Acquisitions (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Unaudited supplement pro forma operating data
Pro forma revenues	$ 198,499	$ 197,323	$ 598,336	$ 596,389
Pro forma loss from continuing operations	(48,774)	(14,028)	(13,123)	(74,525)
Pro forma loss from discontinued operations	(5,226)	(3,307)	(21,656)	(93,371)
Pro forma net loss attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (50,684)	$ (26,199)	$ (54,253)	$ (161,157)
Basic earnings per share data:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.17)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.39)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.28)
Net loss attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.19)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.67)
Diluted earnings per share data:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.17)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.12)	$ (0.39)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.02)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.28)
Net loss attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.19)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.20)	$ (0.67)

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