Name:	slg_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedIssuanceUponRedemptionOfUnitsOfLimitedPartnership
Namespace Prefix:	slg_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Represents the increase (decrease) in noncontrolling interest resulting from fair value adjustments.

No definition available.

Name:	slg_MinorityInterestIncreaseDecreaseFromFairValueAdjustment
Namespace Prefix:	slg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the number of partnership units owned by the noncontrolling unit holders.

No definition available.

Name:	slg_MinorityInterestUnitsOfPartnershipOwnedByNoncontrollingOwners
Namespace Prefix:	slg_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Other Noncontrolling Interest Holders

No definition available.

Name:	slg_NoncontrollingInterestDecreasefromDistributionstoOtherNoncontrollingInterestHolders
Namespace Prefix:	slg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Represents the common stock value per share which is used for purposes of determining the number of operating partnership common stock issue on conversion of preferred unit.

No definition available.

Name:	slg_OperatingPartnershipCommonUnitValuePerShareUseForConversion
Namespace Prefix:	slg_
Data Type:	dtr-types1:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --

No definition available.

Name:	slg_OwnershipInterestsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	slg_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Preferred Stock Dividend Multiplier Ratio Per Common Unit Distribution

No definition available.

Name:	slg_PreferredStockDividendMultiplierRatioPerCommonUnitDistribution
Namespace Prefix:	slg_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Decrease in noncontrolling interest (for example, but not limited to, redeeming or purchasing the interests of noncontrolling shareholders, issuance of shares (interests) by the non-wholly owned subsidiary to the parent entity for other than cash, and a buyback of shares (interest) by the non-wholly owned subsidiary from the noncontrolling interests).

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480008/505-10-S99-1

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 23
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-23

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 24
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-24

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Carrying amount of the equity interests owned by noncontrolling partners in an operating partnership included in the entity's consolidated financial statements.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestInOperatingPartnerships
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_MovementInMinorityInterestRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Amount after tax of income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling partner in an operating partnership.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.19)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

Name:	us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestInNetIncomeLossOperatingPartnershipsRedeemable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from subsidiary issuance of equity interests to noncontrolling interest holders.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 23
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-23

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480008/505-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 810
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481203/810-10-50-1A

Name:	us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Amount after tax of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-19

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 810
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481231/810-10-45-20

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 810
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481203/810-10-50-1A

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1B

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482790/220-10-45-1A

Name:	us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Number of common shares issuable upon conversion for each share of preferred stock to be converted.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-13

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredStockConvertibleConversionRatio
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The percentage rate used to calculate dividend payments on preferred stock.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481112/505-10-50-13

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12A(Column A)(Footnote 3))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-2

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12(Column A)(Footnote 4))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-12B(Column A)(Footnote 3))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-3

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 320
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-14(Column A)(Footnote 3))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-6

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Aggregate dividends paid during the period for each share of preferred stock outstanding.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The number of preferred units authorized to be issued.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.F)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480008/505-10-S99-5

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredUnitsAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of stock classified as temporary equity that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreferencePerShare
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The number of securities classified as temporary equity that have been sold (or granted) to the entity's shareholders. Securities issued include securities outstanding and securities held in treasury. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(27)(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Name:	us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The number of securities classified as temporary equity that have been issued and are held by the entity's shareholders. Securities outstanding equals securities issued minus securities held in treasury. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

Name:	us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=srt_SubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=us-gaap_SeriesFPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=slg_SeriesKPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=slg_SeriesLPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=slg_SeriesRPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=slg_SeriesSPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=slg_SeriesVPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=slg_SeriesWPreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Name:	srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=srt_PartnershipInterestMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: