Anderson Mall, Anderson, SC Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Type of Property [Domain] Regional Malls Regional malls. Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition [Abstract] Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of costs that were capitalized after the acquisition of land, but excluding the initial purchase price. Land Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition of Land Arsenal Mall, Watertown, MA Premium Outlet Centers Premium Outlet centers. Carrying amount costs that were capitalized after the acquisition of buildings and improvements, but excluding the initial purchase price. Buildings and Improvements Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition of Buildings and Improvements Bangor Mall, Bangor, ME Community/Lifestyle Centers Community lifestyle centers. Barton Creek Square, Austin, TX Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Other Properties Charlottesville Fashion Square, Charlottesville, VA Chautauqua Mall, Lakewood, NY Chesapeake Square, Chesapeake, VA Cielo Vista Mall, El Paso, TX College Mall, Bloomington, IN Columbia Center, Kennewick, WA Copley Place, Boston, MA Coral Square, Coral Springs, FL Cordova Mall, Pensacola, FL Cottonwood Mall, Albuquerque, NM Crystal River Mall, Crystal River, FL DeSoto Square, Bradenton, FL Domain, The, Austin, TX Edison Mall, Fort Myers, FL Fashion Mall at Keystone, The, Indianapolis, IN Firewheel Town Center, Garland, TX Forest Mall, Fond Du Lac, WI Forum Shops at Caesars, The, Las Vegas, NV Great Lakes Mall, Mentor, OH Greenwood Park Mall, Greenwood, IN Gulf View Square, Port Richey, FL Gwinnett Place, Duluth, GA Haywood Mall, Greenville, SC Battlefield Mall, Springfield, MO Town Center at Aurora, Aurora, CO Town Center at Boca Raton, Boca Raton, FL Town Center at Cobb, Kennesaw, GA Towne East Square, Wichita, KS Towne West Square, Wichita, KS Treasure Coast Square, Jensen Beach, FL Tyrone Square, St. Petersburg, FL University Park Mall, Mishawaka, IN Upper Valley Mall, Springfield, OH Valle Vista Mall, Harlingen, TX Virginia Center Commons, Glen Allen, VA Walt Whitman Mall, Huntington Station, NY Washington Square, Indianapolis, IN West Ridge Mall, Topeka, KS Westminster Mall, Westminster, CA White Oaks Mall, Springfield, IL Wolfchase Galleria, Memphis, TN Woodland Hills Mall, Tulsa, OK Albertville Premium Outlets, Albertville, MN Allen Premium Outlets, Allen, TX Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, Aurora, OH Birch Run Premium Outlets, Birch Run, MI Naples Outlet Center, Naples, FL North Georgia Premium Outlets, Dawsonville, GA Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL Orlando Premium Outlets - International Dr., Orlando, FL Osage Beach Premium Outlets, Osage Beach, MO Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, Petaluma, CA Philadelphia Premium Outlets, Limerick, PA Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, Pismo Beach, CA Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, Pleasant Prairie, WI Puerto Rico Premium Outlets, Barceloneta, PR Queenstown Premium Outlets, Queenstown, MD Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, Mercedes, TX Round Rock Premium Outlets, Round Rock, TX San Marcos Premium Outlets, San Marcos, TX Seattle Premium Outlets, Seattle, WA St. Augustine Premium Outlets, St. Augustine, FL The Crossings Premium Outlets, Tannersville, PA Prime Outlets - Jeffersonville, Jeffersonville, OH Represents the Prime Outlets Jeffersonville, Jeffersonville, OH. Vacaville Premium Outlets, Vacaville, CA Waikele Premium Outlets, Waipahu, HI Waterloo Premium Outlets, Waterloo, NY Development Projects Gateway Shopping Center, Austin, TX Great Lakes Plaza, Mentor, OH Greenwood Plus, Greenwood, IN Henderson Square, King of Prussia, PA Highland Lakes Center, Orlando, FL Ingram Plaza, San Antonio, TX Keystone Shoppes, Indianapolis, IN Lake Plaza, Waukegan, IL Lake View Plaza, Orland Park, IL Lakeline Plaza, Austin, TX Lima Center, Lima, OH Lincoln Crossing, O'Fallon, IL Lincoln Plaza, King of Prussia, PA MacGregor Village, Cary, NC Mall of Georgia Crossing, Mill Creek, GA Markland Plaza, Kokomo, IN Martinsville Plaza, Martinsville, VA Matteson Plaza, Matteson, IL Muncie Plaza, Muncie, IN New Castle Plaza, New Castle, IN North Ridge Plaza, Joliet, IL North Ridge Shopping Center, Raleigh, NC Northwood Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN Bay Park Square, Green Bay, WI Folsom Premium Outlets, Folsom, CA Gaffney Premium Outlets, Gaffney, SC Gilroy Premium Outlets, Gilroy, CA Grove City Premium Outlets, Grove City, PA Gulfport Premium Outlets, Gulfport, MS Hagerstown Premium Outlets, Hagerstown, MD Houston Premium Outlets, Cypress, TX Jackson Premium Outlets, Jackson, NJ Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls, NJ Johnson Creek Premium Outlets, Johnson Creek, WI Kittery Premium Outlets, Kittery, ME Las Americas Premium Outlets, San Diego, CA Las Vegas Outlet Center, Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Premium Outlets, Las Vegas, NV Huntley Outlet Center, Huntley, IL Lebanon Premium Outlets, Lebanon, TN Lee Premium Outlets, Lee, MA Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, Leesburg, VA Liberty Village Premium Outlets, Flemington, NJ Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, Michigan City, IN Bowie Town Center, Bowie, MD University Center, Mishawaka, IN Washington Plaza, Indianapolis, IN Waterford Lakes Town Center, Orlando, FL West Ridge Plaza, Topeka, KS White Oaks Plaza, Springfield, IL Wolf Ranch Town Center, Georgetown, TX Crossville Outlet Center, Crossville, TN Factory Merchants Branson, Branson, MO The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, Branson, MO Factory Stores of America - Boaz, AL Factory Stores of America - Georgetown, KY Factory Stores of America - Graceville, FL Factory Stores of America - Lebanon. MO Factory Stores of America - Nebraska City, NE Factory Stores of America - Story City, IA North Bend Premium Outlets, North Bend, WA Nanuet Mall, Nanuet, NY University Mall, Pensacola, FL Other pre-development costs Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation Boynton Beach Mall, Boynton Beach, FL Pheasant Lane Mall, Nashua, NH Phipps Plaza, Atlanta, GA Plaza Carolina, Carolina, PR Port Charlotte Town Center, Port Charlotte, FL Prien Lake Mall, Lake Charles, LA Richmond Town Square, Richmond Heights, OH River Oaks Center, Calumet City, IL Rockaway Townsquare, Rockaway, NJ Rolling Oaks Mall, San Antonio, TX Roosevelt Field, Garden City, NY Ross Park Mall, Pittsburgh, PA Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa, CA Shops at Mission Viejo, The, Mission Viejo, CA South Hills Village, Pittsburgh, PA South Shore Plaza, Braintree, MA Southern Park Mall, Boardman, OH SouthPark, Charlotte, NC St. Charles Towne Center, Waldorf, MD Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA Summit Mall, Akron, OH Sunland Park Mall, El Paso, TX Tacoma Mall, Tacoma, WA Tippecanoe Mall, Lafayette, IN Williamsburg Premium Outlets, Williamsburg, VA Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, Central Valley, NY Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, Wrentham, MA Arboretum at Great Hills, Austin, TX Bloomingdale Court, Bloomingdale, IL Charles Towne Square, Charleston, SC Chesapeake Center, Chesapeake, VA Countryside Plaza, Countryside, IL Dare Centre, Kill Devil Hills, NC DeKalb Plaza, King of Prussia, PA Forest Plaza, Rockford, IL Palms Crossing, McAllen, TX Pier Park, Panama City Beach, FL Regency Plaza, St. Charles, MO Richardson Square, Richardson, TX Rockaway Commons, Rockaway, NJ Rockaway Town Plaza, Rockaway, NJ Shops at Arbor Walk, The, Austin, TX Shops at North East Mall, The, Hurst, TX St. Charles Towne Plaza, Waldorf, MD Teal Plaza, Lafayette, IN Terrace at the Florida Mall, Orlando, FL Tippecanoe Plaza, Lafayette, IN Brea Mall, Brea, CA Broadway Square, Tyler, TX Brunswick Square, East Brunswick, NJ Burlington Mall, Burlington, MA Castleton Square, Indianapolis, IN Century III Mall, West Mifflin, PA Independence Center, Independence, MO Ingram Park Mall, San Antonio, TX Irving Mall, Irving, TX Jefferson Valley Mall, Yorktown Heights, NY Knoxville Center, Knoxville, TN La Plaza Mall, McAllen, TX Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA Lakeline Mall, Austin, TX Lenox Square, Atlanta, GA Lima Mall, Lima, OH Lincolnwood Town Center, Lincolnwood, IL Livingston Mall, Livingston, NJ Longview Mall, Longview, TX Mall at Chestnut Hill, The, Chestnut Hill, MA Mall of Georgia, Mill Creek, GA Maplewood Mall, Minneapolis, MN Markland Mall, Kokomo, IN McCain Mall, N. Little Rock, AR Melbourne Square, Melbourne, FL Menlo Park Mall, Edison, NJ Midland Park Mall, Midland, TX Miller Hill Mall, Duluth, MN Montgomery Mall, Montgomeryville, PA Muncie Mall, Muncie, IN North East Mall, Hurst, TX Northfield Square Mall, Bourbonnais, IL Northgate Mall, Seattle, WA Northlake Mall, Atlanta, GA Northwoods Mall, Peoria, IL Oak Court Mall, Memphis, TN Ocean County Mall, Toms River, NJ Orange Park Mall, Orange Park, FL Orland Square, Orland Park, IL Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, PA Paddock Mall, Ocala, FL Penn Square Mall, Oklahoma City, OK Calhoun Premium Outlets, Calhoun, GA Camarillo Premium Outlets, Camarillo, CA Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Carlsbad, CA Carolina Premium Outlets, Smithfield, NC Chicago Premium Outlets, Aurora, IL Cincinnati Premium Outlets, Monroe, OH Encumbrances as of Year End Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances Buildings and Improvements Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements Land Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land Total Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements Buildings and Improvements Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land Land Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Description of Property [Axis] Gross Amounts At Which Carried At Close of Period Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements [Abstract] Initial Cost Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost [Abstract] Other Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Name of Property [Domain] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Name of Property [Domain] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Name of Property [Domain] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, Clinton, CT Merrimack Premium Outlets Napa Premium Outlets, Napa, CA Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets, Troutdale, OR Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Cabazon, CA Edinburgh Premium Outlets, Edinburgh, IN Ellenton Premium Outlets, Ellenton, FL Outlet Marketplace, Orlando, FL Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Total accumulated other comprehensive loss net of noncontrolling interests Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Less - accumulated depreciation Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Additional Paid in Capital Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Preferred Stock Premium received on preferred stock issued Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Distributions of income from unconsolidated entities Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Gain on sale of interests in Simon Ivanhoe Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Activity in the allowance for credit losses Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of deferred financing costs Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Amount expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings within the next year Restricted stock issued under 1998 Stock Incentive Plan Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income attributable to common stockholders (in dollars per share) Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of debt premiums, net of discounts Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Acquisition related intangibles related to in-place leases Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Total assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets Deferred costs and other assets (including intangibles) Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Other Liabilities Other liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed Total liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Notes Payable and Long-term Debt Mortgage indebtedness assumed Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Capital expenditures, net Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Interest Paid, Net Cash paid for interest Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Notes Receivable Tenant receivables and accrued revenue, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Rent Receivables Straight-line rent Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deferred costs and other assets Secured by cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted mortgages Secured by cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted mortgages Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Class B common stock Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders Conversion of Stock, Name [Domain] Conversion of Stock by Unique Description [Axis] Senior unsecured notes Senior unsecured notes Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Property operating Real Estate Tax Expense Real estate taxes Cost of Property Repairs and Maintenance Repairs and maintenance Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative translation adjustments Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total Mortgages and Other Indebtedness Mortgages and other indebtedness Total mortgages and other indebtedness Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Series of notes, amount repaid Debt Instrument, Face Amount Face amount of notes issued or mortgage borrowings Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Additional senior unsecured notes, issued Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Debt instrument weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate on debt (as a percent) Interest rate on secured loan (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt instrument name, all Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Net discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Net premiums Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Mortgages and other indebtedness Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred tax assets related to TRS subsidiaries, net Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Interest rate swap agreements, gross asset value Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Interest rate swap agreements, gross liability balance Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative [Table] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Loan guarantee Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations by Nature [Axis] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Construction in progress, included above Development in Process Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income attributable to common stockholders (in dollars per share) Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Investment in Unconsolidated Entities Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Loss on sale of discontinued operations Loss on disposal or sale of discontinued operations Gain on disposal or sale of discontinued operations, net Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Discontinued operations Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Distributions to common shareholders and limited partners, excluding Operating Partnership preferred interests Distributions to other noncontrolling interest partners Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Cash Distributions Declared Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Share Distribution Units distributed to limited partners (in shares) Payments of Ordinary Dividends Preferred dividends and distributions to stockholders Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in income of unconsolidated entities Income from unconsolidated entities Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Recognized compensation expense Equity Method Investments Investment in unconsolidated entities, at equity Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Add: Excess Investment Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Equity method investee type, all Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership interest (as a percent) Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Impairment charge from investments in unconsolidated entities Impairment charge from investments in unconsolidated entities Cost-method Investments, Aggregate Carrying Amount Value of non-marketable security accounted for under the cost method Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Loss on debt extinguishment Charge recorded in earnings on repayment of debt Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life Average life of in-place lease intangibles (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amount of amortization expenses Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Total Foreign Currency Derivative Liabilities at Fair Value Liability balance, foreign exchange forward contracts Currency forward contracts Future Amortization Expense, Year Five 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2011 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2012 Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss on debt extinguishment General and Administrative Expense General and administrative Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Other-than temporary impairment on investment Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income from continuing operations Income from Continuing Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations per share - Diluted (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (loss) from continuing operations per share - Basic (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Limited