Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Summary of the Activity of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Temporary Equity
Balance as of beginning of period	$ 612,758	$ 558,140
OP Unit redemptions	(31,126)	(57,001)
LTIP Units issued in lieu of cash bonuses (1)	3,616	3,135
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	5,250	3,387
Other comprehensive loss	(3,573)	(1,383)
Share-based compensation expense	16,781	16,273
Adjustment to redemption value	(100,666)	62,212
Balance as of end of period	503,040	584,763
JBG Smith, LP
Temporary Equity
Balance as of beginning of period	606,699	552,159
OP Unit redemptions	(31,126)	(57,001)
LTIP Units issued in lieu of cash bonuses (1)	3,616	3,135
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	5,253	3,386
Other comprehensive loss	(3,573)	(1,383)
Share-based compensation expense	16,781	16,273
Adjustment to redemption value	(100,666)	62,212
Balance as of end of period	496,984	578,781
Consolidated Real Estate Venture
Temporary Equity
Balance as of beginning of period	6,059	5,981
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3)	1
Balance as of end of period	$ 6,056	$ 5,982