eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,442,212us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,251,114us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,772,671eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,442,212us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,023,785eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,465,997eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,990,871)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 9,475,126eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CopperCanyonMember
     
Corcoran House at DuPont Circle (fka DuPont Circle) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 137eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,913,113us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 791,502eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,704,615eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,204,615eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,669,329)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 37,535,286eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CorcoranHouseatDuPontCirclefkaDuPontCircleMember
     
Courthouse Plaza [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 396eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 87,386,024us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,025,937eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 90,411,961eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 90,411,961eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,097,765)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 79,314,196eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CourthousePlazaMember
     
Cove at Boynton Beach I [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boynton Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 252eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 31,469,651us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,584,960eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,054,611eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,654,611eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,408,055)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 33,246,556eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIMember
     
Cove at Boynton Beach II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boynton Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 296eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 37,874,719us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,874,719eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 52,674,719eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,615,674)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 38,059,045eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CoveAtBoyntonBeachIiMember
     
Creekside (San Mateo) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Mateo, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 192eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,606,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,193,232us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,609,414eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,606,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,802,646eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,409,246eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,787,401)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,621,845eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CreeksideSanMateoMember
     
Cronins Landing [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Waltham, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 281eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 32,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 85,119,324us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,108,920eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 32,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 86,228,244eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 118,528,244eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,629,005)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 108,899,239eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CroninsLandingMember
     
Crystal Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 181eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 17,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 47,918,975us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 822,173eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 17,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,741,148eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 65,941,148eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,368,053)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 60,573,095eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CrystalPlaceMember
     
Dartmouth Woods [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Lakewood, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 201eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,609,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,832,754us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,497,430eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,609,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,330,184eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,939,984eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,473,402)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 6,466,582eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DartmouthWoodsMember
     
Dean Estates [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Taunton, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 58eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 498,080us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,329,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 809,096eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 498,080us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 4,138,656eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 4,636,736eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,275,545)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 2,361,191eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeanEstatesMember
     
Deerwood (Corona) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Corona, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 316eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,742,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,272,892us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,430,978eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,742,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,703,870eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,446,070eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,468,543)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,977,527eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodCoronaMember
     
Eagle Canyon [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chino Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 252eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,808,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,274,361us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,553,015eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,808,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,827,376eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,636,276eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,121,257)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,515,019eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EagleCanyonMember
     
Edgemont at Bethesda Metro [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bethesda, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 122eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,092,552us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 43,907,448us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 525,086eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,092,552us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,432,534eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 57,525,086eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,807,362)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 50,717,724eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EdgemontAtBethesdaMetroMember
     
Elevé [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Glendale, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 208eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,080,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 56,419,440us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 79,091eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,080,560us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,498,531eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 70,579,091eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,964,122)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 67,614,969eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ElevMember
     
Emerson Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boston, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 444eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,855,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 57,566,636us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 16,797,224eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,855,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 74,363,860eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 89,218,860eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (47,115,657)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 42,103,203eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EmersonPlaceMember
     
Encinitas Heights (fka Encinitas) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Encinitas, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 120eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,207,497us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 211,769eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,419,266eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,419,266eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,528,264)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 37,891,002eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncinitasHeightsfkaEncinitasMember
     
Enclave at Waterways [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Deerfield Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 300eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,194,576us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,023,348eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,217,924eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 50,217,924eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,576,836)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 36,641,088eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWaterwaysMember
     
Enclave at Winston Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Coconut Creek, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 278eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,560,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 19,939,324us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,124,830eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,560,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,064,154eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,624,154eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,489,835)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 19,134,319eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EnclaveAtWinstonParkMember
     
Encore at Sherman Oaks, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Sherman Oaks, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 174eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 25,446,003us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 985,534eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,431,537eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,131,537eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,201,465)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 29,930,072eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EncoreAtShermanOaksMember
     
Estates at Tanglewood [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Westminster, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 504eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,560,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 51,256,538us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,870,210eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,560,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 54,126,748eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 61,686,748eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (20,000,446)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 41,686,302eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtTanglewoodMember
     
Estates at Wellington Green [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Wellington, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 400eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 20,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 64,790,850us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,415,710eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 20,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 67,206,560eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 87,206,560eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (24,828,948)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 62,377,612eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstatesAtWellingtonGreenMember
     
Fountains at Emerald Park (fka Emerald Park) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Dublin, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 324eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 25,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 83,986,217us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 329,083eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 25,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 84,315,300eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 110,215,300eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,418,800)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 100,796,500eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FountainsatEmeraldParkfkaEmeraldParkMember
     
Fox Hill Apartments [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Enfield, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 168eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,129,018us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,547,256us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,038,591eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,129,018us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 9,585,847eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,714,865eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,061,024)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 5,653,841eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxHillApartmentsMember
     
Fremont Center [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Fremont, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 322eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 25,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 78,753,114us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,138,054eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 25,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 79,891,168eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 105,691,168eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,436,511)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 97,254,657eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FremontCenterMember
     
Gables Grand Plaza [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Coral Gables, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 195eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 44,601,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,243,495eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,844,495eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,844,495eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (20,895,735)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 30,948,760eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GablesGrandPlazaMember
     
Gallery, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Hermosa Beach, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 169eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,144,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 46,567,941us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,170,023eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,144,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,737,964eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 66,881,964eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,524,852)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 50,357,112eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GalleryMember
     
Gatehouse at Pine Lake [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pembroke Pines, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 296eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,896,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,070,795us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,050,209eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,896,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,121,004eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,017,604eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,398,441)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,619,163eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseAtPineLakeMember
     
Gatehouse on the Green [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Plantation, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 312eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,228,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,056,270us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 8,529,397eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,228,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 28,585,667eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,813,867eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,655,268)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,158,599eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatehouseOnGreenMember
     
Gates of Redmond [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redmond, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 180eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,306,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,064,015us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,008,026eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,306,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,072,041eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,378,141eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,668,500)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,709,641eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatesOfRedmondMember
     
Geary Court Yard [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 164eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,722,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,471,429us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,464,405eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,722,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,935,834eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,658,234eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,005,136)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 9,653,098eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GearyCourtYardMember
     
Glen Meadow [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Franklin, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 288eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,339,330us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,133,588us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,991,967eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,339,330us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,125,555eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,464,885eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,374,011)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,090,874eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GlenMeadowMember
     
Governors Green [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bowie, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 478eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 19,845,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 73,335,916us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,412,260eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 19,845,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 74,748,176eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 94,593,176eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (23,032,994)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 71,560,182eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GovernorsGreenMember
     
Greenfield Village [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Rocky Hill , CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 151eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 911,534us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 6,093,418us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 773,225eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 911,534us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 6,866,643eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 7,778,177eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,622,365)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 4,155,812eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenfieldVillageMember
     
Greenwood Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Centennial, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 291eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,365,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 38,372,440us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,833,754eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,365,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,206,194eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 45,571,194eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,229,764)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 32,341,430eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodParkMember
     
Greenwood Plaza [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Centennial, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 266eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,990,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 35,846,708us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,744,839eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,990,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,591,547eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 42,581,547eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,762,175)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 29,819,372eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GreenwoodPlazaMember
     
Hammocks Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Miami, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 296eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 319,180us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,513,467us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,338,503eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 319,180us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,851,970eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,171,150eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,636,539)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 5,534,611eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HammocksPlaceMember
     
Hampshire Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 259eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,806,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 30,335,330us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,447,199eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,806,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,782,529eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,588,529eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,995,633)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 31,592,896eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HampshirePlaceMember
     
Harbor Steps [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 758eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 59,387,158us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 158,829,432us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 14,399,390eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 59,387,158us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 173,228,822eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 232,615,980eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (59,958,870)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 172,657,110eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarborStepsMember
     
Heritage at Stone Ridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Burlington, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 180eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 31,808,335us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,240,736eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,049,071eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,849,071eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,857,633)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 31,991,438eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageAtStoneRidgeMember
     
Heritage Ridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Lynwood, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 197eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,895,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,983,597us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 885,040eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,895,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,868,637eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,763,637eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,025,318)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,738,319eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeritageRidgeMember
     
Heron Pointe [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boynton Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 192eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,546,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,774,676us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,523,556eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,546,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,298,232eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 11,844,932eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,663,332)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 5,181,600eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronPointeMember
     
Hesby [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location North Hollywood, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 308eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 23,299,892us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 102,700,108us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 53,278eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 23,299,892us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 102,753,386eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 126,053,278eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,116,198)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 122,937,080eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HesbyMember
     
High Meadow [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Ellington, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 583,679us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,901,774us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,204,674eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 583,679us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,106,448eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,690,127eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,657,575)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 3,032,552eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighMeadowMember
     
Highland Glen [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Westwood, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 180eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,229,095us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,828,153us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,784,639eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,229,095us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,612,792eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,841,887eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,224,890)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,616,997eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenMember
     
Highland Glen II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Westwood, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 102eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 19,875,857us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 168,257eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,044,114eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,044,114eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,731,936)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 14,312,178eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandGlenTwoMember
     
Highlands at Cherry Hill [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cherry Hills, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 170eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,459,108us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 908,619eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,367,727eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,167,727eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,000,482)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,167,245eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtCherryHillMember
     
Highlands At South Plainfield [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location South Plainfield, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 252eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,080,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 37,526,912us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,066,617eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,080,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,593,529eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,673,529eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,169,823)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 35,503,706eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HighlandsAtSouthPlainfieldMember
     
