Stockholders’ Equity of the Company and Partners' Capital of the Operating Partnership - Common Stock and Units Roll-Forward (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	117,107,746
Issuance of Restricted Stock/Units Awards	471,744
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Ending Balance	119,883,180	117,107,746
Common Stock / Operating Partnership Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	117,107,746	111,027,225	110,600,866
Issuance of Common Stock/Contribution of General Partner Units,, Including Vesting of LTIP Unit Awards	2,560,000	5,600,000	224,990
Issuance of Restricted Stock/Units Awards	275,793	322,833	234,360
Repurchase and Retirement of Restricted Stock/Unit Awards	(91,513)	(108,644)	(101,921)
Conversion of Limited Partner Units	31,154	266,332	68,930
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Ending Balance	119,883,180	117,107,746	111,027,225
First Industrial, L.P. | Common Stock / Operating Partnership Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	121,147,121	115,332,932	114,975,503
Issuance of Common Stock/Contribution of General Partner Units,, Including Vesting of LTIP Unit Awards	2,560,000	5,600,000	224,990
Issuance of Restricted Stock/Units Awards	275,793	322,833	234,360
Repurchase and Retirement of Restricted Stock/Unit Awards	(91,513)	(108,644)	(101,921)
Conversion of Limited Partner Units	0	0	0
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Ending Balance	123,891,401	121,147,121	115,332,932