10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2013                                       COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-07094

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

MARYLAND	13-2711135
(State or other jurisdiction	(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)
190 EAST CAPITOL STREET
SUITE 400
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI	39201
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number:  (601) 354-3555

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES (x) NO ( )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES (x)   NO ( )

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.   (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer (x)     Accelerated Filer ( )      Non-accelerated Filer ( )     Smaller Reporting Company ( )

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES ( ) NO (x)

The number of shares of common stock, $.0001 par value, outstanding as of April 19, 2013 was 30,256,170.

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2013

		Page
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets, March 31, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)	4
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (unaudited)	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	30
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	31
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	31
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	31
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	31
Item 6.	Exhibits	32
SIGNATURES
Authorized signatures		33

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Real estate properties	$	1,646,259		1,619,777
Development	143,985			148,255
	1,790,244			1,768,032
Less accumulated depreciation	(509,302		)	(496,247	)
	1,280,942			1,271,785
Unconsolidated investment	2,834			2,743
Cash	24			1,258
Other assets	79,855			78,316
TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,363,655		1,354,102
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Mortgage notes payable	$	601,655		607,766
Unsecured term loans payable	130,000			130,000
Notes payable to banks	91,595			76,160
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	23,939			28,914
Other liabilities	19,027			20,086
Total Liabilities	866,216			862,926
EQUITY
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common shares; $.0001 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 30,256,170 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 29,928,490 at December 31, 2012	3			3
Excess shares; $.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	—			—
Additional paid-in capital on common shares	747,105			731,950
Distributions in excess of earnings	(254,322		)	(245,249	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(170		)	(392	)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	492,616			486,312
Noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	4,823			4,864
Total Equity	497,439			491,176
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	1,363,655		1,354,102

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2013			2012
REVENUES
Income from real estate operations	$	48,228		46,383
Other income	47			14
	48,275			46,397
EXPENSES
Expenses from real estate operations	13,562			12,997
Depreciation and amortization	15,615			15,734
General and administrative	3,364			3,116
Acquisition costs	29			19
	32,570			31,866
OPERATING INCOME	15,705			14,531
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(8,621		)	(9,441	)
Other	224			171
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	7,308			5,261
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Income from real estate operations	—			94
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax	—			167
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	—			261
NET INCOME	7,308			5,522
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	(154		)	(119	)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	7,154			5,403
Other comprehensive income - cash flow hedge	222			—
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	7,376		5,403
BASIC PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$	0.24		0.19
Income from discontinued operations	—			0.01
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	0.24		0.20
Weighted average shares outstanding	29,809			27,647
DILUTED PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$	0.24		0.18
Income from discontinued operations	—			0.01
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	0.24		0.19
Weighted average shares outstanding	29,890			27,718
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$	7,154		5,142
Income from discontinued operations	—			261
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	7,154		5,403

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

(UNAUDITED)

	Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital		Distributions in Excess of Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures		Total
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2012	$	3	731,950		(245,249	)	(392	)	4,864		491,176
Net income	—		—		7,154		—		154		7,308
Net unrealized change in fair value of interest rate swap	—		—		—		222		—		222
Common dividends declared – $.53 per share	—		—		(16,227	)	—		—		(16,227	)
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	—		1,831		—		—		—		1,831
Issuance of 245,010 shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses	—		13,798		—		—		—		13,798
Issuance of 933 shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan	—		54		—		—		—		54
Withheld 9,412 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	—		(528	)	—		—		—		(528	)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		—		(195	)	(195	)
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2013	$	3	747,105		(254,322	)	(170	)	4,823		497,439

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN THOUSANDS)

(UNAUDITED)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2013			2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	7,308		5,522
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations	15,615			15,734
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations	—			212
Stock-based compensation expense	1,370			1,334
Gain on sales of land and real estate investments	—			(167	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued income and other assets	(44		)	991
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid rent	(6,910		)	(11,073	)
Other	(98		)	(133	)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	17,241			12,420
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Real estate development	(17,254		)	(12,584	)
Purchases of real estate	—			(3,475	)
Real estate improvements	(4,577		)	(3,902	)
Proceeds from sales of real estate investments	—			539
Repayments on mortgage loans receivable	26			3
Changes in accrued development costs	473			158
Changes in other assets and other liabilities	(2,194		)	(2,478	)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(23,526		)	(21,739	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from bank borrowings	66,325			63,895
Repayments on bank borrowings	(50,890		)	(99,494	)
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable	—			54,000
Principal payments on mortgage notes payable	(6,106		)	(9,736	)
Debt issuance costs	(1,441		)	(793	)
Distributions paid to stockholders (not including dividends accrued on unvested restricted stock)	(15,975		)	(14,908	)
Proceeds from common stock offerings	13,798			16,284
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan	50			64
Other	(710		)	38
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	5,051			9,350
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(1,234		)	31
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	1,258			174
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	24		205
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $1,291 and $1,042        for 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	8,257		8,967

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (“EastGroup” or “the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the 2012 annual report on Form 10-K and the notes thereto.

Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2012 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2013 presentation.

(2) 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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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.

(3) USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(4) REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES

EastGroup has one reportable segment – industrial properties.  These properties are concentrated in major Sunbelt markets of the United States, primarily in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina, have similar economic characteristics and also meet the other criteria permitting the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment.

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows (including estimated future expenditures necessary to substantially complete the asset) expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company determined that no impairment charges on the Company’s real estate properties were necessary.

Depreciation of buildings and other improvements is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of generally 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for improvements.  Building improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred.  Significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized.  Depreciation expense for continuing and discontinued operations was $13,057,000 and $13,079,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

The Company’s real estate properties at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Real estate properties:
Land	$	246,347		244,199
Buildings and building improvements	1,120,853			1,102,597
Tenant and other improvements	279,059			272,981
Development	143,985			148,255
	1,790,244			1,768,032
Less accumulated depreciation	(509,302		)	(496,247	)
	$	1,280,942		1,271,785

(5) DEVELOPMENT

During the period in which a property is under development, costs associated with development (i.e., land, construction costs, interest expense, property taxes and other direct and indirect costs associated with development) are aggregated into the total capitalized costs of the property.  Included in these costs are management’s estimates for the portions of internal costs (primarily personnel costs) deemed directly or indirectly related to such development activities. The internal costs are allocated to specific development properties based on construction activity. As the property becomes occupied, depreciation commences on the occupied portion of the building, and costs are capitalized only for the portion of the building that remains vacant.  When the property becomes 80% occupied or one year after completion of the shell construction (whichever comes first), capitalization of development costs ceases.  The properties are then transferred to real estate properties, and depreciation commences on the entire property (excluding the land).

(6) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES

Upon acquisition of real estate properties, the Company applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations, which requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.  The Codification also provides guidance on how to properly determine the allocation of the purchase price among the individual components of both the tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values.  Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired.  Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases.  The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management's determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models.  The Company determines whether any financing assumed is above or below market based upon comparison to similar financing terms for similar properties.  The cost of the properties acquired may be adjusted based on indebtedness assumed from the seller that is determined to be above or below market rates.  

The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets:  the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships.  The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease.  The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.  The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values.  These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.

Amortization expense for in-place lease intangibles was $778,000 and $1,069,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Amortization of above and below market leases decreased rental income by $46,000 and $120,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

EastGroup did not acquire any operating properties during the first three months of 2013. During 2012, the Company acquired Madison Distribution Center in Tampa, Florida; Wiegman Distribution Center II in Hayward, California; and Valwood Distribution Center in Dallas, Texas. The Company purchased these properties for a total cost of $51,750,000, of which $48,934,000 was allocated to real estate properties.  The Company allocated $7,435,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Tampa, Hayward and Dallas markets.  The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (see Note 17 for additional information on ASC 820).  Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows:  $3,305,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $244,000 to above market leases (both included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets), and $733,000 to below market leases (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets).  These costs are amortized over the remaining lives of the associated leases in place at the time of acquisition.

EastGroup expensed acquisition-related costs of $29,000 and $19,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  

The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of goodwill (at least annually) and the recoverability of other intangibles (on a quarterly basis) for possible impairment.  In management’s opinion, no impairment of goodwill and other intangibles existed at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

(7) REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE/DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year.  Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale.  In accordance with the guidelines established under the Codification,the results of operations for the operating properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods are shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Interest expense is not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations are included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage is required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.

The Company did not sell any real estate properties during the first three months of 2013. EastGroup’s taxable REIT subsidiary sold two properties in Tampa, which collectively contain 10,500 square feet, for $578,000 and recognized an after-tax gain of $167,000 during the first quarter of 2012. Additionally, later in 2012, the Company sold two operating properties (433,000 square feet) in Phoenix and Tulsa for $17,319,000 and recognized gains of $6,343,000.

The following table presents the components of revenue and expense for the properties sold or held for sale during 2013 and 2012.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Income from real estate operations	$	—	416
Expenses from real estate operations	—		(110	)
Property net operating income from discontinued operations	—		306
Depreciation and amortization	—		(212	)
Income from real estate operations	—		94
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax	—		167
Income from discontinued operations	$	—	261

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(8) OTHER ASSETS

A summary of the Company’s Other Assets follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	41,815		41,290
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(17,498		)	(17,543	)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	24,317			23,747
Straight-line rents receivable	22,233			22,153
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(382		)	(409	)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	21,851			21,744
Accounts receivable	2,929			3,477
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(365		)	(373	)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,564			3,104
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	10,287			11,848
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(3,733		)	(4,516	)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	6,554			7,332
Acquired above market lease intangibles	2,170			2,443
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(840		)	(976	)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,330			1,467
Mortgage loans receivable	9,330			9,357
Discount on mortgage loans receivable	(30		)	(34	)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300			9,323
Loan costs	8,471			8,476
Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(3,837		)	(4,960	)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	4,634			3,516
Goodwill	990			990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,315			7,093
Total Other Assets	$	79,855		78,316

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(9) ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:

	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Property taxes payable	$	6,699	12,107
Development costs payable	7,643		7,170
Interest payable	2,661		2,615
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,443		1,191
Other payables and accrued expenses	5,493		5,831
Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	$	23,939	28,914

(10) OTHER LIABILITIES

A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Security deposits	$	9,978		9,668
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	7,141			7,930
Acquired below-market lease intangibles	1,500			1,541
Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles	(440		)	(391	)
Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,060			1,150
Interest rate swap liability	414			645
Other liabilities	434			693
Total Other Liabilities	$	19,027		20,086

(11) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Total Comprehensive Income is comprised of net income plus all other changes in equity from non-owner sources and is presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are presented in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and are summarized below. See Note 12 for information regarding the Company's interest rate swap.

