Organization and Basis of Presentation - Properties Owned by Operating Partnership (Details)	Sep. 30, 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	63
Associated Centers | associated_center	23
Community Centers | community_center	6
Office Buildings/Other	6
Total Properties | property	98
Consolidated Properties
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Malls | mall	55
Associated Centers | associated_center	20
Community Centers | community_center	1
Office Buildings/Other	4
Total Properties | property	80
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