| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 03, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | GETTY REALTY CORP /MD/ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001052752 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 3, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-13777 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 11-3412575 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Two Jericho Plaza |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 110 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Jericho |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 11753-1681 |
| City Area Code | (516) |
| Local Phone Number | 478-5400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | GTY |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
