PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	9 Months Ended
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	Sep. 30, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EastGroup, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its investment in any joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling interest. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had a controlling interest in two joint ventures: the 80% owned University Business Center and the 80% owned Castilian Research Center. The Company records 100% of the joint ventures’ assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests provided for in accordance with the joint venture agreements. The equity method of accounting is used for the Company’s 50% undivided tenant-in-common interest in Industry Distribution Center II. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Disclosure of accounting policy for subsidiaries or other investments that are consolidated, including the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts or transactions and any noncontrolling interest.

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