Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	33-92990
Entity Registrant Name	TIAA REAL ESTATE ACCOUNT
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NY
Entity Address, Address Line One	730 Third Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10017-3206
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	490-9000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Reporting Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)	0
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000946155
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2