Investments in and Advances To Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets
Land	$ 1,852,940	$ 1,837,403
Buildings	5,494,699	5,491,489
Fixtures and tenant improvements	372,670	339,129
Total real estate rental property	7,720,309	7,668,021
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,537,709)	(1,452,112)
Land held for development and construction in progress	644,028	743,218
Real estate, net	6,832,912	6,959,127
Other assets	256,511	247,709
Total assets	7,603,181	7,768,090
Mortgage debt	1,840,357	1,978,553
Other liabilities	101,747	95,359
Total liabilities	4,498,863	4,633,403
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Member]
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets
Land	1,519,924	1,566,682
Buildings	4,646,659	4,783,841
Fixtures and tenant improvements	162,398	154,292
Total real estate rental property	6,328,981	6,504,815
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(805,568)	(726,291)
Real estate investment property, net	5,523,413	5,778,524
Land held for development and construction in progress	258,986	174,237
Real estate, net	5,782,399	5,952,761
Cash and restricted cash	342,013	122,439
Receivables, net	108,486	111,569
Leasehold interests	9,426	10,296
Other assets	177,188	181,387
Total assets	6,419,512	6,378,452
Mortgage debt	3,891,045	3,940,597
Notes and accrued interest payable to DDR	98,512	87,282
Other liabilities	227,569	186,333
Total liabilities	4,217,126	4,214,212
Accumulated equity	2,202,386	2,164,240
Liabilities and accumulated equity	6,419,512	6,378,452
Company's share of accumulated equity	$ 457,215	$ 480,200