First Industrial Realty Trust (FR) 10-Q 29 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	FR
Entity Registrant Name	FIRST INDUSTRIAL REALTY TRUST INC
Entity Central Index Key	921825
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		110,727,654

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment in Real Estate:
Land	$710,664	$718,188
Buildings and Improvements	2,415,620	2,439,887
Construction in Progress	36,756	25,294
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	-794,379	-786,978
Net Investment in Real Estate	2,368,661	2,396,391
Real Estate and Other Assets Held for Sale, Net of Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of $796 and $0	4,915	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents	3,557	9,500
Restricted Cash	1,829	1,829
Tenant Accounts Receivable, Net	8,176	7,356
Investment in Joint Venture	0	71
Deferred Rent Receivable, Net	59,989	58,130
Deferred Financing Costs, Net	11,816	10,448
Deferred Leasing Intangibles, Net	31,816	33,526
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets, Net	62,999	64,744
Total Assets	2,553,758	2,581,995
Indebtedness:
Mortgage Loans Payable, Net	596,998	599,985
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	364,885	364,861
Unsecured Term Loan	200,000	200,000
Unsecured Credit Facility	168,000	185,000
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	75,266	79,733
Deferred Leasing Intangibles, Net	12,383	12,726
Rents Received in Advance and Security Deposits	38,620	36,914
Dividend Payable	14,912	11,949
Total Liabilities	1,471,064	1,491,168
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity:
Common Stock ($0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 115,051,768 and 114,924,980 shares issued and 110,727,654 and 110,600,866 shares outstanding)	1,151	1,149
Additional Paid-in-Capital	1,873,374	1,872,336
Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings	-682,920	-670,650
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-10,319	-13,867
Treasury Shares at Cost (4,324,114 shares)	-140,018	-140,018
Total First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Stockholders’ Equity	1,041,268	1,048,950
Noncontrolling Interest	41,426	41,877
Total Equity	1,082,694	1,090,827
Total Liabilities and Equity	$2,553,758	$2,581,995

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate and Other Assets Held for Sale Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	$796	$0
Common Stock, Par Value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	115,051,768	114,924,980
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	110,727,654	110,600,866
Treasury Shares at Cost	4,324,114	4,324,114

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental Income	$68,210	$62,048
Tenant Recoveries and Other Income	21,732	21,813
Total Revenues	89,942	83,861
Expenses:
Property Expenses	29,791	30,316
General and Administrative	6,966	5,521
Acquisition Costs	0	35
Depreciation and Other Amortization	28,306	27,871
Total Expenses	65,063	63,743
Other Income (Expense):
Gain on Sale of Real Estate	7,930	0
Interest Income	24	702
Interest Expense	-16,642	-19,046
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs	-746	-804
Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements	-12,990	0
Total Other Income (Expense)	-22,424	-19,148
Income from Continuing Operations Before Equity in Income of Joint Ventures and Income Tax Provision	2,455	970
Equity in Income of Joint Ventures	71	2,966
Income Tax Provision	-60	-10
Income from Continuing Operations	2,466	3,926
Discontinued Operations:
Income Attributable to Discontinued Operations	0	406
Gain on Sale of Real Estate	0	735
Income from Discontinued Operations	0	1,141
Net Income	2,466	5,067
Less: Net Income Attributable to the Noncontrolling Interest	-93	-104
Net Income Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	2,373	4,963
Less: Preferred Dividends	0	-1,019
Less: Redemption of Preferred Stock	0	-1,462
Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders and Participating Securities	$2,373	$2,482
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Income from Continuing Operations Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$0.02	$0.01
Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$0	$0.01
Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$0.02	$0.02
Distributions Per Share	$0.13	$0.10
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic	110,310	109,676
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted	110,675	110,215

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Income	$2,466	$5,067
Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements	-9,446	-1,604
Reclassification of Fair Value of Interest Rate Protection Agreements (See Note 10)	12,990	0
Amortization of Interest Rate Protection Agreements	131	628
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	15	-50
Comprehensive Income	6,156	4,041
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-233	-63
Comprehensive Income Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	$5,923	$3,978

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in- Capital	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Treasury Shares At Cost	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$1,090,827	$1,149	$1,872,336	($670,650)	($13,867)	($140,018)	$41,877
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Based Compensation Activity	460	2	909	-451
Conversion of Units to Common Stock	0	0	95				-95
Reallocation - Additional Paid-in-Capital	0		34				-34
Common Stock and Unit Distributions	-14,749			-14,192			-557
Net Income	2,466			2,373			93
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Including a Reallocation of $2 and $5)	3,690				3,548		142
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$1,082,694	$1,151	$1,873,374	($682,920)	($10,319)	($140,018)	$41,426

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$2,466	$5,067
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation	23,258	23,059
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs	746	804
Other Amortization	7,741	7,997
Provision for Bad Debt	498	663
Equity in Income of Joint Ventures	-71	-2,966
Distributions from Joint Ventures	0	962
Gain on Sale of Real Estate	-7,930	-735
Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements	12,990	0
Increase in Tenant Accounts Receivable, Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets, Net	-3,425	-3,878
(Increase) Decrease in Deferred Rent Receivable	-2,272	404
Decrease in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, Other Liabilities, Rents Received in Advance and Security Deposits	-6,476	-8,324
Cash Book Overdraft	429	1,082
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	27,954	24,135
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions of Real Estate	0	-13,262
Additions to Investment in Real Estate and Non-Acquisition Tenant Improvements and Lease Costs	-25,556	-22,869
Net Proceeds from Sales of Investments in Real Estate	25,573	3,244
Contributions to and Investments in Joint Ventures	-9	0
Distributions from Joint Ventures	126	2,074
Repayments of Notes Receivable	2,720	17,080
Increase in Escrows	-756	-123
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	2,098	-13,856
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Debt and Equity Issuance and Redemption Costs	-2,114	-2,035
Repurchase and Retirement of Restricted Stock	-2,101	-1,475
Common Stock and Unit Distributions Paid	-11,786	-9,740
Preferred Dividends Paid	0	-1,471
Redemption of Preferred Stock	0	-75,000
Repayments on Mortgage Loans Payable	-2,980	-3,197
Proceeds from Unsecured Term Loan	0	200,000
Proceeds from Unsecured Credit Facility	32,000	105,000
Repayments on Unsecured Credit Facility	-49,000	-226,000
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	-35,981	-13,918
Net Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-14	-30
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-5,929	-3,639
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year	9,500	7,577
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	$3,557	$3,908