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Balance at beginning of period		$	(392	)	—
Change in fair value of interest rate swap		222			—
Balance at end of period		$	(170	)	—

(12) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risk, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and, to a limited extent, the use of derivative instruments.

Specifically, the Company has entered into derivative instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Company's derivative instruments, described below, are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company's known or expected cash payments principally related to certain of the Company's borrowings.

The Company's objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage exposure to interest rate movements and add stability to interest expense. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. 

The Company currently has one interest rate swap outstanding that is used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with its variable-rate debt. The Company entered into an $80,000,000 interest rate swap during the third quarter of 2012 and has concluded that the hedging relationship is highly effective. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives, which is immaterial for the periods reported, is recognized directly in earnings (included in Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income).

Amounts reported in Other Comprehensive Income related to derivatives will be reclassified to Interest Expense as interest payments are made on the Company's variable-rate debt. The Company estimates that an additional $579,000 will be reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income as an increase to Interest Expense over the next twelve months.

As of January 1, 2013, the Company changed its valuation methodology for over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives to discount cash flows based on Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) rates.  Uncollateralized or partially-collateralized trades are discounted at OIS, but include appropriate economic adjustments for funding costs (i.e., a LIBOR-OIS basis adjustment to approximate uncollateralized cost of funds) and credit risk.  The Company is making the changes to better align its inputs, assumptions, and pricing methodologies with those used in its principal market by most dealers and major market participants.  The changes in valuation methodology are applied prospectively as a change in accounting estimate and are immaterial to the Company's financial statements.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk:

Interest Rate Derivative	Notional Amount
Interest Rate Swap	$80,000,000

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instrument as well as its classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. See Note 17 for additional information on the fair value of the Company's interest rate swap.

	Liability Derivatives As of March 31, 2013			Liability Derivatives As of December 31, 2012
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Other Liabilities	$	414,000	Other Liabilities	$	645,000

The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
DERIVATIVES IN CASH FLOW HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS
Interest Rate Swaps:
Amount of income recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on derivative		$	73		—
Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense		(149		)	—

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

See Note 11 for additional information on the Company's Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss resulting from its interest rate swap.

Derivative financial agreements expose the Company to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties under the terms of the interest rate hedge agreements. The Company believes it minimizes the credit risk by transacting with major credit-worthy financial institutions.

The Company has an agreement with its derivative counterparty containing a provision stating that the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender.

As of March 31, 2013, the fair value of derivatives in a liability position related to these agreements was $414,000. If the Company breached any of the contractual provisions of the derivative contract, it would be required to settle its obligation under the agreement at the swap termination value. As of March 31, 2013, the swap termination value was a liability in the amount of $394,000.

(13) EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company applies ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires companies to present basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).  Basic EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period.  The Company’s basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Diluted EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and to each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  The Company calculates diluted EPS by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options had the options been exercised.  The dilutive effect of stock options and their equivalents (such as unvested restricted stock) was determined using the treasury stock method which assumes exercise of the options as of the beginning of the period or when issued, if later, and assumes proceeds from the exercise of options are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.

Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders		$	7,154	5,403
Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding		29,809		27,647
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders		$	7,154	5,403
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding		29,809		27,647
Common stock options		3		4
Unvested restricted stock		78		67
Total Shares		29,890		27,718

(14) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Incentive Plan

In May 2004, the stockholders of the Company approved the EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) that authorized the issuance of up to 1,900,000 shares of common stock to employees in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock units, performance shares, bonus stock or stock in lieu of cash compensation.  The 2004 Plan was further amended by the Board of Directors in September 2005 and December 2006.  Total shares available for grant were

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

1,248,882 at March 31, 2013.  Typically, the Company issues new shares to fulfill stock grants or upon the exercise of stock options.

In April 2013, the Board of Directors adopted the EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Plan”) upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and subject to approval by the Company's stockholders. If approved by the stockholders, the 2013 Equity Plan will be effective as of May 29, 2013, and will replace the 2004 Plan. Under the 2004 Plan, 1,248,882 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant as of March 31, 2013. If the stockholders approve the 2013 Equity Plan, no grants will be made with respect to any of the shares remaining under the 2004 Plan, nor with respect to any shares that may later become available under the 2004 Plan for any reason such as forfeiture of outstanding grants. The 2013 Equity Plan will also replace the 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan, under which 9,127 shares of Common Stock remained available for awards as of March 31, 2013. If the stockholders approve the 2013 Equity Plan, no awards will be made with respect to the shares remaining under the 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The 2013 Equity Plan will permit the grant of awards with respect to 2,000,000 shares of common stock.

Stock-based compensation cost was $1,831,000 and $1,492,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of which $551,000 and $233,000 were capitalized as part of the Company’s development costs.

Equity Awards

In March 2013, the Compensation Committee evaluated the Company's performance compared to a variety of annual performance goals for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Based on the evaluation, 36,813 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $57.10 per share.  These shares vested 20% on the dates shares were determined and awarded and will vest 20% per year on January 1 in years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.  The shares will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period.

Also in March 2013, the Committee evaluated the Company’s absolute and relative total stockholder return compared to the NAREIT Equity Index, NAREIT Industrial Index and Russell 2000 Index for the five-year period ended December 31, 2012.  Based on the evaluation, 54,336 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $57.11 per share.  These shares vested 25% on the dates shares were awarded and will vest 25% per year on January 1 in years 2014, 2015 and 2016.  The shares will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares issued to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, David H. Hoster II, and Chief Financial Officer, N. Keith McKey, will become fully vested no later than January 1, 2016 and April 6, 2016, respectively.

Following is a summary of the total restricted shares granted, forfeited and delivered (vested) to employees with the related weighted average grant date fair value share prices.  Of the shares that vested in the first three months of 2013, the Company withheld 17,927 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those employees who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan.  As of the vesting date, the fair value of shares that vested during the first three months of 2013 was $1,700,000.

	Three Months Ended
Award Activity:	March 31, 2013
	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	212,206		$	42.84
Granted	91,149		57.10
Forfeited	—		—
Vested	(30,316	)	52.32
Unvested at end of period	273,039		$	46.55

Directors Equity Plan

The Company has a directors equity plan that was approved by stockholders and adopted in 2005 (the "2005 Plan"), which authorizes the issuance of up to 50,000 shares of common stock through awards of shares and restricted shares granted to non-employee directors of the Company.  The 2005 Plan was further amended by the Board of Directors in May 2006, May 2008, May 2011 and May 2012. As noted above, if approved by the stockholders, the 2013 Equity Plan will replace the 2005 Plan effective May 29, 2013.  Stock-based compensation expense for directors was $90,000 and $75,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(15) RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The state of the overall economy can significantly impact the Company’s operational performance and thus impact its financial position.  Should EastGroup experience a significant decline in operational performance, it may affect the Company’s ability to make distributions to its shareholders, service debt, or meet other financial obligations.

(16) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

EastGroup has evaluated all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs apply to the Company.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2013.

(17) FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  ASC 820 also provides guidance for using fair value to measure financial assets and liabilities.  The Codification requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, including measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active (Level 2), and significant valuation assumptions that are not readily observable in the market (Level 3).

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount (1)		Fair Value	Carrying Amount (1)	Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24	24	1,258	1,258
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300		9,760	9,323	9,748
Financial Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable	601,655		648,135	607,766	661,408
Unsecured term loans payable	130,000		131,747	130,000	130,776
Notes payable to banks	91,595		91,698	76,160	76,160
Interest rate swap liability	414		414	645	645

(1) Carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.

Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount (included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets):  The fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities (Level 2 input).

Mortgage notes payable: The fair value of the Company’s mortgage notes payable is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).

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EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Unsecured term loans payable:  The fair value of the Company’s unsecured term loans payable is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).

Notes payable to banks: The fair value of the Company’s notes payable to banks is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at current market rates (Level 2 input).

Interest rate swap liability (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balances Sheets): The instrument is recorded at fair value based on models using inputs, such as interest rate yield curves, LIBOR swap curves and OIS curves, observable for substantially the full term of the contract (Level 2 input). See Note 12 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swap.

(18) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into an agreement in principle with an insurance company under which the Company plans to issue $100 million of senior unsecured notes at a fixed interest rate of 3.8%. The notes will require semi-annual interest payments with principal payments of: $30 million on August 30, 2020, $50 million on August 30, 2023, and $20 million on August 30, 2025. The transaction is expected to close on August 30, 2013, and the issuance of the notes in this private placement is subject to due diligence and completion of final documentation.

Subsequent to quarter-end, EastGroup closed the acquisition of 42.4 acres of development land in southwest Charlotte for a price of $5.7 million. The land is projected to contain the future development of 465,000 square feet of industrial space in six business distribution buildings to be named Steele Creek Commerce Park. EastGroup plans to begin the development of the first two buildings (70,000 square feet each) with a projected total investment of $9.5 million during the second quarter of 2013. One of the buildings is 100% pre-leased, and the other will be offered for lease as a multi-tenant facility.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

OVERVIEW

EastGroup’s goal is to maximize shareholder value by being the leading provider in its markets of functional, flexible and quality business distribution space for location sensitive tenants primarily in the 5,000 to 50,000 square foot range.  The Company acquires, develops and operates distribution facilities, the majority of which are clustered around major transportation features in supply constrained submarkets in major Sunbelt regions.  The Company’s core markets are in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina.

