Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity [Line Items]
Common shares issued during period			563,639	515,548
Proceeds from issuance of common shares			$ 4,291	$ 94,761
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	(3,621)		(3,621)		1,938
OP Unit Equivalent in Common Shares			1.13
Partners Capital Account, Shares Issued For Units Redeemed			66,652	193,814
OP Units Outstanding	3,967,000		3,967,000
Transfers from noncontrolling interests:
Net income (loss) attributable to Lexington Realty Trust shareholders	4,510	(44,258)	8,121	(61,697)
Increase in additional paid-in-capital for redemption of noncontrolling OP units			353	1,077
Change from net income (loss) attributable to shareholders and transfers from noncontrolling interest			8,474	(60,620)
Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]
Transfers from noncontrolling interests:
Net income (loss) attributable to Lexington Realty Trust shareholders			8,121	(61,697)
Direct Share Purchase Plan [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of common shares			4,291	4,188
Public Offering [Member]
Equity [Line Items]
Common shares issued during period				10,000,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues				$ 90,573