Organization_and_Formation_of_

Organization and Formation of Company	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Formation of Company	1. Organization and Formation of Company
	First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Company") was organized in the state of Maryland on August 10, 1993. The Company is a real estate investment trust ("REIT") as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., First Industrial, L.P. and their respective controlled subsidiaries. We refer to our operating partnership, First Industrial, L.P., as the "Operating Partnership."
	We began operations on July 1, 1994. Our operations are conducted primarily through the Operating Partnership, of which First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. is the sole general partner with an approximate 96.2% ownership interest at March 31, 2015, and through its taxable REIT subsidiaries. We also conduct operations through other partnerships (the "Other Real Estate Partnerships") and limited liability companies, the operating data of which, together with that of the Operating Partnership and the taxable REIT subsidiaries, is consolidated with that of the Company as presented herein. First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. does not have any significant assets or liabilities other than its investment in the Operating Partnership and its 100% ownership interest in the general partners of the Other Real Estate Partnerships. Noncontrolling interest of approximately 3.8% at March 31, 2015 represents the aggregate partnership interest in the Operating Partnership held by the limited partners thereof.
	We also provide various services to two joint ventures (the "2003 Net Lease Joint Venture" and the "2007 Europe Joint
	Venture"; collectively, the "Joint Ventures"). Our noncontrolling equity ownership interests in the 2003 Net Lease Joint Venture
	and 2007 Europe Joint Venture are 15% and 10%, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the 2003 Net Lease Joint Venture sold its last remaining industrial property comprising approximately 0.8 million square feet of gross leasable area ("GLA"). At March 31, 2015, the 2007 Europe Joint Venture did not own any properties. The Joint Ventures are
	accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the operating data of our Joint Ventures is not consolidated
	with that of the Company as presented herein.
	As of March 31, 2015, we owned 629 industrial properties located in 25 states, containing an aggregate of approximately 63.0 million square feet of GLA. Of the 629 properties owned by the Company on a consolidated basis, none of them are directly owned by First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 ("2014 Form 10-K") and should be read in conjunction with such consolidated financial statements and related notes. The 2014 year end consolidated balance sheet data included in this Form 10-Q filing was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements in our 2014 Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The following notes to these interim consolidated financial statements highlight significant changes to the notes included in the December 31, 2014 audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2014 Form 10-K and present interim disclosures as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission. In order to conform with GAAP, in preparation of our consolidated financial statements we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of our financial position as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the results of our operations and comprehensive income for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and our cash flows for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014; all adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2014 financial statements to conform to the 2015 presentation.
	Discontinued Operations
	Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08") for all properties not previously sold. ASU 2014-08 revised the reporting requirements to only allow a component of an entity, or group of components of an entity, to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.  Going forward, we expect the majority of our property dispositions will not qualify as discontinued operations and the results of the dispositions, including gain on sale of real estate, will be presented in Income from Continuing Operations.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 updates consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability companies and securitization structures in an attempt to simplify consolidation accounting. ASU 2015-02 eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships are variable interest entities or voting interest entities and adds requirements that limited partnerships must meet to qualify as voting interest entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" ("ASU 2015-03"), which amends the current presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of as an asset. The amendments are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Investment_in_Real_Estate

Investment in Real Estate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Investment in Real Estate	3. Investment in Real Estate
	Real Estate Held for Sale
	At March 31, 2015, we had one industrial property comprising approximately 0.2 million square feet of GLA and one land parcel held for sale. There can be no assurance that the industrial property and land parcel held for sale will be sold.
	Sales and Discontinued Operations
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we sold nine industrial properties comprising approximately 0.5 million square feet of GLA. Gross proceeds from the sales of the industrial properties were approximately $26,626. The gain on sale of real estate was approximately $7,930.
	The industrial properties sold prior to January 1, 2015 that met the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations are presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Income from discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 reflects the results of operations of the 29 industrial properties that were sold during the year ended December 31, 2014 and the gain on sale of real estate relating to three industrial properties that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	The following table discloses certain information regarding the industrial properties included in our discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Total Revenues	$	2,360
	Property Expenses	(1,038		)
	Depreciation and Amortization	(916		)
	Gain on Sale of Real Estate	735
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	1,141

