Investments in Unconsolidated Entities and International Investments - Combined Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 90,444	$ 90,026
Equity Method Investees excluding Klepierre, Aeropostale, ABG and HBS | Unconsolidated properties
REVENUE:
Lease income	758,979	752,606
Other income	75,922	81,108
Total revenue	834,901	833,714
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Property operating	144,721	146,293
Depreciation and amortization	170,258	159,836
Real estate taxes	68,717	68,267
Repairs and maintenance	22,376	23,196
Advertising and promotion	24,326	24,224
Other	49,316	49,732
Total operating expenses	479,714	471,548
Operating Income Before Other Items	355,187	362,166
Interest expense	(156,016)	(150,932)
Gain on sale or disposal of, or recovery on, assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net	21,587
Net Income	220,758	211,234
Third-Party Investors’ Share of Net Income	112,668	106,183
Our Share of Net Income	108,090	105,051
Amortization of Excess Investment	(20,792)	(21,527)
Our Share of Gain on Sale or Disposal of Assets and Interest in Other Income in the Consolidated Financial Statements	(9,155)
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 78,143	$ 83,524