Organization and Basis of Presentation - Properties Owned by Operating Partnership (Details)	Mar. 31, 2019 property associated_center office_building mall community_center mixed_use_center
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Malls | mall	65
Associated Centers | associated_center	23
Community Centers | community_center	7
Office Buildings/Other	7
Total Properties | property	102
Consolidated Properties
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Malls | mall	57
Associated Centers | associated_center	20
Community Centers | community_center	2
Office Buildings/Other	5
Total Properties | property	84
Number of mixed-use centers owned | mixed_use_center	1
Consolidated Properties | CBL & Associates Limited Partnership
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Office Buildings/Other	2
Unconsolidated Properties
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Malls | mall	8
Associated Centers | associated_center	3
Community Centers | community_center	5
Office Buildings/Other	2
Total Properties | property	18