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, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 23,538	$ 25,241	$ 70,940	$ 72,588
Expenses:
Property operating	9,147	8,987	28,032	27,242
General and administrative	49	72	301	289
Asset impairment	0	18,042	0	18,042
Depreciation and amortization	6,860	6,998	19,768	21,453
Total expenses	16,056	34,099	48,101	67,026
Operating income (loss)	7,482	(8,858)	22,839	5,562
Interest expense	(3,810)	(2,776)	(10,275)	(7,497)
Other non-operating income (expense)	68	20	175	23
Net income (loss)	3,740	(11,614)	12,739	(1,912)
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	124,236	120,765	367,482	361,747
Expenses:
Property operating	39,653	37,571	119,817	115,074
General and administrative	10,752	10,934	32,861	33,846
Asset impairment	49,739	0	49,739	0
Depreciation and amortization	32,850	30,976	98,667	95,175
Total expenses	132,994	79,382	301,084	244,623
Operating income (loss)	(8,758)	41,383	66,398	117,124
Interest expense	(16,367)	(16,489)	(48,348)	(49,496)
Other non-operating income (expense)	261	591	661	683
Net income (loss)	(23,031)	(16,034)	24,944	38,427
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of:
Net income (loss)	1,833	(5,893)	6,233	(1,201)
Depreciation and amortization and asset impairments (real estate related)	$ 3,466	$ 12,604	$ 10,020	$ 19,992