Hikari [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 128eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,435,760us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 32,564,240us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 226,353eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,435,760us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,790,593eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 42,226,353eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,483,065)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 36,743,288eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HikariMember
     
Hudson Crossing [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 259eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 23,420,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 69,977,699us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,911,448eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 23,420,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 71,889,147eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 95,309,147eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (25,933,022)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 69,376,125eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingMember
     
Hudson Crossing II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,599,286us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 361,404us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,599,286us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 361,404eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,960,690eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,960,690eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonCrossingTwoMember
     
Hudson Pointe [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Jersey City, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 182eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,350,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 41,114,074us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,675,247eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,350,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,789,321eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 49,139,321eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,766,304)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 32,373,017eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HudsonPointeMember
     
Hunt Club II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Charlotte, NC      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 100,000eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 100,000eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntClubTwoMember
     
Huntington Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Everett, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 381eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,597,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,367,864us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,321,606eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,597,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,689,470eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,286,970eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,109,888)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 7,177,082eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HuntingtonParkMember
     
Jia [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 280eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,791,831us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 74,818,783us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 92,185eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,791,831us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 74,910,968eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 89,702,799eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,493,876)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 86,208,923eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JiaMember
     
Junction 47 (fka West Seattle) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 11,726,305us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 32,787,325us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 11,726,305us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,787,325eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,513,630eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 44,513,630eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Junction47fkaWestSeattleMember
     
Kenwood Mews [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Burbank, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 141eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 24,662,883us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,139,424eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,802,307eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,902,307eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,416,490)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 32,485,817eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KenwoodMewsMember
     
Kings Colony (FL) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Miami, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 19,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 48,379,586us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,959,307eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 19,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 54,338,893eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 73,538,893eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (20,308,990)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 53,229,903eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KingsColonyFlMember
     
Landings at Pembroke Lakes [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pembroke Pines, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 358eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 17,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 24,460,989us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,417,847eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 17,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,878,836eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,778,836eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,049,614)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 34,729,222eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPembrokeLakesMember
     
Landings at Port Imperial [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location W. New York, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 276eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 27,246,045us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 37,741,050us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,383,017eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 27,246,045us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 45,124,067eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 72,370,112eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (23,206,569)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 49,163,543eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LandingsAtPortImperialMember
     
Legacy at Highlands Ranch [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Highlands Ranch, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 422eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 37,557,013us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,638,356eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,195,369eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,525,369eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,555,886)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 30,969,483eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LegacyAtHighlandsRanchMember
     
Lincoln Heights [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Quincy, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 336eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,928,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,595,262us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 11,650,955eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,928,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 45,246,217eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,174,617eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (27,775,700)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 23,398,917eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LincolnHeightsMember
     
Loft 590 [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 212eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 20,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 67,909,023us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 103,786eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 20,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 68,012,809eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 88,112,809eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,942,600)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 81,170,209eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Loft590Member
     
Lofts at Kendall Square (fka Kendall Square) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cambridge, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 186eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 23,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 78,445,657us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,018,131eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 23,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 80,463,788eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 103,763,788eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,212,576)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 95,551,212eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LoftsatKendallSquarefkaKendallSquareMember
     
Longacre House [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 293eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 73,170,045us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 53,962,510us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,359,584eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 73,170,045us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,322,094eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 128,492,139eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,329,569)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 111,162,570eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongacreHouseMember
     
Longfellow Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boston, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 710eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 53,164,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 186,182,421us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 79,837,257eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 53,164,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 266,019,678eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 319,183,838eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (143,763,840)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 175,419,998eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongfellowPlaceMember
     
Mantena [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 98eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 22,346,513us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 61,501,158us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 261,029eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 22,346,513us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 61,762,187eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 84,108,700eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,972,870)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 77,135,830eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MantenaDomain
     
Marina 41 (fka Marina Del Rey) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Marina Del Rey, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 623eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 168,842,442us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,512,278eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 172,354,720eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 172,354,720eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (20,885,949)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 151,468,771eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Marina41fkaMarinaDelReyMember
     
Mariposa at Playa Del Rey (fka Playa Del Rey) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Playa Del Rey, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 354eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 60,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 89,311,482us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,751,781eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 60,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 92,063,263eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 152,963,263eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,307,910)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 142,655,353eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MariposaatPlayaDelReyfkaPlayaDelReyMember
     
Marquessa [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Corona Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 336eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,888,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,604,584us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,638,093eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,888,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,242,677eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,131,177eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,261,218)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 16,869,959eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarquessaMember
     
Martine, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bellevue, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 67eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,616,264us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,168,293eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,784,557eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,984,557eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,645,681)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,338,876eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MartineMember
     
Milano Lofts [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 99eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,125,216us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 27,378,784us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 337,583eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,125,216us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,716,367eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,841,583eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,549,329)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 32,292,254eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MilanoLoftsDomain
     
Millikan [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Irvine, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 11,049,027us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 30,318,032us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 11,049,027us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,318,032eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,367,059eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 41,367,059eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillikanMember
     
Miramar Lakes [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Miramar, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 344eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 17,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 51,487,235us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,246,702eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 17,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 53,733,937eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 70,933,937eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (19,418,255)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 51,515,682eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MiramarLakesMember
     
Mosaic at Largo Station [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Hyattsville, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 242eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,120,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 42,477,297us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 543,227eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,120,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,020,524eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,141,324eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,883,141)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 35,258,183eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtLargoStationMember
     
Mozaic at Union Station [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 272eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 52,529,446us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,415,603eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 53,945,049eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 62,445,049eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,666,145)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 45,778,904eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MozaicAtUnionStationMember
     
Murray Hill Tower (fka Murray Hill) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 270eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 75,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 102,705,401us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,298,858eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 75,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 105,004,259eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 180,804,259eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,081,429)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 166,722,830eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MurrayHillTowerfkaMurrayHillMember
     
Northglen [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Valencia, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 234eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,360,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,778,553us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,130,660eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,360,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,909,213eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,269,213eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,564,178)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,705,035eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthglenMember
     
Northlake (MD) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Germantown, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 304eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,142,302us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 10,324,900eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,467,202eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,467,202eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,634,313)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 31,832,889eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthlakeMdMember
     
Northridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pleasant Hill, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 221eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,527,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,691,705us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 10,017,139eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,527,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,708,844eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,236,644eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,954,766)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 15,281,878eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthridgeMember
     
Oak Mill One [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Germantown, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 208eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,155,522us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,666,964eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,822,486eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,822,486eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,690,161)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,132,325eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillOneMember
     
Oak Park North [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Agoura Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 220eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,706,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,362,666us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,313,705eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,706,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,676,371eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,383,271eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,773,791)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,609,480eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkNorthMember
     
Oak Park South [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Agoura Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 224eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,683,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,154,608us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,367,145eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,683,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,521,753eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,205,553eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,723,696)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,481,857eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakParkSouthMember
     
Oaks at Falls Church [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Falls Church, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 176eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 20,240,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,152,616us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,918,112eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 20,240,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,070,728eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,310,728eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,576,777)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 34,733,951eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksAtFallsChurchMember
     
Oakwood Boston [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boston, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 94eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 22,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 28,672,979us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 803,040eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 22,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,476,019eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,676,019eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,687,255)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 47,988,764eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodBostonMember
     
Oakwood Crystal City [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 162eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 35,474,336us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 320,085eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,794,421eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,194,421eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,189,805)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 47,004,616eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodCrystalCityMember
     
Oakwood Marina Del Rey [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Marina Del Rey, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 597eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 120,795,359us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,287,912eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 122,083,271eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 122,083,271eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,413,937)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 107,669,334eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakwoodMarinaDelReyMember
     
Oasis at Delray Beach I [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Delray Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 196eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 25,150,766us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 793,145eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,943,911eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,843,911eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,587,721)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 28,256,190eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIMember
     
Oasis at Delray Beach II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Delray Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 128eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,840,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,144,377us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,844eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,840,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,146,221eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,986,221eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,077,031)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,909,190eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OasisatDelrayBeachIIMember
     
Ocean Crest [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Solana Beach, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 146eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,111,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 11,910,438us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,935,597eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,111,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,846,035eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,957,235eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,670,106)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,287,129eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OceanCrestMember
     
Olde Redmond Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redmond, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 192eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,807,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,126,038us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,477,139eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,807,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,603,177eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,410,277eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,824,788)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,585,489eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OldeRedmondPlaceMember
     
One Henry Adams [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 30,952,393us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 8,970,233us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 30,952,393us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 8,970,233eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,922,626eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 39,922,626eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OneHenryAdamsMember
     
Orchard Ridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Lynnwood, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 104eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 480,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 4,372,033us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,640,650eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 480,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 6,012,683eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 6,493,283eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,200,950)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 2,292,333eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OrchardRidgeMember
     
Pacific Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 430eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 32,250,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 110,750,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 572,991eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 32,250,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 111,322,991eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 143,572,991eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,391,616)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 134,181,375eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PacificPlaceMember
     
Palm Trace Landings [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Davie, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 768eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 38,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 105,693,432us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,412,321eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 38,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 110,105,753eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 148,505,753eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (39,754,320)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 108,751,433eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PalmTraceLandingsMember
     
Parc 77 [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 137eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 40,504,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,025,679us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,211,253eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 40,504,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,236,932eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 63,740,932eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,380,110)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 54,360,822eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Parc77Member
     
Parc Cameron [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 166eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 37,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,855,597us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,069,564eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 37,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,925,161eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 53,525,161eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,957,659)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 45,567,502eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcCameronMember
     
