Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Statement Of Partners Capital [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (23,118)	$ (37,380)	$ (16,624)	$ (52,261)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation	(17,603)	(22,546)	(15,935)	(18,419)
Change in fair value of interest-rate contracts	10,890	(12,273)	12,644	(11,007)
Amortization of interest-rate contracts	118	(233)	236	(180)
Total other comprehensive loss	(6,595)	(35,052)	(3,055)	(29,606)
Comprehensive loss	(29,713)	(72,432)	(19,679)	(81,867)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests:
Allocation of net income	(195)	(120)	(386)	(296)
Foreign currency translation	364	457	613	134
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	169	337	227	(162)
Total comprehensive loss attributable to DDR	$ (29,544)	$ (72,095)	$ (19,452)	$ (82,029)