Segment Reporting Segment Revenue and Profit or Loss Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Revenue reconciliation	$ 155,168	$ 59,569	$ 295,474	$ 121,989
Profit or loss	(25,281)	(3,071)	(36,512)	(5,001)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(15,447)		(22,309)
Net income attributable to Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.	9,834		14,203
Operating Segments [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Revenue reconciliation	171,392	61,574	327,928	126,722
Profit or loss	(25,356)	(11,417)	(36,717)	(21,669)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Revenue reconciliation	975	48	975	111
Profit or loss	975	(6,849)	975	(13,174)
Formation transaction expenses [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Profit or loss	0	(1,305)	0	(3,000)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Reconciliation of Revenue and Profit or Loss from Segments to Consolidated [Line Items]
Revenue reconciliation	(17,199)	(2,053)	(33,429)	(4,844)
Profit or loss	(100)	(240)	(230)	(605)
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	$ (48)	$ 0	$ (111)