Number of Outlots Impaired

No definition available.

Name:	rpai_NumberOfOutlotsImpaired
Namespace Prefix:	rpai_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the number of properties impaired during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	rpai_NumberOfRealEstatePropertiesImpaired
Namespace Prefix:	rpai_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the aggregate of the assets reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureNonrecurring
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long-lived assets that are held for sale apart from normal operations and anticipated to be sold in less than one year.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 157

-Paragraph 33

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleLongLivedFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The charge against earnings in the period to reduce the carrying amount of real property to fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 360

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2921-110230

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 144

-Paragraph 26

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ImpairmentOfRealEstate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Level 2	Sep. 30, 2012 Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Level 3	Dec. 31, 2011 Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Level 3	Sep. 30, 2012 Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Total	Dec. 31, 2011 Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements Total	Sep. 30, 2012 Investment properties held for sale Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements property	Sep. 30, 2012 Consolidated operating properties Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements property	Dec. 31, 2011 Consolidated operating properties Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements property
Fair Value Measurements
Investment properties				$ 22,472	$ 21,439	$ 22,472	$ 21,439
Investment properties - held for sale			8,617			8,617
Impairment charges	$ 23,490	$ 31,752						$ 4,879	$ 10,660	$ 38,023
Number of properties impaired								2	5	1
Number of outlots impaired										1