Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Reconciling the Components of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders/unitholders	$ 127,688	$ 61,494	$ 146,371	$ 89,537
Less: Dividends on Participating Securities	(646)	(688)	(1,289)	(1,375)
Basic Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stockholders	127,042	60,806	145,082	88,162
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable	1,693	842	1,943	1,234
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders	128,735	61,648	147,025	89,396
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding	331,753	322,489	329,442	318,733
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding	4,386	4,388	4,386	4,397
Other potential dilutive shares/units	275	221	274	220
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	336,414	327,098	334,102	323,350
Duke Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders/unitholders	129,381	62,336	148,314	90,771
Less: Dividends on Participating Securities	(646)	(688)	(1,289)	(1,375)
Basic Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stockholders	$ 128,735	$ 61,648	$ 147,025	$ 89,396
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding	336,139	326,877	333,828	323,130
Other potential dilutive shares/units	275	221	274	220
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	336,414	327,098	334,102	323,350