Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2023 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2023
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, Postal Zip Code	10017-3206
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
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	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2