Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Changes in AOCI) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	$ (4,643)
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications	689
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	1,509
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	2,198
Balance	(2,445)
Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(4,804)
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications	765
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	1,509
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	2,274
Balance	(2,530)
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest of the Company
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	161
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications	(76)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	(76)
Balance	85
First Industrial, L.P.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(4,804)
Balance	(2,530)
First Industrial, L.P. | Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance	(4,804)
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications	765
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	1,509
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	2,274
Balance	$ (2,530)