Distributions and Amount of Income Per Ten Thousand Participation Unit - Schedule of Distributions and Amount of Income Per Participation Unit (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner [Line Items]
Income	$ 3,208	$ 1,179
Return of capital	3,226	0
Total distributions	$ 6,434	$ 1,179

Total distributions to each class of partners (i.e., general, limited and preferred partners).

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- Definition

Total change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to the return of partner's capital. That is, excess distributions over earnings to partners. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners.

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- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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+ Details

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C. 10-K