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Indebtedness	4. Indebtedness
	The following table discloses certain information regarding our indebtedness:
		Outstanding Balance at						Interest		Effective	Maturity
								Rate at		Interest	Date
								March 31,		Rate at
		March 31,			December 31,			2015		Issuance
		2015			2014
	Mortgage Loans Payable, Net	$	596,998		$	599,985		4.03% – 8.26%		4.03% – 8.26%	February 2016 –
											Sep-22
	Unamortized Premiums	(83		)	(90		)
	Mortgage Loans Payable, Gross	$	596,915		$	599,895
	Senior Unsecured Notes, Net
	2016 Notes	$	159,635		$	159,621		5.75%		5.91%	1/15/16
	2017 Notes	54,967			54,966			7.50%		7.52%	12/1/17
	2027 Notes	6,067			6,066			7.15%		7.11%	5/15/27
	2028 Notes	31,884			31,884			7.60%		8.13%	7/15/28
	2032 Notes	10,519			10,518			7.75%		7.87%	4/15/32
	2017 II Notes	101,813			101,806			5.95%		6.37%	5/15/17
	Subtotal	$	364,885		$	364,861
	Unamortized Discounts	217			241
	Senior Unsecured Notes, Gross	$	365,102		$	365,102
	Unsecured Term Loan*	$	200,000		$	200,000		1.92%		1.92%	1/29/21
	Unsecured Credit Facility**	$	168,000		$	185,000		1.32%		1.32%	3/11/19
	* We entered into interest rate protection agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $200,000, to effectively convert the variable rate to a fixed rate. See Note 10.
	** The maturity date may be extended an additional year at our election, subject to certain restrictions.
	Mortgage Loans Payable, Net
	As of March 31, 2015, mortgage loans payable are collateralized, and in some instances cross-collateralized, by industrial properties with a net carrying value of $733,270. We believe the Operating Partnership and the Company were in compliance with all covenants relating to mortgage loans payable as of March 31, 2015.
	Unsecured Credit Facility
	On March 10, 2015, we amended and restated our $625,000 revolving credit agreement (the "Old Credit Facility") with a new $625,000 revolving credit agreement (as amended and restated, the "Unsecured Credit Facility"). We may request that the borrowing capacity under the Unsecured Credit Facility be increased to $900,000, subject to certain restrictions. The amendment extended the maturity date from September 29, 2017 to March 11, 2019 with an option to extend an additional one year at our election, subject to certain restrictions. At March 31, 2015, the Unsecured Credit Facility provides for interest only payments at LIBOR plus 115 basis points. The interest rate on the Unsecured Credit Facility varies based on our leverage ratio.
	Indebtedness
	The following is a schedule of the stated maturities and scheduled principal payments of our indebtedness, exclusive of premiums and discounts, for the next five years as of March 31, and thereafter:
		Amount
	Remainder of 2015	$	9,178
	2016	251,870
	2017	168,723
	2018	168,341
	2019	244,423
	Thereafter	487,482
	Total	$	1,330,017
	The Unsecured Credit Facility, our $200,000 unsecured loan (the "Unsecured Term Loan") and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes contain certain financial covenants, including limitations on incurrence of debt and debt service coverage. Under the Unsecured Credit Facility and Unsecured Term Loan, an event of default can occur if the lenders, in their good faith judgment, determine that a material adverse change has occurred which could prevent timely repayment or materially impair our ability to perform our obligations under the loan agreements. We believe that the Operating Partnership and the Company were in compliance with all covenants relating to the Unsecured Credit Facility, Unsecured Term Loan and indentures governing our senior unsecured notes as of March 31, 2015. However, these financial covenants are complex and there can be no assurance that these provisions would not be interpreted by our lenders and noteholders in a manner that could impose and cause us to incur material costs.
	Fair Value
	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our indebtedness was as follows:
		31-Mar-15						December 31, 2014
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Mortgage Loans Payable, Net	$	596,998		$	641,253		$	599,985		$	640,818
	Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	364,885			393,061			364,861			395,320
	Unsecured Term Loan	200,000			200,552			200,000			200,575
	Unsecured Credit Facility	168,000			168,000			185,000			185,747
	Total	$	1,329,883		$	1,402,866		$	1,349,846		$	1,422,460
	The fair values of our mortgage loans payable were determined by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made based upon similar remaining maturities. The current market rates we utilized were internally estimated. The fair value of the senior unsecured notes were determined by using rates, as advised by our bankers in certain cases, that are based upon recent trades within the same series of the senior unsecured notes, recent trades for senior unsecured notes with comparable maturities, recent trades for fixed rate unsecured notes from companies with profiles similar to ours, as well as overall economic conditions. The fair value of the Unsecured Credit Facility and Unsecured Term Loan was determined by discounting the future cash flows using current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining term, assuming no repayment until maturity. We have concluded that our determination of fair value for each of our mortgage loans payable, senior unsecured notes, Unsecured Term Loan and Unsecured Credit Facility was primarily based upon Level 3 inputs.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	5. Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares of Common Stock and Noncontrolling Interest
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 9,825 and 131,844 limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership ("Units"), respectively, were converted into an equivalent number of shares of common stock, resulting in a reclassification of $95 and $1,279, respectively, of noncontrolling interest to First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.’s stockholders’ equity.
	The following table summarizes the changes in noncontrolling interest for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
	Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning of Period	$	41,877		$	44,369
	Net Income	93			104
	Unit Distributions	(557		)	(458		)
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Including a Reallocation of $2 and $5)	142			(36		)
	Conversion of Units to Common Stock	(95		)	(1,279		)
	Reallocation - Additional Paid-in-Capital	(34		)	48
	Noncontrolling Interest, End of Period	$	41,426		$	42,748
	Dividends/Distributions
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we accrued $14,749 common stock dividends and operating partnership unit distributions.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following tables summarize the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Interest Rate Protection Agreements			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(14,402	)	$	(15	)	$	550		$	(13,867	)
	Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassifications	(10,503		)	15			(142		)	(10,630		)
	Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	14,178			—			—			14,178
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,675			15			(142		)	3,548
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(10,727	)	$	—		$	408		$	(10,319	)
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Interest Rate Protection Agreements:
	Reclassification of Fair Value of Interest Rate Protection Agreements (See Note 10)		$	12,990		$	—		Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements
	Amortization of Interest Rate Protection Agreements (Previously Settled)		131			628			Interest Expense
	Settlement Payments to our Counterparties		1,057			733			Interest Expense
			$	14,178		$	1,361		Total
	The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and is subsequently reclassified to earnings through interest expense over the life of the derivative or over the life of the debt. In the next 12 months, we expect to amortize approximately $494 into net income by increasing interest expense for interest rate protection agreements we settled in previous periods. Additionally, recurring settlement amounts on the Group I Swaps, as defined in Note 10, will also be reclassified to net income. See Note 10 for more information about our derivatives.

