Acquisitions Acquisitions - Schedule of pro forma information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 172,355	$ 77,069	$ 330,164	$ 156,488
Net income attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.	25,940	3,323	36,471	3,490
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 9,494	$ 0	$ 13,348	$ 0
Net income attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. per share - basic and diluted	$ 0.09	$ 0.00	$ 0.13	$ 0.00