Investments in Unconsolidated Entities and International Investments - Combined Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 119,706	$ 134,408	$ 316,691	$ 325,263
Equity Method Investees excluding Klepierre, Aeropostale, ABG and HBS | Unconsolidated properties
REVENUE:
Lease income	766,740	756,955	2,285,848	2,259,451
Other income	79,025	73,259	234,337	232,747
Total revenue	845,765	830,214	2,520,185	2,492,198
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Property operating	149,759	151,873	434,742	437,718
Depreciation and amortization	171,407	161,964	512,070	488,098
Real estate taxes	64,172	60,654	200,698	197,497
Repairs and maintenance	20,729	20,035	61,938	63,968
Advertising and promotion	19,831	20,318	63,852	65,425
Other	45,747	43,916	142,806	143,533
Total operating expenses	471,645	458,760	1,416,106	1,396,239
Operating Income Before Other Items	374,120	371,454	1,104,079	1,095,959
Interest expense	(159,971)	(163,855)	(473,914)	(505,540)
Gain on sale or disposal of, or recovery on, assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net			21,587	25,792
Net Income	214,149	207,599	651,752	616,211
Third-Party Investors' Share of Net Income	108,792	101,750	332,078	304,174
Our Share of Net Income	105,357	105,849	319,674	312,037
Amortization of Excess Investment	(20,846)	(21,526)	(62,413)	(64,447)
Our Share of Gain on Sale or Disposal of Assets and Interest in Other Income in the Consolidated Financial Statements			(9,156)
Our Share of Gain on Sale or Disposal of, or Recovery on, Assets and Interests in Unconsolidated Entities, net				(9,672)
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 84,511	$ 84,323	$ 248,105	$ 237,918