Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests - Summary of the Activity of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Temporary Equity
Balance as of the beginning of the period	$ 530,748	$ 612,758
OP Unit redemptions	(3,919)	(31,126)
LTIP Units issued in lieu of cash bonuses (1)	4,817	3,616
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(2,230)	5,250
Other comprehensive income (loss)	973	(3,573)
Contributions (distributions)	(1,362)
Share-based compensation expense	12,564	16,781
Adjustment to redemption value	11,336	(100,666)
Balance as of the end of the period	552,927	503,040
JBG Smith, LP
Temporary Equity
Balance as of the beginning of the period	522,882	606,699
OP Unit redemptions	(3,919)	(31,126)
LTIP Units issued in lieu of cash bonuses (1)	4,817	3,616
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(2,197)	5,253
Other comprehensive income (loss)	973	(3,573)
Contributions (distributions)	(1,362)
Share-based compensation expense	12,564	16,781
Adjustment to redemption value	11,293	(100,666)
Balance as of the end of the period	545,051	496,984
Consolidated Real Estate Venture
Temporary Equity
Balance as of the beginning of the period	7,866	6,059
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(33)	(3)
Adjustment to redemption value	43
Balance as of the end of the period	$ 7,876	$ 6,056