Debt of the Operating Partnership Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.15%
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership \| 3.75% Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member]
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ 0	$ 103
Senior Notes	0	7,210
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.75%	3.75%
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	982,233	714,616
Senior Notes	547,698	554,616
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	150,623
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	2,563
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	176,933
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	3,599
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	282,339
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	360,812
Long-term Debt, Gross	976,869	717,210
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	(5,364)	2,594
Long-term Debt	982,233	714,616
Senior Notes	$ 547,698	$ 554,616

Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]

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Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any). May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

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Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement.

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The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

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Amount of long-term debt maturities after year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.

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Amount of long-term debt maturing within the next twelve months following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed or determinable prices and dates.

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Amount of long-term debt maturing in year five following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.

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Amount of long-term debt maturing in year four following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.

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Amount of long-term debt maturing in year three following the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the financial statements, which may include maturities of long-term debt, sinking fund requirements, and other securities redeemable at fixed of determinable prices and dates.

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Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders.

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