Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Reconciling the Components of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 76,434	$ 61,533	$ 591,058	$ 207,904
Less: Dividends on participating securities	(593)	(651)	(1,803)	(1,941)
Basic net income attributable to common shareholders	75,841	60,882	589,255	205,963
Add back dividends on dilutive participating securities	593	0	1,803	0
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable	751	795	6,212	2,738
Diluted net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 77,185	$ 61,677	$ 597,270	$ 208,701
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding, Basic	345,256	341,165	344,986	333,393
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic	3,504	4,380	3,609	4,384
Other potential dilutive shares/units	3,390	281	3,418	280
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	352,150	345,826	352,013	338,057
Duke Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 77,185	$ 62,328	$ 597,270	$ 210,642
Less: Dividends on participating securities	(593)	(651)	(1,803)	(1,941)
Basic net income attributable to common unitholders	76,592	61,677	595,467	208,701
Add back dividends on dilutive participating securities	593	0	1,803	0
Diluted net income attributable to common unitholders	$ 77,185	$ 61,677	$ 597,270	$ 208,701
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding, Basic	348,760	345,545	348,595	337,777
Other potential dilutive shares/units	3,390	281	3,418	280
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	352,150	345,826	352,013	338,057