Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures Summary Statements of Operations for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Equity Method Invesment Company and Operating Partnership Share of Real Estate Related Depreciation	$ 1,280	$ 1,289	$ 3,922	$ 3,834
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	83,243	69,473	226,083	200,810
Operating Costs and Expenses	25,181	22,567	73,054	66,674
General and Administrative Expense	7,943	6,403	21,895	17,832
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	22,964	16,805	58,787	60,388
Total Expenses	57,066	45,775	156,413	145,994
Operating Income (Loss)	26,177	23,698	69,670	54,816
Interest Expense	11,958	8,767	32,996	24,666
Net income	14,192	14,753	35,851	23,148
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	(27)	(75)	(823)	(194)
Partnership Interest [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	9,488	9,632	28,802	28,167
Operating Costs and Expenses	4,718	4,575	13,292	12,985
General and Administrative Expense	58	107	114	466
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	3,534	3,567	10,772	10,610
Total Expenses	8,310	8,249	24,178	24,061
Operating Income (Loss)	1,178	1,383	4,624	4,106
Interest Expense	1,381	1,771	7,310	5,162
Net income	$ (203)	$ (388)	$ (2,686)	$ (1,056)