Segment Reporting Segment Revenue and Profit or Loss Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 140,306	$ 62,420
Profit or loss	11,231	1,930
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(6,862)
Net income attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.	4,369
Operating Segments [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total revenues	156,536	65,148
Profit or loss	11,361	10,252
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	63
Profit or loss	0	(6,325)
Formation transaction expenses [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Profit or loss	0	(1,695)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Total revenues	(16,230)	(2,791)
Profit or loss	(130)	(365)
Segment Reconciling Items, Unallocated [Member] | Investment Income [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Profit or loss	$ 0	$ 63