Investments in and Advances To Joint Ventures (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Condensed Combined Statements of Operations
Revenues from operations	$ 195,371	$ 192,271
Operating expenses	73,419	64,556
Impairment charges	13,517	3,856
Depreciation and amortization	60,306	53,122
Interest expense	56,746	57,298
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(11,966)	37,325
Discontinued operations:
Loss on disposition of real estate, net of tax	70	244
Gain (loss) on disposition of real estate, net of tax	665	(861)
Non-controlling interests	(176)	(67)
Net Income (loss) attributable to unconsolidated joint ventures	(15,057)	35,312
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Member]
Condensed Combined Statements of Operations
Revenues from operations	169,932	168,561
Operating expenses	57,320	58,428
Impairment charges	1,347
Depreciation and amortization	42,910	47,323
Interest expense	58,182	57,051
Total expenses	159,759	162,802
Income before tax expense and discontinued operations	10,173	5,759
Income tax expense (primarily Sonae Sierra Brasil), net	(6,029)	(6,144)
(Loss) income from continuing operations	4,144	(385)
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	126	(306)
Loss on disposition of real estate, net of tax	(139)	(863)
Income (loss) before gain on disposition of real estate	4,131	(1,554)
Gain (loss) on disposition of real estate, net of tax	13,852
Net income (loss)	17,983	(1,554)
Non-controlling interests	(8,934)	(2,375)
Net Income (loss) attributable to unconsolidated joint ventures	9,049	(3,929)
Company's share of equity in net income of joint ventures	$ 10,180	$ 3,899