Investment In Real Estate Joint Ventures And Partnerships (Schedule Of Combined Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
ASSETS
Property	$ 4,399,850		$ 4,688,526
Accumulated depreciation	(1,040,839)		(1,059,531)
Property, net	3,359,011	[1]	3,702,236	[1]
Total Assets	4,184,784		4,588,226
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt, net	2,204,030	[1]	2,531,837	[1]
Other liabilities, net	120,900		107,919
Total Liabilities	2,444,629		2,764,644
Accumulated equity	1,740,155		1,823,582		1,980,257	2,106,656
Total Liabilities and Equity	4,184,784		4,588,226
Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures [Member]
ASSETS
Property	1,631,694		2,108,745
Accumulated depreciation	(273,591)		(296,496)
Property, net	1,358,103		1,812,249
Other assets, net	161,344		173,130
Total Assets	1,519,447		1,985,379
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt, net	468,841		556,920
Amounts payable to Weingarten Realty Investors and Affiliates	109,931		170,007
Other liabilities, net	34,157		41,907
Total Liabilities	612,929		768,834
Accumulated equity	906,518		1,216,545
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,519,447		$ 1,985,379

[1] * Consolidated Variable Interest Entities' Assets and Liabilities included in the above balances (See Note 22):