Per Unit Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Per Unit Data
Net Income attributable to Unitholders - Basic	$ 364,022	$ 302,595	$ 1,091,831	$ 1,338,770
Net Income attributable to Unitholders - Diluted	$ 364,022	$ 302,595	$ 1,091,831	$ 1,338,770
Weighted Average Units Outstanding - Basic (in shares)	362,454,880	362,631,726	362,322,136	361,191,214
Effect of stock options of Simon Property (in shares)		1,070	67	1,077
Weighted Average Units Outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	362,454,880	362,632,796	362,322,203	361,192,291