Supplemental_Information_to_St

Supplemental Information to Statements of Cash Flows	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Information to Statements of Cash Flows	7. Supplemental Information to Statements of Cash Flows
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Interest Expense Capitalized in Connection with Development Activity	$	459		$	380
	Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
	Distribution Payable on Common Stock/Operating Partnership Units	$	14,912		$	11,921
	Exchange of Operating Partnership Units for Common Stock:
	Noncontrolling Interest	$	(95	)	$	(1,279	)
	Common Stock	—			1
	Additional Paid-in-Capital	95			1,278
	Total	$	—		$	—
	Assumption of Liabilities in Connection with the Acquisition of Real Estate	$	—		$	138
	Accounts Payable Related to Construction in Progress and Additions to Investment in Real Estate	$	8,881		$	12,650
	Write-off of Fully Depreciated Assets	$	(9,849	)	$	(9,863	)

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS

Earnings Per Share (EPS)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	8. Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
	The computation of basic and diluted EPS is presented below:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Numerator:
	Income from Continuing Operations	$	2,466		$	3,926
	Noncontrolling Interest Allocable to Continuing Operations	(93		)	(58		)
	Income from Continuing Operations Allocable to Participating Securities	(41		)	(18		)
	Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	2,332			3,850
	Preferred Dividends	—			(1,019		)
	Redemption of Preferred Stock	—			(1,462		)
	Income from Continuing Operations Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	2,332		$	1,369
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	—		$	1,141
	Noncontrolling Interest Allocable to Discontinued Operations	—			(46		)
	Income from Discontinued Operations Allocable to Participating Securities	—			(14		)
	Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	$	—		$	1,081
	Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders and Participating Securities	$	2,373		$	2,482
	Net Income Allocable to Participating Securities	(41		)	(32		)
	Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	2,332		$	2,450
	Denominator (In Thousands):
	Weighted Average Shares - Basic	110,310			109,676
	Effect of Dilutive Securities:
	LTIP Unit Awards (as defined in Note 9)	365			539
	Weighted Average Shares - Diluted	110,675			110,215
	Basic and Diluted EPS:
	Income from Continuing Operations Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	0.02		$	0.01
	Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	—		$	0.01
	Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	0.02		$	0.02
	Participating securities include 391,721 and 349,331 of unvested restricted stock awards outstanding at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which participate in non-forfeitable dividends of the Company. Under the two class method, participating security holders are allocated income, in proportion to total weighted average shares outstanding, based upon the greater of net income (after reduction for preferred dividends and redemption of preferred stock) or common dividends declared.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	9. Stock Based Compensation
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we awarded 216,975 shares of restricted stock awards to certain employees, which had a fair value of $4,708 on the date of approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. These restricted stock awards were issued based upon the achievement of certain corporate performance goals for the calendar year 2014 and generally vest over a period of three years.
	Compensation expense is charged to earnings over the vesting periods for the shares expected to vest except if the recipient is not required to provide future service in exchange for vesting of such shares. If vesting of a recipient's restricted stock award is not contingent upon future service, the expense is recognized immediately at the date of grant. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recognized $1,250 of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards granted to our Chief Executive Officer for which future service was not required.
	Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2015, 264,432 Long-Term Incentive Program performance units ("LTIP Unit Awards") were granted to certain employees. The LTIP Unit Awards had a fair value of $2,531 on the grant date as determined by a lattice-binomial option-pricing model based on a Monte Carlo simulation. The LTIP Unit Awards vest based upon the relative total shareholder return ("TSR") of our common stock compared to the TSRs of the MSCI US REIT Index and the NAREIT Industrial Index. The TSR for the granted units is calculated based upon the performance from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017. Compensation expense is charged to earnings on a straight-line basis over the performance period. At the end of the performance period each participant will be issued shares of our common stock equal to the maximum shares issuable to the participant for the performance period multiplied by a percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%, based on our TSR as compared to the TSRs of the MSCI US REIT Index and the NAREIT Industrial Index. The participant is also entitled to dividend equivalents for shares issued pursuant to vested LTIP Unit Awards, which dividend equivalents represent any common dividends that would have been paid with respect to such issued shares after the grant of the LTIP Unit Awards and prior to the date of settlement.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we recognized $2,561 and $1,575, respectively, in amortization related to restricted stock awards and LTIP Unit Awards. Restricted stock award and LTIP Unit Award amortization capitalized in connection with development activities was not significant. At March 31, 2015, we had $9,757 in unrecognized compensation related to unvested restricted stock awards and LTIP Unit Awards. The weighted average period that the unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized is 1.12 years.