The Company believes its current operating cash flow and lines of credit provide the capacity to fund the operations of the Company for the remainder of 2013.  The Company also believes it can issue common and/or preferred equity and obtain financing from insurance companies and financial institutions. The continuous equity program provided net proceeds to the Company of $13.8 million in the first three months of 2013, as described in Liquidity and Capital Resources. Also in the first quarter, the Company entered into an agreement in principle with an insurance company under which the Company expects to issue $100 million of senior unsecured notes at a fixed interest rate of 3.8%. This transaction is further discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources.

The Company’s primary revenue is rental income; as such, EastGroup’s primary challenge is leasing space.  During the three months ended March 31, 2013, leases expired on 1,980,000 square feet (6.4% of EastGroup’s total square footage of 30,975,000), and the Company was successful in renewing or re-leasing 77% of the expiring square feet.  In addition, EastGroup leased 315,000 square feet of other vacant space during this period.  During the first three months of 2013, average rental rates on new and renewal leases decreased by 1.1%.  Property net operating income (PNOI) from same properties, defined as operating properties owned during the entire current period and prior year reporting period, decreased 0.4% for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, as compared to the same quarter in 2012.

EastGroup’s total leased percentage was 94.4% at March 31, 2013, compared to 94.5% at March 31, 2012.  Leases scheduled to expire for the remainder of 2013 were 10.7% of the portfolio on a square foot basis at March 31, 2013, and this figure was reduced to 9.5% as of April 19, 2013.

The Company generates new sources of leasing revenue through its acquisition and development programs. EastGroup continues to see targeted development as a contributor to the Company’s long-term growth.  The Company mitigates risks associated with development through a Board-approved maximum level of land held for development and by adjusting development start dates according to leasing activity.  During the first three months of 2013, the Company began construction of five development projects containing 377,000 square feet in Houston, San Antonio, Orlando and Phoenix.  EastGroup also transferred three properties (324,000 square feet) in Houston and Orlando from its development program to real estate properties with costs of $20.7 million at the date of transfer.  As of March 31, 2013, EastGroup’s development program consisted of 16 projects (1,108,000 square feet) located in Houston, San Antonio, Orlando and Phoenix.  The projected total cost for the development projects, which were collectively 48% leased as of April 19, 2013, is $84.8 million, of which $35.5 million remained to be invested as of March 31, 2013.

Typically, the Company initially funds its acquisition and development programs through its $250 million lines of credit (as discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources).  As market conditions permit, EastGroup issues equity and/or employs fixed-rate debt to replace short-term bank borrowings. In prior years, EastGroup primarily obtained secured debt. In January 2013, Fitch affirmed the Company's credit rating of BBB, and Moody's assigned the Company a credit rating of Baa2. The Company intends to obtain primarily unsecured fixed rate debt in the future. The Company may also access the public debt market in the future as a means to raise capital.

EastGroup has one reportable segment – industrial properties.  These properties are primarily located in major Sunbelt regions of the United States, have similar economic characteristics and also meet the other criteria permitting the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment.  The Company’s chief decision makers use two primary measures of operating results in making decisions:  (1) property net operating income (PNOI), defined as income from real estate operations less property operating expenses (excluding interest expense, depreciation expense on buildings and improvements, and amortization expense on capitalized leasing costs and in-place lease intangibles), and (2) funds from operations attributable to common stockholders (FFO), defined as net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of depreciable real estate property and impairment losses, plus real estate related depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures.  The Company calculates FFO based on the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts’ (NAREIT) definition.

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PNOI is a supplemental industry reporting measurement used to evaluate the performance of the Company’s real estate investments. The Company believes the exclusion of depreciation and amortization in the industry’s calculation of PNOI provides a supplemental indicator of the properties’ performance since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions.  PNOI as calculated by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled but differently calculated measures for other real estate investment trusts (REITs).  The major factors influencing PNOI are occupancy levels, acquisitions and sales, development properties that achieve stabilized operations, rental rate increases or decreases, and the recoverability of operating expenses.  The Company’s success depends largely upon its ability to lease space and to recover from tenants the operating costs associated with those leases.

PNOI is comprised of Income from real estate operations, less Expenses from real estate operations.  PNOI was calculated as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Income from real estate operations		$	48,228		46,383
Expenses from real estate operations		(13,562		)	(12,997	)
PROPERTY NET OPERATING INCOME		$	34,666		33,386

Income from real estate operations is comprised of rental income, expense reimbursement pass-through income and other real estate income including lease termination fees.  Expenses from real estate operations is comprised of property taxes, insurance, utilities, repair and maintenance expenses, management fees, other operating costs and bad debt expense.  Generally, the Company’s most significant operating expenses are property taxes and insurance.  Tenant leases may be net leases in which the total operating expenses are recoverable, modified gross leases in which some of the operating expenses are recoverable, or gross leases in which no expenses are recoverable (gross leases represent only a small portion of the Company’s total leases).  Increases in property operating expenses are fully recoverable under net leases and recoverable to a high degree under modified gross leases.  Modified gross leases often include base year amounts and expense increases over these amounts are recoverable.  The Company’s exposure to property operating expenses is primarily due to vacancies and leases for occupied space that limit the amount of expenses that can be recovered.

The following table presents reconciliations of Net Income to PNOI for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
NET INCOME		$	7,308		5,522
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investment		(91		)	(89	)
Interest income		(133		)	(82	)
Other income		(47		)	(14	)
Income from discontinued operations		—			(261	)
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations		15,615			15,734
Interest expense		8,621			9,441
General and administrative expense		3,364			3,116
Acquisition costs		29			19
PROPERTY NET OPERATING INCOME		$	34,666		33,386

The Company believes FFO is a meaningful supplemental measure of operating performance for equity REITs.  The Company believes excluding depreciation and amortization in the calculation of FFO is appropriate since real estate values have historically increased or decreased based on market conditions.  FFO is not considered as an alternative to net income (determined in accordance with GAAP) as an indication of the Company’s financial performance, nor is it a measure of the Company’s liquidity or indicative of funds available to provide for the Company’s cash needs, including its ability to make distributions.  In addition, FFO, as reported by the Company, may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition.  The Company’s key drivers affecting FFO are changes in PNOI (as discussed above), interest rates, the amount of leverage the Company employs and general and administrative expense.  The following table presents

-18-

reconciliations of Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders to FFO Attributable to Common Stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands, except per share data)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES,  INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS		$	7,154		5,403
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations		15,615			15,734
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations		—			212
Depreciation from unconsolidated investment		33			33
Depreciation and amortization from noncontrolling interest		(62		)	(61	)
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (FFO) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS		$	22,740		21,321
Net income attributable to common stockholders per diluted share		$	0.24		0.19
Funds from operations (FFO) attributable to common stockholders per diluted share		$	0.76		0.77
Diluted shares for earnings per share and funds from operations		29,890			27,718

The Company analyzes the following performance trends in evaluating the progress of the Company:

• The FFO change per share represents the increase or decrease in FFO per share from the current period compared to the same period in the prior year.  For the three months ended March 31, 2013, FFO was $0.76 per share compared with $0.77 per share for the same period of 2012, a decrease of 1.3% per share.

• For the three months ended March 31, 2013, PNOI increased by $1,280,000, or 3.8%, compared to the same period in 2012. PNOI increased $870,000 from 2012 acquisitions and $571,000 from newly developed properties, offset by a decrease of $120,000 from same property operations.

• The same property net operating income change represents the PNOI increase or decrease for the same operating properties owned during the entire current period and prior year reporting period.  PNOI from same properties decreased 0.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012.

• Same property average occupancy represents the average month-end percentage of leased square footage for which the lease term has commenced as compared to the total leasable square footage for the same operating properties owned during the entire current period and prior year reporting period. Same property average occupancy for the three months ended March 31, 2013, was 93.2% compared to 93.9% for the same period of 2012.

• The same property average rental rate represents the average annual rental rates of leases in place for the same operating properties owned during the entire current period and prior year reporting period. The same property average rental rate was $5.16 per square foot for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $5.20 per square foot for the same period of 2012.

• Occupancy is the percentage of leased square footage for which the lease term has commenced as compared to the total leasable square footage as of the close of the reporting period.  Occupancy at March 31, 2013, was 93.6%.  Quarter-end occupancy ranged from 93.1% to 94.6% over the period from March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013.

• Rental rate change represents the rental rate increase or decrease on new and renewal leases compared to the prior leases on the same space.  Rental rate decreases on new and renewal leases (5.9% of total square footage) averaged 1.1% for the first quarter of 2013.

• Lease termination fee income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $427,000 compared to $170,000 for the same period of 2012.  Bad debt expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $47,000 compared to $223,000 for the same period last year.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company’s management considers the following accounting policies and estimates to be critical to the reported operations of the Company.

Real Estate Properties

The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets based on their respective fair values.  Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired.  Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases.  The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management’s determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models.  The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets:  the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships.  The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease.  The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.  The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values.  These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.

During the period in which a property is under development, costs associated with development (i.e., land, construction costs, interest expense, property taxes and other direct and indirect costs associated with development) are aggregated into the total capitalized costs of the property.  Included in these costs are management’s estimates for the portions of internal costs (primarily personnel costs) deemed directly or indirectly related to such development activities. The internal costs are allocated to specific development properties based on construction activity.

