Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 127,583	$ 149,388	[1]	$ 62,278	$ 59,569	$ 62,420	$ 83,633	$ 59,415	$ 57,404	$ 59,842	$ 206,072	$ 260,294	$ 294,788
Net income	193,431	148,917	[1]	2,281	3,071	1,930	22,043	9,015	6,774	10,811	(37,232)	48,643	57,397
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(118,186)	(118,186)	[1]
Net income attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.	$ 75,245	$ 30,731	[1]
Basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.		$ 790	[1]

[1] The results of operations of our predecessor for October 1, 2013 through October 6, 2013 and the results of operations of our company for October 7, 2013 through December 31, 2013 have been combined.