Debt Instrument, Debt Default Threshold, Minimum Loan Amount

No definition available.

Name:	cbl_DebtInstrumentDebtDefaultThresholdMinimumLoanAmount
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Increase (Decrease) in Variable Rate Basis

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_DebtInstrumentInterestRateIncreaseDecreaseinVariableRateBasis
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Period of Extension Option

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_DebtInstrumentPeriodofExtensionOption
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Secured Debt to Total Assets

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_DebtInstrumentSecuredDebtToTotalAssetsRatio
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

EBITDA to Fixed Charged (Debt Service)

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_EBITDAtoFixedChargedDebtService
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Income Available for Debt Service to Debt Service Charge

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_IncomeAvailableforDebtServicetoDebtServiceCharge
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage fee charged for exercising the extension option on the line of credit.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_LineOfCreditOptionExerciseFeeChargedPercent
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long Term Debt, Net Excluding Deferred Financing Costs

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_LongTermDebtNetExcludingDeferredFinancingCosts
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Notice Required to Redeem Debt, Term

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_NoticeRequiredtoRedeemDebtTerm
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of extension options available.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_NumberOfExtensionOptionsAvailable
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of Debt Instruments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_NumberofDebtInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Ratio of Total Debt to Total Assets

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_RatioofTotalDebttoTotalAssets
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Total Unencumbered Assets to Unsecured Debt

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_TotalUnencumberedAssetstoUnsecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Unencumbered NOI to Unsecured Interest Expense

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_UnencumberedNOItoUnsecuredInterestExpense
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of outstanding long-term debt or borrowing associated with any securities or credit agreement for which there has been a default in principal, interest, sinking fund, or redemption provisions, or any breach of covenant that existed at the end of the period and subsequently has not been cured.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(c))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt discount.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the interest rate derivative.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12317-112629

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 50
-Section 40
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12355-112629

