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12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_RetainedEarningsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001063761na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_RetainedEarningsMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_RetainedEarningsMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Common Stock Held in Treasury 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_TreasuryStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001063761na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_TreasuryStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_TreasuryStockMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Noncontrolling interests 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $D2010_NoncontrollingInterestMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001063761na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $D2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001063761na0001-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDPerShareDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$1false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabelinstant2008-01-01T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse4636100046361falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse2300023falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse1808700018087falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse50677180005067718falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-2096949000-2096949falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-213606000-213606falsetruefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse592978000592978falsetruefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse34146120003414612falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A falsefalseBalance at Dec. 31, 20072true0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForwardus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringA roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.falsefalseIncrease (decrease) in equity3false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnitsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse10001falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse3135000031350falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-31351000-31351falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real investment trust unit (UPREIT unit).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 falsefalseConversion of limited partner units (common shares: 247,640 in 2010; 1,866,474 in 2009; 2,574,608 in 2008, Note 10)4false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse1188600011886falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse1188600011886falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue stock issued during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 falsefalseStock options exercised (common shares: 178,683 in 2010; 181,850 in 2009; 282,106 in 2008)5false0spg_ConversionOfPreferredUnitsToLimitedPartnerUnitsspgfalsecreditdurationThe conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse7469500074695falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse7469500074695falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeries I preferred unit conversion to limited partner units6false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecuritiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse321854000321854falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse321854000321854falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of convertible securities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 falsefalseSeries I preferred stock conversion to common stock (7,871,276 and 6,437,072 preferred shares to 6,670,589 and 5,151,776 common shares in 2010 and 2008, respectively)7false0spg_PreferredStockPremiumAmortizationspgfalsedebitdurationThe sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-329000-329falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-329000-329falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are charged against earnings. This is called amortization if the Preferred Stock was purchased at premium.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeries J preferred stock premium amortization8false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-27396000-27396falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse2739600027396falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 falsefalseStock incentive program (net common shares: 116,726 in 2010; 254,227 in 2009; and 276,872 in 2008)9false0spg_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationAmortizationspgfalsecreditdurationAdjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse2864000028640falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse2864000028640falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAmortization of stock incentive10false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-450000-450falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-6170000-6170falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-10908000-10908falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-17528000-17528falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther11false0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalReallocationOfMinorityInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-23455000-23455falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse2345500023455falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in additional paid in capital as a result of a reallocation of a subsidiary's stockholders' equity to noncontrolling interest due to the subsidiary issuing stock. This reallocation is from a capital transaction.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAdjustment to limited partners' interest from increased ownership in the Operating Partnership12false0us-gaap_DistributionMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerCashDistributionus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-852446000-852446falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-205850000-205850falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-1058296000-1058296falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared or paid to a common shareholder or unit-holder by LLC or LP.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K (SK) -Number 229 -Section 201 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph 1, 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 5 -Paragraph 55, 56, 57 falsefalseDistributions to common shareholders and limited partners, excluding Operating Partnership preferred interests13false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHoldersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-25753000-25753falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-25753000-25753falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDecrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalseDistributions to other noncontrolling interest partners14false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-183153000-183153falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-46597000-46597falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-229750000-229750falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss)15false0spg_NetIncomeLossExcludingAmountAttributableToPreferredInterestsInOperatingPartnershipspgfalsecreditdurationThe net income (loss), excluding the amount attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse463636000463636falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse118300000118300falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse581936000581936falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net income (loss), excluding the amount attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet income, excluding $2,315, $11,885, and $17,599 attributable to preferred interests in the Operating Partnership during 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively16false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2008-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse4603200046032falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse2400024falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-165066000-165066falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse54101470005410147falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-2491929000-2491929falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-186210000-186210falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse488969000488969falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse31019670003101967falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A falsefalseBalance at Dec. 31, 200817true0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForwardus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringA roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.falsefalseIncrease (decrease) in equity18false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnitsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse2403300024033falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-24033000-24033falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real investment trust unit (UPREIT unit).