Share-based Compensation of the Company Option Activity (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	(29,000)	(36,500)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 4 months 24 days
Service Condition [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting Period of Restricted Shares Granted to Company CEO	5 years