ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company and its controlling investments in partnerships and limited liability companies in which the Company has control in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810 "Consolidation" ("ASC Topic 810"). The ownership interests of other investors in these entities are recorded as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in entities for which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over, but does not have financial or operating control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the earnings (or losses) of these entities are included in consolidated net income. Variable interest entities are accounted for within the scope of ASC Topic 810 and are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is the enterprise that has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the variable interest entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the variable interest entity that could be significant to the variable interest entity. Management has evaluated the applicability of ASC Topic 810 to its investments in certain joint ventures and determined that these joint ventures are not variable interest entities or that the Company is not the primary beneficiary and, therefore, consolidation of these ventures is not required. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company owns a 22.22% interest in an approximately one million square foot retail portfolio (the "Brandywine Portfolio") located in Wilmington, Delaware. Effective January 1, 2013, following certain changes in the financial and operating controls of the joint venture agreement, in which the unaffiliated third party joint venture partner waived all of their substantive participating rights, the Company now accounts for this investment on a consolidated basis.
Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, Policy	Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures The Company primarily accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures using the equity method as it does not exercise control over significant asset decisions such as buying, selling or financing nor is it the primary beneficiary under ASC Topic 810, as discussed above in most of these investments. The Company does have significant influence over most of these investments, which requires equity method accounting. Under the equity method, the Company increases its investment for its proportionate share of net income and contributions to the joint venture and decreases its investment balance by recording its proportionate share of net loss and distributions. The Company accounts for some of its investments under the cost method. Due to its minor ownership of three investments as well as the terms of the underlying operating agreements, the Company has no influence over such entities' operating and financial policies. Other than the minority investor rights to which the Company is entitled pursuant to statute, it has no rights other than to receive its pro-rata share of cash distributions as declared by the managers of these investments. The Company has no rights with respect to the control and operation of these investments vehicles, nor with the formulation and execution of business and investment policies. The Company recognizes income for distributions in excess of its investment where there is no recourse to the Company. For investments in which there is recourse to the Company, distributions in excess of the investment are recorded as a liability. Although the Company accounts for its investment in Albertson’s (Note 4) under the equity method of accounting, the Company adopted the policy of not recording its equity in earnings or losses of this unconsolidated affiliate until it receives the audited financial statements of Albertson’s to support the equity earnings or losses in accordance with ASC Topic 323, "Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures." ACADIA REALTY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued The Company periodically reviews its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures for other-than-temporary losses in investment value. Any decline that is not expected to be recovered is considered other than temporary and an impairment charge is recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the investment. During 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2.0 million in connection with the estimated fair value in its investment in Mervyns. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no impairment charges related to the Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint ventures.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") require the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the valuation of real estate, depreciable lives, revenue recognition and the collectability of notes receivable and rents receivable. Application of these estimates and assumptions requires the exercise of judgment as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Real Estate, Policy	Real Estate Real estate assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Construction in progress includes costs for significant property expansion and redevelopment. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of 30 to 40 years for buildings, the shorter of the useful life or lease term for tenant improvements and five years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon acquisitions of real estate, the Company assesses the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities (including land, buildings and improvements, and identified intangibles such as above and below market leases and acquired in-place leases and customer relationships) and acquired liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 805 "Business Combinations" and ASC Topic 350 "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other," and allocates the acquisition price based on these assessments. Fixed-rate renewal options have been included in the calculation of the fair value of acquired leases where applicable. To the extent there were fixed-rate options at below-market rental rates, the Company included these along with the current term below-market rent in arriving at the fair value of the acquired leases. The discounted difference between contract and market rents is being amortized over the remaining applicable lease term, inclusive of any option periods. The Company assesses fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. The Company capitalizes certain costs related to the development and redevelopment of real estate including initial project acquisition costs, pre-construction costs, interest, real estate taxes, insurance, construction costs and salaries and related costs of personnel directly involved with the specific project. Additionally, the Company capitalizes interest costs related to development and redevelopment activities. Capitalization of these costs begin when the activities and related expenditures commence, and cease when the property is held available for occupancy upon substantial completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from the completion of major construction activity at which time the project is placed in service and depreciation commences. The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment when there is an event or a change in circumstances that indicates that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company measures and records impairment losses and reduces the carrying value of properties when indicators of impairment are present and the expected undiscounted cash flows related to those properties are less than their carrying amounts. In cases where the Company does not expect to recover its carrying costs on properties held for use, the Company reduces its carrying costs to fair value, and for properties held for sale, the Company reduces its carrying value to the fair value less costs to sell. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company determined that the values of the Walnut Hill Plaza and Fund III's Sheepshead Bay property were impaired. Accordingly, impairment charges of $1.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively were recorded. The Operating Partnership's share of the impairment charge related to Sheepshead Bay was $1.3 million. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, no impairment charges were recorded. Management does not believe that the values of any other properties within the portfolio are impaired as of December 31, 2014.
Sale of Real Estate, Policy	The Company recognizes property sales in accordance with ASC Topic 970 "Real Estate." The Company generally records the sales of operating properties and outparcels using the full accrual method at closing when the earnings process is deemed to be complete. Sales not qualifying for full recognition at the time of sale are accounted for under other appropriate deferral methods.
Real Estate Held-for-Sale, Policy	The Company evaluates the held-for-sale classification of its real estate each quarter. Assets that are classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Assets are generally classified as held for sale once management has initiated an active program to market them for sale and has received a firm purchase commitment. On occasion, the Company will receive unsolicited offers from third parties to buy individual Company properties. Under these circumstances, the Company will classify the properties as held for sale when a sales contract is executed with no contingencies and the prospective buyer has funds at risk to ensure performance.
