Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Tenant receivables allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,204		$ 1,977
Other receivables allowance for doubtful accounts	1,283		1,270
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000,000		15,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	350,000,000		350,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	169,905,892		161,309,652
Common stock, shares outstanding	169,905,892		161,309,652
Series D Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	1,815,000		1,815,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate	7.375%	7.375%
Series E Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	690,000		690,000
Preferred stock, dividend rate	6.625%	6.625%
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership [Member]
Tenant receivables allowance for doubtful accounts	2,204		1,977
Other receivables allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,283		$ 1,270