Parc Coliseum [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 177eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 52,654,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,045,751us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,981,026eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 52,654,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,026,777eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 83,680,777eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,833,483)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 70,847,294eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcColiseumMember
     
Parc East Towers [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 324eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 102,163,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 108,989,402us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,888,302eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 102,163,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 116,877,704eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 219,040,704eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (35,905,223)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 183,135,481eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParcEastTowersMember
     
Parc on Powell (fka Parkside at Emeryville) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Emeryville, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,657,467us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 55,107,488us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,657,467us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,107,488eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 71,764,955eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 71,764,955eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParconPowellfkaParksideatEmeryvilleMember
     
Park Aire [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Wellington, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 268eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,917,239us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,790eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,925,029eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,925,029eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,877,464)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 47,047,565eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAireMember
     
Park at Pentagon Row (fka Pentagon City) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 298eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 28,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 78,838,184us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 313,935eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 28,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 79,152,119eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 107,452,119eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,734,530)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 98,717,589eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkatPentagonRowfkaPentagonCityMember
     
Park at Turtle Run The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Coral Springs, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 257eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,420,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 36,064,629us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,328,323eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,420,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,392,952eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 52,812,952eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,395,758)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 38,417,194eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkAtTurtleRunMember
     
Park Connecticut [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 142eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 59,087,519us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 438,263eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 59,525,782eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 73,225,782eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,926,288)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 67,299,494eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkConnecticutMember
     
Park Hacienda (fka Hacienda) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pleasanton, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 540eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 43,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 128,753,359us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 418,551eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 43,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 129,171,910eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 172,371,910eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,002,224)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 157,369,686eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkHaciendafkaHaciendaMember
     
Park West (CA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 444eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,033,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 27,302,383us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 8,693,445eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,033,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,995,828eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,029,328eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (23,298,739)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 15,730,589eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkWestCaMember
     
Parkfield [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Denver, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 476eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 28,667,618us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,305,900eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,973,518eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,303,518eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,037,171)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,266,347eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkfieldMember
     
Parkside [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Union City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 208eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,246,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 11,827,453us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,900,616eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,246,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,728,069eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,974,769eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,008,760)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,966,009eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParksideMember
     
Pegasus [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 322eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,094,052us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 81,905,948us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,301,007eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,094,052us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 84,206,955eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 102,301,007eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,114,037)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 86,186,970eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PegasusMember
     
Phillips Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Wellesley, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 49eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 816,922us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,460,955us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,092,085eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 816,922us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 6,553,040eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 7,369,962eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,527,505)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 3,842,457eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PhillipsParkMember
     
Playa Pacifica [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Hermosa Beach, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 285eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 35,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,473,822us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 8,205,881eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 35,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,679,703eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 76,779,703eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,071,577)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 58,708,126eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PlayaPacificaMember
     
Portofino [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chino Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 176eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,572,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,660,994us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,469,722eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,572,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,130,716eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,703,116eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,641,056)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,062,060eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoMember
     
Portofino (Val) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Valencia, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 216eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,487,126us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,770,117eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,257,243eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,897,243eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,417,735)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,479,508eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortofinoValMember
     
Portside Towers [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Jersey City, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 527eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 22,487,006us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 96,842,913us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 19,411,866eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 22,487,006us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 116,254,779eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 138,741,785eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (66,421,447)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 72,320,338eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortsideTowersMember
     
Potrero [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 40,830,011us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 31,523,663us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 40,830,011us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,523,663eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 72,353,674eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 72,353,674eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PotreroMember
     
Prado (fka Glendale) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Glendale, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 264eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 67,977,313us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,102,967eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 69,080,280eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 69,080,280eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,364,217)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 61,716,063eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PradofkaGlendaleMember
     
Preserve at Deer Creek [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Deerfield Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 540eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 60,011,208us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 11,156,351eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 71,167,559eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 84,667,559eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (27,613,392)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 57,054,167eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PreserveAtDeerCreekMember
     
Prime, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 256eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 32,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 64,436,539us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,229,561eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 32,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 65,666,100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 97,666,100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (21,188,390)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 76,477,710eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PrimeMember
     
Promenade at Aventura [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Aventura, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 296eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,320,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 30,353,748us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,987,572eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,320,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,341,320eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 50,661,320eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,578,470)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 32,082,850eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtAventuraMember
     
Promenade at Town Center I [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Valencia, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 294eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 35,390,279us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,630,025eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,020,304eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 52,720,304eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,471,823)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 37,248,481eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTownCenterIMember
     
Promenade at Tower Center II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Valencia, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 270eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,405,636us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,374,656eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,780,292eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 50,280,292eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,862,278)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 35,418,014eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtTowerCenterIiMember
     
Promenade at Wyndham Lakes [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Coral Springs, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 332eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,743,760us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,169,866eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,913,626eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,553,626eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,302,998)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 22,250,628eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeAtWyndhamLakesMember
     
Promenade Terrace [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Corona, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 330eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,272,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,546,289us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,975,907eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,272,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,522,196eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 28,794,996eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,641,430)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,153,566eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PromenadeTerraceMember
     
Quarry Hills [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Quincy, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 316eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 26,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 84,411,162us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 417,784eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 26,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 84,828,946eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 111,728,946eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,818,230)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 101,910,716eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_QuarryHillsMember
     
Red 160 (fka Redmond Way) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redmond, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 250eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,546,376us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 65,320,010us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 761,676eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,546,376us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 66,081,686eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 81,628,062eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,975,666)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 72,652,396eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Red160Member
     
Red Road Commons [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Miami, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 404eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 27,383,547us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 99,656,440us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,120,113eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 27,383,547us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 101,776,553eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 129,160,100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,087,040)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 111,073,060eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedRoadCommonsMember
     
Redmond Court [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bellevue, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 206eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,488,745us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 607,648eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,096,393eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,396,393eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,981,275)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 40,415,118eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RedmondCourtMember
     
Regency Palms [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Huntington Beach, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 310eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,857,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,713,254us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,435,303eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,857,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,148,557eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,005,957eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,007,785)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,998,172eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RegencyPalmsMember
     
Renaissance Villas [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 34eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,458,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 4,542,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 140,950eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,458,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 4,682,950eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 7,140,950eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,389,449)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 5,751,501eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RenaissanceVillasMember
     
Reserve at Ashley Lake [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boynton Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 440eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,520,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,332,494us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,923,362eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,520,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,255,856eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,776,256eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,742,933)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 15,033,323eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtAshleyLakeMember
     
Reserve at Mountain View (fka Mountain View) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Mountain View, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 180eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 27,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,029,605us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 242,910eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 27,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,272,515eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 60,272,515eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,243,783)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 56,028,732eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatMountainViewfkaMountainViewMember
     
Reserve At Town Center II (WA) Member        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Mill Creek, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,310,417us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,165,142us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 84,183eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,310,417us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,249,325eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,559,742eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,154,760)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,404,982eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiWaMember
     
Reserve at Town Center III [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Mill Creek, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 95eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,089,388us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 19,174,300us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,431eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,089,388us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,175,731eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,265,119eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (736,100)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,529,019eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtTownCenterIiiMember
     
Residences at Bayview [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pompano Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 225eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,783,545us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 39,334,455us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,213,792eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,783,545us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,548,247eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,331,792eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,079,046)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 37,252,746eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesAtBayviewMember
     
Residences at Westgate I (fka Westage II) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pasadena, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 252eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 17,859,785us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 106,746,558us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 17,859,785us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 106,746,558eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 124,606,343eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,278,424)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 123,327,919eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIfkaWestageIIMember
     
Residences at Westgate II (fka Westgage III) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pasadena, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,118,061us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,542,963us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,118,061us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,542,963eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 45,661,024eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 45,661,024eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ResidencesatWestgateIIfkaWestgageIIIMember
     
Reunion at Redmond Ridge (fka Redmond Ridge) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redmond, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 321eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,975,705us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 46,175,001us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 300,070eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,975,705us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,475,071eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 53,450,776eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,417,545)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 42,033,231eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReunionAtRedmondRidgeMember
     
Rianna I [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 78eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,268,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,864,482us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 425,331eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,268,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,289,813eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,557,973eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,897,325)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,660,648eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIMember
     
Ridgewood Village I&II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 408eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 11,809,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,004,048us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,650,898eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 11,809,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,654,946eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 50,464,446eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (19,997,912)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 30,466,534eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RidgewoodVillageIAndIIMember
     
Riva Terra I (fka Redwood Shores) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redwood City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 304eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 34,963,355us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 84,587,658us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 957,762eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 34,963,355us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 85,545,420eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 120,508,775eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,986,376)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 110,522,399eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIMember
     
Riva Terra II (fka Harborside) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redwood City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 149eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 17,136,645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,536,531us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,331,562eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 17,136,645us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,868,093eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 59,004,738eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,516,747)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 54,487,991eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RivaTerraIIMember
     
River Tower [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 323eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 118,669,441us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 98,880,559us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,781,678eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 118,669,441us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 104,662,237eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 223,331,678eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (28,053,948)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 195,277,730eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverTowerMember
     
Riverpark [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redmond, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 319eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,355,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 80,894,049us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 625,094eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,355,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 81,519,143eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 95,874,143eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,733,102)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 84,141,041eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverparkMember
     
