Fair Value Measurements (Details 4) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 26, 2012 IW JV	Apr. 30, 2012 Inland Equity IW JV	Sep. 30, 2012 Level 3	Dec. 31, 2011 Level 3	Sep. 30, 2012 Total	Dec. 31, 2011 Total
Fair Value Measurements
Mortgages and notes payable	$ 2,396,899		$ 2,926,218			$ 2,628,980	$ 3,109,577	$ 2,628,980	$ 3,109,577
Credit facility	535,000		555,000			535,000	555,000	535,000	555,000
Other financings	0		8,477				8,477		8,477
Co-venture obligation	0		52,431				55,000		55,000
Repurchase price paid to acquire interest in joint venture	$ 7,859	$ 9,557			$ 55,397
Ownership percentage in joint venture				100.00%