The Company reviews its real estate investments for impairment of value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If any real estate investment is considered permanently impaired, a loss is recorded to reduce the carrying value of the property to its estimated fair value.  Real estate assets to be sold are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less selling costs.  The evaluation of real estate investments involves many subjective assumptions dependent upon future economic events that affect the ultimate value of the property.  Currently, the Company’s management knows of no impairment issues nor has it experienced any impairment issues in recent years.  EastGroup currently has the intent and ability to hold its real estate investments and to hold its land inventory for future development.  In the event of impairment, the property’s basis would be reduced, and the impairment would be recognized as a current period charge on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Valuation of Receivables

The Company is subject to tenant defaults and bankruptcies that could affect the collection of outstanding receivables.  In order to mitigate these risks, the Company performs credit reviews and analyses on prospective tenants before significant leases are executed and on existing tenants before properties are acquired.  On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates outstanding receivables and estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Management specifically analyzes aged receivables, customer credit-worthiness, historical bad debts and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  The Company believes its allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate for its outstanding receivables for the periods presented.  In the event the allowance for doubtful accounts is insufficient for an account that is subsequently written off, additional bad debt expense would be recognized as a current period charge on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Tax Status

EastGroup, a Maryland corporation, has qualified as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code and intends to continue to qualify as such.  To maintain its status as a REIT, the Company is required to distribute at least 90% of its ordinary taxable income to its stockholders.  If the Company has a capital gain, it has the option of (i) deferring recognition of the capital gain through a tax-deferred exchange, (ii) declaring and paying a capital gain dividend on any recognized net capital gain resulting in no corporate level tax, or (iii) retaining and paying corporate income tax on its net long-term capital gain, with shareholders reporting their proportional share of the undistributed long-term capital gain and receiving a credit or refund of their share of the tax paid by the Company.  The Company distributed all of its 2012 taxable income to its stockholders and expects to distribute all of its taxable income in 2013.  Accordingly, no significant provision for income taxes was necessary in 2012, nor is any significant income tax provision expected to be necessary for 2013.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

EastGroup’s assets were $1,363,655,000 at March 31, 2013, an increase of $9,553,000 from December 31, 2012.  Liabilities increased $3,290,000 to $866,216,000, and equity increased $6,263,000 to $497,439,000 during the same period.  The paragraphs that follow explain these changes in detail.

Assets

Real Estate Properties

Real Estate Propertiesincreased $26,482,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013, primarily due to capital improvements at the Company’s properties and the transfer of three properties from Development, as detailed under Development below.  

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company made capital improvements of $4,960,000 on existing and acquired properties (included in the Capital Expenditures table under Results of Operations).  Also, the Company incurred costs of $789,000 on development properties subsequent to transfer to Real Estate Properties; the Company records these expenditures as development costs on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Development

EastGroup’s investment in development at March 31, 2013 consisted of properties in lease-up and under construction of $49,310,000 and prospective development (primarily land) of $94,675,000.  The Company’s total investment in development at March 31, 2013 was $143,985,000 compared to $148,255,000 at December 31, 2012.  Total capital invested for development during the first three months of 2013 was $17,254,000, which primarily consisted of costs of $16,579,000 for properties in lease-up, under construction and prospective development (primarily land) and costs of $789,000 on development properties subsequent to transfer to Real Estate Properties. The capitalized costs incurred on development properties subsequent to transfer to Real Estate Properties include capital improvements at the properties and do not include other capitalized costs associated with development (i.e., interest expense, property taxes and internal personnel costs).

The Company capitalized internal development costs of $1,069,000 and $712,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in capitalized internal development costs in 2013 as compared to 2012 resulted from increased activity in the Company's development program in 2013.

The Company transferred three development properties to Real Estate Properties during the first three months of 2013 with a total investment of $20,735,000 as of the date of transfer.

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		Costs Incurred
DEVELOPMENT		Costs Transferred in 2013(1)			For the Three Months Ended 3/31/2013		Cumulative as of 3/31/2013	Estimated Total Costs	Building Completion Date
		(In thousands)
LEASE-UP	Building Size (Square feet)
World Houston 31B, Houston, TX	35,000	$	—		75		3,026	3,900	04/12
Thousand Oaks 1, San Antonio, TX	36,000	—			414		3,953	4,900	05/12
Thousand Oaks 2, San Antonio, TX	73,000	—			473		5,282	5,600	05/12
Beltway Crossing X, Houston, TX	78,000	—			107		3,923	4,800	06/12
Beltway Crossing XI, Houston, TX	87,000	—			378		3,978	4,900	02/13
Total Lease-Up	309,000	—			1,447		20,162	24,100
UNDER CONSTRUCTION									Anticipated Building Completion Date
World Houston 34, Houston, TX	57,000	—			315		2,990	3,900	04/13
World Houston 35, Houston, TX	45,000	—			255		2,368	2,800	04/13
Ten West Crossing 1, Houston, TX	30,000	—			1,495		3,237	3,800	05/13
Thousand Oaks 3, San Antonio, TX	66,000	1,232			1,479		2,711	4,600	07/13
Southridge X, Orlando, FL	71,000	1,979			890		2,869	5,100	08/13
Ten West Crossing 2, Houston, TX	46,000	908			1,035		1,943	5,100	08/13
Ten West Crossing 3, Houston, TX	68,000	693			1,434		2,127	4,800	08/13
World Houston 37, Houston, TX	101,000	—			1,569		3,243	6,800	08/13
World Houston 36, Houston, TX	60,000	—			1,065		2,502	5,900	09/13
World Houston 38, Houston, TX	129,000	—			810		3,027	9,000	10/13
Chandler Freeways, Phoenix, AZ	126,000	1,811			320		2,131	8,900	10/13
Total Under Construction	799,000	6,623			10,667		29,148	60,700
PROSPECTIVE DEVELOPMENT (PRIMARILY LAND)	Estimated Building Size (Square feet)
Phoenix, AZ	404,000	(1,811		)	87		3,973	30,800
Tucson, AZ	70,000	—			—		417	4,900
Denver, CO	84,000	—			75		786	7,700
Fort Myers, FL	663,000	—			108		17,754	48,100
Orlando, FL	1,355,000	(1,979		)	1,580		26,201	88,000
Tampa, FL	519,000	—			153		6,298	30,800
Jackson, MS	28,000	—			—		706	2,000
Charlotte, NC	95,000	—			18		1,353	6,800
Dallas, TX	120,000	—			3		1,238	7,800
El Paso, TX	251,000	—			—		2,444	11,300
Houston, TX	2,227,000	(1,601		)	2,371		29,203	147,500
San Antonio, TX	412,000	(1,232		)	70		4,302	27,200
Total Prospective Development	6,228,000	(6,623		)	4,465		94,675	412,900
	7,336,000	$	—		16,579		143,985	497,700
DEVELOPMENTS COMPLETED AND TRANSFERRED TO REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES DURING 2013	Building Size (Square feet)								Building Completion Date
Southridge IX, Orlando, FL	76,000	$	—		18		6,318		03/12
Southridge XI, Orlando, FL	88,000	—			37		5,502		09/12
World Houston 33, Houston, TX	160,000	—			(169	)	8,915		02/13
Total Transferred to Real Estate Properties	324,000	$	—		(114	)	20,735	(2)

(1)Represents costs transferred from Prospective Development (primarily land) to Under Construction during the period.

(2)Represents cumulative costs at the date of transfer.

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Accumulated Depreciation

Accumulated depreciation on real estate and development properties increased $13,055,000 during the first three months of 2013 due to depreciation expense.

Other Assets

Other Assetsincreased $1,539,000 during the first three months of 2013.  A summary of Other Assets follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	41,815		41,290
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(17,498		)	(17,543	)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	24,317			23,747
Straight-line rents receivable	22,233			22,153
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(382		)	(409	)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	21,851			21,744
Accounts receivable	2,929			3,477
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(365		)	(373	)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,564			3,104
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	10,287			11,848
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(3,733		)	(4,516	)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	6,554			7,332
Acquired above market lease intangibles	2,170			2,443
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(840		)	(976	)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,330			1,467
Mortgage loans receivable	9,330			9,357
Discount on mortgage loans receivable	(30		)	(34	)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300			9,323
Loan costs	8,471			8,476
Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(3,837		)	(4,960	)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	4,634			3,516
Goodwill	990			990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,315			7,093
Total Other Assets	$	79,855		78,316

Liabilities

Mortgage Notes Payabledecreased $6,111,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The decrease resulted from regularly scheduled principal payments of $6,106,000 and mortgage loan premium amortization of $5,000.

Notes Payable to Banksincreased $15,435,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013, as a result of advances of $66,325,000 exceeding repayments of $50,890,000.  The Company’s credit facilities are described in greater detail under Liquidity and Capital Resources.

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Accounts Payable and Accrued Expensesdecreased $4,975,000 during the first three months of 2013.  A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:

	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Property taxes payable	$	6,699	12,107
Development costs payable	7,643		7,170
Interest payable	2,661		2,615
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,443		1,191
Other payables and accrued expenses	5,493		5,831
Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	$	23,939	28,914

Other Liabilitiesdecreased $1,059,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Security deposits	$	9,978		9,668
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	7,141			7,930
Acquired below-market lease intangibles	1,500			1,541
Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles	(440		)	(391	)
Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,060			1,150
Interest rate swap liability	414			645
Other liabilities	434			693
Total Other Liabilities	$	19,027		20,086

Equity

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, Distributions in Excess of Earningsincreased $9,073,000 as a result of dividends on common stock of $16,227,000 exceeding Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders of $7,154,000.

Additional Paid-In Capitalincreased $15,155,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The increase primarily resulted from the issuance of 245,010 shares of common stock under EastGroup’s continuous common equity program with net proceeds to the Company of $13,798,000.  See Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the changes in Additional Paid-In Capital on common shares resulting from stock-based compensation.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Lossdecreased$222,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The decrease resulted from the change in fair value of the Company's interest rate swap which is further discussed in Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Comments are for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.)

Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2013, was $7,154,000 ($.24 per basic and diluted share) compared to $5,403,000 ($.20 per basic and $.19 per diluted share) for the same period in 2012. EastGroup did not recognize any gains on the sale of depreciable and nondepreciable real estate investments for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and recognized gains of $167,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

PNOI for the three months ended March 31, 2013, increased by $1,280,000, or 3.8%, compared to the same period in 2012. PNOI increased $870,000 from 2012 acquisitions and $571,000 from newly developed properties, offset by a decrease of $120,000 from same property operations.  Lease termination fee income exceeded bad debt expense by $380,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Bad debt expense exceeded termination fee income by $53,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Straight-lining of rent increased income by $167,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $493,000 for the same period in 2012.

The Company signed 42 leases, including new, renewal, first generation and development leases, with free rent concessions of $739,000 on 850,000 square feet during the three months ended March 31, 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company signed 37 leases with free rent concessions of $621,000 on 616,000 square feet.

