Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Summary Statements of Operations for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Partnership Interest [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 23,965	$ 16,755
Property operating	9,144	6,646
General and administrative	218	129
Depreciation and amortization	7,822	4,974
Total expenses	17,184	11,749
Operating income	6,781	5,006
Interest expense	(1,770)	(1,226)
Interest and other income	8	0
Net income	5,019	3,780
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	105,926	102,782
Property operating	37,732	36,027
General and administrative	11,305	10,722
Depreciation and amortization	23,989	26,063
Total expenses	73,026	74,415
Operating income	32,900	28,367
Interest expense	(13,089)	(14,920)
Interest and other income	306	60
Net income	36,386	15,440
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of net income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	2,543	1,933
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of depreciation and impairment charges (real estate related) of unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 4,076	$ 2,605