Rivers Bend (CT) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Windsor, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 373eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,325,517us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 22,573,826us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,186,964eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,325,517us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,760,790eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,086,307eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,537,132)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 15,549,175eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiversBendCTMember
     
Riverview Condominiums [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Norwalk, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 92eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,406,730us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,467,328eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 9,874,058eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,174,058eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,541,526)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 6,632,532eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiverviewCondominiumsMember
     
Rolling Green (Milford) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Milford, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 304eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,012,350us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,452,150us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,922,309eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,012,350us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,374,459eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,386,809eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,707,965)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,678,844eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RollingGreenMilfordMember
     
Rosecliff II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Quincy, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 130eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,922,840us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 30,202,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 477,564eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,922,840us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,679,724eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,602,564eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,256,770)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 30,345,794eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffIiMember
     
Sabal Pointe [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Coral Springs, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 276eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,951,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,570,508us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,140,842eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,951,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,711,350eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,662,950eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,728,545)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,934,405eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SabalPointeMember
     
Sage Condominium Homes, LLC [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Everett, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 123eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,021,256us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 632,845eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,654,101eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,154,101eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,686,644)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,467,457eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SageCondominiumHomesLlcMember
     
Sakura Crossing [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 230eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,641,990us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 42,858,010us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 445,099eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,641,990us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,303,109eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 57,945,099eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,084,997)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 49,860,102eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SakuraCrossingMember
     
Savoy at Dayton Station I & II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Aurora, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 444eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,450,295us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 38,765,670us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,405,215eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,450,295us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 42,170,885eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,621,180eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,320,767)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 30,300,413eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyAtDaytonStationIIiMember
     
Savoy at Dayton Station III (fka Savoy III) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Aurora, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 168eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 659,165us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,274,302us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 79,142eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 659,165us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,353,444eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,012,609eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,539,418)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 19,473,191eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SavoyatDaytonStationIIIfkaSavoyIIIMember
     
Scarborough Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Rockville, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 121eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,815,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,608,126us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,968,824eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,815,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,576,950eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,391,950eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,577,786)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 5,814,164eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ScarboroughSquareMember
     
Seventh & James [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 96eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 663,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,974,803us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,665,212eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 663,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 9,640,015eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,303,815eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,286,805)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 4,017,010eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SeventhJamesMember
     
Shadow Creek [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Winter Springs, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 280eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,719,768us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,299,111eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,018,879eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,018,879eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,913,377)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 20,105,502eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ShadowCreekMember
     
Sheffield Court [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 597eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,342,381us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 31,337,332us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 13,400,936eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,342,381us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,738,268eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,080,649eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (29,786,965)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,293,684eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheffieldCourtMember
     
Sheridan Lake Club [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Dania Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 240eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,170,580us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,964,151eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,134,731eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,134,731eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,437,897)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 27,696,834eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanLakeClubMember
     
Sheridan Ocean Club Combined [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Dania Beach, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 648eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,313,414us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 47,091,594us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 17,651,928eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,313,414us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 64,743,522eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 83,056,936eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (32,954,888)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 50,102,048eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SheridanOceanClubCombinedMember
     
Skycrest [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Valencia, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 264eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,560,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 25,574,457us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,362,878eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,560,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,937,335eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,497,335eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,051,911)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,445,424eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkycrestMember
     
Skylark [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Union City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 174eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,781,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,731,916us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,659,208eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,781,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,391,124eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,172,724eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,873,674)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,299,050eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylarkMember
     
Skyline Terrace [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Burlingame, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 138eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,836,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 35,414,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,187,335eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,836,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,601,335eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,437,335eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,225,224)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 48,212,111eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTerraceMember
     
Skyline Towers [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Falls Church, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 939eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 78,278,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 91,485,591us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 32,273,806eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 78,278,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 123,759,397eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 202,037,597eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (54,795,726)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 147,241,871eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkylineTowersMember
     
Sonterra at Foothill Ranch [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Foothill Ranch, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 300eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,503,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 24,048,507us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,564,362eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,503,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,612,869eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,116,269eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,189,055)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,927,214eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SonterraatFoothillRanchDomain
     
South City Station (fka South San Francisco) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 360eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 68,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 79,476,861us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,392,508eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 68,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 80,869,369eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 149,769,369eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,849,234)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 139,920,135eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthCityStationfkaSouthSanFranciscoMember
     
South Winds [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Fall River, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 404eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,481,821us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,780,359us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,195,897eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,481,821us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,976,256eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,458,077eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,085,135)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 12,372,942eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthWindsMember
     
Southwood [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Palo Alto, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,936,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,324,069us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,085,293eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,936,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,409,362eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,345,962eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,084,791)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 14,261,171eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SouthwoodMember
     
Springbrook Estates [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Riverside, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,200,000eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,200,000eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SpringbrookEstatesMember
     
Square One [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 112eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,222,544us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,277,456us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures (4)eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,222,544us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,277,452eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,499,996eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (93,215)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 33,406,781eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SquareOneMember
     
St. Andrews at Winston Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Coconut Creek, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 284eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 19,812,090us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,167,806eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,979,896eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,659,896eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,483,152)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 19,176,744eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StAndrewsAtWinstonParkMember
     
Summerset Village II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chatsworth, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 260,646us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 260,646us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 260,646eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 260,646eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageIiMember
     
Summit And Birch Hill [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Farmington, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 186eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,757,438us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 11,748,112us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,477,936eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,757,438us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,226,048eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 16,983,486eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,409,730)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,573,756eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAndBirchHillMember
     
Summit at Lake Union [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 150eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,424,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,852,461us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,489,502eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,424,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,341,963eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,766,663eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,565,888)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,200,775eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitAtLakeUnionMember
     
Summit at Sausalito (fka Sausalito) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Sausalito, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 198eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 26,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 28,435,024us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,373,534eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 26,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,808,558eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,808,558eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,476,616)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 51,331,942eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummitatSausalitofkaSausalitoMember
     
Tallman [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,842,249us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 38,951,437us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,842,249us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,951,437eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,793,686eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 55,793,686eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TallmanMember
     
Tasman (fka Vista Montana - Residential) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Jose, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 27,709,329us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 91,844,910us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 27,709,329us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 91,844,910eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 119,554,239eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 119,554,239eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TasmanfkaVistaMontanaResidentialMember
     
Ten23 (fka 500 West 23rd Street) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 111eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 58,856,293us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 109,788eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 58,966,081eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 58,966,081eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,036,550)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 52,929,531eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Ten23Fka500West23RdStreetMember
     
Terraces, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 117eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,087,610us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,314,151us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 698,702eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,087,610us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,012,853eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,100,463eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,403,077)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 27,697,386eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TerracesMember
     
Third Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cambridge, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 471eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 26,767,171us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 218,822,728us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,859,006eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 26,767,171us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 222,681,734eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 249,448,905eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (46,866,757)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 202,582,148eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ThirdSquareMember
     
Three20 [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 134eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,030,766us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,078,811us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 324,200eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,030,766us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,403,011eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,433,777eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,679,563)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 34,754,214eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Three20Member
     
Tortuga Bay [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Orlando, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 314eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,280,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 32,121,779us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,652,231eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,280,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,774,010eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,054,010eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,539,818)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 27,514,192eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TortugaBayMember
     
Town Center South Commercial Tract [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location St. Charles, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,499us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,499eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 1,505,499eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 1,505,499eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownCenterSouthCommercialMember
     
Town Square at Mark Center II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Alexandria, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 272eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,568,464us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 55,029,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 674,851eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,568,464us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,704,458eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 71,272,922eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,914,649)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 58,358,273eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownsquareatmarkcenterphaseIIMember
     
Trump Place, 140 Riverside [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 354eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 103,539,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 94,082,725us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,343,151eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 103,539,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 98,425,876eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 201,964,976eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (33,587,819)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 168,377,157eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace140RiversideMember
     
Trump Place, 160 Riverside [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 455eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 139,933,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 190,964,745us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 10,315,504eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 139,933,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 201,280,249eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 341,213,749eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (67,180,501)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 274,033,248eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace160RiversideMember
     
Trump Place, 180 Riverside [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 516eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 144,968,250us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 138,346,681us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 8,758,301eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 144,968,250us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 147,104,982eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 292,073,232eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (50,963,924)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 241,109,308eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TrumpPlace180RiversideMember
     
Urbana (fka Market Street Landing) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 287eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,542,418us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 74,247,060us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 592,913eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,542,418us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 74,839,973eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 87,382,391eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,706,973)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 84,675,418eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UrbanafkaMarketStreetLandingMember
     
Uwajimaya Village [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 176eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 22,188,288us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 463,663eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,651,951eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,451,951eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,690,210)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 22,761,741eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UwajimayaVillageMember
     
Vantage Pointe [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 679eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,403,960us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 190,596,040us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,068,618eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,403,960us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 196,664,658eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 206,068,618eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (37,027,336)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 169,041,282eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VantagePointeMember
     
Veloce [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redmond, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 322eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,322,724us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 76,176,594us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 253,112eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,322,724us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 76,429,706eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 91,752,430eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,951,300)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 83,801,130eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeloceMember
     
Verde Condominium Homes (fka Mission Verde, LLC) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Jose, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 108eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,190,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,679,109us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,659,737eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,190,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,338,846eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,529,546eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,271,659)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,257,887eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VerdeCondominiumHomesfkaMissionVerdeLLCMember
     
Veridian (fka Silver Spring) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Silver Spring, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 457eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,539,817us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 130,407,365us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,187,628eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,539,817us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 131,594,993eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 150,134,810eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (25,425,869)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 124,708,941eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VeridianfkaSilverSpringMember
     
