Segment Disclosure - Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Reconciliation to Consolidated Net Loss
Total Segment Net Operating Income	$ 35,247	$ 30,041	$ 101,411	$ 79,804
Interest Expense	8,566	9,329	26,033	24,724
General and Administrative	7,162	1,172	10,973	3,386
Investment Management Fee to Related Party	5,159	5,607	17,270	15,100
Acquisition Expenses	1,099	1,044	2,508	12,537
Depreciation and Amortization	18,787	16,656	54,749	43,901
Transition Costs	6,216	0	8,152	0
Gross Loss	(11,742)	(3,767)	(18,274)	(19,844)
Other Income and Expenses
Interest and Other Income	255	460	1,800	1,271
Net Settlement Payments on Interest Rate Swaps	(171)	(178)	(495)	(532)
Gain on Interest Rate Swaps	134	32	380	177
(Loss) Gain on Note Payable at Fair Value	(26)	75	(85)	41
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt	(1,191)	0	(1,191)	0
Loss on Swap Termination	(495)	0	(495)	0
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN INCOME OF UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES	(13,236)	(3,378)	(18,360)	(18,887)
Provision for Income Taxes	(75)	(85)	(218)	(385)
EQUITY IN INCOME OF UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES	927	609	2,556	4,160
Net Loss from Continuing Operations	(12,384)	(2,854)	(16,022)	(15,112)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations	0	(18)	0	377
Realized (Loss) Gain from Sale	0	426	(415)	301
Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations	0	408	(415)	678
Net Loss	(12,384)	(2,446)	(16,437)	(14,434)
Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Operating Partnership Units	5	4	7	20
Net Loss Attributable to Chambers Street Properties Shareholders	$ (12,379)	$ (2,442)	$ (16,430)	$ (14,414)