Property expense to revenue ratios, defined as Expenses from Real Estate Operations as a percentage of Income from Real Estate Operations, were 28.1% and 28.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company’s percentage of leased square footage was 94.4% at March 31, 2013, compared to 94.5% at March 31, 2012.  Occupancy at March 31, 2013 was 93.6% compared to 94.0% at March 31, 2012.

Interest Expense decreased $820,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. The following table presents the components of Interest Expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012		Increase (Decrease)
	(In thousands, except rates of interest)
Average bank borrowings		$	78,420		107,345		(28,925	)
Weighted average variable interest rates (excluding loan cost amortization)		2.12		%	1.52	%
VARIABLE RATE INTEREST EXPENSE
Bank loan interest (excluding loan cost amortization)		$	410		406		4
Amortization of bank loan costs		102			86		16
Total variable rate interest expense		512			492		20
FIXED RATE INTEREST EXPENSE
Mortgage loan interest      (excluding loan cost amortization)		8,159			9,298		(1,139	)
Unsecured term loan interest      (excluding loan cost amortization)		1,020			486		534
Amortization of mortgage loan costs		180			197		(17	)
Amortization of unsecured term loan costs		41			10		31
Total fixed rate interest expense		9,400			9,991		(591	)
Total interest		9,912			10,483		(571	)
Less capitalized interest		(1,291		)	(1,042	)	(249	)
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE		$	8,621		9,441		(820	)

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EastGroup’s variable rate interest expense increased by $20,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to the same period last year due to increases in the Company's weighted average variable interest rates, offset by decreases in its average bank borrowings.

The Company's fixed rate interest expense decreased by $591,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to the same period of 2012. The decrease in fixed rate interest expense was primarily due to a decrease in mortgage interest expense of $1,139,000 in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. Mortgage interest expense decreased primarily because of mortgages repaid in 2012 with higher interest rates than mortgage loans obtained in 2012.

During the first three months of 2013, the Company did not obtain any new mortgages or repay any mortgages in full. A listing of new mortgages and mortgages repaid in 2012 follows:

NEW MORTGAGE IN 2012	Interest Rate	Date	Maturity Date	Amount
Arion 18, Beltway VI & VII, Commerce Park II & III, Concord, Interstate V, VI & VII, Lakeview, Ridge Creek II, Southridge IV & V and World Houston 32	4.09%	01/04/12	01/05/22	$	54,000,000

MORTGAGE LOANS REPAID IN 2012	Interest Rate	Date Repaid	Payoff Amount
Oak Creek Distribution Center IV	5.68%	03/01/12	$	3,463,000
University Business Center (125 & 175 Cremona)	7.98%	04/02/12	8,679,000
University Business Center (120 & 130 Cremona)	6.43%	05/01/12	1,910,000
51st Avenue, Airport Distribution, Broadway I, III & IV, Chestnut, Interchange Business Park, Main Street, North Stemmons I land, Southpark, Southpointe and World Houston 12 & 13	6.86%	06/04/12	31,724,000
Interstate Distribution Center - Jacksonville	5.64%	09/04/12	4,123,000
Weighted Average/Total Amount	6.86%		$	49,899,000

The Company's unsecured term loan interest expense increased $534,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period last year. The increase in unsecured term loan interest expense is primarily due to the $80 million term loan obtained by the Company in August 2012.

Interest costs incurred during the period of construction of real estate properties are capitalized and offset against interest expense.  Capitalized interest increased $249,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to the same period of 2012 due to increased activity in the Company’s development program in 2013.

Depreciation and Amortization expense from continuing operations decreased $119,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to the same period in 2012.  

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Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for the Company’s operating properties for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Estimated Useful Life	2013		2012
		(In thousands)
Upgrade on Acquisitions	40 yrs	$	83	104
Tenant Improvements:
New Tenants	Lease Life	2,260		1,543
New Tenants (first generation) (1)	Lease Life	68		29
Renewal Tenants	Lease Life	815		970
Other:
Building Improvements	5-40 yrs	585		670
Roofs	5-15 yrs	937		589
Parking Lots	3-5 yrs	148		44
Other	5 yrs	64		121
Total Capital Expenditures		$	4,960	4,070

(1) First generation refers only to space that has never been occupied under EastGroup’s ownership.

Capitalized Leasing Costs

The Company’s leasing costs (principally commissions) are capitalized and included in Other Assets. The costs are amortized over the terms of the associated leases and are included in Depreciation and Amortization expense.  Capitalized leasing costs for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
	Estimated Useful Life	2013		2012
		(In thousands)
Development	Lease Life	$	606	777
New Tenants	Lease Life	665		904
New Tenants (first generation) (1)	Lease Life	2		63
Renewal Tenants	Lease Life	1,078		851
Total Capitalized Leasing Costs		$	2,351	2,595
Amortization of Leasing Costs  (2)		$	1,780	1,798

(1) First generation refers only to space that has never been occupied under EastGroup’s ownership.

(2) Includes discontinued operations.

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Discontinued Operations

The results of operations for the properties sold or held for sale during the periods reported are shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  During 2013, EastGroup did not sell any properties. During 2012, the Company sold four properties: Tampa East Distribution Center III and Tampa West Distribution Center VIII in Tampa, Estrella Distribution Center in Phoenix, and Braniff Distribution Center in Tulsa.

See Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information related to discontinued operations and gain on sales of real estate investments.  The following table presents the components of revenue and expense for the operating properties sold or held for sale during 2013 and 2012.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Income from real estate operations	$	—	416
Expenses from real estate operations	—		(110	)
Property net operating income from discontinued operations	—		306
Depreciation and amortization	—		(212	)
Income from real estate operations	—		94
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax	—		167
Income from discontinued operations	$	—	261

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

EastGroup has evaluated all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs apply to the Company.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2013.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities was $17,241,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013.  The primary other sources of cash were from bank borrowings and proceeds from common stock offerings.  The Company distributed $15,975,000 in common stock dividends during the three months ended March 31, 2013.  Other primary uses of cash were for bank debt repayments, the construction and development of properties, mortgage note repayments and capital improvements at various properties.

Total debt at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is detailed below.  The Company’s bank credit facilities and unsecured term loan have certain restrictive covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios and maintaining insurance coverage, and the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Mortgage notes payable – fixed rate	$	601,655	607,766
Unsecured term loans payable – fixed rate	130,000		130,000
Notes payable to banks – variable rate	91,595		76,160
Total debt	$	823,250	813,926

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EastGroup repaid and replaced its former $200 million credit facility in January 2013 with a new $225 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a group of nine banks that matures in January 2017. The credit facility contains options for a one-year extension and a $100 million expansion.  The interest rate on each tranche is usually reset on a monthly basis and as of March 31, 2013, was LIBOR plus 117.5 basis points with an annual facility fee of 22.5 basis points. The margin and facility fee are subject to changes in the Company's credit ratings.  At March 31, 2013, the weighted average interest rate was 1.385% on a balance of $85,000,000.

In addition, EastGroup repaid and replaced its former $25 million credit facility with a new $25 million unsecured revolving credit facility with PNC Bank, N.A. that matures in January 2017. This credit facility automatically extends for one year if the extension option in the new $225 million revolving credit facility is exercised.  The interest rate is reset on a daily basis and as of March 31, 2013, was LIBOR plus 117.5 basis points with an annual facility fee of 22.5 basis points. The margin and facility fee are subject to changes in the Company's credit ratings.  At March 31, 2013, the interest rate was 1.379% on a balance of $6,595,000.

As market conditions permit, EastGroup issues equity and/or employs fixed-rate debt to replace the short-term bank borrowings.  The Company believes its current operating cash flow and lines of credit provide the capacity to fund the operations of the Company for the remainder of 2013.  The Company also believes it can obtain financing from insurance companies and financial institutions, and issue common and/or preferred equity. In prior years, EastGroup primarily obtained secured debt. In January 2013, Fitch affirmed the Company's credit rating of BBB, and Moody's assigned the Company a credit rating of Baa2. The Company intends to obtain primarily unsecured fixed rate debt in the future. The Company may also access the public debt market in the future as a means to raise capital.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company issued and sold 245,010 shares of common stock under its continuous equity program at an average price of $57.14 per share with gross proceeds to the Company of $14,000,000. The Company incurred offering-related costs of $202,000 during the three months, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $13,798,000. The Company currently has 988,860 shares of common stock remaining to sell under the program.  

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into an agreement in principle with an insurance company under which the Company expects to issue $100 million of senior unsecured notes at a fixed interest rate of 3.8%. The notes will require semi-annual interest payments with principal payments of: $30 million on August 30, 2020, $50 million on August 30, 2023, and $20 million on August 30, 2025. The transaction is expected to close on August 30, 2013, and the issuance of the notes is subject to due diligence and final documentation.

The Company anticipates that its current cash balance, operating cash flows, borrowings under its lines of credit, proceeds from new mortgage debt and unsecured term loans and/or proceeds from the issuance of equity and debt instruments will be adequate for (i) operating and administrative expenses, (ii) normal repair and maintenance expenses at its properties, (iii) debt service obligations, (iv) maintaining compliance with its debt covenants, (v) distributions to stockholders, (vi) capital improvements, (vii) purchases of properties, (viii) development, and (ix) any other normal business activities of the Company, both in the short and long-term.

Contractual Obligations

EastGroup’s fixed, noncancelable obligations as of December 31, 2012, did not materially change during the three months ended March 31, 2013, except for the increase in Notes Payable to Banks and the decreases in Mortgage Notes Payable discussed above.

