Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Changes in AOCI) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	$ (9,667)
Other Comprehensive Loss Before Reclassifications	(18,824)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	5,719
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Loss	(13,105)
Balance	(22,772)
Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(10,043)
Other Comprehensive Loss Before Reclassifications	(19,273)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	5,719
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Loss	(13,554)
Balance	(23,597)
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest of the Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	376
Other Comprehensive Loss Before Reclassifications	449
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Loss	449
Balance	825
First Industrial, L.P.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(10,043)
Balance	(23,597)
First Industrial, L.P. | Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(10,043)
Other Comprehensive Loss Before Reclassifications	(19,273)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	5,719
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Loss	(13,554)
Balance	$ (23,597)