Villa Solana [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Laguna Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 272eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,665,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,985,678us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 9,004,790eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,665,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,990,468eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,655,568eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,477,170)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 9,178,398eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillaSolanaMember
     
Village at Bear Creek [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Lakewood, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 472eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,519,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,676,390us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,730,669eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,519,700us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,407,059eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 50,926,759eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (28,337,074)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 22,589,685eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageAtBearCreekMember
     
Village at Del Mar Heights, The (fka Del Mar Heights) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 168eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,859,396us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 252,027eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,111,423eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,211,423eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,661,947)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 51,549,476eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TheVillageatDelMarHeightsfkaDelMarHeightsMember
     
Village at Howard Hughes (Lots 1&2) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 43,783,485us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 42,858,234us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 43,783,485us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 42,858,234eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 86,641,719eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 86,641,719eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VillageatHowardHughesLots12Member
     
Virginia Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 231eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 85,940,003us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,862,631eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 87,802,634eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 87,802,634eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,021,044)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 78,781,590eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirginiaSquareMember
     
Vista Del Lago [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Mission Viejo, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 608eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,525,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,736,293us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 15,509,600eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,525,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,245,893eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 60,771,693eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (39,353,877)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,417,816eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaDelLagoMember
     
Walden Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cambridge, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 232eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,448,888us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 52,044,448us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,585,931eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,448,888us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,630,379eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 68,079,267eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,279,717)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 57,799,550eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaldenParkMember
     
Waterford Place (CO) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Thornton, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 336eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,040,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,946,419us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,892,852eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,040,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,839,271eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,879,271eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,850,610)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 23,028,661eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterfordPlaceCOMember
     
Watertown Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Watertown, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 134eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,074,056us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 273,661eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,347,717eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,147,717eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,888,131)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 47,259,586eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WatertownSquareMember
     
Webster Green [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Needham, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 77eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,418,893us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,485,006us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,311,268eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,418,893us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,796,274eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,215,167eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,513,744)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 6,701,423eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WebsterGreenMember
     
Welleby Lake Club [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Sunrise, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 304eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,648,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,620,879us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,006,733eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,648,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,627,612eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,275,612eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,651,141)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,624,471eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WellebyLakeClubMember
     
West 96th [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 207eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 84,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 67,055,502us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,691,019eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 84,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 68,746,521eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 153,546,521eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,502,306)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 143,044,215eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West96thMember
     
West End Apartments (fka Emerson Place/ CRP II) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boston, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 310eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 469,546us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 163,123,022us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,657,912eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 469,546us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 164,780,934eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 165,250,480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (38,899,184)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 126,351,296eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestEndApartmentsMember
     
Westchester at Pavilions [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Waldorf, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 491eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 11,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 89,612,465us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 454,376eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 11,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 90,066,841eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 101,966,841eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,949,050)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 93,017,791eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratPavilionsMember
     
Westchester at Rockville [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Rockville, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 192eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 44,135,207us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 277,296eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,412,503eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,012,503eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,009,486)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 50,003,017eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestchesteratRockvilleMember
     
Westmont [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 163eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 64,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 61,143,259us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 761,971eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 64,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 61,905,230eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 126,805,230eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,967,408)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 118,837,822eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestmontMember
     
Westside [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 204eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 34,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 56,962,630us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,269,381eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 34,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 58,232,011eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 92,432,011eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,264,171)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 86,167,840eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideMember
     
Westside Villas I [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 21eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,785,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,233,254us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 357,453eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,785,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 3,590,707eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,375,707eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,813,481)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 3,562,226eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIMember
     
Westside Villas II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 23eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,955,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,541,435us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 250,691eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,955,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 3,792,126eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,747,126eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,850,426)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 3,896,700eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiMember
     
Westside Villas III [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 36eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,538,871us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 377,157eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,916,028eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 8,976,028eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,880,318)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 6,095,710eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIiiMember
     
Westside Villas IV [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 36eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,539,390us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 385,604eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,924,994eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 8,984,994eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,887,551)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 6,097,443eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasIvMember
     
Westside Villas V [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 60eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,224,485us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 657,592eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 9,882,077eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,982,077eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,823,944)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,158,133eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasVMember
     
Westside Villas VI [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 18eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,530,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,023,523us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 318,754eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,530,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 3,342,277eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 4,872,277eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,665,408)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 3,206,869eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViMember
     
Westside Villas VII [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 53eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,505,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,758,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 616,684eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,505,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 11,375,584eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,880,584eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,960,551)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,920,033eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestsideVillasViiMember
     
Westwood Glen [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Westwood, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 156eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,616,505us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,806,004us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,225,649eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,616,505us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,031,653eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,648,158eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,710,710)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 7,937,448eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestwoodGlenMember
     
Windridge (CA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Laguna Niguel, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 344eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,662,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,985,497us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 8,684,076eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,662,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,669,573eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,332,473eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (21,637,211)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,695,262eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WindridgeCaMember
     
Winston, The (FL) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pembroke Pines, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 464eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,561,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 49,527,569us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,852,872eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,561,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 52,380,441eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 70,941,441eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,475,139)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 52,466,302eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WinstonFLMember
     
Wood Creek I [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pleasant Hill, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 256eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,729,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,009,768us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,555,668eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,729,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,565,436eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,295,336eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,862,164)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,433,172eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekICAMember
     
Woodbridge (CT) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Newington, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 73eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 498,377us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,331,548us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,266,343eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 498,377us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 4,597,891eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 5,096,268eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,465,999)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 2,630,269eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodbridgeCTMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference 0      
Woodlake (WA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Kirkland, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 288eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,631,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,735,484us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,790,078eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,631,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,525,562eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,156,962eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,057,883)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 15,099,079eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlakeWaMember
     
Woodland Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location East Palo Alto, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 1,809eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 72,627,418us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 57,649,069us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 9,382,472eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 72,627,418us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 67,031,541eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 139,658,959eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (24,058,784)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 115,600,175eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodlandParkMember
     
Management Business [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chicago, IL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 103,392,322eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 103,392,322eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 103,392,322eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (79,507,853)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 23,884,469eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= us-gaap_ManagementMember
     
Operating Partnership [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chicago, IL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 1,434,910us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 1,434,910eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 1,434,910eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 1,434,910eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OperatingPartnershipMember
     
Wholly Owned Unencumbered [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 69,217eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,798,437,902us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,737,799,082us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,002,255,162eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,798,437,902us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,740,054,244eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,538,492,146eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,650,524,741)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 14,887,967,405eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
101 West End [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 506eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 190,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 131,374,708us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,868,722eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 190,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 133,243,430eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 323,843,430eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (19,903,961)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 303,939,469eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
Encumbrances 104,781,651us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A101WestEndMember
     
1401 Joyce On Pentagon Row [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 326eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,780,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 89,668,165us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 793,393eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,780,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 90,461,558eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 100,241,558eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (22,366,104)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 77,875,454eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
Encumbrances 57,428,472us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_JoyceOnPentagonRow1401Member
     
2501 Porter [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 202eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 75,271,179us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,555,253eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 76,826,432eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 89,826,432eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,789,697)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 82,036,735eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A2501PorterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
300 East 39th (fka East 39th) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 254eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 48,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 96,174,639us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 868,920eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 48,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 97,043,559eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 145,943,559eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,236,211)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 134,707,348eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
Encumbrances 59,449,107us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A300East39thMember
     
3003 Van Ness (fka Van Ness) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 625eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 56,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 141,191,580us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,514,645eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 56,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 143,706,225eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 200,006,225eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,968,210)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 183,038,015eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A3003VanNessMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (K) [1]      
303 East 83rd (fka Camargue) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 261eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 79,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 79,122,624us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 738,175eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 79,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 79,860,799eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 159,260,799eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,706,970)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 148,553,829eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A303East83rdfkaCamargueMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
425 Broadway [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Santa Monica, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 101eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,394,772us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 680,943eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,075,715eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,675,715eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,569,288)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 44,106,427eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A425BroadwayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
4701 Willard [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chevy Chase, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 513eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 76,921,130us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 153,947,682us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 20,688,968eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 76,921,130us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 174,636,650eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 251,557,780eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (24,386,428)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 227,171,352eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
Encumbrances 98,427,692us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A4701WillardAveMember
     
55 West Fifth I & II (fka Townhouse Plaza and Gardens) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Mateo, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 241eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 21,041,710us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 71,931,323us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 8,114,511eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 21,041,710us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 80,045,834eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 101,087,544eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,767,221)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 91,320,323eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
Encumbrances 29,128,487us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A55WestFifthIIiMember
     
77 Park Avenue (fka Hoboken) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Hoboken, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 301eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 27,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 168,992,440us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,559,417eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 27,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 170,551,857eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 198,451,857eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,271,604)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 182,180,253eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A77ParkAvenuefkaHobokenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (K) [1]      
800 Sixth Ave (fka Chelsea) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 266eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 59,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 155,861,605us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 218,240eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 59,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 156,079,845eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 215,979,845eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,645,847)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 199,333,998eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
Encumbrances 76,680,282us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A800SixthAvefkaChelseaMember
     
929 House [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Cambridge, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 127eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,252,993us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,745,595us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,861,409eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,252,993us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,607,004eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,859,997eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,677,315)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 17,182,682eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Encumbrances 1,784,337us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_House929Member
     
