Acquisitions Schedule of pro forma information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 563,878	$ 549,707
Net income	18,992	311,434
Net income attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 21,871	$ 0
Net income attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.00