INFLATION AND OTHER ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Most of the Company's leases include scheduled rent increases.  Additionally, most of the Company's leases require the tenants to pay their pro rata share of operating expenses, including real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance, thereby reducing the Company's exposure to increases in operating expenses resulting from inflation.  In the event inflation causes increases in the Company’s general and administrative expenses or the level of interest rates, such increased costs would not be passed through to tenants and could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

EastGroup's financial results are affected by general economic conditions in the markets in which the Company's properties are located.  The current state of the economy, or other adverse changes in general or local economic conditions, could result in the inability of some of the Company's existing tenants to make lease payments and may therefore increase bad debt expense.  It may also impact the Company’s ability to (i) renew leases or re-lease space as leases expire, or (ii) lease development space.  In addition, an economic downturn or recession could also lead to an increase in overall vacancy rates or a decline in rents the Company can charge to re-lease properties upon expiration of current leases.  In all of these cases, EastGroup’s cash flows would be adversely affected.

-29-

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The Company is exposed to interest rate changes primarily as a result of its lines of credit and long-term debt maturities.  This debt is used to maintain liquidity and fund capital expenditures and expansion of the Company’s real estate investment portfolio and operations.  The Company’s objective for interest rate risk management is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to lower its overall borrowing costs.  To achieve its objectives, the Company borrows at fixed rates but also has two variable rate bank lines as discussed under Liquidity and Capital Resources. In addition, the Company uses interest rate swaps (as discussed in Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  The table below presents the principal payments due and weighted average interest rates for both the fixed rate and variable rate debt as of March 31, 2013.

	April – December 2013			2014		2015		2016		2017			Thereafter		Total		Fair Value
Fixed rate mortgage debt  (in thousands)	$	51,803		98,920		102,287		92,717		58,145			197,783		601,655		648,135	(1)
Weighted average interest rate	4.99		%	5.66	%	5.36	%	5.79	%	5.50	%		5.20	%	5.40	%
Fixed rate unsecured term loans  (in thousands)	$	—		—		—		—		—			130,000		130,000		131,747	(1)
Weighted average interest rate	—			—		—		—		—			3.18	%	3.18	%
Variable rate debt (in thousands)	$	—		—		—		—		91,595		(2)	—		91,595		91,698	(3)
Weighted average interest rate	—			—		—		—		1.38	%	(4)	—		1.38	%

(1) The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers.

(2) The variable rate debt matures in January 2017 and is comprised of two lines of credit with balances of $85,000,000 on the $225 million line of credit and $6,595,000 on the $25 million working capital line of credit as of March 31, 2013.

(3) The fair value of the Company’s variable rate debt is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at current market rates.

(4) Represents the weighted average interest rate as of March 31, 2013.

As the table above incorporates only those exposures that existed as of March 31, 2013, it does not consider those exposures or positions that could arise after that date.  If the weighted average interest rate on the variable rate bank debt as shown above changes by 10% or approximately 14 basis points, interest expense and cash flows would increase or decrease by approximately $126,000 annually.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this report may be deemed “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words such as “will,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature.  All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, development activity, the acquisition or sale of properties, general conditions in the geographic areas where the Company operates and the availability of capital, are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict, including, without limitation: changes in general economic conditions; the extent of tenant defaults or of any early lease terminations; the Company's ability to lease or re-lease space at current or anticipated rents; the availability of financing; the failure to maintain credit ratings with rating agencies; changes in the supply of and demand for industrial/warehouse properties; increases in interest rate levels; increases in operating costs; natural disasters, terrorism, riots and acts of war, and the Company's ability to obtain adequate insurance; changes in governmental regulation, tax rates and similar matters; and other risks associated with the development and acquisition of properties, including risks that development projects may not be completed on schedule, development or operating costs may be greater than anticipated or acquisitions may not close as scheduled, and those additional factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of this report and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions at the time made, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will be achieved.  The Company assumes no obligation whatsoever to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.  See also the information contained in the Company’s reports filed or to be filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

-30-

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(i)      Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2013, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings.

(ii)      Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the Company's first fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in EastGroup’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.  For a full description of these risk factors, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
01/01/13 thru 01/31/13	2,797	(1)	$	53.81	—	—
02/01/13 thru 02/28/13	—		—		—	—
03/01/13 thru 03/31/13	6,615	(1)	57.10		—	—
Total	9,412		$	56.12	—

(1) As permitted under the Company's equity compensation plans, these shares were withheld by the Company to satisfy the tax withholding obligations for those employees who elected this option in connection with the vesting of shares of restricted stock.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

-31-

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

(a)	Form 10-Q Exhibits:
	(31	)	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications (pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
			(a)	David H. Hoster II, Chief Executive Officer
			(b)	N. Keith McKey, Chief Financial Officer
	(32	)	Section 1350 Certifications (pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
			(a)	David H. Hoster II, Chief Executive Officer
			(b)	N. Keith McKey, Chief Financial Officer
	(101	)	The following materials from EastGroup Properties, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
			the quarter ended March 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):
			(i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income,
			(iii) consolidated statement of changes in equity, (iv) consolidated statements of cash flows, and
			(v) the notes to the consolidated financial statements.**
			** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are
			deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or
			12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of
			the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability
			under those sections.

-32-

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date:  April 22, 2013

EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC.

/s/ BRUCE CORKERN 

Bruce Corkern, CPA

Senior Vice President, Controller and

Chief Accounting Officer

/s/ N. KEITH MCKEY 

N. Keith McKey, CPA

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

-33-

EX-31.A

Exhibit 31(a)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

I, David H. Hoster II, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of EastGroup Properties, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DAVID H. HOSTER II

DAVID H. HOSTER II

Chief Executive Officer

April 22, 2013

-34-

EX-31.B

Exhibit 31(b)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

I, N. Keith McKey, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of EastGroup Properties, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ N. KEITH MCKEY

N. KEITH MCKEY

Chief Financial Officer

April 22, 2013

-35-

EX-32.A

Exhibit 32(a)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

In connection with the quarterly report of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David H. Hoster II, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ DAVID H. HOSTER II

DAVID H. HOSTER II

Chief Executive Officer

April 22, 2013

-36-

EX-32.B

Exhibit 32(b)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

In connection with the quarterly report of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, N. Keith McKey, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ N. KEITH MCKEY

N. KEITH MCKEY

Chief Financial Officer

April 22, 2013

-37-

XML

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Depreciation Expense During the Period	$ 13,057,000	$ 13,079,000
Real Estate Properties
Land	246,347,000		244,199,000
Building and building improvements	1,120,853,000		1,102,597,000
Tenant and other improvements	279,059,000		272,981,000
Development	143,985,000		148,255,000
Real estate and development properties	1,790,244,000		1,768,032,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(509,302,000)		(496,247,000)
Real estate, net	$ 1,280,942,000		$ 1,271,785,000
Building [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Minimum [Member] | Improvements [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Improvements [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years

XML

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 7,154	$ 5,403
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	29,809	27,647
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 7,154	$ 5,403
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	29,809	27,647
Common stock options	3	4
Unvested restricted stock	78	67
Total Shares	29,890	27,718

XML

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Balance at Beginning of Period, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	$ (392)	$ 0
Net unrealized change in fair value of interest rate swap	222	0
Balance at End of Period, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	$ (170)	$ 0

XML

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are presented in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and are summarized below. See Note 12 for information regarding the Company's interest rate swap.

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Balance at beginning of period		$	(392	)	—
Change in fair value of interest rate swap		222			—
Balance at end of period		$	(170	)	—

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  ASC 820 also provides guidance for using fair value to measure financial assets and liabilities.  The Codification requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, including measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active (Level 2), and significant valuation assumptions that are not readily observable in the market (Level 3).

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount (1)		Fair Value	Carrying Amount (1)	Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24	24	1,258	1,258
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300		9,760	9,323	9,748
Financial Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable	601,655		648,135	607,766	661,408
Unsecured term loans payable	130,000		131,747	130,000	130,776
Notes payable to banks	91,595		91,698	76,160	76,160
Interest rate swap liability	414		414	645	645

(1) Carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.

Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount (included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets):  The fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities (Level 2 input).

Mortgage notes payable: The fair value of the Company’s mortgage notes payable is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).

Unsecured term loans payable:  The fair value of the Company’s unsecured term loans payable is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).

Notes payable to banks: The fair value of the Company’s notes payable to banks is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at current market rates (Level 2 input).

Interest rate swap liability (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balances Sheets): The instrument is recorded at fair value based on models using inputs, such as interest rate yield curves, LIBOR swap curves and OIS curves, observable for substantially the full term of the contract (Level 2 input). See Note 12 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swap.

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 24	$ 1,258	$ 205	$ 174
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	24	1,258
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300	9,323
Financial Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable	601,655	607,766
Unsecured term loans payable	130,000	130,000
Notes payable to banks	91,595	76,160
Interest rate swap liability	414	645
Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	24	1,258
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,760	9,748
Financial Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable	648,135	661,408
Unsecured term loans payable	131,747	130,776
Notes payable to banks	91,698	76,160
Interest rate swap liability	$ 414	$ 645

XML

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012 Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Phoenix and Tulsa Sales [Member] [Domain] sqft Sold_Properties	Mar. 31, 2012 Subsidiaries [Member] Tampa Sale [Member] Sold_Properties sqft
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties transferred to held for sale and sold			2	2
Square Footage of Real Estate Property			433,000	10,500
Property sales price			$ 17,319,000	$ 578,000
Real Estate Held-for-sale, Gain on Sale			6,343,000
Real Estate Held-for-sale, Gain on Sale, Net of Tax				167,000
Income from real estate operations	0	416,000
Expenses from real estate operations	0	(110,000)
Property net operating income from discontinued operations	0	306,000
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations	0	(212,000)
Income from real estate operations	0	94,000
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax	0	167,000
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	$ 0	$ 261,000

XML

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Carrying amounts and fair value of financial instruments

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount (1)		Fair Value	Carrying Amount (1)	Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24	24	1,258	1,258
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300		9,760	9,323	9,748
Financial Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable	601,655		648,135	607,766	661,408
Unsecured term loans payable	130,000		131,747	130,000	130,776
Notes payable to banks	91,595		91,698	76,160	76,160
Interest rate swap liability	414		414	645	645

(1) Carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below.