Academy Village [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location North Hollywood, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 248eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 25,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,593,194us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,244,947eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 25,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,838,141eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,838,141eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,131,888)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 41,706,253eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Encumbrances 20,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcademyVillageMember
     
Acappella [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pasadena, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 143eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,839,548us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,360,452us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 902,132eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,839,548us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,262,584eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,102,132eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,456,855)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 29,645,277eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Encumbrances 19,842,607us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AcappellaMember
     
Acton Courtyard [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 71eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,550,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,785,509us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 174,547eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,550,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 15,960,056eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,510,056eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,066,680)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 16,443,376eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Encumbrances 9,920,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ActonCourtyardMember
     
Alborada [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Fremont, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 442eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 24,310,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 59,214,129us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,040,631eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 24,310,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 62,254,760eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 86,564,760eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (31,791,543)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 54,773,217eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlboradaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (I) [1]      
Alcyone [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 161eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 11,379,497us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 49,360,503us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures (9)eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 11,379,497us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 49,360,494eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 60,739,991eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 60,739,991eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Encumbrances 28,910,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AlcyoneMember
     
Arches, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Sunnyvale, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 410eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 26,650,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 62,850,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 851,025eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 26,650,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 63,701,025eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 90,351,025eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,837,616)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 77,513,409eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArchesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Artech Building [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 21eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,642,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,152,518us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 260,646eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,642,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 9,413,164eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 11,055,164eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,729,697)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,325,467eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Encumbrances 3,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtechBuildingMember
     
Artisan Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Northridge, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 140eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,537,359us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,064,325eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,601,684eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 28,601,684eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,217,575)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 19,384,109eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 22,779,715us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ArtisanSquareMember
     
Avanti [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Anaheim, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 162eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,497,683us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,314,548eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,812,231eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,772,231eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,174,217)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 25,598,014eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Encumbrances 18,169,458us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvantiMember
     
Avenir [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boston, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 241eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 114,321,619us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 551,758eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 114,873,377eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 114,873,377eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,259,457)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 102,613,920eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Encumbrances 94,465,696us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_AvenirMember
     
Bachenheimer Building [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 44eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,439,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,866,379us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 124,166eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,439,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,990,545eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,429,545eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,228,536)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,201,009eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Encumbrances 8,585,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BachenheimerBuildingMember
     
Bella Vista I, II, III Combined [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Woodland Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 579eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 31,682,754us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 121,095,786us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,885,108eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 31,682,754us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 123,980,894eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 155,663,648eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (40,957,341)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 114,706,307eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Encumbrances 58,055,099us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellaVistaApartmentsAtBocaDelMarMember
     
Berkeleyan [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 56eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,377,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,022,110us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 321,597eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,377,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 16,343,707eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,720,707eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,080,620)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 15,640,087eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Encumbrances 8,290,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BerkeleyanMember
     
Calvert Woodley [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 136eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 43,527,379us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 733,195eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,260,574eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,860,574eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,010,638)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 51,849,936eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CalvertWoodleyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Canterbury [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Germantown, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 544eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,781,300us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 32,942,531us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 15,098,222eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,781,300us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,040,753eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 50,822,053eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (33,408,506)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 17,413,547eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Encumbrances 31,680,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanterburyMember
     
Carmel Terrace [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 384eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,288,300us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,596,281us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 10,568,110eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,288,300us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 31,164,391eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,452,691eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (22,658,333)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,794,358eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CarmelTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Chelsea Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Redmond, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 113eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,397,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,289,074us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,788,938eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,397,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 11,078,012eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,475,112eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,337,147)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,137,965eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 9,270,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ChelseaSquareMember
     
Citrus Suites [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Santa Monica, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 70eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,950,326us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 123,388eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,073,714eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,073,714eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,867,465)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,206,249eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CitrusSuitesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
CityView at Longwood [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Boston, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 295eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,704,898us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 79,195,102us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 9,272,973eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,704,898us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 88,468,075eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 103,172,973eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,874,351)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 85,298,622eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Encumbrances 23,780,076us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CityviewAtLongwoodMember
     
Clarendon, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 292eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 30,400,340us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 103,824,660us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,980,446eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 30,400,340us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 105,805,106eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 136,205,446eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,582,643)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 117,622,803eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Encumbrances 40,376,421us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClarendonMember
     
Cleveland House [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 214eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 18,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 66,392,414us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,085,128eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 18,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 67,477,542eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 85,777,542eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,336,935)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 78,440,607eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ClevelandHouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Columbia Crossing [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 247eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 23,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 53,045,073us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,524,626eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 23,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 54,569,699eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 78,069,699eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,390,653)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 71,679,046eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ColumbiaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Connecticut Heights [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 518eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 27,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 114,002,295us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 523,868eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 27,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 114,526,163eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 142,126,163eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,120,961)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 130,005,202eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ConnecticutHeightsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (K) [1]      
Deerwood (SD) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 316eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,082,095us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,739,815us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 14,095,827eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,082,095us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,835,642eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,917,737eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (23,757,806)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,159,931eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DeerwoodSdMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Del Mar Ridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 181eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,801,824us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 36,948,176us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,108,004eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,801,824us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 40,056,180eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,858,004eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,328,077)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 37,529,927eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Encumbrances 23,789,381us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_DelmarridgeMember
     
Estancia at Santa Clara (fka Santa Clara) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Santa Clara, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 450eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 123,759,804us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 526,676eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 124,286,480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 124,286,480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,537,262)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 110,749,218eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_EstanciaatSantaClarafkaSantaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Fairchase [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Fairfax, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 392eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 23,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 87,722,321us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 269,692eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 23,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 87,992,013eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 111,492,013eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,395,216)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 102,096,797eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairchaseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Fairfield [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Stamford, CT      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 263eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,510,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 39,690,120us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,459,297eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,510,200us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,149,417eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 52,659,617eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (27,466,826)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 25,192,791eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Encumbrances 34,595,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FairfieldMember
     
Fine Arts Building [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 100eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,817,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,462,772us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 302,689eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,817,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,765,461eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,582,461eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,237,485)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 26,344,976eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Encumbrances 16,215,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FineArtsBuildingMember
     
Flats at DuPont Circle [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Washington, D.C.      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 306eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 35,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 108,768,198us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 504,057eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 35,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 109,272,255eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 144,472,255eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,204,638)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 133,267,617eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FlatsatDuPontCircleMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Gaia Building [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 91eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,113,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 25,623,826us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 225,339eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,113,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,849,165eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,962,165eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,962,885)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,999,280eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Encumbrances 14,630,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaiaBuildingMember
     
Gaithersburg Station [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Gaithersburg, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 389eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 17,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 74,556,144us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 231,854eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 17,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 74,787,998eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 92,287,998eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,934,203)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 85,353,795eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Encumbrances 98,884,291us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GaithersburgStationMember
     
Gateway at Malden Center [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Malden, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 203eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,209,780us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 25,722,666us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 12,495,969eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,209,780us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,218,635eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,428,415eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,530,227)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 29,898,188eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Encumbrances 14,970,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GatewayAtMaldenCenterMember
     
Glo [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 201eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,047,023us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 48,650,963us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 394,064eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,047,023us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 49,045,027eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 65,092,050eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,010,461)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 57,081,589eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Encumbrances 31,938,525us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_GloMember
     
Hathaway [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Long Beach, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 385eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,512,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 22,611,912us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,849,296eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,512,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,461,208eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,973,708eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (20,670,436)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 12,303,272eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Encumbrances 46,517,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HathawayMember
     
Heights on Capitol Hill [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 104eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,425,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,138,028us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 265,813eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,425,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,403,841eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,828,841eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,924,808)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 19,904,033eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Encumbrances 28,180,585us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeightsOnCapitolHillMember
     
Heronfield [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Kirkland, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 202eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,245,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 27,017,749us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,262,931eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,245,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,280,680eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 38,525,680eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,728,197)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 28,797,483eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HeronfieldMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Ivory Wood [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bothell, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 144eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,732,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,888,282us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 751,887eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,732,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,640,169eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,372,969eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,844,211)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,528,758eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Encumbrances 8,020,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IvoryWoodMember
     
Kelvin Court (fka Alta Pacific) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Irvine, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 132eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,752,145us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,649,929us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 248,840eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,752,145us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 34,898,769eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 45,650,914eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,359,653)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 37,291,261eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
Encumbrances 26,495,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_KelvinCourtMember
     
La Terrazza at Colma Station [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Colma, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 153eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 41,251,044us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 642,535eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,893,579eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 41,893,579eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,830,190)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 29,063,389eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Encumbrances 25,175,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LaTerrazzaAtColmaStationMember
     
Laguna Clara [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Santa Clara, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 264eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,642,420us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,707,475us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,256,707eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,642,420us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,964,182eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,606,602eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (14,568,252)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 33,038,350eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LagunaClaraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Liberty Park [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Braintree, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 202eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,977,504us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,749,111us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,730,323eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,977,504us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,479,434eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,456,938eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,021,186)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 23,435,752eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Encumbrances 24,980,280us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyParkMember
     
Liberty Tower [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 235eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,382,822us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 83,817,078us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,124,478eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,382,822us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 84,941,556eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 101,324,378eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,478,810)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 83,845,568eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Encumbrances 46,865,218us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LibertyTowerMember
     
Lindley Apartments [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Encino, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 129eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,805,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 25,705,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 681,636eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,805,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,386,636eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 32,191,636eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,246,707)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 26,944,929eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Encumbrances 20,382,643us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LindleyMember
     
