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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	111,027,225
Issuance of Restricted Stock/Units Awards	577,357
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Ending Balance	117,107,746	111,027,225
Common Stock / Operating Partnership Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	111,027,225	110,600,866	109,980,850
Issuance of Common Stock/Contribution of General Partner Units,, Including Vesting of LTIP Unit Awards	5,600,000	224,990	219,695
Issuance of Restricted Stock/Units Awards	322,833	234,360	319,055
Repurchase and Retirement of Restricted Stock/Unit Awards	(108,644)	(101,921)	(141,410)
Conversion of Limited Partner Units	266,332	68,930	222,676
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Ending Balance	117,107,746	111,027,225	110,600,866
First Industrial, L.P. | Common Stock / Operating Partnership Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	115,332,932	114,975,503	114,578,163
Issuance of Common Stock/Contribution of General Partner Units,, Including Vesting of LTIP Unit Awards	5,600,000	224,990	219,695
Issuance of Restricted Stock/Units Awards	322,833	234,360	319,055
Repurchase and Retirement of Restricted Stock/Unit Awards	(108,644)	(101,921)	(141,410)
Conversion of Limited Partner Units	0	0	0
Common Stock/Units, Outstanding, Ending Balance	121,147,121	115,332,932	114,975,503