partners' interest in the Operating Partnership Limited partners' interest in the Operating Partnership Minority interest in income of consolidated entities Minority interest Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Contingently Issuable Shares Effect of contingently issuable shares from stock dividends (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Effect of stock options (in shares) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Lease intangibles assets, gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Lease intangibles assets, net Goodwill Goodwill Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest rate cap Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Interest rate derivative asset, fair value Interest rate derivative asset, fair value Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Interest rate derivative liability, fair value Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Outstanding consolidated derivatives net liability Interest rate derivative at fair value, net Interest rate swap Buildings and improvements Investment Building and Building Improvements Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable and Non-Marketable Securities Land Land Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and equity Total liabilities and partners' equity Limited partners' preferred interest in the Operating Partership and noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties LIMITED PARTNERS' INTEREST IN THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Credit facility, amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Repayments Credit facility, amount repaid Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Additional Borrowings Credit facility, additional amount borrowed Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Credit Facility Credit Facility Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2011 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2012 Long-term Debt Total principal maturities Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies Marketable Securities Marketable securities with Level 1 fair value inputs Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interests Total noncontrolling interests reflected in equity Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership (as a percent) Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Distributions to other noncontrolling interest partners Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Details of carrying amount of noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest Issuance of limited partner units Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Mortgages Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Axis] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net Income Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Net Income attributable to Common Stockholders - Basic Net income (loss) available to common stockholders Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Marketing and Advertising Expense Advertising and promotion Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts Amount of foreign exchange forward contracts (in Japanese Yen) Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional amount, foreign currency derivatives (in Japanese Yen) Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional Amount Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Number of Instruments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current 2011 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2011 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Future minimum rental receivables Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Thereafter Overage rent Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue Operating Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Rentals under Operating Leases Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnerships Limited partners' interests in the Operating Partnership Operating Income (Loss) OPERATING INCOME Operating Income Revenues Total revenue Total revenue Origination of Notes Receivable from Related Parties Funding of loans to related parties Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on marketable securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge agreements Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Net loss on derivative instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense Net (loss) on derivative instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense Net loss on derivative instruments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense Unrealized loss on derivative hedge agreements Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge agreements Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Adjustment in value of investment recorded in other comprehensive income Other Liabilities Other liabilities Other Noncontrolling Interests Nonredeemable noncontrolling deficit interests in properties, net Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital Adjustment to limited partners' interest from increased ownership in the Operating Partnership Partners' Capital Account, Public Sale of Units Issuance of limited partner units Partners' Capital Account, Units, Sold in Public Offering Issuance of limited partner units, units Other Partners' Capital Partners' (deficit) equity Payments of Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Distributions to limited partners Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity Purchase of limited partner units Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Series J 8 3/8% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Series J 8 3/8% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Series J 8 3/8% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding Series I 6% convertible perpetual preferred stock, 19,000,000 shares authorized, 7,593,604 and 7,590,264 issued and outstanding, at liquidation value LIMITED PARTNERS' PREFERRED INTEREST IN THE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP Preferred Units, Preferred Partners' Capital Accounts Preferred units Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Remaining mortgage loans Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Proceeds from sales of common stock and other Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders in properties Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt and Capital Securities, Net Mortgage and other indebtedness proceeds, net of transaction costs Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Sale of marketable securities Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Redeemable Preferred Stock Preferred stock redemptions Repayments of loans held for investment Proceeds from Sale of Held-to-maturity Securities Proceeds from sale of interest in joint venture Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Net proceeds of option exercises (in dollars) Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Provision for (recovery of) credit losses Provision for credit losses Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Investments in unconsolidated entities Payments to Acquire Investments Purchase of marketable and non-marketable securities Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule III -- Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Liberty Liberty Real Estate Owned [Text Block] Investment Properties Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Investment properties at cost Real Estate Investment Property, Net Investment properties net Investment properties, net Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends Distributions on temporary equity preferred units Temporary Equity [Line Items] Redeemable preferred stock Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Repayment of Notes Receivable from Related Parties Repayments of loans to related parties Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds used to repay credit facility Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Mortgage and other indebtedness principal payments Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders in properties Held-to-maturity Securities, Restricted Investments used to fund debt service requirements Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Adjustment to carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests Balance, at end of period Balance, at beginning of period Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Tenant Reimbursements Tenant reimbursements Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Sale of marketable and non-marketable securities Simon Ivanhoe. Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Outstanding interest rate derivatives related to interest rate risk: Schedule of intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages Aggregate carrying values of mortgages and mezzanine loans Loans held for investment Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Face Amount of Mortgages Aggregate face amount of mortgage notes and mezzanine loans Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Rate Weighted average interest rates on mortgage notes and mezzanine loans (as a percent) Interest rate on secured loan (as a percent) Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Secured Debt Secured Debt Self Insurance Reserve Insurance reserve for insurance subsidiaries and other self-insurance programs Series C Preferred Stock Series D Preferred Stock Series F Preferred Stock Series G Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Award of restricted stock to employees (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Award of restricted stock to employees, fair market value (in dollars per share) Weighted average fair value of shares granted during the year (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Award of restricted stock to employees, vesting period (in years) Vesting period (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights Vesting rights Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Exercise price, high end of the range (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Outstanding and Exercisable Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercised (in shares) Common stock issued related to employee and director stock options exercised (in shares) Stock options exercised, common shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Shares under option at the beginning of the period (in shares) Shares under option at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares under option at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Shares under option at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-based incentive plan awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Schedule of outstanding and exercisable options by exercise price range Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies Stock options issued under 1998 Stock Incentive Plan Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Changes in fair value of net investment hedge, recorded in other comprehensive income Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax Common Stock Held in Treasury Common Stock Held in Treasury Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Special award Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted (in shares) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Basic (in shares) Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock Common Stock Construction in progress, included above Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum Estimated original useful life, maximum (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum Estimated original useful life, minimum (in years) Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Carrying value of investment Assets Total assets Aggregate unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments, net Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Redemption price, Series I Preferred Stock and Operating Partnership Series I Preferred Units (in dollars per share) Redemption price of preferred stock (in dollars per share) Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Operating Activities Insurance proceeds funded by insurers Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement Statement [Line Items] Schedule of changes in equity attributable to common stockholders and to noncontrolling interests: Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount Aggregate cash redemption payment Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 2 Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Minimum Interest Rate in Range Interest rates on mortgage notes and mezzanine loans, minimum (as a percent) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Maximum Interest Rate in Range Interest rates on mortgage notes and mezzanine loans, maximum (as a percent) Temporary Equity, Redemption Value Price paid for redemption Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Series I 6% convertible perpetual preferred stock, 19,000,000 shares authorized, 0 and 8,091,155 issued and outstanding, respectively, at liquidation value Series I Preferred Stock carrying value Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized Series I 6% convertible perpetual preferred stock, shares authorized Temporary equity, shares authorized (in shares) Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Series I 6% convertible perpetual preferred stock, shares issued Temporary equity, shares issued (in shares) Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Series I 6% convertible perpetual preferred stock, shares outstanding Temporary equity, shares outstanding (in shares) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Common Stock, Conversion Basis One-for-one basis Class of Stock [Domain] Treasury Stock, Value Common stock held in treasury at cost, 3,884,305 and 4,003,451 shares, respectively Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated derivative losses, net Gross accumulated other comprehensive income or loss related to derivative activities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Net unrealized gains (losses) recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) Net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net Class A common stock Increase (decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (decrease) in equity Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase (decrease) in equity Other Cost and Expense, Operating Other Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments Class of Stock [Axis] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock, Shares Common stock held in treasury, shares Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Write-down of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Mark-to-market change in other comprehensive income for Liberty Investment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation Common Stock, Voting Rights Common stock, voting rights Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Common stock reserved for possible conversion (in shares) Common stock reserved for issuance upon the exchange of units, stock options and Class B common stock (in shares) Notes Receivable, Related Parties Notes receivable from related party Loan receivable from SPG-FCM Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total stockholder's equity Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (expense) benefit of taxable REIT subsidiaries Series J 8 3/8% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 796,948 issued and outstanding with a liquidation value of $ 39,847 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share) Overage rent Other Income Other income Amortization of Deferred Leasing Fees Amortization of deferred leasing costs Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Capital in Excess of Par Value Capital in Excess of Par Value Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Equity Component [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Exercise price, lower end of the range (in dollars per share) Employee Options Adjustment to limited partners' interest from increased ownership in the Operating Partnership Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reallocation of Noncontrolling Interest Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net Tenant receivables and accrued revenue, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Public offerings of common stock (40,250,000 common shares) Public offering of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock incentive program (net common shares: 77,724 in March 31, 2011; 116,726 and 254,227 in December 31, 2010 and 2009 respectively) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock options exercised (common shares: 266,850 in March 31, 2011; 178,683 and 181,850 in December 31, 2010 and 2009 respectively) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Series I preferred stock conversion to common stock (7,871,276 preferred shares to 6,670,589 common shares) Series I preferred stock conversion to common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Common Shares Retired Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Public offering of common stock, shares (in shares) Common stock issued in public offering (in shares) In-place lease intangibles Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Stock incentive program, shares, net Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Series I preferred stock conversion to common stock, preferred shares Conversion Stock Dividends, Shares Shares issued as quarterly dividend (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Common stock retired, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock purchase, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Units Units exchanged for common shares Exchange of limited partner units for common shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units Conversion of limited partner units, common shares The number of common stock shares issued in exchange for equal number of partnership