Derivatives

Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	10. Derivatives
	Our objectives in using derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our cash flow volatility and exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate protection agreements as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate protection agreements designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
	In connection with the origination of the Unsecured Term Loan (see Note 4), during January 2014, we entered into four interest rate protection agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $200,000, to manage our exposure to changes in the one month LIBOR rate (the “Group I Swaps”). The Group I Swaps fix the LIBOR rate at a weighted average rate of 2.29% and mature on January 29, 2021. We designated the Group I Swaps as cash flow hedges.
	In order to maintain our flexibility to pursue an offering of unsecured debt in the future, during August 2014 we entered into three interest rate protection agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $220,000, to manage our exposure to changes in the three month LIBOR rate (the "Group II Swaps"; together with the Group I Swaps, the "Swaps"). The Group II Swaps fix the LIBOR rate at a rate of 2.5795% and are effective from December 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024. At origination, we designated the Group II Swaps as cash flow hedges. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company reclassified the fair market value loss recorded in other comprehensive income relating to the Group II Swaps to earnings as a result of the Company determining that the forecasted offering of unsecured debt was no longer probable to occur within the time period stated in the respective designation memos. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the reclassified amount was a loss of $12,990 recorded as mark-to-market loss on interest rate protection agreements. As a result of the forecasted transaction becoming not probable to occur within the stated timeframe, the Group II Swaps were de-designated and future changes in fair value will be recorded directly in earnings. See Subsequent Events.
	Our agreements with our derivative counterparties contain provisions where if we default on any of our indebtedness, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations subject to certain thresholds. As of March 31, 2015, we had not posted any collateral related to these agreements and were not in breach of any of the agreement provisions. If we had breached these provisions, we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value.
	The following table sets forth our financial liabilities related to the Swaps, which are included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015:
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	Description	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in	Significant Other			Unobservable
					Active Markets for	Observable Inputs			Inputs
					Identical Assets	(Level 2)			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:
	Group I Swaps	$	(8,735	)	—	$	(8,735	)	—
	Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument:
	Group II Swaps	$	(12,990	)	—	$	(12,990	)	—
	There was no ineffectiveness recorded on the Group I Swaps during the three months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 6 for more information.
	The estimated fair value of the Swaps was determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted fixed cash payments and the discounted expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on an expectation of interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments are incorporated in the fair value to account for potential non-performance risk, including our own non-performance risk and the respective counterparty’s non-performance risk. We determined that the significant inputs used to value the Swaps fell within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	11. Commitments and Contingencies
	In the normal course of business, we are involved in legal actions arising from the ownership of our industrial properties. In our opinion, the liabilities, if any, that may ultimately result from such legal actions are not expected to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, operations or liquidity.
	In conjunction with the development of industrial properties, we have entered into agreements with general contractors for the construction of industrial buildings. At March 31, 2015, we had eight industrial buildings totaling approximately 1.6 million square feet of GLA under construction. The estimated total investment as of March 31, 2015 is approximately $106,500. Of this amount, approximately $59,700 remains to be funded. There can be no assurance that the actual completion cost will not exceed the estimated total investment stated above.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	12. Subsequent Events
	From April 1, 2015 to April 29, 2015, we acquired one land parcel for a purchase price of approximately $4,142, excluding costs incurred in conjunction with the acquisition and we sold one industrial property and one land parcel for approximately $6,435.
	On April 29, 2015, we settled the Group II Swaps for $11,546 of a payment to be made to the counterparties.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2014 financial statements to conform to the 2015 presentation.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	Effective January 1, 2015, we adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08") for all properties not previously sold. ASU 2014-08 revised the reporting requirements to only allow a component of an entity, or group of components of an entity, to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results.  Going forward, we expect the majority of our property dispositions will not qualify as discontinued operations and the results of the dispositions, including gain on sale of real estate, will be presented in Income from Continuing Operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" (“ASU 2015-02”). ASU 2015-02 updates consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability companies and securitization structures in an attempt to simplify consolidation accounting. ASU 2015-02 eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships are variable interest entities or voting interest entities and adds requirements that limited partnerships must meet to qualify as voting interest entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-02 is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs" ("ASU 2015-03"), which amends the current presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of as an asset. The amendments are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Investment_in_Real_Estate_Tabl

Investment in Real Estate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Summary Regarding Industrial Properties Included in Discontinued Operations	The following table discloses certain information regarding the industrial properties included in our discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Total Revenues	$	2,360
	Property Expenses	(1,038		)
	Depreciation and Amortization	(916		)
	Gain on Sale of Real Estate	735
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	1,141

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Information Regarding Indebtedness	The following table discloses certain information regarding our indebtedness:
		Outstanding Balance at						Interest		Effective	Maturity
								Rate at		Interest	Date
								March 31,		Rate at
		March 31,			December 31,			2015		Issuance
		2015			2014
	Mortgage Loans Payable, Net	$	596,998		$	599,985		4.03% – 8.26%		4.03% – 8.26%	February 2016 –
											Sep-22
	Unamortized Premiums	(83		)	(90		)
	Mortgage Loans Payable, Gross	$	596,915		$	599,895
	Senior Unsecured Notes, Net
	2016 Notes	$	159,635		$	159,621		5.75%		5.91%	1/15/16
	2017 Notes	54,967			54,966			7.50%		7.52%	12/1/17
	2027 Notes	6,067			6,066			7.15%		7.11%	5/15/27
	2028 Notes	31,884			31,884			7.60%		8.13%	7/15/28
	2032 Notes	10,519			10,518			7.75%		7.87%	4/15/32
	2017 II Notes	101,813			101,806			5.95%		6.37%	5/15/17
	Subtotal	$	364,885		$	364,861
	Unamortized Discounts	217			241
	Senior Unsecured Notes, Gross	$	365,102		$	365,102
	Unsecured Term Loan*	$	200,000		$	200,000		1.92%		1.92%	1/29/21
	Unsecured Credit Facility**	$	168,000		$	185,000		1.32%		1.32%	3/11/19
	* We entered into interest rate protection agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $200,000, to effectively convert the variable rate to a fixed rate. See Note 10.
	** The maturity date may be extended an additional year at our election, subject to certain restrictions.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt	The following is a schedule of the stated maturities and scheduled principal payments of our indebtedness, exclusive of premiums and discounts, for the next five years as of March 31, and thereafter:
		Amount
	Remainder of 2015	$	9,178
	2016	251,870
	2017	168,723
	2018	168,341
	2019	244,423
	Thereafter	487,482
	Total	$	1,330,017
Summary of Indebtedness at Estimated Fair Value	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our indebtedness was as follows:
		31-Mar-15						December 31, 2014
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
	Mortgage Loans Payable, Net	$	596,998		$	641,253		$	599,985		$	640,818
	Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	364,885			393,061			364,861			395,320
	Unsecured Term Loan	200,000			200,552			200,000			200,575
	Unsecured Credit Facility	168,000			168,000			185,000			185,747
	Total	$	1,329,883		$	1,402,866		$	1,349,846		$	1,422,460