Longview Place [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Waltham, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 348eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 20,880,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 90,255,509us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,770,380eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 20,880,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 94,025,889eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 114,905,889eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (31,602,144)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 83,303,745eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Encumbrances 60,073,423us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LongviewPlaceMember
     
Market Street Village [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 229eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 13,740,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,757,301us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,480,272eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 13,740,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 42,237,573eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,977,573eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,620,631)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 42,356,942eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarketStreetVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Marks [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Englewood, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 616eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,928,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 44,622,314us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 11,548,101eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,928,500us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,170,415eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 61,098,915eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (34,206,804)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 26,892,111eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Encumbrances 19,195,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MarksMember
     
Metro on First [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 102eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,540,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,209,981us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 452,229eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,540,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 12,662,210eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,202,210eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,480,929)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 16,721,281eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Encumbrances 22,843,410us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MetroOnFirstMember
     
Midtown 24 [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Plantation, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 247eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,129,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 58,770,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,401,853eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,129,900us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 60,171,953eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 70,301,853eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,913,036)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 59,388,817eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Midtown24Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Mill Creek [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Milpitas, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 516eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,858,693us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 57,168,503us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,442,026eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,858,693us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 62,610,529eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 75,469,222eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (25,958,217)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 49,511,005eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Encumbrances 69,312,259us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MillCreekMember
     
Moda [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 251eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,649,228us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 36,842,012us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 751,889eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,649,228us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,593,901eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 50,243,129eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,947,470)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 42,295,659eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ModaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (M) [1]      
Monte Viejo [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Phoenix, AZ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 45,926,784us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,356,649eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 47,283,433eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 59,983,433eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,448,547)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 41,534,886eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Encumbrances 38,998,007us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonteViejoMember
     
Montierra (CA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 272eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,160,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,360,938us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 7,349,217eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,160,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,710,155eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,870,155eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (20,207,547)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,662,608eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MontierraMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Mosaic at Metro [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Hyattsville, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 260eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 59,580,898us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 396,392eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 59,977,290eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 59,977,290eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,426,350)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 46,550,940eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
Encumbrances 43,349,098us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MosaicAtMetroMember
     
New River Cove [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Davie, FL      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 316eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 46,142,895us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,112,295eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,255,190eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 64,055,190eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,348,296)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 46,706,894eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NewRiverCoveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
North Pier at Harborside [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Jersey City, NJ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 297eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,000,159us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 94,290,590us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,508,073eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,000,159us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 96,798,663eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 100,798,822eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (35,934,228)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 64,864,594eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthPierAtHarborsideMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (I) [1]      
Northpark [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Burlingame, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 510eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 38,607,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 77,477,449us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 11,535,799eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 38,607,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 89,013,248eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 127,620,248eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (21,086,248)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 106,534,000eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Encumbrances 62,833,873us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_NorthparkMember
     
Oak Mill II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Germantown, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 192eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 854,133us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,233,947us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,614,557eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 854,133us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 16,848,504eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,702,637eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,657,281)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 6,045,356eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Encumbrances 9,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OakMillTwoMember
     
Oaks [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Santa Clarita, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 520eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 23,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 61,020,438us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,140,268eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 23,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 65,160,706eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 88,560,706eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (27,139,584)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 61,421,122eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Encumbrances 37,159,525us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OaksMember
     
Olympus Towers [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 328eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 14,752,034us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 73,335,425us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,446,206eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 14,752,034us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 78,781,631eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 93,533,665eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (30,519,078)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 63,014,587eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Encumbrances 49,875,780us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_OlympusTowersMember
     
Park Place at San Mateo (fka San Mateo) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Mateo, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 575eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 71,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 211,907,141us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,736,590eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 71,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 214,643,731eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 286,543,731eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (22,552,999)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 263,990,732eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ParkPlaceatSanMateofkaSanMateoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Providence [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bothell, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 200eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,573,621us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 19,055,505us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 908,245eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,573,621us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,963,750eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,537,371eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,060,429)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 15,476,942eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ProvidenceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (I) [1]      
Reserve at Clarendon Centre, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 252eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 52,812,935us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,852,271eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,665,206eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 67,165,206eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (22,423,199)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 44,742,007eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtClarendonCentreMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Reserve at Eisenhower, The [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Alexandria, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 226eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,585,060us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,407,205eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,992,265eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 42,492,265eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,227,463)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 27,264,802eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEisenhowerMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Reserve at Empire Lakes [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Rancho Cucamonga, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 467eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 16,345,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 73,080,670us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,097,816eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 16,345,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 75,178,486eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 91,523,486eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (25,847,398)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 65,676,088eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtEmpireLakesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (I) [1]      
Reserve at Fairfax Corners [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Fairfax, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 652eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,804,057us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 63,129,050us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,733,306eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,804,057us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 69,862,356eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 85,666,413eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (29,870,640)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 55,795,773eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Encumbrances 84,778,876us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtFairfaxCornersMember
     
Reserve at Potomac Yard [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Alexandria, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 588eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 11,918,917us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 68,862,641us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,341,718eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 11,918,917us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 75,204,359eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 87,123,276eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (28,902,316)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 58,220,960eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Encumbrances 66,470,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveAtPotomacYardMember
     
Reserve at Town Center (WA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Mill Creek, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 389eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,369,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 41,172,081us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,404,316eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,369,400us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,576,397eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 53,945,797eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,140,399)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 36,805,398eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Encumbrances 29,160,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ReserveatTownCenterWAMember
     
Rianna II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 78eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,161,840us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,433,614us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 219,336eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,161,840us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,652,950eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 16,814,790eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,719,806)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,094,984eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Encumbrances 9,664,461us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RiannaIiMember
     
Rockingham Glen [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location West Roxbury, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 143eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,124,217us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,515,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,127,798eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,124,217us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 9,642,958eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,767,175eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,189,711)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 5,577,464eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Encumbrances 732,326us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RockinghamGlenMember
     
Siena Terrace [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Lake Forest, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 356eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 24,083,024us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,513,124eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,596,148eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,496,148eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,196,382)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 23,299,766eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Encumbrances 38,440,808us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SienaTerraceMember
     
Skyview [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Rancho Santa Margarita, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 260eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,380,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,952,863us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,762,747eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,380,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,715,610eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 28,095,610eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,314,866)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 14,780,744eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
Encumbrances 30,889,928us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SkyviewMember
     
SoMa Square Apartments (fka South Market) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Francisco, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 410eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 79,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 177,316,977us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,711,818eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 79,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 180,028,795eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 259,928,795eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (19,032,108)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 240,896,687eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SoMaSquareApartmentsfkaSouthMarketMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Stonegate (CO) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Broomfield, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 350eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,750,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 32,950,375us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,208,246eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,750,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 36,158,621eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,908,621eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,931,379)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 30,977,242eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StonegateCOMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (I) [1]      
Stoney Ridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Dale City, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 264eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 24,147,091us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,813,599eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,960,690eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 37,960,690eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,117,254)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,843,436eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Encumbrances 13,414,254us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StoneyRidgeMember
     
Summerset Village [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chatsworth, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 280eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,629,804us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,670,889us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,735,640eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,629,804us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,406,529eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,036,333eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,638,374)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 14,397,959eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Encumbrances 38,039,912us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SummersetVillageMember
     
Talleyrand [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Tarrytown, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 300eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 49,838,160us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,373,570eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 54,211,730eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 66,211,730eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (25,824,997)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 40,386,733eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Encumbrances 35,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TalleyrandMember
     
Teresina [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chula Vista, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 440eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 28,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 61,916,670us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,524,216eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 28,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 64,440,886eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 93,040,886eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (23,028,983)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 70,011,903eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Encumbrances 41,153,983us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TeresinaMember
     
Toscana [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Irvine, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 563eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 39,410,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 50,806,072us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 8,065,576eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 39,410,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 58,871,648eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 98,281,648eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (30,358,453)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 67,923,195eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Encumbrances 71,243,194us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ToscanaMember
     
Touriel Building [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Berkeley, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 35eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,736,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,810,027us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 173,049eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,736,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 7,983,076eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,719,076eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (2,537,090)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 8,181,986eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Encumbrances 5,050,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TourielBuildingMember
     
Town Square at Mark Center I (fka Millbrook I) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Alexandria, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 406eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 24,360,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 86,178,714us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,101,186eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 24,360,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 89,279,900eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 113,639,900eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (31,779,511)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 81,860,389eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Encumbrances 77,353,222us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TownSquareAtMarkCenteriMember
     
Uptown Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Denver, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 696eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 17,492,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 100,696,541us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,323,125eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 17,492,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 105,019,666eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 122,511,666eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (38,387,874)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 84,123,792eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 99,190,116us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_UptownSquareMember
     
Versailles [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Woodland Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 253eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 12,650,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 33,656,292us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,439,447eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 12,650,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,095,739eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 51,745,739eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,887,476)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 34,858,263eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Encumbrances 30,372,953us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesMember
     
Versailles (K-Town) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 225eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,590,975us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 44,409,025us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,089,480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,590,975us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 45,498,505eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 56,089,480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,851,277)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 45,238,203eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Encumbrances 29,826,475us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VersaillesKTownMember
     
Victor on Venice [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 115eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 10,350,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 35,433,437us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 493,945eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 10,350,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,927,382eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,277,382eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,164,686)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 35,112,696eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VictorOnVeniceMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (J) [1]      
Vintage [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Ontario, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 300eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,059,230us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 47,677,762us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 418,205eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,059,230us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,095,967eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,155,197eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,673,129)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 39,482,068eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Encumbrances 33,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VintageMember
     
