Investments in and Advances To Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets
Real estate, net	$ 6,678,727	$ 6,719,063
Other assets	238,014	230,361
Total assets	7,583,948	7,469,425
Mortgage debt	1,862,378	1,822,445
Total liabilities	4,362,820	4,391,533
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Member]
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets
Real estate, net	6,438,247	5,355,190
Cash and restricted cash	440,293	308,008
Receivables, net	102,514	108,038
Other assets	323,692	177,251
Total assets	7,304,746	5,948,487
Mortgage debt	4,573,716	3,742,241
Notes and accrued interest payable to DDR	140,752	100,470
Other liabilities	256,332	214,370
Total liabilities	4,970,800	4,057,081
Redeemable preferred equity	150,000
Accumulated equity	2,183,946	1,891,406
Total liabilities and equity	7,304,746	5,948,487
Company's share of accumulated equity	$ 427,279	$ 402,242