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility regardless of whether the facility has been used.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a set, unchanging rate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a rate subject to change from time to time.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtPercentageBearingVariableInterestAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding calculated at point in time.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cbl_LongTermDebtInterestRateAxis=cbl_FixedRateInterestMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cbl_LongTermDebtInterestRateAxis=cbl_VariableRateInterestMemberMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_SeniorUnsecuredNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_SeniorNotesDue2024Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_SeniorNotesDue2026Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_NonRecourseLoansOnOperatingPropertiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_A5.250SeniorNotesDue2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_RecourseTermLoansOnOperatingPropertiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_UnsecuredLinesOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_UnsecuredTermLoan1Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_SeniorNotesDue2023and2024Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_WellsFargoBankMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cbl_DebtCovenantsActualVsRequiredAxis=cbl_DebtCovenantRequirementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=cbl_UnsecuredCreditFacilityandTermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	cbl_DebtCovenantsActualVsRequiredAxis=cbl_DebtCovenantRatiosActualMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=cbl_TreasuryRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_UnsecuredLinesOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_UnsecuredLineOfCredit1Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_UnsecuredLineofCreditFirstTennesseeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_UnsecuredLineOfCredit2Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_WellsFargoBankMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_FirstTennesseeBankMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_UnsecuredTermLoan2Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_UnsecuredTermLoan1Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=cbl_UnsecuredTermLoan3Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=cbl_WellsFargoBankMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_MidlandMallMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_MortgagesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_OutletShoppesatOklahomaCityPhaseIIMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_OutletShoppesatOklahomaCityPhaseIIIMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_MidlandMallandChesterfieldMallMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_WausauCenterMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=cbl_OutletShoppesatAtlantaRidgewalkMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Details)	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Details)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) loan extension_option credit_line	Apr. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) loan extension_option credit_line	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) loan extension_option credit_line	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	4.71%					4.71%		4.71%		4.82%
Long-term debt, percentage bearing fixed interest, amount	$ 3,184,580,000					$ 3,184,580,000		$ 3,184,580,000		$ 3,594,379,000
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	1,081,266,000					1,081,266,000		1,081,266,000		888,770,000
Total fixed-rate and variable-rate debt	4,265,846,000					4,265,846,000		4,265,846,000		4,483,149,000
Unamortized deferred financing costs	(16,406,000)					(16,406,000)		(16,406,000)		(17,855,000)
Total mortgage and other indebtedness, net	$ 4,249,440,000					4,249,440,000		$ 4,249,440,000		$ 4,465,294,000
Debt instrument, option extension term (in years)								1 year
Principal Balance Repaid								$ 221,361,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt						$ 20,420,000	$ 0	$ 24,475,000	$ 6,000
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notice required to redeem debt, term								30 days
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notice required to redeem debt, term								60 days
Fixed Rate Interest
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	5.44%					5.44%		5.44%		5.48%
Variable Rate Interest Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	2.55%					2.55%		2.55%		2.15%
Senior Unsecured Notes \| Fixed Rate Interest
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	5.25%					5.25%		5.25%
Senior Notes Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, percentage bearing fixed interest, amount	$ 299,943,000					$ 299,943,000		$ 299,943,000		$ 299,939,000
Unamortized debt discount	57,000					57,000		57,000		$ 61,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 300,000,000					$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2024 \| Fixed Rate Interest
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	4.60%					4.60%		4.60%		4.60%
Senior Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, percentage bearing fixed interest, amount	$ 394,474,000					$ 394,474,000		$ 394,474,000		$ 394,260,000
Unamortized debt discount	5,526,000					5,526,000		5,526,000		$ 5,740,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 400,000,000					$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2026 \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt to total assets (as a percent)	40.00%					40.00%		40.00%
Senior Notes Due 2026 \| Fixed Rate Interest
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	5.95%					5.95%		5.95%		5.95%
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of unsecured term loans \| loan	3					3		3
Non-recourse loans on operating properties
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, percentage bearing fixed interest, amount	$ 2,043,402,000					$ 2,043,402,000		$ 2,043,402,000		$ 2,453,628,000
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	$ 10,899,000					$ 10,899,000		10,899,000		$ 19,055,000
Debt instrument, default minimum								$ 50,000,000
Non-recourse loans on operating properties \| Fixed Rate Interest
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	5.51%					5.51%		5.51%		5.55%
Non-recourse loans on operating properties \| Variable Rate Interest Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	3.03%					3.03%		3.03%		3.13%
Senior Notes Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, percentage bearing fixed interest, amount	$ 446,761,000					$ 446,761,000		$ 446,761,000		$ 446,552,000
Unamortized debt discount	3,239,000					3,239,000		3,239,000		$ 3,448,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 450,000,000					$ 450,000,000		$ 450,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2023 \| Fixed Rate Interest
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	5.25%					5.25%		5.25%		5.25%
Recourse term loans on operating properties
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	$ 89,298,000					$ 89,298,000		$ 89,298,000		$ 24,428,000
Debt instrument, default minimum								$ 150,000,000
Recourse term loans on operating properties \| Variable Rate Interest Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	3.68%					3.68%		3.68%		3.29%
Construction loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	$ 0					$ 0		$ 0		$ 39,263,000
Construction loan \| Variable Rate Interest Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	0.00%					0.00%		0.00%		3.12%
Unsecured lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	$ 181,069,000					$ 181,069,000		$ 181,069,000		$ 6,024,000
Unsecured lines of credit \| Variable Rate Interest Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	2.25%					2.25%		2.25%		1.82%
Unsecured term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	$ 800,000,000					$ 800,000,000		$ 800,000,000		$ 800,000,000
Unsecured term loans \| Variable Rate Interest Member
