Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Reconciling the Components of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 43,307	$ 65,244
Less: Dividends on participating securities	(584)	(620)
Basic net income attributable to common shareholders	42,723	64,624
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable	438	699
Diluted net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 43,161	$ 65,323
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding, Basic	345,665	344,597
Weighted Average Limited Partnership Units Outstanding, Basic	3,498	3,695
Other potential dilutive shares/units	511	361
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	349,674	348,653
Duke Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$ 43,745	$ 65,943
Less: Dividends on participating securities	(584)	(620)
Basic net income attributable to common unitholders	$ 43,161	$ 65,323
Weighted average number of common shares/units outstanding, Basic	349,163	348,292
Other potential dilutive shares/units	511	361
Weighted average number of common shares/units and potential dilutive securities	349,674	348,653