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 falsefalseConversion of limited partner units (common shares: 247,640 in 2010; 1,866,474 in 2009; 2,574,608 in 2008, Note 10)19false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse40004falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse16383360001638336falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse16383400001638340falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of new stock issued during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 falsefalsePublic offerings of common stock (40,250,000 common shares)20false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse47250004725falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse47250004725falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue stock issued during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 falsefalseStock options exercised (common shares: 178,683 in 2010; 181,850 in 2009; 282,106 in 2008)21false0spg_PreferredStockPremiumAmortizationspgfalsedebitdurationThe sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-328000-328falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-328000-328falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are charged against earnings. This is called amortization if the Preferred Stock was purchased at premium.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeries J preferred stock premium amortization22false0spg_LimitedPartnershipUnitsIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfPreferredUnitsspgfalsecreditdurationThe value of limited partner units issued during the period related to the conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse763000763falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse763000763falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe value of limited partner units issued during the period related to the conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseConversion of Series C preferred Units to limited partner units23false0spg_PreferredUnitConversionToPartnerUnitValueWithRedemptionOfPreferredUnitsspgfalsecreditdurationThe value of Limited Partner Units issued upon redemption of Preferred Units.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse18750001875falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse18750001875falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe value of Limited Partner Units issued upon redemption of Preferred Units.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIssuance of limited partner units with the redemption of the Series C preferred units24false0spg_PreferredUnitConversionToPartnerUnitValueWithRedemptionOfPreferredUnitsSecondSeriesInYearspgfalsecreditdurationThe value of the Limited Partner Units issued upon redemption of Preferred Units when there is a second issuance in a...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse3808600038086falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse3808600038086falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe value of the Limited Partner Units issued upon redemption of Preferred Units when there is a second issuance in a reporting period.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIssuance of limited partner units with the redemption of the Series D preferred units25false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-9414000-9414falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse94140009414falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 falsefalseStock incentive program (net common shares: 116,726 in 2010; 254,227 in 2009; and 276,872 in 2008)26false0spg_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationAmortizationspgfalsecreditdurationAdjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse2287000022870falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse2287000022870falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAmortization of stock incentive27false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-508000-508falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-4141000-4141falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse7000070falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-4579000-4579falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther28false0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalReallocationOfMinorityInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-162732000-162732falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse162732000162732falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in additional paid in capital as a result of a reallocation of a subsidiary's stockholders' equity to noncontrolling interest due to the subsidiary issuing stock. This reallocation is from a capital transaction.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAdjustment to limited partners' interest from increased ownership in the Operating Partnership29false0us-gaap_DistributionMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerCashDistributionus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-769008000-769008falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-159392000-159392falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-928400000-928400falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared or paid to a common shareholder or unit-holder by LLC or LP.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K (SK) -Number 229 -Section 201 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph 1, 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 5 -Paragraph 55, 56, 57 falsefalseDistributions to common shareholders and limited partners, excluding Operating Partnership preferred interests30false0spg_StockIssuedToCommonShareholdersAndLimitedPartnersspgfalsecreditdurationThe value of stock and units issued to Common Shareholders and Limited Partners.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse10001falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse620502000620502falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse133734000133734falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse754237000754237falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe value of stock and units issued to Common Shareholders and Limited Partners.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseStock and units issued to common shareholders and limited partners (11,876,076 common shares)31false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHoldersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-25176000-25176falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-25176000-25176falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDecrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalseDistributions to other noncontrolling interest partners32false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse161978000161978falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse4122700041227falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse203205000203205falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss)33false0spg_NetIncomeLossExcludingAmountAttributableToPreferredInterestsInOperatingPartnershipspgfalsecreditdurationThe net income (loss), excluding the amount attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse309407000309407falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse6597000065970falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse375377000375377falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net income (loss), excluding the amount attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet income, excluding $2,315, $11,885, and $17,599 attributable to preferred interests in the Operating Partnership during 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively34false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse4570400045704falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse2900029falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse-3088000-3088falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse75479590007547959falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-2955671000-2955671falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-176796000-176796falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse724825000724825falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse51829620005182962falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A falsefalseBalance at Dec. 31, 200935true0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForwardus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringA roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.falsefalseIncrease (decrease) in equity36false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnitsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse38660003866falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-3866000-3866falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real investment trust unit (UPREIT unit).