Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Summary Statements of Operations for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 23,997	$ 24,062
Expenses:
Property operating	9,928	9,378
General and administrative	198	120
Depreciation and amortization	6,363	7,513
Total expenses	16,489	17,011
Operating income	7,508	7,051
Interest expense	(3,077)	(2,260)
Other non-operating income (expense)	52	2
Net income	4,483	4,793
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	123,535	121,368
Expenses:
Property operating	42,218	40,387
General and administrative	11,112	11,412
Depreciation and amortization	33,123	31,294
Total expenses	86,453	83,720
Operating income	37,082	37,648
Interest expense	(15,800)	(16,487)
Other non-operating income (expense)	209	35
Net income	23,685	23,514
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of:
Net income	2,194	2,318
Depreciation and amortization expense (real estate related)	$ 3,229	$ 3,838