XML

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details) (USD $)			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net			$ 73,000	$ 0
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	80,000,000	80,000,000
Interest Rate Swap Liability	414,000	645,000			414,000	645,000
Cash flow hedge amount to be reclassified to Interest Expense in next 12 months [Line Items]	579,000
Interest rate swap cash flow hedge termination value	394,000
Cash Flow Hedge Loss Reclassified to Interest Expense			$ 149,000	$ 0

XML

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited financial statements of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (“EastGroup” or “the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the 2012 annual report on Form 10-K and the notes thereto.

Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2012 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2013 presentation.

XML

OTHER ASSETS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Assets, Unclassified [Abstract]
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$ 41,815	$ 41,290
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(17,498)	(17,543)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	24,317	23,747
Straight-line rents receivable	22,233	22,153
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(382)	(409)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	21,851	21,744
Accounts receivable	2,929	3,477
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(365)	(373)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,564	3,104
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	10,287	11,848
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(3,733)	(4,516)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	6,554	7,332
Acquired above market lease intangibles	2,170	2,443
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(840)	(976)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,330	1,467
Mortgage loans receivable	9,330	9,357
Discount on mortgage loans receivable	(30)	(34)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300	9,323
Loan costs	8,471	8,476
Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(3,837)	(4,960)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	4,634	3,516
Goodwill	990	990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,315	7,093
Other Assets Total	$ 79,855	$ 78,316

XML

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE/DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (TABLES)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the components of revenue and expense for the properties sold or held for sale during 2013 and 2012.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Income from real estate operations	$	—	416
Expenses from real estate operations	—		(110	)
Property net operating income from discontinued operations	—		306
Depreciation and amortization	—		(212	)
Income from real estate operations	—		94
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax	—		167
Income from discontinued operations	$	—	261

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REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]

Schedule of Real Estate Properties

The Company’s real estate properties at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Real estate properties:
Land	$	246,347		244,199
Buildings and building improvements	1,120,853			1,102,597
Tenant and other improvements	279,059			272,981
Development	143,985			148,255
	1,790,244			1,768,032
Less accumulated depreciation	(509,302		)	(496,247	)
	$	1,280,942		1,271,785

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Property taxes payable	$ 6,699	$ 12,107
Development costs payable	7,643	7,170
Interest payable	2,661	2,615
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,443	1,191
Other payables and accrued expenses	5,493	5,831
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 23,939	$ 28,914

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OTHER ASSETS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Other Assets [Abstract]

Other Assets

A summary of the Company’s Other Assets follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	41,815		41,290
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(17,498		)	(17,543	)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	24,317			23,747
Straight-line rents receivable	22,233			22,153
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(382		)	(409	)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	21,851			21,744
Accounts receivable	2,929			3,477
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(365		)	(373	)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,564			3,104
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	10,287			11,848
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(3,733		)	(4,516	)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	6,554			7,332
Acquired above market lease intangibles	2,170			2,443
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(840		)	(976	)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,330			1,467
Mortgage loans receivable	9,330			9,357
Discount on mortgage loans receivable	(30		)	(34	)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300			9,323
Loan costs	8,471			8,476
Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(3,837		)	(4,960	)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	4,634			3,516
Goodwill	990			990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,315			7,093
Total Other Assets	$	79,855		78,316

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Summary of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:

	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Property taxes payable	$	6,699	12,107
Development costs payable	7,643		7,170
Interest payable	2,661		2,615
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,443		1,191
Other payables and accrued expenses	5,493		5,831
Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	$	23,939	28,914

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized	$ 1,291	$ 1,042

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OTHER LIABILITIES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of other liabilities

A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Security deposits	$	9,978		9,668
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	7,141			7,930
Acquired below-market lease intangibles	1,500			1,541
Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles	(440		)	(391	)
Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,060			1,150
Interest rate swap liability	414			645
Other liabilities	434			693
Total Other Liabilities	$	19,027		20,086

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DEVELOPMENT (Details)	Mar. 31, 2013
DEVELOPMENT [Abstract]
Percentage of Property Occupation by Tenants when Development Cost Ceased Being Capitalized	80.00%
Length of Time After Project Completion When Development Cost are no Longer Capitalized	1 year

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Real estate properties	$ 1,646,259	$ 1,619,777
Development	143,985	148,255
Real estate and development properties	1,790,244	1,768,032
Less accumulated depreciation	(509,302)	(496,247)
Real estate, net	1,280,942	1,271,785
Unconsolidated investment	2,834	2,743
Cash	24	1,258
Other Assets	79,855	78,316
TOTAL ASSETS	1,363,655	1,354,102
LIABILITIES
Mortgage notes payable	601,655	607,766
Unsecured term loans payable	130,000	130,000
Notes payable to banks	91,595	76,160
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	23,939	28,914
Other liabilities	19,027	20,086
Total Liabilities	866,216	862,926
Stockholders' Equity:
Common shares; $.0001 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 30,256,170 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and 29,928,490 at December 31, 2012	3	3
Excess shares; $.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital on common shares	747,105	731,950
Distributions in excess of earnings	(254,322)	(245,249)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(170)	(392)
Total Stockholders' Equity	492,616	486,312
Noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	4,823	4,864
Total Equity	497,439	491,176
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 1,363,655	$ 1,354,102

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OTHER LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Liabilities, Unclassified [Abstract]
Security deposits	$ 9,978	$ 9,668
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	7,141	7,930
Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles	1,500	1,541
Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles	(440)	(391)
Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles, Net of Accumulated Amortization	1,060	1,150
Interest Rate Swap Liability	414	645
Other liabilities	434	693
Other Liabilities - total	$ 19,027	$ 20,086

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Common dividends declared - per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.53
Issuance of shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses	245,010
Issuance of shares of common stock, options exercised	0
Issuance of shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan	933
Withheld shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	9,412

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders		$	7,154	5,403
Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding		29,809		27,647
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders		$	7,154	5,403
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding		29,809		27,647
Common stock options		3		4
Unvested restricted stock		78		67
Total Shares		29,890		27,718

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Incentive Plan

In May 2004, the stockholders of the Company approved the EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) that authorized the issuance of up to 1,900,000 shares of common stock to employees in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, deferred stock units, performance shares, bonus stock or stock in lieu of cash compensation.  The 2004 Plan was further amended by the Board of Directors in September 2005 and December 2006.  Total shares available for grant were 1,248,882 at March 31, 2013.  Typically, the Company issues new shares to fulfill stock grants or upon the exercise of stock options.

In April 2013, the Board of Directors adopted the EastGroup Properties, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Plan”) upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and subject to approval by the Company's stockholders. If approved by the stockholders, the 2013 Equity Plan will be effective as of May 29, 2013, and will replace the 2004 Plan. Under the 2004 Plan, 1,248,882 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant as of March 31, 2013. If the stockholders approve the 2013 Equity Plan, no grants will be made with respect to any of the shares remaining under the 2004 Plan, nor with respect to any shares that may later become available under the 2004 Plan for any reason such as forfeiture of outstanding grants. The 2013 Equity Plan will also replace the 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan, under which 9,127 shares of Common Stock remained available for awards as of March 31, 2013. If the stockholders approve the 2013 Equity Plan, no awards will be made with respect to the shares remaining under the 2005 Directors Equity Incentive Plan. The 2013 Equity Plan will permit the grant of awards with respect to 2,000,000 shares of common stock.

Stock-based compensation cost was $1,831,000 and $1,492,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of which $551,000 and $233,000 were capitalized as part of the Company’s development costs.

Equity Awards

In March 2013, the Compensation Committee evaluated the Company's performance compared to a variety of annual performance goals for the year ended December 31, 2012.  Based on the evaluation, 36,813 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $57.10 per share.  These shares vested 20% on the dates shares were determined and awarded and will vest 20% per year on January 1 in years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.  The shares will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period.

Also in March 2013, the Committee evaluated the Company’s absolute and relative total stockholder return compared to the NAREIT Equity Index, NAREIT Industrial Index and Russell 2000 Index for the five-year period ended December 31, 2012.  Based on the evaluation, 54,336 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $57.11 per share.  These shares vested 25% on the dates shares were awarded and will vest 25% per year on January 1 in years 2014, 2015 and 2016.  The shares will be expensed on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares issued to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, David H. Hoster II, and Chief Financial Officer, N. Keith McKey, will become fully vested no later than January 1, 2016 and April 6, 2016, respectively.

Following is a summary of the total restricted shares granted, forfeited and delivered (vested) to employees with the related weighted average grant date fair value share prices.  Of the shares that vested in the first three months of 2013, the Company withheld 17,927 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those employees who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan.  As of the vesting date, the fair value of shares that vested during the first three months of 2013 was $1,700,000.

	Three Months Ended
Award Activity:	March 31, 2013
	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	212,206		$	42.84
Granted	91,149		57.10
Forfeited	—		—
Vested	(30,316	)	52.32
Unvested at end of period	273,039		$	46.55

Directors Equity Plan

The Company has a directors equity plan that was approved by stockholders and adopted in 2005 (the "2005 Plan"), which authorizes the issuance of up to 50,000 shares of common stock through awards of shares and restricted shares granted to non-employee directors of the Company.  The 2005 Plan was further amended by the Board of Directors in May 2006, May 2008, May 2011 and May 2012. As noted above, if approved by the stockholders, the 2013 Equity Plan will replace the 2005 Plan effective May 29, 2013.  Stock-based compensation expense for directors was $90,000 and $75,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Summary of total shares granted, forfeited and delivered

Following is a summary of the total restricted shares granted, forfeited and delivered (vested) to employees with the related weighted average grant date fair value share prices.  Of the shares that vested in the first three months of 2013, the Company withheld 17,927 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those employees who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan.  As of the vesting date, the fair value of shares that vested during the first three months of 2013 was $1,700,000.