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 falsefalseConversion of limited partner units (common shares: 247,640 in 2010; 1,866,474 in 2009; 2,574,608 in 2008, Note 10)37false0spg_PartnersCapitalAccountAcquisitionsExchangesAndConversionsspgfalsecreditdurationTotal change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to acquisitions exchanges and conversions....falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse162987000162987falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse162987000162987falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to acquisitions exchanges and conversions. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIssuance of limited partner units38false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercisedus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse50060005006falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse50060005006falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue stock issued during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 falsefalseStock options exercised (common shares: 178,683 in 2010; 181,850 in 2009; 282,106 in 2008)39false0spg_ConversionOfPreferredUnitsToLimitedPartnerUnitsspgfalsecreditdurationThe conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse5087400050874falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse5087400050874falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe conversion of Preferred Units to Limited Partner Units.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeries I preferred unit conversion to limited partner units40false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfConvertibleSecuritiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse10001falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse393563000393563falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse393564000393564falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of convertible securities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 4, 5 falsefalseSeries I preferred stock conversion to common stock (7,871,276 and 6,437,072 preferred shares to 6,670,589 and 5,151,776 common shares in 2010 and 2008, respectively)41false0spg_PreferredStockPremiumAmortizationspgfalsedebitdurationThe sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-329000-329falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-329000-329falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between Preferred Stock's face value and purchase prices that are charged against earnings. This is called amortization if the Preferred Stock was purchased at premium.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeries J preferred stock premium amortization42false0us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-10360000-10360falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse1036000010360falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of stock issued during the period as a result of any share-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 falsefalseStock incentive program (net common shares: 116,726 in 2010; 254,227 in 2009; and 276,872 in 2008)43false0spg_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationAmortizationspgfalsecreditdurationAdjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse1683900016839falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse1683900016839falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment to additional paid-in-capital resulting from the periodic adjustments of stock incentives.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAmortization of stock incentive44false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOtherus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse-749000-749falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-12057000-12057falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse1379900013799falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse993000993falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther45false0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalReallocationOfMinorityInterestus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse103728000103728falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-103728000-103728falsefalsefalsetruefalse8falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in additional paid in capital as a result of a reallocation of a subsidiary's stockholders' equity to noncontrolling interest due to the subsidiary issuing stock. This reallocation is from a capital transaction.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAdjustment to limited partners' interest from increased ownership in the Operating Partnership46false0us-gaap_DistributionMadeToMemberOrLimitedPartnerCashDistributionus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-763881000-763881falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-153247000-153247falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-917128000-917128falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCash dividends declared or paid to a common shareholder or unit-holder by LLC or LP.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-K (SK) -Number 229 -Section 201 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph 1, 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 5 -Paragraph 55, 56, 57 falsefalseDistributions to common shareholders and limited partners, excluding Operating Partnership preferred interests47false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHoldersus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse-24835000-24835falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse-24835000-24835falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDecrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(2) falsefalseDistributions to other noncontrolling interest partners48false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse96180009618falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse20020002002falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse1162000011620falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, for the period. Includes deferred gains (losses) on qualifying hedges, unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, minimum pension liability, and cumulative translation adjustment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseOther comprehensive income (loss)49false0spg_NetIncomeLossExcludingAmountAttributableToPreferredInterestsInOperatingPartnershipspgfalsecreditdurationThe net income (loss), excluding the amount attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse617038000617038falsefalsefalsetruefalse6falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse134161000134161falsefalsefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse751199000751199falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net income (loss), excluding the amount attributable to Preferred Interests in Operating Partnership.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet income, excluding $2,315, $11,885, and $17,599 attributable to preferred interests in the Operating Partnership during 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively50false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabelinstant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:001truefalsefalse4537500045375falsetruefalsetruefalse2truefalsefalse3000030falsetruefalsetruefalse3truefalsefalse65300006530falsetruefalsetruefalse4truefalsefalse80595820008059582falsetruefalsetruefalse5truefalsefalse-3114571000-3114571falsetruefalsetruefalse6truefalsefalse-166436000-166436falsetruefalsetruefalse7truefalsefalse802972000802972falsetruefalsetruefalse8truefalsefalse56337520005633752falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A falsefalseBalance at Dec. 31, 2010850Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue