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, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Partnership Interest [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 27,495	$ 19,969	$ 77,648	$ 52,803
Property operating	9,601	7,292	29,912	20,562
General and administrative	92	198	400	354
Abandoned development costs	0	472	0	472
Depreciation and amortization	9,003	5,831	25,381	15,369
Total expenses	18,696	13,793	55,693	36,757
Operating income	8,799	6,176	21,955	16,046
Interest expense	(2,324)	(1,316)	(6,304)	(3,925)
Other nonoperating income (expense)	4	0	17	0
Net income	6,479	4,860	15,668	12,121
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	112,906	105,189	326,568	310,184
Property operating	36,231	32,798	108,921	102,454
General and administrative	11,514	11,334	34,431	32,817
Abandoned development costs	0	0	0	1,596
Depreciation and amortization	28,785	25,774	77,046	77,034
Total expenses	76,530	69,906	220,398	213,908
Operating income	36,376	35,283	106,170	96,276
Interest expense	(13,933)	(13,902)	(40,110)	(43,404)
Other nonoperating income (expense)	89	437	(98)	560
Net income	46,460	24,297	108,205	59,632
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of net income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	3,713	2,479	8,302	6,200
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of depreciation expense (real estate related) of unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 5,411	$ 3,040	$ 14,525	$ 8,048