CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Liabilities
Senior unsecured notes net discount	$ 2,386	$ 2,594
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common shares, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, authorised	300,000,000	150,000,000
Common shares, shares issued	81,316,070	80,996,068
Common shares, shares outstanding	81,316,070	80,996,068
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common shares, par value	$ 0.01