Vintage at 425 Broadway (fka Promenade) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Santa Monica, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 58eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 9,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,961,523us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 354,858eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 9,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,316,381eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,316,381eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (1,915,005)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,401,376eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Vintageat425BroadwayfkaPromenadeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (L) [1]      
Vista on Courthouse [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 220eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 15,550,260us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 69,449,740us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,100,172eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 15,550,260us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 70,549,912eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 86,100,172eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,370,415)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 69,729,757eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Encumbrances 31,380,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VistaOnCourthouseMember
     
Water Park Towers [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Arlington, VA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 362eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 34,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 108,485,859us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,570,221eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 34,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 112,056,080eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 146,456,080eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,141,171)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 134,314,909eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WaterParkTowersMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (K) [1]      
West 54th [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 222eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 60,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 48,193,837us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 320,475eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 60,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,514,312eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 109,414,312eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (7,362,247)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 102,052,065eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Encumbrances 46,859,227us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_West54thMember
     
Westgate (fka Westgate I) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pasadena, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 480eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 22,898,848us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 133,553,692us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 348,871eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 22,898,848us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 133,902,563eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 156,801,411eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (18,556,819)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 138,244,592eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Encumbrances 96,935,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WestgatefkaWestgateIMember
     
Woodleaf [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Campbell, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 178eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,550,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,988,183us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,312,027eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,550,600us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,300,210eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 29,850,810eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,452,912)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,397,898eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Encumbrances 17,858,854us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodleafMember
     
Wholly Owned Encumbered [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 29,923eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,889,558,099us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,894,004,795us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 330,213,229eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 6,224,218,024eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 8,113,776,123eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 1,587,799,207us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 6,525,976,916eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Encumbrances 4,726,035,749us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WhollyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
2300 Elliott [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 92eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 796,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,173,725us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,244,167eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 796,800us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,417,892eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,214,692eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,635,532)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 4,579,160eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_Elliott2300Member
     
400 Park Aveue South (Toll) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 58,090,357us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 55,679,496us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 58,090,357us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 55,679,496eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 113,769,853eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 113,769,853eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_A400ParkAveueSouthTollMemberMember
     
Canyon Ridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Diego, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 162eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,869,448us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 11,955,064us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,794,600eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,869,448us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 14,749,664eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 19,619,112eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (8,662,269)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,956,843eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonRidgeMember
     
Country Oaks [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Agoura Hills, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 256eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,105,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,561,865us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,053,877eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,105,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 33,615,742eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,720,742eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (15,662,969)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 24,057,773eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CountryOaksMember
     
Fox Ridge [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Englewood, CO      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 300eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,490,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,522,114us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,601,407eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,490,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,123,521eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 24,613,521eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (11,718,055)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 12,895,466eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_FoxRidgeMember
     
Monterra in Mill Creek [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Mill Creek, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 139eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 2,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,255,123us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 670,037eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 2,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,925,160eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 16,725,160eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,104,802)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,620,358eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_MonterraInMillCreekMember
     
Prism at Park Avenue South (fka 400 Park Aveue South (EQR)) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location New York, NY      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 0eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 76,292,169us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 150,666,648us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 11,603eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 76,292,169us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 150,678,251eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 226,970,420eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 226,970,420eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_APrismatParkAvenueSouthfka400ParkAveueSouthEQRMember
     
Strayhorse at Arrowhead Ranch [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Glendale, AZ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 136eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,968,002us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 443,437eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,411,439eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,811,439eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (4,853,154)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 12,958,285eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_StrayhorseAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Via Ventura (CA) (fka Ventura) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Ventura, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 192eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 8,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 44,308,202us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 406,230eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 8,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 44,714,432eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 53,314,432eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,214,735)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 48,099,697eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_ViaVenturaMember
     
Wood Creek II (fka Willow Brook (CA))        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Pleasant Hill, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 228eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 38,388,672us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,889,178eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 43,277,850eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 48,332,850eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (16,682,842)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 31,650,008eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WoodCreekIIfkaWillowBrookCAMember
     
Partially Owned Unencumbered [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 1,505eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 169,498,774us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 381,478,911us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 24,114,536eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 169,498,774us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 405,593,447eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 575,092,221eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (77,534,358)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 497,557,863eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnencumberedMember
     
Bellevue Meadows [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bellevue, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 180eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,507,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,574,814us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,524,770eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,507,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,099,584eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,606,684eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,473,761)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 11,132,923eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Encumbrances 16,538,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_BellevueMeadowsMember
     
Canyon Creek (CA) [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location San Ramon, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 268eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,425,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,812,121us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 6,427,590eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,425,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,239,711eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,664,711eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,764,001)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 17,900,710eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Encumbrances 28,200,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_CanyonCreekCMember
     
Harrison Square (fka Elliot Bay) [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Seattle, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 166eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 7,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 35,844,345us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 3,159,773eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 7,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 39,004,118eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 46,604,118eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation (3,837,725)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 42,766,393eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_HarrisonSquarefkaElliotBayDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances Reference (K) [1]      
Isle at Arrowhead Ranch [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Glendale, AZ      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 256eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 1,650,237us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 19,593,123us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,216,333eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 1,650,237us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 21,809,456eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,459,693eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,005,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 10,454,693eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Encumbrances 17,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_IsleAtArrowheadRanchMember
     
Lantern Cove [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Foster City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 232eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,945,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,064,976us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 5,705,946eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,945,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 28,770,922eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 35,715,922eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (13,736,832)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 21,979,090eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Encumbrances 36,455,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_LanternCoveMember
     
Rosecliff [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Quincy, MA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 156eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,460,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,721,570us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,561,718eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,460,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 18,283,288eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 23,743,288eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (9,854,030)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 13,889,258eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Encumbrances 17,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_RosecliffMember
     
Schooner Bay I [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Foster City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 168eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,345,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 20,390,618us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,756,784eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,345,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 25,147,402eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 30,492,402eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (12,000,181)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 18,492,221eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Encumbrances 28,870,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayOneMember
     
Schooner Bay II [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Foster City, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 144eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 4,550,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 18,064,764us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 4,275,408eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 4,550,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,340,172eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 26,890,172eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (10,806,797)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 16,083,375eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Encumbrances 26,175,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SchoonerBayTwoMember
     
Surrey Downs [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Bellevue, WA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 122eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 3,057,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,848,618us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,407,669eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 3,057,100us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 10,256,287eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 13,313,387eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,009,471)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 7,303,916eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Encumbrances 9,829,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_SurreyDownsMember
     
Virgil Square [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Los Angeles, CA      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 142eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 5,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,216,613us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 2,175,257eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 5,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 17,391,870eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 22,891,870eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (6,559,144)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 16,332,726eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Encumbrances 9,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_VirgilSquareMember
     
Wisconsin Place [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Description Of Location Chevy Chase, MD      
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 432eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 172,089,355us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 550,832eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 172,640,187eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 172,640,187eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Accumulated Depreciation (17,900,087)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 154,740,100eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Encumbrances 144,571,681us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_WisconsinPlaceDomain
     
Partially Owned Encumbered [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 2,266eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 50,039,437us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 359,220,917us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 38,762,080eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 50,039,437us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 397,982,997eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 448,022,434eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (116,947,029)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 331,075,405eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Encumbrances 360,479,262us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PartiallyOwnedEncumberedMember
     
Portfolio Entity Encumbrances [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Encumbrances 2,124,179,543us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_PortfolioEntityEncumbrancesMember
     
Total Consolidated Investment in Real Estate [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Units 102,911eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationUnits
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Initial Cost to Company, Land 6,907,534,212us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 19,372,503,705us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Costs Capitalized Subsequent To Acquisition Building And Fixtures 1,395,345,007eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionBuildingAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Gross Amount Carried at close of period 12/31/2013, Land 6,907,534,212us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 20,767,848,712eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Carrying Amount Of Land And Buildings And Improvements And Furnitures And Fixtures 27,675,382,924eqr_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLandAndBuildingsAndImprovementsAndFurnituresAndFixtures
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Accumulated Depreciation (5,432,805,335)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Investment in Real Estate Net 22,242,577,589eqr_InvestmentInRealEstateNet
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Encumbrances 5,086,515,011us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= eqr_TotalConsolidatedInvestmentInRealEstateMember
     
Unconsolidated Operating [Domain]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Partially Owned Unconsolidated Properties 3eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnconsolidatedProperties
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_UnconsolidatedOperatingDomain
     
Partially Owned Unconsolidated Units 1,281eqr_PartiallyOwnedUnconsolidatedUnits
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= eqr_UnconsolidatedOperatingDomain
     
Depreciable Property [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Fixtures and Equipment, Gross $ 1,365,276,528us-gaap_FixturesAndEquipmentGross
/ us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis
= eqr_DepreciablePropertyMember
     
Building [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives 30      
Renovations and Improvements Minimum [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives 5      
Renovations and Improvements Maximum [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives 15      
Replacements Minimum [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives 5      
Replacements Maximum [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives 10      
Management Business Renovations and Improvements Minimum [Member] [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives 3      
Management Business Renovations and Improvements Maximum [Member] [Member]        
Real Estates And Accumulated Depreciation Abstract        
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives 7      
[1] (I)through (L) See Encumbrances Reconciliation schedule.