Involuntary Conversion of Asset, Policy	Involuntary Conversion of Asset The Company experienced significant flooding resulting in extensive damage to one of its properties during September 2011. Costs related to the clean-up and redevelopment were insured for an amount sufficient that would allow for full restoration of the property. Loss of rents during the redevelopment were covered by business interruption insurance subject to a $0.1 million deductible. In accordance with ASC Topic 360 "Property, Plant and Equipment" and as a result of the above-described property damage, the Company had recorded a write-down of the asset's carrying value of approximately $1.4 million, as well as an insurance recovery in the same amount. During the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company received insurance proceeds of approximately $3.7 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The Company recognized a gain on involuntary conversion of $2.4 million in 2012 as these proceeds exceeded the asset's net basis.
Deferred Costs, Policy	Deferred Costs Fees and costs paid in the successful negotiation of leases are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Fees and costs incurred in connection with obtaining financing are deferred and amortized over the term of the related debt obligation. The Company capitalizes salaries, commissions and benefits related to time spent by leasing and legal department personnel involved in originating leases.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable, Policy	Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable Leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Minimum rents are recognized, net of any rent concessions or tenant lease incentives, including free rent, on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective leases, beginning when the tenant is entitled to take possession of the space. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, unbilled rents receivable relating to the straight-lining of rents of $28.0 million and $23.1 million, respectively are included in Rents Receivable, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Certain of these leases also provide for percentage rents based upon the level of sales achieved by the tenant. Percentage rent is recognized in the period when the tenants’ sales breakpoint is met. In addition, leases typically provide for the reimbursement to the Company of real estate taxes, insurance and other property operating expenses. These reimbursements are recognized as revenue in the period the related expenses are incurred. ACADIA REALTY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued The Company makes estimates of the uncollectability of its accounts receivable related to tenant revenues. An allowance for doubtful accounts has been provided against certain tenant accounts receivable that are estimated to be uncollectible. Once the amount is ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, it is written off. Rents receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.0 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
Notes Receivable and Preferred Equity Investments, Policy	Notes Receivable and Preferred Equity Notes receivable and preferred equity investments are intended to be held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Interest income from notes receivable and preferred equity investments are recognized on the effective interest method over the expected life of the loan. Under the effective interest method, interest or fees collected at the origination of the investment or the payoff of the investment are recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Allowances for real estate notes receivable are established based upon management’s quarterly review of the investments. In performing this review, management considers the estimated net recoverable value of the loan as well as other factors, including the fair value of any collateral, the amount and status of any senior debt, and the prospects for the borrower. Because this determination is based upon projections of future economic events, which are inherently subjective, the amounts ultimately realized from the loans may differ materially from their carrying values at the balance sheet date. Interest income recognition is generally suspended for loans when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of income and principal becomes doubtful. Income recognition is resumed when the suspended loan becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. During 2012, the Company provided a $0.4 million net reserve on note receivables as a result of changes in the value of the underlying collateral properties. During 2014, the Company recognized income of $2.7 million as a result of collections on notes that previously had reserves.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained at financial institutions and, at times, balances may exceed the federally insured limit by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances.
Restricted Cash and Cash in Escrow, Policy	Restricted Cash and Cash in Escrow Restricted cash and cash in escrow consist principally of cash held for real estate taxes, construction costs, property maintenance, insurance, minimum occupancy and property operating income requirements at specific properties as required by certain loan agreements.
Income Tax, Policy	Income Taxes The Company has made an election to be taxed, and believes it qualifies, as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). To maintain REIT status for Federal income tax purposes, the Company is generally required to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders as well as comply with certain other income, asset and organizational requirements as defined in the Code. Accordingly, the Company is generally not subject to Federal corporate income tax to the extent that it distributes 100% of its REIT taxable income each year. Although it may qualify for REIT status for Federal income tax purposes, the Company is subject to state income or franchise taxes in certain states in which some of its properties are located. In addition, taxable income from non-REIT activities managed through the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRS") is fully subject to Federal, state and local income taxes. The Company accounts for TRS income taxes under the liability method as required by ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes." Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the temporary differences between the GAAP basis and tax basis of the TRS income, assets and liabilities. ACADIA REALTY TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued In accordance with ASC Topic 740, the Company believes that it has appropriate support for the income tax positions taken and, as such, does not have any uncertain tax positions that, if successfully challenged, could result in a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operation. The prior three years' income tax returns are subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the provision for income taxes.
Share-based Compensation Policy	Stock-based Compensation The Company accounts for stock-based compensation pursuant to ASC Topic 718, "Compensation – Stock Compensation." As such, all equity based awards are reflected as compensation expense in the Company’s consolidated financial statements over their vesting period based on the fair value at the date of grant.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	Recent Accounting Pronouncements During January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items." ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept of extraordinary items. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements for items that are either unusual or in nature or infrequent in occurrence remain and will be expanded to include items that are both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. ASU 2015-01 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. During August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern." ASU 2014-15 requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2014-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. During June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." ASU 2014-12 provides explicit guidance on how to account for share-based payments that require a specific performance target to be achieved which may be achieved after an employee completes the requisite service period. ASU 2014-12 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. During May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet determined the method by which the standard will be adopted in 2017. During April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant and Equipment; Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU 2014-08 modifies the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the amendments in ASU 2014-08, the definition of discontinued operation has been modified to only include those disposals of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU 2014-08 shall be applied prospectively for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2014-08 for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The Company has adopted this standard on a prospective basis for transactions that have occurred after the adoption date. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.