Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Summary Statements of Operations for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 121,368	$ 110,805
Expenses:
Property operating	40,387	37,874
General and administrative	11,412	11,565
Depreciation and amortization	31,294	26,567
Total expenses	83,720	76,006
Operating income	37,648	34,799
Interest expense	(16,487)	(14,884)
Other non-operating income (expense)	35	316
Net income	23,514	28,617
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of:
Net income	2,318	3,499
Depreciation and amortization expense (real estate related)	3,838	5,339
Joint Venture [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	24,062	27,698
Expenses:
Property operating	9,378	10,318
General and administrative	120	117
Depreciation and amortization	7,513	8,799
Total expenses	17,011	19,234
Operating income	7,051	8,464
Interest expense	(2,260)	(2,554)
Other non-operating income (expense)	2	1
Net income	$ 4,793	$ 5,911