| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 26, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 26, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Whitestone REIT |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001175535 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-34855 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 76-0594970 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2600 South Gessner, |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 500, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77063 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 827-9595 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | WSR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Preferred Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
