Income Taxes (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 249,632	$ 403,229
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	84,481	0
Deferred gain on the sale of The Grand Canal Shoppes and The Shoppes at The Palazzo	35,927	51,637
Allowance for doubtful accounts	21,284	34,533
Stock-based compensation	45,710	37,357
Pre - opening expenses	41,452	40,110
Accrued expenses	26,670	8,826
State deferred items	12,350	9,274
Other Tax credit carryforward	3,771	2,340
Other	8,746	4,905
Total deferred tax assets, gross	530,023	592,211
Less-valuation allowances	(325,239)	(331,275)	(280,007)	(92,819)
Total deferred tax assets	204,784	260,936
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	(321,512)	(293,345)
Prepaid expenses	(3,909)	(4,022)
Other	(12,456)	(6,759)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(337,877)	(304,126)
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (133,093)	$ (43,190)