Investments in Unconsolidated Entities and International Investments - Combined Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 444,349	$ 475,250	$ 400,270
Equity Method Investees excluding Klepierre, Aeropostale, ABG, HBS and RGG | Unconsolidated properties
REVENUE:
Lease income	3,088,594	3,045,668	2,933,655
Other income	322,398	326,575	290,515
Total revenue	3,410,992	3,372,243	3,224,170
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Property operating	587,062	590,921	551,885
Depreciation and amortization	681,764	652,968	640,286
Real estate taxes	266,013	259,567	245,646
Repairs and maintenance	85,430	87,408	81,309
Advertising and promotion	89,660	87,349	86,480
Other	196,178	187,292	184,037
Total operating expenses	1,906,107	1,865,505	1,789,643
Operating Income Before Other Items	1,504,885	1,506,738	1,434,527
Interest expense	(636,988)	(663,693)	(593,062)
Gain (loss) on sale or disposal of, or recovery on, assets and interests in unconsolidated entities, net	24,609	33,367	(2,239)
Net Income	892,506	876,412	839,226
Third-Party Investors' Share of Net Income	460,696	436,767	424,533
Our Share of Net Income	431,810	439,645	414,693
Amortization of Excess Investment	(83,556)	(85,252)	(89,804)
Our Share of Gain on Sale or Disposal of Assets and Interest in Other Income in the Consolidated Financial Statements	(1,133)	(12,513)	1,342
Our Share of Gain on Sale or Disposal of, or Recovery on, Assets and Interests in Unconsolidated Entities, net	(9,156)
Income from Unconsolidated Entities	$ 337,965	$ 341,880	$ 326,231