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Rollforward [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the changes in noncontrolling interest for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		31-Mar-15			31-Mar-14
	Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning of Period	$	41,877		$	44,369
	Net Income	93			104
	Unit Distributions	(557		)	(458		)
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Including a Reallocation of $2 and $5)	142			(36		)
	Conversion of Units to Common Stock	(95		)	(1,279		)
	Reallocation - Additional Paid-in-Capital	(34		)	48
	Noncontrolling Interest, End of Period	$	41,426		$	42,748

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following tables summarize the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Interest Rate Protection Agreements			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(14,402	)	$	(15	)	$	550		$	(13,867	)
	Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassifications	(10,503		)	15			(142		)	(10,630		)
	Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	14,178			—			—			14,178
	Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,675			15			(142		)	3,548
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(10,727	)	$	—		$	408		$	(10,319	)
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014			Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Interest Rate Protection Agreements:
	Reclassification of Fair Value of Interest Rate Protection Agreements (See Note 10)		$	12,990		$	—		Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements
	Amortization of Interest Rate Protection Agreements (Previously Settled)		131			628			Interest Expense
	Settlement Payments to our Counterparties		1,057			733			Interest Expense
			$	14,178		$	1,361		Total

Supplemental_Information_to_St1

Supplemental Information to Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash Flow Information
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Interest Expense Capitalized in Connection with Development Activity	$	459		$	380
	Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
	Distribution Payable on Common Stock/Operating Partnership Units	$	14,912		$	11,921
	Exchange of Operating Partnership Units for Common Stock:
	Noncontrolling Interest	$	(95	)	$	(1,279	)
	Common Stock	—			1
	Additional Paid-in-Capital	95			1,278
	Total	$	—		$	—
	Assumption of Liabilities in Connection with the Acquisition of Real Estate	$	—		$	138
	Accounts Payable Related to Construction in Progress and Additions to Investment in Real Estate	$	8,881		$	12,650
	Write-off of Fully Depreciated Assets	$	(9,849	)	$	(9,863	)

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings Per Share (EPS) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The computation of basic and diluted EPS is presented below:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2015			Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Numerator:
	Income from Continuing Operations	$	2,466		$	3,926
	Noncontrolling Interest Allocable to Continuing Operations	(93		)	(58		)
	Income from Continuing Operations Allocable to Participating Securities	(41		)	(18		)
	Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	2,332			3,850
	Preferred Dividends	—			(1,019		)
	Redemption of Preferred Stock	—			(1,462		)
	Income from Continuing Operations Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	2,332		$	1,369
	Income from Discontinued Operations	$	—		$	1,141
	Noncontrolling Interest Allocable to Discontinued Operations	—			(46		)
	Income from Discontinued Operations Allocable to Participating Securities	—			(14		)
	Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	$	—		$	1,081
	Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders and Participating Securities	$	2,373		$	2,482
	Net Income Allocable to Participating Securities	(41		)	(32		)
	Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	2,332		$	2,450
	Denominator (In Thousands):
	Weighted Average Shares - Basic	110,310			109,676
	Effect of Dilutive Securities:
	LTIP Unit Awards (as defined in Note 9)	365			539
	Weighted Average Shares - Diluted	110,675			110,215
	Basic and Diluted EPS:
	Income from Continuing Operations Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	0.02		$	0.01
	Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	—		$	0.01
	Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$	0.02		$	0.02

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements on Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth our financial liabilities related to the Swaps, which are included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015:
					Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using:
	Description	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in	Significant Other			Unobservable
					Active Markets for	Observable Inputs			Inputs
					Identical Assets	(Level 2)			(Level 3)
					(Level 1)
	Liabilities:
	Derivatives designated as a hedging instrument:
	Group I Swaps	$	(8,735	)	—	$	(8,735	)	—
	Derivatives not designated as a hedging instrument:
	Group II Swaps	$	(12,990	)	—	$	(12,990	)	—

Organization_and_Formation_of_1

Organization and Formation of Company - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Property
	sqft
	State
	Joint_Ventures
Organization and Formation of Company [Line Items]
Ownership interest of sole general partner	96.20%
Company's ownership interest in the general partners	100.00%
Ownership interest of limited partner	3.80%
Number of joint ventures	2
Number of industrial properties sold	9
Gross leasable area (GLA) of industrial properties sold	500,000
Number of industrial properties owned	629
Number of states in which industrial properties are located	25
Gross leasable area (GLA) of industrial properties owned	63,000,000
2003 Net Lease Joint Venture
Organization and Formation of Company [Line Items]
Noncontrolling equity ownership interest	15.00%
Number of industrial properties sold	1
Gross leasable area (GLA) of industrial properties sold	800,000
2007 Europe Joint Venture
Organization and Formation of Company [Line Items]
Noncontrolling equity ownership interest	10.00%
Number of industrial properties owned	0

Investment_in_Real_Estate_Addi

Investment in Real Estate - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Property	Property	Property
	sqft
	Land_Parcel
Real Estate [Abstract]
Number of industrial properties held for sale	1
Gross leasable area (GLA) of industrial properties held for sale	200,000
Number of land parcels held for sale	1
Number of industrial properties sold	9
Gross leasable area (GLA) of industrial properties sold	500,000
Proceeds from the sale of industrial properties	$26,626
Gain on sale of real estate	$7,930	$735
Number of sold industrial properties included in discontinued operations		3	29

