Investments in and Advances To Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets
Land	$ 1,843,304	$ 1,844,125
Buildings	5,445,207	5,461,122
Fixtures and tenant improvements	389,344	379,965
Total real estate rental property	7,677,855	7,685,212
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(1,568,138)	(1,550,066)
Land held for development and construction in progress	576,107	581,627
Total real estate assets, net	6,693,849	6,719,063
Other assets	219,897	230,361
Total assets	7,411,771	7,469,425
Mortgage debt	1,872,694	1,822,445
Total liabilities	4,388,494	4,391,533
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Member]
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets
Land	1,416,122	1,400,469
Buildings	4,514,103	4,334,097
Fixtures and tenant improvements	196,940	189,940
Total real estate rental property	6,127,165	5,924,506
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(840,360)	(808,352)
Real estate investment property, net	5,286,805	5,116,154
Land held for development and construction in progress	137,979	239,036
Total real estate assets, net	5,424,784	5,355,190
Cash and restricted cash	479,397	308,008
Receivables, net	102,493	108,038
Leasehold interests	9,136	9,136
Other assets	188,377	168,115
Total assets	6,204,187	5,948,487
Mortgage debt	3,925,260	3,742,241
Notes and accrued interest payable to DDR	105,104	100,470
Other liabilities	229,941	214,370
Total liabilities	4,260,305	4,057,081
Accumulated equity	1,943,882	1,891,406
Total liabilities and equity	6,204,187	5,948,487
Company's share of accumulated equity	$ 414,738	$ 402,242