Mack-Cali Realty, L.P.'s Partners' Capital (Earnings Per Unit Tables - Diluted Computation Of EPU) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Mack-Cali Realty, L.P's Partners' Capital [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders									$ 80,053	$ 57,012	$ 79,251
Income (loss) from discontinued operations for diluted earnings per unit										4,689	(16,580)
Net income available to common unitholders									$ 80,053	$ 61,701	$ 62,671
Weighted average common units									98,962	92,477	88,389
Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders									$ 0.81	$ 0.62	$ 0.90
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available to common unitholders							$ 0.05			$ 0.05	$ (0.19)
Net income available to common unitholders	$ 0.18	$ 0.24	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 0.09	$ 0.16	$ 0.24	$ 0.18	$ 0.81	$ 0.67	$ 0.71