EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Numerator - net income available to common stockholders	$ 12,238		$ 6,771		$ 7,973		$ 5,403		$ 6,405		$ 5,670		$ 5,492		$ 4,792		$ 32,384	$ 22,359	$ 18,325
Denominator - weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	29,491	[1]	28,912	[1]	28,246	[1]	27,647	[1]	27,116	[1]	26,839	[1]	26,820	[1]	26,809	[1]	28,577	26,897	26,752
DILUTED PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Numerator - net income available to common stockholders	$ 12,238		$ 6,771		$ 7,973		$ 5,403		$ 6,405		$ 5,670		$ 5,492		$ 4,792		$ 32,384	$ 22,359	$ 18,325
Denominator: [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding	29,491	[1]	28,912	[1]	28,246	[1]	27,647	[1]	27,116	[1]	26,839	[1]	26,820	[1]	26,809	[1]	28,577	26,897	26,752
Common stock options (in shares)																	3	6	11
Nonvested restricted stock (in shares)																	97	68	61
Total Shares (in shares)	29,614	[1]	29,030	[1]	28,341	[1]	27,718	[1]	27,206	[1]	26,914	[1]	26,897	[1]	26,873	[1]	28,677	26,971	26,824

[1] The above quarterly earnings per share calculations are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each quarter for basic earnings per share and the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and common share equivalents during each quarter for diluted earnings per share. The annual earnings per share calculations in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year for basic earnings per share and the weighted average number of outstanding common shares and common share equivalents during each year for diluted earnings per share. The sum of quarterly financial data may vary from the annual data due to rounding.