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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders/unitholders	$ 61,533	$ (6,067)	$ 207,904	$ 83,470
Less: Dividends on Participating Securities	(651)	(650)	(1,941)	(2,024)
Basic Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stockholders	60,882	(6,717)	205,963	81,446
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable	795	0	2,738	1,142
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders	61,677	(6,717)	208,701	82,588
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding	341,165	324,895	333,393	320,810
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding	4,380	0	4,384	4,393
Other potential dilutive shares/units	281	0	280	177
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	345,826	324,895	338,057	325,380
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	62,328	(6,159)	210,642	84,612
Less: Dividends on Participating Securities	(651)	(650)	(1,941)	(2,024)
Basic Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Stockholders	$ 61,677	$ (6,809)	$ 208,701	$ 82,588
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding	345,545	329,283	337,777	325,203
Other potential dilutive shares/units	281	0	280	177
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	345,826	329,283	338,057	325,380