Debt of the Operating Partnership Debt Maturities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	$ 1,038,729	$ 1,025,542
Senior Notes	547,829	547,763
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	1,931
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	4,633
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	3,599
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	403,412
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	30,279
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	590,533
Long-term Debt, Gross	1,034,387	1,021,037
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	(4,342)	(4,505)
Long-term Debt	1,038,729	1,025,542
Senior Notes	547,829	547,763
3.75% Senior Exchangeable Notes [Member] \| Tanger Properties Limited Partnership
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 0

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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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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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