units (in shares) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net income attributable to common stockholders - diluted Net Income attributable to Common Stockholders - Diluted Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share Impact to General Partner's interest in Operating Partnership from all dilutive securities and options Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Series G preferred stock redemption (3,000,000 shares) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses Furniture, fixtures and equipment Fixtures and Equipment, Gross Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock purchase (572,000 Shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Series G preferred stock redemption, shares Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain (Loss), Net Gain due to acquisition of controlling interest Gain due to acquisition of controlling interest Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Per Share Data Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME Consolidated Net Income Consolidated Net Income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Minimum rent Operating Leases, Income Statement, Minimum Lease Revenue Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Consolidated income from continuing operations Consolidated income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued joint venture interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling interests Class of Stock [Line Items] Equity Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Co-branded gift card program cash Joint Venture Mortgage and Indebtedness Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted average useful life, in-place leases Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Net unamortized debt premiums and discounts Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period Credit facility, maximum amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Average Outstanding Amount Credit facility, weighted average amount outstanding Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Organization Security accounted for under the cost method Security accounted for under the cost method Available for sale securities Available for sale securities Held-to-maturity securities Held-to-maturity securities Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt type, all Stockholders' Equity, Other Noncontrolling interests in new consolidated properties and other Other Noncontrolling interests in newly consolidated properties and other Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Interest rate, low end of range (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Interest rate, high end of range (as a percent) Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investments by Secondary Categorization [Domain] Marketable and non-marketable security secondary categorization, all Investment Holdings [Line Items] Investment Holdings Investment Owned, Balance, Shares Number of shares owned (in shares) Investment Type [Axis] Investment Secondary Categorization [Axis] Investment Holdings [Table] Net investment hedge Consolidated Balance Sheets Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities - LIABILITIES: Liabilities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: REVENUE: Revenues [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] ASSETS: Assets [Abstract] BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Per Share Data COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] EXPENSES: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities -- Deferred Costs and Other Assets Deferred costs and other assets Total of Deferred Costs and Other Assets. Deferred costs and other assets Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, Intangibles, and Deferred Revenues Accounts payable, accrued expenses, intangibles, and deferred revenues The summation of accounts payable, accrued expenses, intangibles, and deferred revenues. Cash Distributions and Losses in Partnerships and Joint Ventures, at Equity Cash Distributions and Losses in Partnerships and Joint Ventures, at Equity. Cash distributions and losses in partnerships and joint ventures, at equity Other liabilities and accrued dividends Other Liabilities and Accrued Dividends Total of Other Liabilities and Accrued Dividends. Other liabilities are the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of liabilities not individually reported in the financial statements. Accrued dividends are the carrying value as of the balance sheet date of dividends declared but unpaid on equity securities issued by the entity and outstanding. Management Fees and Other Revenues Revenue, comprised of base and incentive revenue, from operating and managing another entity's business during the reporting period; plus revenues not otherwise specified. Management fees and other revenues Home and Regional Office Costs Home and Regional Office Costs. Home and regional office costs Other Comprehensive Income, Other Income (Loss) Increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income not otherwise identified. Other income (loss) Depreciation and Amortization, Cash Flows The cash flow add back for the noncash expense of depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization Proceeds from Sale of Partnership Interests, Other Assets, and Discontinued Operations, Net Cash inflows from the sale of partnership interests, other assets, and discontinued operations. Net proceeds from sale of assets Distributions of Capital from Unconsolidated Entities and Other Cash inflows from unconsolidated entities and other. Distributions of capital from unconsolidated entities and other Payments to Acquire Real Estate and Interests in Real Estate Partnerships Acquisitions Cash outflows to Acquire Real Estate and Interests in Real Estate Partnerships. Payments for Purchase of Limited Partner Units and Treasury Stock Purchase of limited partner units and treasury stock Cash outflows to purchase limited partner units and treasury stock. Distributions to Preferred Unit Holders, Financing Activities Preferred distributions of the Operating Partnership Distributions from earnings to preferred unit holders. Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses, Intangibles, Deferred Revenues, and Other Liabilities The net change during the reporting period in accounts payable, accrued expenses, intangibles, deferred revenues and other liabilities. Accounts payable, accrued expenses, intangibles, deferred revenues and other liabilities Capital stock All types, classes, and series of stock. Capital stock (850,000,000 total shares authorized, $ 0.0001 par value, 238,000,000 shares of excess common stock, 100,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock): Capital stock Capital Stock, Shares Authorized The number of shares of capital stock authorized. Capital stock, total shares authorized Capital Stock, Par Value Per Share Face amount or stated value of all types and classes of stock per share. Capital stock, par value (in dollars per share) Capital Stock, Shares of Excess Common Stock The number of shares of capital stock authorized less the number of shares of capital stock issued. Capital stock, shares of excess common stock Preferred Stock, Liquidation Value The aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding shares of preferred stock. Series J 8 3/8% cumulative redeemable preferred stock, liquidation value (in dollars) Basis of Presentation and Consolidation Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Consolidation Describes an entity's accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. An entity also may describe its accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, minority interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary. Also discloses any material changes in classifications in the current financial statements compared to the classifications in the prior year's financial statements, including an explanation of the reason for the change and the areas impacted. Basis of Presentation Real Estate Acquisitions, Disposals and Impairment Disclosure [Text Block] Real Estate Acquisitions, Disposals and Impairment The entire disclosure of real estate acquisitions, disposals, and impairments. Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Debt and Derivative Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Indebtedness and Derivative Financial Instruments The complete disclosure of indebtedness and derivative financial instruments. The disclosure on indebtedness includes information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants. The disclosure of derivative financial instruments includes a description of risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and nonhedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising there from, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions. The sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are charged against earnings. This is called amortization if the Preferred Stock was purchased at premium. Series J preferred stock premium amortization Preferred Stock, Premium Amortization Amortization of stock incentive Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation Amortization Adjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Preferred Units to Preferred Stock Value of Preferred Units converted into Preferred Shares. Stock issued during period, conversion of preferred units to preferred stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Preferred Units to Preferred Stock Number of shares of Preferred Stock that were issued upon the conversion of Preferred Units to Preferred Shares. Stock issued during period, conversion of preferred units to preferred stock, shares Stock Redeemed During Period, Value Series L preferred stock redemption (6,000,000 shares) Value of stock bought back by the entity at the redemption price. Stock Redeemed During Period, Shares Series L preferred stock redemption, shares Number of shares of stock bought back by the entity at the redemption price. Preferred Stock Premium, Net of Amortization The sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are charged against earnings, net of any amounts that have been amortized. Series I Preferred stock Outstanding nonredeemable series I preferred stock or outstanding series I preferred stock. Classified within stockholders' equity if nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Classified within temporary equity if redemption is outside the control of the issuer. Series J Preferred stock Outstanding nonredeemable series J preferred stock or outstanding series J preferred stock. Classified within stockholders' equity if nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Classified within temporary equity if redemption is outside the control of the issuer. Series K Preferred Stock Outstanding nonredeemable series K preferred stock or outstanding series K preferred stock. Classified within stockholders' equity if nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Classified within temporary equity if redemption is outside the control of the issuer. Series L Outstanding nonredeemable series L preferred stock or outstanding series L preferred stock. Classified within stockholders' equity if nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Classified within temporary equity if redemption is outside the control of the issuer. Limited partners' preferred interest in the Operating Partnership and noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties Limited Partners' Preferred Interest in Operating Partnership and Noncontrolling Redeemable Interests in Properties Represents the Limited Partners' Preferred Interest in Operating Partnership and Noncontrolling Redeemable Interests in Properties. Limited partners' preferred interest in the Operating Partnership and other noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties Changes in Available-for-sale Securities and Other Gross appreciation or the gross loss in value of the total unsold securities at the end of an accounting period, after tax, plus other increases (decreases) in other comprehensive income not otherwise identified. Changes in available-for-sale securities and other Capital Stock, Authorized Shares of Preferred Stock The number of shares of preferred stock authorized as part of the total number of shares of capital stock. Capital stock, authorized shares of preferred stock Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Equity Conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units Series I preferred unit conversion to limited partner units The conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Preferred Stock, New Issues Series L preferred stock issuance (6,000,000 shares) Value of new preferred stock issued during the period. The value of Limited Partner Units issued upon redemption of Preferred Units. Preferred Unit Conversion to Partner Unit Value with Redemption of Preferred Units Issuance of limited partner units with the redemption of the Series C preferred units The value of the Limited Partner Units issued upon redemption of Preferred Units when there is a second issuance in a reporting period. Preferred Unit Conversion to Partner Unit Value with Redemption of Preferred Units Second Series in Year Issuance of limited partner units with the redemption of the Series D preferred units Stock Issued to Common Shareholders and Limited Partners Stock and units issued to common shareholders and limited partners (11,876,076 common shares) The value of stock and units issued to Common Shareholders and Limited Partners. Net Income (Loss), Excluding Amount Attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership Net income, excluding $479, $2,315, and $11,885 attributable to preferred interests in the Operating Partnership during in March 31, 2011, December 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively The net income (loss), excluding the amount attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Prior Years Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) of prior years. Stock Issued to Common Shareholders, and Limited Partners Shares Stock issued to common shareholders and limited partners, common shares Stock issued to common shareholders and limited partners. Net Income (Loss), Attributable to Preferred Interest in Operating Partnership Net income attributable to preferred interests in the Operating Partnership (in dollars) Net income attributable to preferred interests in the Operating Partnership. Conversion of Class C stock, shares Conversion of Class C Stock The number of shares upon the conversion of Class C stock. Issuance of Common Shares upon Conversion of Class C Issuance of common shares upon conversion of Class C shares, common shares The number of common shares issued upon conversion of Class C shares. Conversion Of class C shares into common stock Preferred Stock Conversion to Common Stock Series I preferred stock conversion to common stock, common shares The number of common shares issued upon the conversion of preferred stock. Properties by Location [Axis] Properties segregated by location. Properties Location [Domain] Locations where the entity operates properties. U.S. and Puerto Rico United States and Puerto Rico locations. Europe European locations. Properties by Type [Axis] Properties segregated by major types of properties. Properties Type [Domain] Types of properties owned, managed and developed by the entity. Other shopping centers or outlet centers Other shopping centers or outlet centers. The Mills Properties operated as The Mills. Properties Acquired, Origin [Axis] Properties segregated by acquisition transaction of the properties. Properties Acquired, Origin [Domain] Acquisition transactions of the properties. The Mills acquisition Properties acquired in the 2007 acquisition of The Mills Corporation. Income Producing Properties, Number Number of income-producing properties The number of income producing properties owned or in which an ownership interest is held. Properties under Development, Number Number of properties under development or held for future development The number of properties under development or held for future development, owned or in which an ownership interest is held. Number of properties under development Properties: Properties Item List [Abstract] Consolidated Wholly Owned Properties, Number Wholly owned properties included in consolidation The number of properties wholly owned by the entity that are consolidated for financial reporting purposes. Consolidated Partially Owned Properties, Number Partially owned properties included in consolidation The number of properties that are less than wholly-owned, but which are controlled by the entity or for which the entity is the primary beneficiary. Joint Venture Properties, Number Total number of joint venture properties The number of properties owned via a joint venture and accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Joint Venture Properties, Managed, Number Number of joint venture properties managed by the entity The number of properties owned via a joint venture in which daily operations are managed by the entity. International Joint Venture Properties Number of International joint venture properties The number of properties owned via an International joint venture. Joint Venture Properties, Managed by Others Number of joint venture properties managed by others The number of properties owned via a joint venture in which daily operations are managed by groups other than the entity. Ownership interest: Ownership Interest Item List [Abstract] Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Effect of dilutive securities: Senior unsecured notes issued March 25, 2009 Senior unsecured notes issued March 25, 2009 Debt securities issued by the entity in March 2009. Senior unsecured notes issued May 15, 2009 Senior unsecured notes issued May 15, 2009 Debt securities issued by the entity in May 2009. Senior unsecured notes issued August 11, 2009 Senior unsecured notes issued August 11, 2009 Debt securities issued by the entity in August 2009. Series of unsecured notes repaid in 2009 Series of unsecured notes repaid in 2009 Debt securities repaid by the entity in 2009. Line of Credit Facility Reference Rate Reference rate The reference rate for the rate of a debt instrument, such as LIBOR. Line of Credit Facility Basis Points Interest added to reference rate (in basis points) The number of basis points added to the reference rate to compute the interest rate on the line of credit facility. Line of Credit Facility Fee, Basis Points Facility fee (in basis points) The number of basis points added to the reference rate as a facility fee on the line of credit. Debt Instrument, Extension Period Credit facility extension period The length of time for which a debt instrument may be extended. Debt Instrument, Repayments Number Number of series of notes repaid The number of series of notes that were repaid. Fixed Rate Debt, Fair Value The fair value of the amount of fixed rate debt outstanding at the balance sheet date. Fair value of fixed-rate mortgages and other indebtedness Fixed Rate Debt Carrying value of fixed-rate mortgages and other indebtedness The carrying value of the amount of fixed rate debt outstanding at the balance sheet date. Equity Method Investment, Ownership Mortgages and Other Indebtedness Our share of joint venture mortgage and other indebtedness This item represents the disclosure of the entity's share of the mortgages and other indebtedness of the equity method investment. Movement in Minority Interest Roll Forward [Text Block] Rollforward of noncontrolling interests reflected in equity A schedule disclosing a roll forward of noncontrolling interests. Securities in captive insurance subsidiary portfolio Securities in captive insurance subsidiary portfolio U.S. Treasury or other U.S. government securities and corporate debt securities. Marketable and Non-Marketable Securities Marketable and Non Marketable Securities Item List [Abstract] Asset Impairment Charges Per Diluted Common Share Impairment charge per diluted share (in dollars per share) The amount of asset impairment charges per diluted common share outstanding during the reporting period. Investment Weighted Average Cost Per Share Weighted average cost per share (in British pounds per share) The weighted average cost per share of investments. Investment Quoted Market Price Per Share Quoted market price (in British pounds per share) The quoted market price per share for an investment. Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Summarization of information required and determined to be disclosed concerning assets and liabilities, including financial instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities, Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning assets and liabilities, including financial instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities, Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or desirable disclosure items concerning assets and liabilities, including financial instruments that are classified in stockholders' equity, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Measurements [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement: Retrospective Adjustments Related to Noncontrolling Interests and Temporary Equity Retrospective Adjustments Item List [Abstract] Redemption Provision, Change in Control Event, Period of Time Duration of change in control event which triggers redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in years) Duration of change in control event which triggers redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests, carrying amounts, reclassified to permanent equity: Noncontrolling Interests Carrying Amount Reclassified to Equity Item List [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Equity Due to Reclassifications Change in equity resulting from reclassifications The increase or decrease in equity resulting from the reclassifications of redeemable securities between permanent and temporary equity. Equity Balance as Previously Reported Previously reported equity The total amount of equity reported prior to reclassification of temporary equity. Noncontrolling interests: A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss) allocable to noncontrolling interests: Noncontrolling Interest, Increase Investment Units Issued to Limited Partners Units issued to limited partners Increase in noncontrolling interests resulting from the issuance of investment units to limited partners. Distributions to Noncontrolling Interests, Noncash Non-cash distributions, paid in units Amount of distributions to noncontrolling interests paid in units (non-cash). Derivative financial instruments Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items] Remaining Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contract Balance of foreign exchange forward contract as of the balance sheet date (in Japanese Yen) The balance remaining on the originally purchased foreign currency derivative contract. Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Text Block] Disclosure of summarized balance sheet financial information for investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Summary of investments in joint ventures and share of income from such joint ventures, balance sheet Summary of investments in joint ventures and share of income from such joint ventures, statements of operations Disclosure of summarized statement of operations information for investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information, Statement of Operations [Text Block] Schedule of Joint Ventures [Table] A schedule providing information pertaining to the joint venture interests of the entity. Joint Ventures, by Location [Axis] Information pertaining to the location of the entity's joint venture interests. Joint Ventures by Location [Domain] A listing of the locations of the entity's joint venture interests. United States joint ventures Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in the United States. European joint ventures Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in Europe. Simon Ivanhoe Simon Ivanhoe joint venture in Europe in which the entity owns an interest. GCI Gallerie Commerciali Italia (GCI) joint venture in Europe in which the entity owns an interest. Japan joint ventures Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in Japan. China joint ventures Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in China. Mexico joint venture Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in Mexico. South Korea joint ventures Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in South Korea. Investment in Unconsolidated Entities Schedule of Joint Ventures [Line Items] Real Estate Joint Ventures Real Estate Joint Ventures Item List [Abstract] Joint Ventures, Number Number of joint ventures The number of joint ventures in which the entity has an ownership interest. International Joint Venture Investments International Joint Venture Investments Item List [Abstract] Loans to SPG-FCM Item List [Abstract] Loans To SPG-FCM Notes Receivable, Related Party, Variable Rate, Low End of Range Basis points added to base rate for loans to SPG-FCM and Mills, low end of range The number of basis points added to the reference rate to compute the low end of the variable interest rate on a note receivable. Notes Receivable, Related Party, Variable Rate, High End of Range Basis points added to base rate for loans to SPG-FCM and Mills, high end of range The number of basis points added to the reference rate to compute the high end of the variable interest rate on a note receivable. Related Party Interest Income, Net Interest income from SPG-FCM and Mills loans, net of inter-entity eliminations Interest income earned on notes receivable from related parties during the reporting period, net of inter-entity eliminations. Real Estate joint ventures Summarized financial information of the equity method joint venture investees. Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Balance Sheet [Abstract] BALANCE SHEETS Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets [Abstract] Assets: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Partners' (Deficit) Equity: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Ownership Interest [Abstract] Our Share of: Equity Method Investment, Entity Ownership, Assets Total assets This item represents the disclosure of the entity's share of the total assets of the investment accounted for using the equity method investment. Equity Method Investment, Entity Ownership, Partners Equity Partners' (deficit) equity This item represents the disclosure of the entity's share of the partners' equity of the investment accounted for using the equity method investment. Equity Method Investment, Entity Ownership, Investment, Net Our net Investment in Joint Ventures This item represents the disclosure of the entity's net investment in investments accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Our net Investment in Joint Ventures Equity Method Investment, Entity Ownership, Mortgages and Other Indebtedness Mortgages and other indebtedness This item represents the disclosure of the entity's share of the mortgages and other indebtedness of the equity method investment. Equity Method Investment, Excess Investment Life Life of joint ventures with excess investment (in years) The life, in years, over which the excess investment in equity method investments is amortized. Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract] STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Revenue: Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information Revenue [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Expenses: Equity Method Investment, Third Party Investors Share of Net Income Third-Party Investors' Share of Net Income This item represents the amount of third parties' share of net income loss reported by the joint ventures in which the entity has an ownership interest. Equity Method Investment, Entity Ownership, Net Income Our Share of Net Income This item represents the amount of the entity's share of net income loss reported by the joint ventures in which the entity has an ownership interest. Equity Method Investment, Amortization of Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Amortization of Excess Investment This item represents the amortization of the difference between the amount at which an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is carried on the balance sheet and the amount of underlying equity in net assets the reporting entity has in the investee. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan The Simon Property Group, L.P. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan 2010 LTIP Program The 2010 Long-Term Incentive Performance Program. Schedule of Distributions and Stock Issued to Common Shareholders and Limited Partners [Table] Statement of Distributions and Stock Issued, by Distribution Date [Axis] Equity distributions including restricted stock, common stock, operating partnership units. Distributions and Stock Issue Date [Domain] Equity distributions including restricted stock, common stock dividends, operating partnership units. September 18, 2009 distribution September 18, 2009 distribution Distribution or issue date of September 18, 2009, for either common stock dividend to common stockholders or operating partnership unit distribution to limited partners. June 19, 2009 distribution June 19, 2009 distribution Distribution or issue date of June 19, 2009, for either common stock dividend to common stockholders or operating partnership unit distribution to limited partners. March 18, 2009 distribution March 18, 2009 distribution Distribution or issue date of March 18, 2009, for either common stock dividend to common stockholders or operating partnership unit distribution to limited partners. Stock Dividends and Distributions Made to Limited Partners [Line Items] Quarterly stock dividends and units distributed to limited partners: Limited Partners Number Exchanging Units Number of limited partners exchanging units The number of limited partners that exchanged units for shares of common stock. Stock Issued During Period, Value Stock Dividend, Per Share Closing price per share on date of quarterly dividend (in dollars per share) The closing price per share of common stock used to value the stock dividend issued during the period. Schedule of Public Offerings [Table] Schedule of Public Offerings, by Date [Axis] Public Offering Date [Domain] May 12, 2009 public offering March 25, 2009 public offering Stock Offering and Repurchase Authorization [Line Items] Stock Offering And Repurchase Authorization Common Stock, Issued for Public Offering, Price Per Share Offering price per share (in dollars per share) The public offering price per share of common stock issued and offered for public offering. Stock Repurchase Authorization, Expired Stock repurchase authorization, expired July 2009 (in dollars) The amount authorized for share repurchases, which program has now expired. 7.75%/8.00% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 7.75 % and 8% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. 7.5% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 7.5% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. 7.0% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 7.0% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. Schedule of changes in equity attributable to common stockholders and to noncontrolling interests: Changes in Equity [Line Items] Stock Issued During Period, Stock Dividend and Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Value Distributions to common shareholders and limited partners, excluding Operating Partnership preferred interests Sum of value of stock issued to shareholders as a dividend and units issued to limited partners as distributions during the period. Comprehensive Income Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Excluding Preferred Distributions The amount of comprehensive income or loss, excluding preferred distributions of the Operating Partnership that are related to units included in temporary equity. Comprehensive income, excluding preferred distributions on temporary equity preferred units of $1,436 and net income attributable to noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties in temporary equity of $6,338 Investment Maturity Range Investment maturity range The range of maturity periods of the investments held by the entity. Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from distributions to noncontrolling interest holders. Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders Amount of foreign exchange forward contracts (in Japanese Yen) Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts in JPY This element represents notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts in Jpy. Transaction Expenses Transaction expenses This item represents amount of transaction expenses incurred by the entity during the period. Impairment Charge Impairment charge The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets, except investment in unconsolidated entities, from their carrying value to their fair value. Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Interests in Unconsolidated Entities Gain (loss) upon acquisition of controlling interest, and on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net The difference between the carrying value and the sales price for consolidated investment property and equity method investments. (Gain) loss upon acquisition of controlling interest, and on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net Impairment charge Impairment related to consolidated investment properties, investments in unconsolidated entities, and available for sale investment securities. Impairment Expense Issuance of Common Stock upon Conversion of Class C Issuance of common shares upon conversion of Class C shares (4,000 common shares) This element represents issuance of common stocks upon conversion of class C. Conversion of Class C Stock Value Conversion of Class C stock (4,000 shares) This element represents conversion of class C stock to common stock. Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Indebtedness and Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule III -- Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Cash Increase (Decrease) from Consolidation and Deconsolidation of Properties Including Cash Acquired in Acquisitions The increase in cash due to including a property's cash in the consolidated entity's cash when they become a subsidiary; or the decrease in cash due to no longer including the former subsidiary's cash in the consolidated entity's cash. Includes cash acquired in acquisitions (i.e. Prime Outlets acquisition, et al). Cash from acquisitions and cash impact from the consolidation of properties Document and Entity Information France and Poland France and Poland locations. Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions [Table] Schedule reflecting each real estate acquisitions and dispositions completed during the period. Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions [Axis] Information about each real estate acquisitions and dispositions completed during the period. Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions [Domain] Identification of the acquiree in a real estate acquisitions and dispositions, which may include the name or other type of identification of the acquiree. Non-Retail Building This element represents non-retail building of the entity. Other Retail Property This element represents other retail property of the entity. Prime Outlets Acquisition Company and Affiliated Entities The Prime Outlets Acquisition Company and certain of its affiliated entities. Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions [Line Items] Number of Properties Disposed Number of properties disposed This element represents the number of properties that are disposed during the period by the entity. Investment Maturity Minimum Range Investment maturity range, minimum (in years) This element represents the minimum range of maturity periods of the investments held by the entity. Investment Maturity Maximum Range Investment maturity range, maximum (in years) This element represents the maximum range of maturity periods of the investments held by the entity. Line of Credit Facility Expanded Maximum Borrowing Capacity in Terms of Accordion Feature Line of credit facility, expanded maximum borrowing capacity in terms of accordion feature This item represents the maximum amount that could be borrowed under line of credit facility, by the entity in terms with accordion feature of debt. Accordion feature is an option, which gives the right to an entity to increase its line of credit. Debt Instrument, Weighted Average Duration Debt instrument weighted average duration (in years) Represents the weighted average term of maturities for different classes of debt. Number of Mortgaged Properties Released on Repayment of Debt Represents the number of mortgaged properties, which were released on subsequent repayment of debt. Number of unencumbered properties on repayment of debt Weighted Average Discount Rate Assumed on Calculation of Fair Value of Debt Weighted average discount rates assumed in calculation of fair value for fixed-rate mortgages (as a percent) Represents the discount amount in terms of percentage, assumed for calculation of fair value of debt. Senior unsecured notes tendered January 12, 2010 Debt securities issued by the entity in January 2010. Senior unsecured notes issue closed January 25, 2010 Debt securities issue closed by the entity in January 2010 issued. Senior unsecured notes 4.20% due 2015 Debt securities having interest rate of 4.20%, due in year 2015 issued by the entity. Senior unsecured notes 5.65% due 2020 Debt securities having interest rate of 5.65%, due in year 2020 issued by the entity. Senior unsecured notes 6.75% due 2040 Debt securities having interest rate of 6.75%, due in year 2040 issued by the entity. Senior unsecured notes 4.875% Debt securities having interest rate of 4.875% issued by the entity. Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts in Euro Amount of foreign exchange forward contracts This element represents notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts in Euro. Represents the number of notes included in the bond tender offer. Number of notes included in the bond tender offer Number of Notes Included in Tender Offer Stock Transactions Disclosures [Table] Table containing entire disclosure about stock transactions. Stock Transactions Disclosures [Axis] Element represents disclosure about stock transactions. Series I Preferred Stock redeemed by cash redemption payment (in shares) Preferred Stock Redeemed by Cash Payment, Shares The number of shares of preferred stock redeemed through a cash redemption payment. Stock Transactions Disclosures [Domain] Represents stock transactions disclosures. Stock Transactions Disclosures Stock Transactions Disclosures [Line Items] Long Term Incentive Performance Programs Long-term Incentive Performance Programs [Line Items] Distributions Percentage to Operating Partnership Unit Percent of distributions of Operating Partnership that participants are entitled to receive during performance period (as a percent) The percentage of distributions paid on a unit of the Operating Partnership that participants of the stock-based compensation plan are entitled to receive during the performance period. One-year 2010 LTIP Program The Long-Term Incentive Performance Program which has a one-year performance period. Two-year 2011 LTIP Program The Long-Term Incentive Performance Program which has a two-year performance period. Three-year 2012 LTIP Program The Long-Term Incentive Performance Program which has a three-year performance period. Operating Partnership Represents operating partnership. Convertible Preferred Shares Conversion Ratio Conversion ratio, number of common stock shares into which Series I and J preferred stock is convertible (in shares) The conversion ratio used for converting each share of preferred stock or preferred units into common stock or units of the Operating Partnership. Preferred Stock Redemption Item represents preferred stock redemption by the entity. Operating Partnership Series I Preferred Units Represents operating partnership series I preferred units. Additional Series I Preferred Stock Represents additional series I preferred stock. Additional Operating Partnership Series I Preferred Units Represents additional operating partnership series I preferred units. Number of non-core assets in Poland sold by Simon Ivanhoe Number of Properties Sold The number of properties which were sold. Number of consolidated properties sold Pending Acquisition Number of Properties Expected to be Acquired Pending acquisition, number of outlet centers to be acquired The number of properties expected to be acquired due to an acquisition pending as of the balance sheet date. Proceeds to Joint Venture Partners from Sale of Properties Consideration received by joint venture partners from sale of Simon Ivanhoe (in euros) This element represents proceeds to joint venture partners from sale of properties. Pending Acquisition Expected Consideration to be Paid Pending acquisition, consideration expected to be paid The amount of expected consideration to be paid for a pending acquisition as of the balance sheet date. USD-Yen currency forward contract A currency forward contract related to fixing the USD-Yen exchange rate for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. USD-Euro currency forward contract A currency forward contract related to fixing the USD-Euro exchange rate for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. Notional Amount, Foreign Currency Contract Entered into During Period The notional amount of foreign currency contracts entered into during the period. Foreign currency contract, notional amount entered into during period Preferred Stock Redeemed by Cash Payment, Amount of Payment The amount of cash redemption payments made to redeem preferred stock. Cash redemption payment made to redeem remaining Series I Preferred Stock Common Stock, Issued During Period, Conversion of Preferred Stock Number of shares of common stock issued as a result of the conversion of preferred stock. Common stock issued as a result of the conversion of Series I Preferred Stock (in shares) Preferred Stock Converted During Period, Shares Number of shares of preferred stock converted to common stock during the period. Series I Preferred Stock converted to common stock (in shares) Units Issued During Period, Units, Conversion of Preferred Units Number of partnership units issued during the period as a result of the conversion of preferred units. Units issued by Operating Partnership due to conversion of Series I Preferred Units (in units) Preferred Units Converted During Period, Units Number of preferred units converted to common units during the period. Series I Preferred Units converted to common units (in units) Preferred Stock Redeemed by Cash Payment Per Share, Amount The redemption price per share for preferred stock redeemed through a cash redemption payment. Redemption price of shares of Series I Preferred Stock redeemed by cash redemption payment (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Aggregate Grant Date, Fair Value The aggregate grant date fair value of the awards made under the stock-based compensation plan. Aggregate grant date fair value Bond Tender Offer Debt Instruments Principal Amount The stated principal amount of the debt instruments involved in the bond tender offer. Principal amount of bond tender offer Average Interest Rate on Tender Notes Represents the average coupon rate of notes tendered. Average interest rate on notes tendered (as a percent) Adjustment to limited partners' interest from (decreased) increased ownership in the Operating Partnership Change in Partners' Capital Change in capital as a result of a reallocation of a subsidiary's stockholders' equity to noncontrolling interest due to the subsidiary issuing stock, issuing units, redemptions, or distributions. Senior unsecured notes 4.60% Debt securities having interest rate of 4.60% issued by the entity. Business Acquisition, Percentage of Ownership Acquired This element represents Percentage of ownership interests acquired in the business combination. Additional Business Acquisition Percentage of Ownership Acquired (as a percent) Cumulative Investment Ownership Percentage This element represents Cumulative ownership in the investment. Cumulative Investment Ownership Percentage (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Interests Acquired Initial Investment Percentage of Business Acquired (as a percent) This element represents Percentage of Interests Acquired in Business Acquisition. Non-employee Directors Stock This element represents number of restricted stock units awarded to the non employee directors of the entity. Number of Units Issued in Connection with Acquisitions Operating Partnership issued units in connection with the acquisition This element represents number of units issued by operating partnership in connection with the acquisition. Our Share of Gain on Sale or Disposal of Assets (net) Share of Reporting Entity on Disposal of Interest in Joint Venture The Company's share of gain on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities. Puerto Rico Premium Outlets Puerto Rico Locations. This element represents amount of loan acquired in connection with our acquisition of Premium Outlets. Amount of loan acquired in connection with acquisition of premium outlets Amount of Loan Acquired in Connection with Acquisition of Business This element represents floor rate of LIBOR. Floor Rate of LIBOR Floor rate of LIBOR (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility Amount Outstanding in Home Currency This element represents the amount borrowed in foreign currency under the credit facility, reported in home currency as of date. Foreign currency denominated credit facilities outstanding This element represents consideration received by joint venture. Consideration Received by Joint Venture Net Consideration received CSCG CAPC Debt instrument weighted average interest rate (as a percent) The weighted average coupon rate on unsecured debt. Weighted Average Coupon Rate Cost of Acquisition Including Assumption of Debt Cost of acquisition including assumption of debt The total cost of acquisition of real estate including the assumption of existing indebtedness. Acquisition, Cost of Outlet Acquisition cost of outlet Demerger Resulting Number of Companies The number of new companies formed as a result of a demerger. Demerger, resulting number of companies The book value of preferred units that were converted to limited partner units. Series I preferred unit conversion to limited partner units Preferred Unit Conversion to Partner Unit Value Acquisition of Controlling Interest Sale or Disposal of Assets and Interests in Unconsolidated Entities Gain or Loss Gain upon acquisition of controlling interest, and on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net In a business combination achieved in stages, this element represents the amount of gain or loss recognized by the entity as a result of re-measuring to fair value the equity interest in the acquiree it held before the business combination. Also includes the difference between the carrying value and the sales price for consolidated investment property and equity method investments. Gain on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net Gain (loss) upon acquisition of controlling interest, and on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net Transaction Expenses [Abstract] Transaction Expenses Loans Held-for-investment [Abstract] Loans Held for Investment Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Amount of Discount Amount of discount on mortgage notes and mezzanine loans Represents the amount of the discount on the mortgage notes which is deducted from the face amount of the receivable or loan. The discount or premium is the difference between the present value and the face amount. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Weighted Average Maturity Period Weighted average maturity period (in months) Represents the weighted average period of maturity of mortgage notes and mezzanine loans. Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Interest Principal Amortization Period Amortization period for payments of interest and principal on mortgage notes and mezzanine loans (in years) Represents the period over which interest and principal paid on mortgage notes and mezzanine loans are to be amortized. Second USD-Euro forward contract Second currency forward contract related to fixing the USD-Euro exchange rate for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. First currency forward contract related to fixing the USD-Euro exchange rate for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. First USD-Euro forward contract International joint ventures Joint venture ownership interest in properties located internationally. Acquisition Number of Properties, Acquired Acquisition, number of outlet centers acquired The number of properties acquired under an acquisition, as of the balance sheet date. Debt Repayments Mortgage indebtedness repaid This element represents the repaid debts. Acquisition Consideration Paid Acquisition, consideration paid The amount of consideration paid for acquisition, as of the balance sheet date. Percentage of Consideration Paid in Cash Percentage of consideration paid in cash (as a percent) This element represents the percentage of consideration paid in cash. Percentage of Consideration Paid in Units Percentage of consideration paid in units (as a percent) This element represents the percentage of consideration paid in units. Operating Partnership Capital Account Units, Issued Operating partnership capital account units, issued (in units) This element represents the number of units issued by the Operating Partnership. Operating Partnership Capital Account Amount Operating partnership capital account, amount This element represents the amount of units issued by the Operating Partnership. Business Acquisition, Assets and Liabilities, Acquired [Abstract] Summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Investment Properties Investment properties The amount of investment properties acquired in a business combination. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Mortgages and Other Indebtedness Mortgages and other indebtedness, including premium of $28 The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to the mortgages and other indebtedness of the acquired entity. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Current Liabilities Accounts payable, accrued expenses, intangibles and other The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to the accounts payable, accrued expenses, intangibles and other current liabilities of the acquired entity. Senior unsecured notes tendered August 9, 2010 Debt securities issued by the entity in August 2010. Senior unsecured notes issue closed August 16, 2010 Debt securities issue closed by the entity in August 2010, having interest rate of 4.375%, issued by the entity. Nashville, TN Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in Nashville, TN. Loans Held for Investment Loans Held for Investment [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policies for investments in mortgage loans or mezzanine loans. Noncontrolling Interests and Temporary Equity Noncontrolling Interests and Temporary Equity [Policy Text Block] Describes the accounting policy for noncontrolling interests and temporary equity. Transaction Expenses Transaction Expenses [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policies for expense related to acquisition, potential acquisition and disposition related costs. Excess Insurance Carrier Minimum Coverage Provided Excess insurance carrier, minimum coverage The minimum claim amount required to be submitted before the excess insurance carrier's coverage liability takes effect. Additional Proceeds Requested from Insurance Carrier Additional insurance proceeds requested Insurance proceeds requested from an excess insurance carrier. Gains (Losses) on Sales of Assets and Sale of Unconsolidated Entities or Interests (Loss) gain on sale of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities The net gain or loss resulting from the sale, transfer, termination, or other disposition of assets during the period, excluding transactions involving capital leases, assets-held- or available-for-lease, and other real estate owned which, to the extent appropriate, are included in gains (losses) on the disposition of assets in nonoperating income (expense). Also includes the net gain or loss on sale of unconsolidated entities or interests. Loss on sale of asset Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Held-for-investment, Number of Loans Mortgage and mezzanine loans on real estate, number of loans The number of loans on real estate, both mortgage and mezzanine, that are held for investment. Cash from acquisitions and cash impact from the consolidation of properties Cash Increase (Decrease) from Consolidation and Deconsolidation of Properties The increase in cash due to including a property's cash in the consolidated entity's cash when they become a subsidiary; or the decrease in cash due to no longer including the former subsidiary's cash in the consolidated entity's cash. Joint Venture Arrangements Interest, Percentage Represents the entity's percentage ownership interest in properties held through joint venture arrangements. Interest in income-producing properties, under joint venture arrangements (as a percent) Consolidation Less than Wholly Owned Property Parent Ownership Interest, Percentage Represents the threshold percentage of ownership below which a property is not considered wholly owned but is consolidated in the financial statements of the parent entity on the basis of