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	2.49%					2.49%		2.49%		2.04%
Senior Notes Due 2023 and 2024 \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt to total assets (as a percent)	40.00%					40.00%		40.00%
Senior Notes Due 2023 and 2024 \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt to total assets (as a percent)	45.00%					45.00%		45.00%
Senior Notes Due 2023 and 2024 \| Fixed Rate Interest \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, increase in variable interest rate	0.25%					0.25%		0.25%
Senior Notes Due 2023 and 2024 \| Fixed Rate Interest \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, increase in variable interest rate	1.00%					1.00%		1.00%
Wells Fargo Bank
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letter of credit, outstanding	$ 150,000					$ 150,000		$ 150,000
Debt Covenant Requirement \| Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt to total assets (as a percent)	45.00%					45.00%		45.00%
Total debt to total asset value (as a percent)	60.00%					60.00%		60.00%
Total Unencumbered Assets to Unsecured Debt (as a percent)	150.00%					150.00%		150.00%
Consolidated income available for debt service to annual debt service charge	150.00%					150.00%		150.00%
Debt Covenant Requirement \| Unsecured Credit Facility and Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt to total asset value (as a percent)	60.00%					60.00%		60.00%
Total Unencumbered Assets to Unsecured Debt (as a percent)	160.00%					160.00%		160.00%
Unencumbered NOI to unsecured interest expense (as a percent)	175.00%					175.00%		175.00%
EBITDA to fixed charges (debt service) (as a percent)	150.00%					150.00%		150.00%
Debt Covenant Ratios Actual \| Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt to total assets (as a percent)	27.00%					27.00%		27.00%
Total debt to total asset value (as a percent)	52.00%					52.00%		52.00%
Total Unencumbered Assets to Unsecured Debt (as a percent)	213.00%					213.00%		213.00%
Consolidated income available for debt service to annual debt service charge	310.00%					310.00%		310.00%
Debt Covenant Ratios Actual \| Unsecured Credit Facility and Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt to total asset value (as a percent)	50.00%					50.00%		50.00%
Total Unencumbered Assets to Unsecured Debt (as a percent)	230.00%					230.00%		230.00%
Unencumbered NOI to unsecured interest expense (as a percent)	350.00%					350.00%		350.00%
EBITDA to fixed charges (debt service) (as a percent)	240.00%					240.00%		240.00%
Treasury Rate \| Senior Notes Due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, basis spread on variable rate	0.35%					0.35%		0.35%
Treasury Rate \| Senior Notes Due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, basis spread on variable rate	0.50%					0.50%		0.50%
Treasury Rate \| Senior Notes Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, basis spread on variable rate	0.40%					0.40%		0.40%
Unsecured lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of unsecured term loans \| credit_line	3					3		3
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	$ 181,069,000					$ 181,069,000		$ 181,069,000
Loan agreement, basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)								1.20%
Annual facility Fee (percent)								0.25%
Total Capacity	1,100,000,000					1,100,000,000		$ 1,100,000,000
Unsecured lines of credit \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan agreement, basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)								0.875%
Annual facility Fee (percent)								0.125%
Unsecured lines of credit \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan agreement, basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)								1.55%
Annual facility Fee (percent)								0.30%
Wells Fargo - Facility A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	0					0		$ 0
Total Capacity	500,000,000					500,000,000		500,000,000
Unsecured Line of Credit, First Tennessee
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	15,384,000					15,384,000		15,384,000
Total Capacity	100,000,000					100,000,000		100,000,000
Wells Fargo - Facility B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage and other indebtedness amount carrying value	165,685,000					165,685,000		165,685,000
Total Capacity	$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Wells Fargo Bank
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of unsecured term loans \| credit_line	2					2		2
Total Capacity	$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Wells Fargo Bank \| Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Capacity	30,000,000					30,000,000		30,000,000
First Tennessee Bank
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Capacity	20,000,000					20,000,000		20,000,000
Unsecured Term Loan 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 350,000,000					$ 350,000,000		$ 350,000,000
Loan agreement, basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)								1.35%
Number of extension options available \| extension_option	2					2		2
Debt instrument, option extension term (in years)								1 year
Interest Rate at Repayment Date	2.40%					2.40%		2.40%
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$ 33,539,000					$ 33,539,000		$ 33,539,000
Unsecured term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 400,000,000					$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Loan agreement, basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)								1.50%
Interest Rate at Repayment Date	2.55%					2.55%		2.55%
Unsecured Term Loan 3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	2.60%					2.60%		2.60%
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 50,000,000					$ 50,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Loan agreement, basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)								1.55%
Wells Fargo Bank
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, extension fee (percent)								0.15%
Wells Fargo Bank \| Unsecured Line of Credit, First Tennessee
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, extension fee (percent)								0.20%
Midland Mall \| Mortgages
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date					6.10%
Balance of Non-recourse Debt					$ 31,953,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt					$ 3,760,000
The Plaza at Fayette Mall
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date					5.67%
Principal Balance Repaid					$ 37,146,000
The Shoppes at St Clair
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date					5.67%
Principal Balance Repaid					$ 18,827,000
Hamilton Corner
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date				5.67%
Principal Balance Repaid				$ 14,227,000
Layton Hills Mall
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date			5.66%
Principal Balance Repaid			$ 89,526,000
Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date		5.73%
Principal Balance Repaid		$ 53,386,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt		$ (8,500,000)
Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City - Phase II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date		3.53%
Principal Balance Repaid		$ 5,545,000
Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City - Phase III
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date		3.53%
Principal Balance Repaid		$ 2,704,000
Chesterfield Mall \| Mortgages
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate at Repayment Date	5.74%					5.74%		5.74%
Balance of Non-recourse Debt	$ 140,000,000					$ 140,000,000		$ 140,000,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	29,215,000
Midland Mall and Chesterfield Mall
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance of Non-recourse Debt	171,953,000					171,953,000		171,953,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt								32,975,000
Wausau Center \| Mortgages
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total mortgage and other indebtedness, net	17,689,000					17,689,000		17,689,000
Balance of Non-recourse Debt	$ 17,689,000					$ 17,689,000		$ 17,689,000
Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta - Ridgewalk \| Mortgages
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balance of Non-recourse Debt			$ 2,466,000