CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc | Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities
Senior unsecured notes net discount	$ 2,302	$ 2,594
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership | Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities
Senior unsecured notes net discount	2,302	2,594
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc | Mortgages [Member]
Liabilities
Senior unsecured notes net discount	(7,666)	0
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership | Mortgages [Member]
Liabilities
Senior unsecured notes net discount	$ (7,666)	$ 0
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc
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	86,693,656	80,996,068
Common shares, shares outstanding	86,693,656	80,996,068