Investment_in_Real_Estate_Summ

Investment in Real Estate - Summary Regarding Industrial Properties Included in Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]
Total Revenues		$2,360
Property Expenses		-1,038
Depreciation and Amortization		-916
Gain on Sale of Real Estate	0	735
Income from Discontinued Operations	$0	$1,141

Indebtedness_Information_Regar

Indebtedness - Information Regarding Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans Payable, Net	$596,998		$599,985
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	364,885		364,861
Unsecured Term Loan	200,000		200,000
Unsecured Credit Facility	168,000		185,000
2016 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	159,635		159,621
Unsecured Term Loan Interest Rate	5.75%
Effective Interest Rate	5.91%
Maturity Date	15-Jan-16
2017 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	54,967		54,966
Unsecured Term Loan Interest Rate	7.50%
Effective Interest Rate	7.52%
Maturity Date	1-Dec-17
2027 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	6,067		6,066
Unsecured Term Loan Interest Rate	7.15%
Effective Interest Rate	7.11%
Maturity Date	15-May-27
2028 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	31,884		31,884
Unsecured Term Loan Interest Rate	7.60%
Effective Interest Rate	8.13%
Maturity Date	15-Jul-28
2032 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	10,519		10,518
Unsecured Term Loan Interest Rate	7.75%
Effective Interest Rate	7.87%
Maturity Date	15-Apr-32
2017 II Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	101,813		101,806
Unsecured Term Loan Interest Rate	5.95%
Effective Interest Rate	6.37%
Maturity Date	15-May-17
Mortgage Loans Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans Payable, Net	596,998		599,985
Unamortized Premiums	-83		-90
Mortgage Loans Payable, Gross	596,915		599,895
Interest Rate, Minimum	4.03%
Interest Rate, Maximum	8.26%
Effective Interest Rate, Minimum	4.03%
Effective Interest Rate, Maximum	8.26%
Maturity Date Range, Start	1-Feb-16
Maturity Date Range, End	1-Sep-22
Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net	364,885		364,861
Unamortized Discounts	217		241
Senior Unsecured Notes, Gross	365,102		365,102
Unsecured Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Term Loan	200,000	[1]	200,000	[1]
Unsecured Term Loan Interest Rate	1.92%	[1]
Effective Interest Rate	1.92%	[1]
Maturity Date	29-Jan-21	[1]
Unsecured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured Credit Facility	$168,000	[2]	$185,000	[2]
Unsecured Credit Facility Interest Rate	1.32%	[2]
Effective Interest Rate	1.32%	[2]
Maturity Date	11-Mar-19	[2]
[1]	We entered into interest rate protection agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $200,000, to effectively convert the variable rate to a fixed rate. See Note 10.
[2]	The maturity date may be extended an additional year at our election, subject to certain restrictions.

Indebtedness_Additional_Inform

Indebtedness - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Jul. 19, 2013	Mar. 10, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Unsecured Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity		$625,000
Mortgage Loans Payable
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Carrying value of industrial properties held under mortgages	733,270
Unsecured Credit Facility
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Unsecured Credit Facility, current borrowing capacity			625,000
Unsecured Credit Facility, additional borrowing capacity	900,000
Number of years Unsecured Credit Facility may be extended	1 year
Unsecured Credit Facility, interest rate description	115
Unsecured Term Loan
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Unsecured Term Loan, face amount	200,000
Interest Rate Protection Agreement
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest rate protection agreement, notional amount	$200,000

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Matur

Indebtedness - Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	$9,178
2016	251,870
2017	168,723
2018	168,341
2019	244,423
Thereafter	487,482
Total	$1,330,017

Indebtedness_Summary_of_Indebt

Indebtedness - Summary of Indebtedness at Estimated Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans Payable, Net, Carrying Amount	$596,998		$599,985
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net, Carrying Amount	364,885		364,861
Unsecured Term Loan, Carrying Amount	200,000		200,000
Unsecured Credit Facility, Carrying Amount	168,000		185,000
Total, Carrying Amount	1,329,883		1,349,846
Total, Fair Value	1,402,866		1,422,460
Mortgage Loans Payable, Net
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans Payable, Net, Carrying Amount	596,998		599,985
Mortgage Loans Payable, Net, Fair Value	641,253		640,818
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net, Carrying Amount	364,885		364,861
Senior Unsecured Notes, Net, Fair Value	393,061		395,320
Unsecured Term Loan
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Unsecured Term Loan, Carrying Amount	200,000	[1]	200,000	[1]
Unsecured Term Loan, Fair Value	200,552		200,575
Unsecured Credit Facility
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Unsecured Credit Facility, Carrying Amount	168,000	[2]	185,000	[2]
Unsecured Credit Facility, Fair Value	$168,000		$185,747
[1]	We entered into interest rate protection agreements, with an aggregate notional value of $200,000, to effectively convert the variable rate to a fixed rate. See Note 10.
[2]	The maturity date may be extended an additional year at our election, subject to certain restrictions.

