Investments in Partnerships - Summary of Equity Investments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Investments in real estate, at cost:
Operating properties	$ 415,643		$ 414,515
Construction in progress	2,569		2,003
Total investments in real estate	418,212		416,518
Accumulated depreciation	(166,439)		(157,361)
Net investments in real estate	251,773		259,157
Cash and cash equivalents	11,413		9,833
Deferred costs and other assets, net	19,790		18,605
Total assets	282,976		287,595
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ DEFICIT:
Mortgage loans payable	400,399		405,297
Other liabilities	6,257		9,130
Total liabilities	406,656		414,427
Net deficit	(123,680)		(126,832)
Partners’ share	(66,210)		(67,735)
PREIT’s share	(57,470)		(59,097)
Excess investment	8,898	[1]	9,078	[1]
Net investments and advances	(48,572)		(50,019)
Investment in partnerships, at equity	15,615		14,855
Distributions in excess of partnership investments	$ (64,187)		$ (64,874)

[1] Excess investment represents the unamortized difference between our investment and our share of the equity in the underlying net investment in the partnerships. The excess investment is amortized over the life of the properties, and the amortization is included in “Equity in income of partnerships.”