Investments in Unconsolidated Entities and International Investments - Combined Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 475,250	$ 400,270	$ 353,334
Equity Method Investees excluding Klepierre, Aeropostale, ABG and HBS | Unconsolidated properties
REVENUE:
Minimum rent	1,949,523	1,868,613	1,823,674
Overage rent	230,145	210,909	200,638
Tenant reimbursements	880,042	860,778	862,155
Other income	326,575	290,515	237,782
Total revenue	3,386,285	3,230,815	3,124,249
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Property operating	590,921	551,885	538,002
Depreciation and amortization	652,968	640,286	588,666
Real estate taxes	259,567	245,646	239,917
Repairs and maintenance	87,408	81,309	76,380
Advertising and promotion	87,349	86,480	88,956
Provision for credit losses	14,042	6,645	7,603
Other	187,292	184,037	183,435
Total operating expenses	1,879,547	1,796,288	1,722,959
Operating Income Before Other Items	1,506,738	1,434,527	1,401,290
Interest expense	(663,693)	(593,062)	(585,958)
Gain (loss) on sale or disposal of, or recovery on, assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net	33,367	(2,239)	101,051
Net Income	876,412	839,226	916,383
Third-Party Investors’ Share of Net Income	436,767	424,533	452,844
Our Share of Net Income	439,645	414,693	463,539
Amortization of Excess Investment	(85,252)	(89,804)	(94,213)
Our Share of (Gain) Loss on Sale or Disposal of, or Recovery on, Assets and Interests in Unconsolidated Entities, net	(12,513)	1,342	(22,636)
Our Share of Gain on Sale or Disposal of, or Recovery on, Assets and Interests Included in Other Income in the Consolidated Financial Statements			(36,153)
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 341,880	$ 326,231	$ 310,537