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest reclassified to equity	$0	$0
Common stock dividends and operating partnership unit distributions	14,749
Convertible Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Units converted to common stock	9,825	131,844
Noncontrolling interest reclassified to equity	95	1,279
Common Stock and Operating Partnership Units
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock dividends and operating partnership unit distributions	$14,749

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Changes in Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning of Period	$41,877
Net Income	93	104
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Including a Reallocation of $2 and $5)	3,690
Conversion of Units to Common Stock	0	0
Reallocation - Additional Paid-in-Capital	0
Noncontrolling Interest, End of Period	41,426
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning of Period	41,877	44,369
Net Income	93	104
Unit Distributions	-557	-458
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Including a Reallocation of $2 and $5)	142	-36
Conversion of Units to Common Stock	-95	-1,279
Reallocation - Additional Paid-in-Capital	-34	48
Noncontrolling Interest, End of Period	$41,426	$42,748

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Changes in Noncontrolling Interest (Parenthetical) (Details) (Noncontrolling Interest, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Reallocation - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$2	$5

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Changes in AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Balance	($13,867)
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassifications	-10,630
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	14,178
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,548
Balance	-10,319
Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Balance	-14,402
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassifications	-10,503
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	14,178
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3,675
Balance	-10,727
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Balance	-15
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassifications	15
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	15
Balance	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Balance	550
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Before Reclassifications	-142
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0
Net Current Period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-142
Balance	$408

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Amounts Reclassified from AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements	($12,990)	$0
Interest Expense	16,642	19,046
Total	-22,424	-19,148
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Total	14,178	1,361
Interest Rate Contract | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Expense	131	628
Interest Rate Swap | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest Rate Protection Agreements
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements	12,990	0
Interest Expense	$1,057	$733

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Amortization to be reclassified from OCI into income	$494

Supplemental_Information_to_St2

Supplemental Information to Statements of Cash Flows - Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Interest Expense Capitalized in Connection with Development Activity	$459	$380
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Distribution Payable on Common Stock/Operating Partnership Units	14,912
Exchange of Operating Partnership Units for Common Stock:
Conversion of Units to Common Stock	0	0
Assumption of Liabilities in Connection with the Acquisition of Real Estate	0	138
Accounts Payable Related to Construction in Progress and Additions to Investment in Real Estate	8,881	12,650
Write-off of Fully Depreciated Assets	-9,849	-9,863
Noncontrolling Interest
Exchange of Operating Partnership Units for Common Stock:
Conversion of Units to Common Stock	-95	-1,279
Common Stock
Exchange of Operating Partnership Units for Common Stock:
Conversion of Units to Common Stock	0	1
Additional Paid-in- Capital
Exchange of Operating Partnership Units for Common Stock:
Conversion of Units to Common Stock	95	1,278
Common Stock/Operating Partnership Units
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Distribution Payable on Common Stock/Operating Partnership Units	$14,912	$11,921

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Computa

Earnings Per Share (EPS) - Computation of Basic and Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Income from Continuing Operations	$2,466	$3,926
Noncontrolling Interest Allocable to Continuing Operations	-93	-58
Income from Continuing Operations Allocable to Participating Securities	-41	-18
Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	2,332	3,850
Preferred Dividends	0	-1,019
Redemption of Preferred Stock	0	-1,462
Income from Continuing Operations Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	2,332	1,369
Income from Discontinued Operations	0	1,141
Noncontrolling Interest Allocable to Discontinued Operations	0	-46
Income from Discontinued Operations Allocable to Participating Securities	0	-14
Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.	0	1,081
Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders and Participating Securities	2,373	2,482
Net Income Allocable to Participating Securities	-41	-32
Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$2,332	$2,450
Denominator:
Weighted Average Shares - Basic	110,310	109,676
LTIP Unit Awards (as defined in Note 9)	365	539
Weighted Average Shares - Diluted	110,675	110,215
Basic and Diluted EPS:
Income from Continuing Operations Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$0.02	$0.01
Income from Discontinued Operations Attributable to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$0	$0.01
Net Income Available to First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.’s Common Stockholders	$0.02	$0.02

Earnings_Per_Share_EPS_Additio

Earnings Per Share (EPS) - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Unvested restricted stock awards	391,721	349,331

Stock_Based_Compensation_Addit

Stock Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amortization related to restricted stock awards and LTIP Unit Awards	$2,561	$1,575
Unrecognized compensation related to unvested restricted stock and unit awards	9,757
Weighted average period of unrecognized compensation expected to be recognized	1 year 1 month 15 days
Long-Term Incentive Program | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Long-Term Incentive Program | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage	100.00%
Management | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock and unit awards to employees	216,975
Fair value of restricted stock and unit awards	4,708
Vesting period of restricted stock	3 years
Compensation expense recognized at date of grant	1,250
Management | Long-Term Incentive Program
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock and unit awards to employees	264,432
Fair value of restricted stock and unit awards	$2,531

Derivatives_Additional_Informa

Derivatives - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Mark-to-Market Loss on Interest Rate Protection Agreements	$12,990	$0
Group I Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Swaps, number of instruments held			4
Swaps, notional amount			200,000
Swaps, variable rate			one month LIBOR
Swaps, weighted average fixed rate			2.29%
Group II Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Swaps, number of instruments held				3
Swaps, notional amount				$220,000
Swaps, variable rate				three month LIBOR
Swaps, weighted average fixed rate				2.58%

Derivatives_Fair_Value_Measure

Derivatives - Fair Value Measurements on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Group I Swaps	($8,735)
Group II Swaps	-12,990
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Group I Swaps	0
Group II Swaps	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Group I Swaps	-8,735
Group II Swaps	-12,990
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Group I Swaps	0
Group II Swaps	$0

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	sqft
	Property
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of industrial properties under construction	8
Gross leasable area (GLA) of industrial properties under construction	1,600,000
Estimated total investment	$106,500
Estimated total investment remaining to be funded	$59,700

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 29, 2015
	Property		Land_Parcel
			Property
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price of land parcels acquired	$0	$13,262
Number of industrial properties sold	9
Proceeds from the sale of industrial properties and land parcels	26,626
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of land parcels acquired			1
Purchase price of land parcels acquired			4,142
Number of industrial properties sold			1
Number of land parcels sold			1
Proceeds from the sale of industrial properties and land parcels			6,435
Settlement payment on Group II Swaps			$11,546