control. Percentage of control below which a property is not wholly owned but may be consolidated based on control (as a percent) Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Receivable under Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the future minimum lease receivables as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, under noncancelable tenant operating leases. Schedule of future minimum rentals to be received under noncancelable tenant operating leases for each of the next five years and thereafter Future Minimum Payments Receivable Attributable to Leases with Affiliate of Limited Partner in Operating Partnership Represents the percentage of the future minimum rental payments receivable under an operating lease, which are attributable to leases with an affiliate of a limited partner in the operating partnership. Percentage of future minimum rentals receivable attributable to leases with an affiliate of a limited partner in the Operating Partnership (as a percent) Common Stock Dividends Percent Taxable as Ordinary Income Represents the percentage of the dividends declared or paid during the period that are taxable as ordinary income. Percent taxable as ordinary income (as a percent) Common Stock Dividends Percent Taxable as Long-term Capital Gains Represents the percentage of the dividends declared or paid during the period that are taxable as long-term capital gains. Percent taxable as long-term capital gains (as a percent) Common Stock Dividends Percent Non Taxable as Return of Capital Represents the percentage of the dividends declared or paid during the period that are nontaxable as a return of capital. Percent nontaxable as return of capital (as a percent) Schedule of Taxable Nature of Dividends Declared or Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of the taxable nature of dividends declared or paid during the reporting period. Schedule of taxable nature of dividend declared Common Stock Dividends Paid Represents the sum of the percentages of dividends paid by taxable nature. Total percentage of dividends paid (as a percent) Real Estate Investments [Abstract] Investment Properties Represents the sum of capitalized costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments and costs incurred by a lessor that are (a) costs to originate a lease incurred in transactions with independent third parties that (i) result directly from and are essential to acquire that lease and (ii) would not have been incurred had that leasing transaction not occurred and (b) certain costs directly related to specified activities performed by the lessor for that lease. This element is net of accumulated amortization. Deferred financing and lease costs, net Deferred Financing and Leasing Costs, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Asset Acquired in Place Leases, Net Represents the amount of value allocated by a lessor (acquirer) to lease agreements which existed at the time of acquisition of a leased property, net of accumulated amortization. Such amount may include the value assigned to existing tenant relationships and excludes the market adjustment component of the value assigned for above or below-market leases acquired. In-place lease intangibles, net Finite-Lived Intangible Asset Off-Market Lease Favorable, Net This element represents the identifiable intangible asset based on a favorable difference between the terms of an acquired lease and the current market terms for that lease at the acquisition date, net of accumulated amortization. Acquired above market lease intangibles, net Marketable Securities Others For an unclassified balance sheet, the total of marketable securities other than those categorized as available-for-sale debt securities. Other marketable securities Deferred Financing and Leasing Costs [Abstract] Deferred Financing and Lease Costs Deferred Financing and Leasing Costs, Gross Represents the sum of capitalized costs associated with the issuance of debt instruments and costs incurred by a lessor that are (a) costs to originate a lease incurred in transactions with independent third parties that (i) result directly from and are essential to acquire that lease and (ii) would not have been incurred had that leasing transaction not occurred and (b) certain costs directly related to specified activities performed by the lessor for that lease. Such amount is before the consideration of accumulated amortization. Deferred financing and lease costs, gross The accumulated amortization, as of the reporting date, representing the sum of the periodic charge to earnings of deferred costs which are associated with debt obligations existing as of the end of the period and the periodic charge to earnings of initial direct costs which have been deferred and are being allocated over the lease term in proportion to the recognition of rental income. Accumulated amortization Accumulated Amortization Deferred Financing and Lease Costs Amortization [Abstract] Amortization, included in statements of operations and comprehensive income Deferred Costs and Other Assets [Abstract] Deferred costs and other assets Above Market Leases This element represents the identifiable intangible asset established for an assumed above-market lease acquired in an acquisition. This element represents the identifiable intangible liability established for an assumed below-market lease acquired in an acquisition. Below Market Leases Represents the increasing (decreasing) effect on minimum rent for entity's above and below market leases as of balance sheet date. Increase to Minimum Rent, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Estimated future amortization, and the increasing (decreasing) effect on minimum rents Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Total number of anchor stores The approximate total number of anchor stores in the entity's retail properties. Approximate Number of Anchor Stores in Properties Approximate settlement values of noncontrolling interest This element represents the approximate settlement values of noncontrolling interest in limited life partnerships. Limited Partnership Approximate Settlement Values Noncontrolling Interest Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Represents the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest. Total accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Including, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net of Tax Represents the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), which is attributable to noncontrolling interest. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net of Tax Less: Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Represents the foreign currency translation gains (losses) included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, related to exchange rate fluctuations on foreign currency denominated debt. Impact of exchange rate fluctuations on foreign currency denominated debt Foreign Currency Denominated Debt Translation Adjustment Net of Tax Represents the percentage of the entity's leases for which a fixed payment is received from the tenant for the common area maintenance. Common Area Maintenance Fixed Payment Received from Tenant Leases for which fixed payment is received for CAM component (as a percent) Management Fees and Other Revenues [Abstract] Management fees and other revenues Reflects additions to the allowance for loan and lease losses arising due to consolidation of previously unconsolidated entities. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Consolidation of Previously Unconsolidated Entities Consolidation of previously unconsolidated entities Income Tax [Abstract] Income Taxes Represents the minimum percentage of entity's taxable income which is required to be distributed to stockholders in order to maintain the REIT status. Real Estate Investment Trust Distribution of Taxable Income to Stockholders Minimum Percentage under Regulation Minimum percentage of taxable income required to be distributed to stockholders in order to maintain the REIT status (as a percent) Represents the minimum percentage of entity's taxable income, which is required to be distributed to stockholders in order to be not liable for federal corporate income taxes. Real Estate Investment Trust Distribution of Taxable Income to Stockholders Minimum Percentage for Exemption from Federal Income Taxes Minimum percentage of taxable income required to be distributed to stockholders to be not liable for federal corporate income taxes (as a percent) Long-term Debt, by Maturity [Abstract] Debt Maturity and Other New Unsecured Credit Facility A new contractual arrangement with a lender under which borrowings can be made up to a specific amount at any point in time, and under which borrowings outstanding may be either short-term or long-term, depending upon the particulars. Number of Properties Pledged as Collateral to Secured Mortgage Notes Number of properties pledged as collateral The number of properties pledged as collateral to secure related mortgage notes. Total number of properties pledged as collateral for cross defaulted and cross collateralized mortgages Number of Properties Cross Defaulted and Cross Collateralized Mortgages, Total The total number of properties pledged as collateral for cross defaulted and cross collateralized mortgages. Properties Subject to Financial Performance Covenants Properties subject to various financial performance covenants The number of encumbered properties subject to various financial performance covenants. Number of Limited Partners Providing Guarantees of Foreclosure Number of limited partners providing guarantees of foreclosure This element represents the number of limited partners providing guarantees of foreclosure. Guarantees Foreclosure Guarantees of foreclosure This element represents the portion of consolidated debt for which guarantees of foreclosure are provided. Long-term Debt Nonrecourse, Amount Mortgage notes, nonrecourse amount This element represents the nonrecourse amount of mortgage notes. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unamortized Amount, Net Deficit from Terminated Swap Agreements Deficit from terminated swap agreements The unamortized balance of the net deficit from terminated interest rate swap agreements recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Schedule of Limited Partners Preferred Interest in Operating Partnership and Other Interest in Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Limited Partners' Preferred Interests in the Operating Partnership and Other Noncontrolling Redeemable Interests in Properties Disclosure of limited partners preferred interest in operating partnership; preferred interest represents preference in liquidation, redemption, conversion, tax status of distribution or sharing in distributions and also includes other noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties. Right to Elect Number of Board of Directors Right to elect number of board of directors Represents the number of board of directors' members that can be elected by a person or a group. MSA This element represents details pertaining to Melvin Simon and Associates, Inc. (MSA), which is a related party of the entity. Stock Issued During Period Shares Related Party Shares issued to related party (in shares) Number of shares of stock issued during the period to related parties. 8.00% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. 8.00% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. Temporary Equity, Dividend Rate, Percentage Temporary equity stated dividend rate percentage (as a percent) The percentage of dividend rate on temporary equity. Temporary Equity, Units Converted Temporary equity, units converted to preferred stock (in shares) This element represents the number of temporary units converted into shares of preferred stock. Limited Partners Preferred Interest in Operating Partnership Limited partners' preferred interest in the Operating Partnership Represents the limited partners' preferred interest in an operating partnership. Noncontrolling Redeemable Interests in Properties Other noncontrolling redeemable interests in properties Represents the limited partners' interests in other noncontrolling redeemable properties. Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner, Per Unit Cumulative quarterly distributions on preferred units (in dollars per share) The cumulative amount of quarterly distributions per share or per unit. Preferred Units Unpaid Distribution, Per Unit Preferred units, accrued and unpaid distributions per unit (in dollars per share) The per unit amount of accrued and unpaid distributions on preferred units. Preferred Units Redemption Number of Units, Issued Preferred units, number of units issued in redemption (in shares) Represents the number of units of operating partnerships issued on redemption of preferred units. Series C 7.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock Represents Series C 7.00 percent cumulative convertible preferred stock. Series D 8.00% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Represents Series D 8.00 percent cumulative redeemable preferred stock. Series J 8 3/8% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Represents Series J 8 3/8 percent cumulative redeemable preferred stock. Preferred Stock Unamortized Premium Preferred stock unamortized premium The amount of preferred stock premium that was originally recognized at the issuance of stock that has yet to be amortized and included in carrying value of preferred stock. 7.00% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units Represents the 7.00% cumulative convertible preferred units. Automatic awards for eligible directors Awards to eligible directors of the entity which are granted automatically based on pre-established criteria. Director Options An arrangement with a director whereby the director is entitled to receive in the future, subject to vesting and other restrictions, a number of shares in the entity at a specified price, as defined in the agreement. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Award, Value to Director on Initial Election Value of restricted shares awarded to directors on initial election Reflects the value of restricted stock awarded to non-employee directors upon initial election. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Award, Value to Director on Reelection Value of restricted shares awarded to director on re-election Reflects the value of restricted stock awarded to non-employee directors upon re-election. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional Restricted Stock Award, Value to Director Serving as Chairperson of Audit Committee Value of additional restricted shares awarded to director serving as the chairperson of the Audit Committee Reflects the value of additional restricted stock awarded to a director serving as a chairperson of audit committee. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional Restricted Stock Award, Value to Director Serving as Chairperson of Other Standing Committees Value of additional restricted shares awarded to a director serving as chairperson of a standing committee other than the Audit Committee Reflects the value of additional restricted stock awarded to a director serving as a chairperson of a standing committee other than the Audit Committee. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional Restricted Units Award to Lead Director Value Value of additional restricted shares awarded to the Lead Director Reflects the value of additional restricted stock awarded to the Lead Director. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share Range of Exercise Prices from $23.41-$30.38 This element represents the range of exercise prices from $23.41-$30.38. Range of Exercise Prices from $30.39-$46.97 This element represents the range of exercise prices from $30.39-$46.97. Range of Exercise Prices from $46.98-$50.17 This element represents the range of exercise prices from $46.98-$50.17. Outstanding and Exercisable, options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Outstanding and Exercisable Number This element represents details pertaining to both options, which are outstanding and exercisable. Options, outstanding refer to the number of shares reserved for issuance pertaining to the outstanding stock options as of the balance sheet date for all option plans in the customized range of exercise prices. Options, exercisable refer to the number of shares reserved for issuance pertaining to the outstanding exercisable stock options as of the balance sheet date in the customized range of exercise prices for which the market and performance vesting condition has been satisfied. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) This element represents details pertaining to both weighted-average remaining contractual life of options, which are outstanding and exercisable. The weighted-average period remaining as of the balance-sheet date until option expiration pertaining to the outstanding stock options for all option plans in the customized range of exercise prices, which may be expressed in a variety of ways (for example, years, months). It also includes the weighted average remaining life of the exercisable stock options as of the balance sheet date for all option plans in the customized range of exercise prices. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Outstanding and Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding and Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share (in dollars per share) This element represents details pertaining to both weighted-average remaining contractual life of options, which are outstanding and exercisable. The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees could acquire the underlying shares with respect to all outstanding stock options, which are in the customized range of exercise prices. It includes weighted-average exercise price as of the balance sheet date for those equity-based payment arrangements, which are exercisable and outstanding. Exchange Rights [Abstract] Exchange Rights Partners Capital Account Units Exchange, Basis Describes the exchange features of limited partners units. Limited partners units, exchange basis Income (Loss) from Consolidated Joint Venture Interests Represents the income (loss) from consolidated joint venture interests. Income from unconsolidated entities Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Share of Reporting Entity This item represents the share of reporting entity to an other than temporary decline in value that has been recognized against an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Our Share of Impairment Charge from Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Average outstanding balance due from parties associated with the reporting entity as evidenced by a written promise to pay. Notes Receivable Related Parties, Average Outstanding Balance Average outstanding balance of loan receivable from SPG-FCM and Mills Related Party Financing Fee Income Financing fee income earned on notes receivable from related parties during the reporting period, net of inter-entity eliminations. Financing fee income from SPG-FCM and Mills loans, net of inter-entity eliminations Related Party Transaction Amounts Charged to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Represents amounts charged to unconsolidated joint ventures for services provided by the entity's management company and its affiliates. Amounts charged to unconsolidated joint ventures Related Party Transaction Amounts Charged to Properties Owned by Related Parties Represents amounts charged to properties owned by related parties other than unconsolidated joint ventures for services provided by the entity's management company and its affiliates. Amounts charged to properties owned by related parties 6% Series I Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock Represents 6 percent Series I convertible perpetual preferred stocks. 6% Series I Convertible Perpetual Preferred Units Represents 6 percent Series I convertible perpetual preferred units. Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment, Net of Tax This item represents an other than temporary decline in value, net of tax that has been recognized against an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Impairment charge from investments in unconsolidated entities, net of tax Joint Venture Investment, Additional Capital Contribution Represents the additional capital contribution made by the reporting entity to the joint venture investment entity. Additional capital contribution Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] Future minimum rentals to be received under noncancelable tenant operating leases Schedule of Ownership Interest in Operating Partnership [Table Text Block] Disclosure of information and data related to ownership interest held by the reporting entity in the operating partnership. Schedule of weighted average ownership interest in the operating partnership Schedule of Interest Cost Capitalized [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the interest costs capitalized during each period presented. Schedule of interest capitalized Schedule of Deferred Costs and Other Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of deferred costs and the carrying amounts of other assets. Schedule of deferred costs and other assets Schedule of Deferred Financing and Leasing Costs [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of deferred financing and leasing costs, including gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization. Schedule of deferred financing and leasing costs Schedule of Amortization of Deferred Cost [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the components of amortization expense related to deferred financing and leasing costs. Schedule of amortization, included in statements of operations and comprehensive income Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Disclosure of transactions with related parties. Schedule of related party transactions Debt Instrument, Fixed Rate Maturity Period Represents the weighted-average maturity period for fixed-rate debt instruments. Weighted average maturity period, fixed-rate debt (in years) Conversion Basis of Preferred Units into Preferred Stock Describes the conversion features of preferred units if such units is convertible, that is, conversion of preferred units into preferred stock. Conversion basis of preferred units into preferred stock 7.75% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 7.75 % Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units. 8.00% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units 8.00% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units redeemable on or after January 1, 2011. Restricted stock shares awarded during the year, net of forfeitures (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures The number of shares (or other type of equity) issuable under an equity-based award plan pertaining to grants made during the period, net of forfeitures on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Prepaid Expense Notes Receivable and Other Assets Prepaids, notes receivable and other assets, net Represents the sum of prepaid expenses, notes receivables and other assets, not separately disclosed. Fixed Rate Debt [Abstract] Fixed-Rate Debt: Variable Rate Debt [Abstract] Variable-Rate Debt: Debt Instrument, Variable Rate Maturity Period Weighted average maturity period, variable-rate debt (in years) Represents the weighted-average maturity period for variable-rate debt instruments. Schedule of Cash Paid, Net of Capitalization [Table Text Block] Cash paid for interest in each period, net of any amounts capitalized Tabular disclosure of cash payments for interest for each period presented. Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt on Joint Venture [Table Text Block] Scheduled principal payment repayments on joint venture properties' mortgages and other indebtedness This table presents the scheduled principal payment repayments on joint venture properties' mortgages and other indebtedness. Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract] Discontinued Operations Deferred Costs and Other Assets [Policy Text Block] Description of an entity's accounting policy related to deferred costs and other assets. Deferred Costs and Other Assets Investment Land Building and Building Improvements Aggregate of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of investments in land, building and building improvements. Total land, buildings and improvements Number of Properties Subject to Ground Leases Represents the number of consolidated properties subject to ground leases. Properties subject to ground leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense Ground lease expense Concentration Risk Number of Anchor Stores The number of anchor stores in the entity's retail properties occupied by a limited number of retailers, representing a concentration of credit risk. Concentration of credit risk, number of anchor stores Insurance Coverage Foreign Acts of Terrorism The amount of coverage per occurrence against certified foreign acts of terrorism maintained by the entity on owned properties in the United States. Insurance coverage, foreign acts of terrorism Insurance Coverage Domestic Acts of Terrorism The amount of coverage per occurrence against non-certified domestic acts of terrorism maintained by the entity on owned properties in the United States. Insurance coverage, domestic acts of terrorism Real Estate Taxes and Insurance [Abstract] Insurance Concentration of Credit Risk [Abstract] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk Number of Retailers The number of retailers occupying a significant proportion of the anchor stores in the entity's retail properties, representing a concentration of credit risk. Concentration of credit risk, number of retailers Limited Life Partnerships [Abstract] Limited Life Partnerships Florida City Outlet Center, Florida City, FL Real Estate Investment Properties [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policy for investments in real estate held solely for investment purposes (income production and capital appreciation). Investment Properties Business Combinations and Other Purchase of Business Transactions, Policy [Policy Text Block] Purchase Accounting Allocation Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred Financing and Lease Costs Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period Capitalized interest Sale of Consolidated Properties This element represents the sale of consolidated properties. Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Investment Properties Useful Life Minimum Building and Building Improvements The minimum useful life of real estate investments in building and building improvements. Minimum useful life, building and building improvements (in years) Investment Properties Useful Life Minimum Fixtures and Equipment The minimum useful life of real estate investments in fixtures and equipment. Minimum useful life, fixtures and equipment (in years) Investment Properties Useful Life Maximum Building and Building Improvements The maximum useful life of real estate investments in building and building improvements. Maximum useful life, building and building improvements (in years) Investment Properties Useful Life Maximum Fixtures and Equipment The maximum useful life of real estate investments in fixtures and equipment. Maximum useful life, fixtures and equipment (in years) Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Marketable securities of our captive insurance companies Segment Reporting Number of Reportable Segments The number of reportable segments. Number of reportable segments Concentration of Risk Percent of Consolidated Revenues The maximum percentage of consolidated revenues represented by a single customer or tenant that is used as a threshold for disclosure. Maximum percentage of consolidated revenues from a single customer or tenant Above and below market leases Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Provision for Loss, Gross Provision for credit losses Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Adjustments, Net Accounts written off, net of recoveries Real Estate Investment Trust Failure to Qualify Ineligibility Period Represents the length of time over which the entity may be ineligible to elect to be taxed as a REIT, following the taxable year in which it fails to qualify as a REIT. Period of ineligibility to be taxed as a REIT if REIT status is lost (in years) The number of regional malls for which the entity recognized impairment charges against an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Regional malls with impairment charges Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment, Number of Regional Malls Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment, Number of Non-Retail Real Estate Assets The number of non-retail real estate assets for which the entity recognized impairment charges against an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Non-retail real estate assets with impairment charges Number of Cross Defaulted and Cross Collateralized Mortgage Pools with Collateral Properties Number of pools of cross-defaulted and cross-collateralized mortgages encumbering the entity's properties. Number of cross-defaulted and cross-collateralized mortgage pools Number of Consolidated Properties with Guarantees of Foreclosure This element represents the number of consolidated properties for which guarantees of foreclosure are provided. Number of consolidated properties with guarantees of foreclosure Repayments of Unsecured Debt Senior unsecured note repayment Notes Receivable, Related Party, Reference Rate The reference rate for the variable rate of a note receivable such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate. Base interest rate for loans to SPG-FCM and Mills Notes Receivable, Related Party, Stated Variable Rate The number of basis points added to the reference rate to compute the variable interest rate for the related party note outstanding at the balance sheet date. Basis points added to base rate for remaining loan to SPG-FCM (as a percent) Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate Fixed rate swap agreements, weighted average fixed pay rate (as a percent) Derivative, Average Variable Interest Rate Fixed rate swap agreements, weighted average variable receive rate (as a percent) The entity's share in the accumulated derivative losses of joint ventures, included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate, Derivative Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Joint Ventures Accumulated derivative losses from joint venture Schedule of fair value of fixed rate mortgages and the related discount rate assumptions Schedule of Fair Value of Fixed Rate Mortgages [Text Block] This element represents the schedule disclosing the fair values of fixed rate mortgages and other related disclosures relevant for arriving at its fair value. Temporary Equity, Redemption Price, Evaluation Period The number of trading days for which the closing price of the stock is evaluated in order to determine whether redemption of the temporary equity may occur. Temporary equity redemption basis, closing price evaluation period (in days) Temporary Equity, Redemption Price, Trading Period The number of trading days in which the evaluation period of the closing price of the stock is calculated in order to determine whether redemption of the temporary equity may occur. Temporary equity redemption basis, closing price trading period (in days) Temporary Equity, Conversion Permitted, Closing Sale Price as Percent of Conversion Price Percentage of closing price compared to conversion price which will permit conversion (as a percent) The percentage of the conversion price, which, if it exists for 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day before notice of redemption is issued will permit the conversion of temporary equity to common shares. Temporary Equity, Conversion Triggering Event, Closing Sale Price as Percent of Conversion Price The percentage of the conversion price, which, if it exists for 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter, will trigger the conversion of temporary equity. Percentage of closing price compared to conversion price which will trigger conversion (as a percent) Change of Control Event Change in the Majority of Directors Period Change of control, change in majority of directors in period (in years) This element represents the number of years within which a change in the majority of directors would be considered a change of control. Conversion Trigger Price The price per share at which holders of Series I Preferred Stock are eligible to convert shares into common stock. Trigger price (in dollars per share) Temporary Equity, Units Converted, Prior to 2009 This element represents the number of temporary units converted into shares of preferred stock prior to 2009. Temporary equity, units converted to preferred stock prior to 2009 (in shares) Liquidation preference (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Temporary Equity, Redemption Value, Accrued and Unpaid Distributions The amount paid by the entity for accrued and unpaid distributions when the preferred units were redeemed. Redemption price, portion for accrued and unpaid distributions (in dollars per share) Number of Series of Preferred Stock, Issued to Facilitate Conversion of Related Preferred Units The number of series of preferred stock issued to facilitate the possible conversion of related series of preferred units. Number of series of preferred stock issued to facilitate conversion of related series of preferred units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Cumulative Grants, Net of Forfeitures The number of grants, net of forfeitures of equity instruments that are not stock option plans awarded since inception of the plan. Total number of shares awarded, net of forfeiture (in shares) Stockholders' Equity Note, Subscriptions Receivable Notes Receivable from Former CPI Stockholders Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares reserved for issuance (in shares) Repayments of Secured Debt Repayment of mortgage loans Cash Tender Offer Debt Instruments Principal Amount Principal amount of cash tender offer The stated principal amount of the debt instruments involved in the cash tender offer. Malaysia joint venture Joint venture ownership interest in properties located in Malaysia. Proceeds from Unsecured Notes Payable Proceeds from senior unsecured notes Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Charge to earning as a result of tender offer Business Acquisition, Percentage of Interests Acquired, Low End of Range Business Acquisition Percentage of Ownership Acquired, low end of the range (as a percent) This element represents low end of percentage of ownership interests acquired in the business combination. Business Acquisition, Percentage of Interests Acquired, High End of Range Business Acquisition Percentage of Ownership Acquired, high end of the range (as a percent) This element represents high end of percentage of ownership interests acquired in the business combination. Impairment Expense, Net of Tax Non-cash impairment charges, net of tax After tax impairment related to consolidated investment properties, investments in unconsolidated entities, and available for sale investment securities. Impairment Expense, Tax Effect Non-cash impairment charges, tax effect Tax effect on impairment related to consolidated investment properties, investments in unconsolidated entities, and available for sale investment securities. Impairment Expense, Share of Noncontrolling Interest Holders Share of noncontrolling interest holders in non-cash impairment charges Represents the share of noncontrolling interest holders in impairment related to consolidated investment properties, investments in unconsolidated entities, and available for sale investment securities. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Expiration Period Reflects the period as to when the equity-based award expires as specified in the award agreement. Expiration period (in years) Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Interest Income Represents the interest income on the mortgage loan receivable. Interest income on loans held for investment Amount of Reduction in Carrying Amount of Properties Represents the amount of reduction in the carrying value of a property to its estimated net realizable value. Reduction in the carrying value to estimated net realizable value Line Of Credit Facility Competitive Bid Feature Maximum Percent Line of credit facility, competitive bid feature maximum bid (as a percent) This items represent the maximum percent of the line of credit that participating lender can bid on at then current market rates of interest. Loss on debt extinguishment Cash flow impact of the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt, Cash Flow Impact Equity in income of unconsolidated entities Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Cash Flow Cash flow impact of the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Such amount typically reflects adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated statements, including adjustments to eliminate intercompany gains and losses, and to amortize, if appropriate, any difference between cost and underlying equity in net assets of the investee at the date of investment. Acquisition, number of properties with noncontrolling interest holder Acquisition Number of Properties with Noncontrolling Interest Holder Following an acquisition, the number of properties that continue to have a noncontrolling interest holder Convertible Class B Shares Outstanding Conditioned upon 1998 Charter The number of Class B shares outstanding as of the balance sheet date. Class B shares outstanding under the 1998 Charter Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Tenant Receivables and Accrued Revenue, Net Tenant receivables and accrued revenue, net The amount of tenant receivables and accrued revenue, net, acquired in a business combination. Insurance Coverage, All Acts of Terrorism Insurance coverage, acts of terrorism The amount of coverage per occurrence against acts of terrorism maintained by the entity. Line of Credit Facility Repayment Amount Denominated in Foreign Currency Element represents the repayment on the Euro-denominated tranche of the Credit Facility, in the foreign currency. Foreign currency denominated credit facility repayment, in foreign currency Line of Credit Facility Repayment Amount Denominated in US Currency Element represents the repayment on the Euro-denominated tranche of the Credit Facility, in US currency. Foreign currency denominated credit facility repayment, in US currency. Letter of Credit Conversion of Series C preferred Units to limited partner units Limited Partnership Units Issued During Period Value Conversion of Preferred Units The value of limited partner units issued during the period related to the conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units. Minority Interest Weighted Average, Ownership Interest Percentage by Parent The consolidating entity's weighted average interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. Weighted average ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership (as a percent) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Derivatives before Tax Accumulated change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments. Includes the entity's share of other comprehensive income from joint ventures. Gross accumulated other comprehensive income or loss related to derivative activities Accumulated derivative losses, net Partners Capital Account Acquisitions Exchanges and Conversions Total change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to acquisitions exchanges and conversions. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners. Issuance of limited partner units Number of Land Parcels Written-Down The number of land parcels written down Following an acquisition, the number of land parcels written down. Number of Outlet Centers Acquired The number of outlet centers acquired in connection with Prime acquisition. The number of outlet centers acquired in connection with the Prime acquisition. Acquisition of Controlling Interest Sale or Disposal of Assets and Interests in Unconsolidated Entities Gain or Loss Cash Flow Gain upon acquisition of controlling interest, and on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net In a business combination achieved in stages, this element represents the cash flow effect of the amount of gain or loss recognized by the entity as a result of re-measuring to fair value the equity interest in the acquiree it held before the business combination. Also includes the difference between the carrying value and the sales price for consolidated investment property and equity method investments. Gain (loss) upon acquisition of controlling interest, and on sale or disposal of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net Senior unsecured notes 7.75% Debt securities having interest rate of 7.75% issued by the entity. Senior unsecured notes 8.25% Debt securities having interest rate of 8.25% issued by the entity. Senior unsecured notes 5.38% Debt securities having interest rate of 5.38% issued by the entity. Original Allocations Adjusted Allocations Foreign Currency Derivatives at Fair Value, Net Fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts, net Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Description Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Gain (Loss) Due to Acquisition of Controlling Interest Gain/ (loss) due to acquisition of controlling interest This element represents the gain/ (loss) due to acquisition of controlling interest, which resulted in a remeasurement of previously held equity interest to fair value. Maximum Purchase Price Allocation Revision Period from Acquisition Date Maximum purchase price revision period from acquisition date (in years) The period, from the date of acquisition, that the purchase price allocation is subject to revision within the measurement period. The number of one-year loan maturity date extensions. Number of one-year extensions available for SPG-FCM loan after June 8, 2011 Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Maturity Date Extensions, Number Number of Limited Partners Issued Shares of Common Stock Number of limited partners who received common stock The number of limited partners who received common stock in exchange for an equal number of units, in the period. Foreign Currency Derivative Assets at Fair Value Asset value of forwards included in deferred costs and other assets Construction Loan Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Additional financing to rebuild Opry Mills Mall Maximum borrowing capacity under the construction loan without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the loan. Mortgage Covenants Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans Number of non-recourse mortgage notes under which the Company and subsidiaries are borrowers Number of mortgage loans repaid Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies. Preferred dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock Class C common stock Commitments and Contingencies Debt Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of activity in the allowance for credit losses including the activity related to discontinued operations Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate (as a percent) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Remaining Amortization Period Weighted average remaining life of intangible (in years) Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five Thereafter Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of credit outstanding Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount Fixed-rate mortgages and other indebtedness Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Variable-rate mortgages and other indebtedness Number of Real Estate Properties Number of properties secured by non-recourse mortgage notes Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net, Available-for-sale Securities Other-than-temporary impairment on an investment, reclassified to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive incomes (losses) Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preferred stock stated dividend rate percentage (as a percent) Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation. Restricted Stock Awards Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss by components Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Mortgages and other indebtedness Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated future amortization and the increasing (decreasing) effect on minimum rents for above and below market leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of future minimum lease payments due under ground leases Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Scheduled principal repayments of indebtedness Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of quarterly financial data Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of investment properties Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of ground lease expense incurred, included in other expense Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of restricted stock awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Director Options and Employee Options activity Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Disclosure Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Disclosure Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average life of outstanding options (in years) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Stock options exercised related to fund required withholding tax, shares Temporary Equity, by Class of Stock [Table] Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Temporary equity redemption price (in dollars per share) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges, Pretax, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Unamortized balance of benefits from treasury and interest rate hedge agreements Payments to Acquire Loans Held-for-investment Purchase of loans held for investment Preferred Stock, Accretion of Redemption Discount Series G preferred stock accretion Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Reconciliation of carrying amounts of equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Italy Japan Mexico South Korea China Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Owned, developed and managed retail properties: Number of States in which Entity Operates Number of U.S. states containing property locations Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantees of Joint Venture Indebtedness: Weighted-average interest rate, fixed-rate debt (as a percent) Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Weighted average interest rate, variable-rate debt (as a percent) Basic and diluted earnings per share data Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative financial instruments Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate Exchange rate used in currency forward contracts Revenue Recognition Leases, Operating [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Sales of Services [Policy Text Block] Management Fees and Other Revenues Significant Accounting Policies Investment in Unconsolidated Entities Equity Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements This element represents Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. Rentals under Operating Leases Investment Properties Related Party Transactions Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Basis of Presentation Organization Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Performance Period The number of years in the performance period for the purpose of setting performance goals for a share-based compensation plan. Performance period (in years) Amortization period, maximum (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Represents the acquisition ABQ Uptown. ABQ Uptown Proceeds from businesses sold Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates Ownership interests acquired (as a percent) Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Area of lifestyle center acquired (in square feet) Square Footage of Real Estate Property Purchase price of business acquired Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Represents the Long-Term Incentive Performance Program ending 2013, which has a three-year performance period. Three-year Ending 2013 LTIP Program Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Portion of Employees Stock Options Vested Per Year Represents the portion of stock options for employees vesting on the day prior to the sixth, seventh and eighth anniversaries of grant, subject to continued employment. Portion of stock options vesting on the day prior to the sixth, seventh and eighth anniversaries of grant Secured Loans on Real Estate, Commitment Represents the total commitment under secured loan to fund the construction of a real estate asset. Total commitment under secured loan Number of One Year Extensions Available Represents the number of one-year extensions available under the commitment. Number of one-year extensions Secured Loans on Real Estate, Amount Withdrawn Represents the amount drawn on the secured loan. Amount drawn on secured loan LTIP Retention Award - CEO The one-time retention award issued to the CEO in the form of LTIP units The 2011 Long-Term Incentive Performance Program. 2011-2013 LTIP Program Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities - Cash From Acquisitions And Cash Impact Of Property Consolidation And Deconsolidation Cash from acquisitions and cash impact from the consolidation and deconsolidation of properties Cash inflow and outflow from acquisitions and from consolidation and deconsolidation of properties. King of Prussia Represents the acquisition of King of Prussia properties. Additional facility fee (in basis points) Line of Credit Additional Facility Fee Basis Points The number of additional basis points added to the reference rate as a facility fee on the line of credit. Line of Credit Facility Multi Currency Tranche Multi-currency tranche Represents the multi-currency tranche included in a new unsecured credit facility. Line of Credit Facility Increased Borrowing Capacity Credit facility, increased borrowing capacity Represents the amount up to which the borrowing capacity of the line of credit may be increased under the terms of the credit agreement. Joint Venture Unconsolidated Properties Number Joint venture unconsolidated properties, number Represents the number of unconsolidated properties owned via joint venture. Business Acquisition Revision to Purchase Price Allocation MaximumMeasurement Period Represents the maximum measurement period from the date of acquisition, for revision of the purchase price allocation. Revision to purchase price allocation, maximum measurement period (in years) Aggregate cash purchase price for acquisition Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Profit(Loss) Excluding Preferred Distributions and Income Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interestsin Consolidated Properties Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests after preferred distributions and income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in consolidated properties The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest and excluding preferred distributions and income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests in consolidated properties. Origination Of Notes Receivable From Related Parties Net Of Repayments Funding of loans to related parties, net The cash outflow for a loan, net of repayments, supported by a promissory note, granted to related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth. Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Vesting Installments Vesting period (in installments) Pursuant to the award agreements, the number of equal installments over which the award vests. Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share Repayment of mortgage loans The cash inflow associated with the repayment of loans held for investment by the entity. Repayments On Loans Held for Investment Number of real estate assets Represents the number of retail assets, which are funded by secured loan. Number of Real Estate Assets Number Of Loans Repaid On Loans Held For Investment Number of mortgage loans repaid The number of mortgage loans repaid during the period on loans held for investment. Interest Rate On Mortgage Loans Held For Investment Interest rate on secured loan (as a percent) The stated interest rate on the mortgage loans held for investment. Other Liabilities and Accrued Dividends Total of Other Liabilities and Accrued Dividends. Other liabilities are the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of liabilities not individually reported in the financial statements. Accrued dividends are the carrying value as of the balance sheet date of dividends declared but unpaid on equity securities issued by the entity and outstanding. Cash Increase (Decrease) from Consolidation and Deconsolidation of Properties The increase in cash due to including a property's cash in the consolidated entity's cash when they become a subsidiary; or the decrease in cash due to no longer including the former subsidiary's cash in the consolidated entity's cash. Adjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives. Document and Entity Information Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units Conversion of Series C preferred Units to limited partner units Issuance of Limited Partner Units With Redemption of Preferred Units Issuance of limited partner units with the redemption of the Series C preferred units Issuance of Limited Partner Units With Redemption of Preferred Units, Second Series in Year Issuance of limited partner units with the redemption of the Series D preferred units