	Three Months Ended
Award Activity:	March 31, 2013
	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	212,206		$	42.84
Granted	91,149		57.10
Forfeited	—		—
Vested	(30,316	)	52.32
Unvested at end of period	273,039		$	46.55

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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

EastGroup has evaluated all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs apply to the Company.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide detail about those amounts. ASU 2013-02 was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 and provided the necessary disclosures beginning with the period ended March 31, 2013.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income	$ 7,308	$ 5,522
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations	15,615	15,734
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations	0	212
Stock-based compensation expense	1,370	1,334
Gain on sales of land and real estate investments	0	167
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued income and other assets	(44)	991
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid rent	(6,910)	(11,073)
Other	(98)	(133)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	17,241	12,420
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Real estate development	(17,254)	(12,584)
Purchases of real estate	0	(3,475)
Real estate improvements	(4,577)	(3,902)
Proceeds from sales of real estate investments	0	539
Repayments on mortgage loans receivable	26	3
Changes in accrued development costs	473	158
Changes in other assets and other liabilities	(2,194)	(2,478)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(23,526)	(21,739)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from bank borrowings	66,325	63,895
Repayments on bank borrowings	(50,890)	(99,494)
Proceeds from mortgage notes payable	0	54,000
Principal payments on mortgage notes payable	(6,106)	(9,736)
Debt issuance costs	(1,441)	(793)
Distributions paid to stockholders	(15,975)	(14,908)
Proceeds from common stock offerings	13,798	16,284
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan	50	64
Other	(710)	38
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	5,051	9,350
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(1,234)	31
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	1,258	174
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	24	205
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $1,291 and $1,042 for 2013 and 2012, respectively	$ 8,257	$ 8,967

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common shares, authorized	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common shares, issued	30,256,170	29,928,490
Common shares, outstanding	30,256,170	29,928,490
Excess shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Excess shares, authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Excess shares, issued	0	0

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ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:

	March 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Property taxes payable	$	6,699	12,107
Development costs payable	7,643		7,170
Interest payable	2,661		2,615
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,443		1,191
Other payables and accrued expenses	5,493		5,831
Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	$	23,939	28,914

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Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 19, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EastGroup Properties Inc
Entity Central Index Key	0000049600
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,494,036,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,256,170
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013

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OTHER LIABILITIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Other Liabilities

OTHER LIABILITIES

A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Security deposits	$	9,978		9,668
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	7,141			7,930
Acquired below-market lease intangibles	1,500			1,541
Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles	(440		)	(391	)
Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,060			1,150
Interest rate swap liability	414			645
Other liabilities	434			693
Total Other Liabilities	$	19,027		20,086

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Unaudited (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
REVENUES
Income from real estate operations	$ 48,228	$ 46,383
Other income	47	14
Revenues	48,275	46,397
EXPENSES
Expenses from real estate operations	13,562	12,997
Depreciation and amortization	15,615	15,734
General and administrative	3,364	3,116
Acquisition costs	29	19
Expenses	32,570	31,866
OPERATING INCOME	15,705	14,531
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(8,621)	(9,441)
Other	224	171
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	7,308	5,261
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Income from real estate operations	0	94
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax	0	167
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	261
NET INCOME	7,308	5,522
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	(154)	(119)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	7,154	5,403
Other comprehensive income - cash flow hedge	222	0
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	7,376	5,403
BASIC PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.24	$ 0.19
Income from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.01
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.24	$ 0.20
Weighted average shares outstanding	29,809	27,647
DILUTED PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	$ 0.24	$ 0.18
Income from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.01
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.24	$ 0.19
Weighted average shares outstanding	29,890	27,718
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Income from continuing operations	7,154	5,142
Income from discontinued operations	0	261
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 7,154	$ 5,403

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REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]

Real Estate Properties

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES

EastGroup has one reportable segment – industrial properties.  These properties are concentrated in major Sunbelt markets of the United States, primarily in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina, have similar economic characteristics and also meet the other criteria permitting the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment.

The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows (including estimated future expenditures necessary to substantially complete the asset) expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company determined that no impairment charges on the Company’s real estate properties were necessary.

Depreciation of buildings and other improvements is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of generally 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for improvements.  Building improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred.  Significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized.  Depreciation expense for continuing and discontinued operations was $13,057,000 and $13,079,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company’s real estate properties at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Real estate properties:
Land	$	246,347		244,199
Buildings and building improvements	1,120,853			1,102,597
Tenant and other improvements	279,059			272,981
Development	143,985			148,255
	1,790,244			1,768,032
Less accumulated depreciation	(509,302		)	(496,247	)
	$	1,280,942		1,271,785

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USE OF ESTIMATES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]

Risks and Uncertainties

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The state of the overall economy can significantly impact the Company’s operational performance and thus impact its financial position.  Should EastGroup experience a significant decline in operational performance, it may affect the Company’s ability to make distributions to its shareholders, service debt, or meet other financial obligations.

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COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Total Comprehensive Income is comprised of net income plus all other changes in equity from non-owner sources and is presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss are presented in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and are summarized below. See Note 12 for information regarding the Company's interest rate swap.

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Balance at beginning of period		$	(392	)	—
Change in fair value of interest rate swap		222			—
Balance at end of period		$	(170	)	—

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REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Real Estate Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE/DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year.  Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale.  In accordance with the guidelines established under the Codification,the results of operations for the operating properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods are shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Interest expense is not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations are included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage is required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.

The Company did not sell any real estate properties during the first three months of 2013. EastGroup’s taxable REIT subsidiary sold two properties in Tampa, which collectively contain 10,500 square feet, for $578,000 and recognized an after-tax gain of $167,000 during the first quarter of 2012. Additionally, later in 2012, the Company sold two operating properties (433,000 square feet) in Phoenix and Tulsa for $17,319,000 and recognized gains of $6,343,000.

The following table presents the components of revenue and expense for the properties sold or held for sale during 2013 and 2012.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Income from real estate operations	$	—	416
Expenses from real estate operations	—		(110	)
Property net operating income from discontinued operations	—		306
Depreciation and amortization	—		(212	)
Income from real estate operations	—		94
Gain on sales of nondepreciable real estate investments, net of tax	—		167
Income from discontinued operations	$	—	261

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DEVELOPMENT

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

DEVELOPMENT [Abstract]

Development

DEVELOPMENT

During the period in which a property is under development, costs associated with development (i.e., land, construction costs, interest expense, property taxes and other direct and indirect costs associated with development) are aggregated into the total capitalized costs of the property.  Included in these costs are management’s estimates for the portions of internal costs (primarily personnel costs) deemed directly or indirectly related to such development activities. The internal costs are allocated to specific development properties based on construction activity. As the property becomes occupied, depreciation commences on the occupied portion of the building, and costs are capitalized only for the portion of the building that remains vacant.  When the property becomes 80% occupied or one year after completion of the shell construction (whichever comes first), capitalization of development costs ceases.  The properties are then transferred to real estate properties, and depreciation commences on the entire property (excluding the land).

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BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combinations and Acquired Intangibles

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES

Upon acquisition of real estate properties, the Company applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations, which requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.  The Codification also provides guidance on how to properly determine the allocation of the purchase price among the individual components of both the tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values.  Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired.  Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases.  The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management's determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models.  The Company determines whether any financing assumed is above or below market based upon comparison to similar financing terms for similar properties.  The cost of the properties acquired may be adjusted based on indebtedness assumed from the seller that is determined to be above or below market rates.  

The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets:  the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships.  The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease.  The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.  The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values.  These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.

Amortization expense for in-place lease intangibles was $778,000 and $1,069,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Amortization of above and below market leases decreased rental income by $46,000 and $120,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

EastGroup did not acquire any operating properties during the first three months of 2013. During 2012, the Company acquired Madison Distribution Center in Tampa, Florida; Wiegman Distribution Center II in Hayward, California; and Valwood Distribution Center in Dallas, Texas. The Company purchased these properties for a total cost of $51,750,000, of which $48,934,000 was allocated to real estate properties.  The Company allocated $7,435,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Tampa, Hayward and Dallas markets.  The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (see Note 17 for additional information on ASC 820).  Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows:  $3,305,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $244,000 to above market leases (both included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets), and $733,000 to below market leases (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets).  These costs are amortized over the remaining lives of the associated leases in place at the time of acquisition.

EastGroup expensed acquisition-related costs of $29,000 and $19,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  

The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of goodwill (at least annually) and the recoverability of other intangibles (on a quarterly basis) for possible impairment.  In management’s opinion, no impairment of goodwill and other intangibles existed at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

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OTHER ASSETS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Other Assets [Abstract]

Other Assets

OTHER ASSETS

A summary of the Company’s Other Assets follows:

	March 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	41,815		41,290
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(17,498		)	(17,543	)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	24,317			23,747
Straight-line rents receivable	22,233			22,153
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(382		)	(409	)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	21,851			21,744
Accounts receivable	2,929			3,477
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(365		)	(373	)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,564			3,104
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	10,287			11,848
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(3,733		)	(4,516	)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	6,554			7,332
Acquired above market lease intangibles	2,170			2,443
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(840		)	(976	)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,330			1,467
Mortgage loans receivable	9,330			9,357
Discount on mortgage loans receivable	(30		)	(34	)
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,300			9,323
Loan costs	8,471			8,476
Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(3,837		)	(4,960	)
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	4,634			3,516
Goodwill	990			990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,315			7,093
Total Other Assets	$	79,855		78,316

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DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk:

Interest Rate Derivative	Notional Amount
Interest Rate Swap	$80,000,000

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instrument as well as its classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. See Note 17 for additional information on the fair value of the Company's interest rate swap.

	Liability Derivatives As of March 31, 2013			Liability Derivatives As of December 31, 2012
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Other Liabilities	$	414,000	Other Liabilities	$	645,000

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]

The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
DERIVATIVES IN CASH FLOW HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS
Interest Rate Swaps:
Amount of income recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on derivative		$	73		—
Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense		(149		)	—

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
$100 Million Private Placement Unsecured Debt To Be Obtained [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Anticipated Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Notes	$ 100
Unsecured Note Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	3.80%
Principal Payment Due August 30, 2020	30
Principal Payment Due August 30, 2023	50
Principal Payment Due August 30, 2025	20
Steele Creek Commerce Park land acquisition [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acres of land	42.4
Purchase Price of Land	5.7
Plans for future development (square feet)	465,000
Plans for Future Development Number of Buildings	6
Steele Creek Commerce Park Construction Starts Planned for Second Quarter 2013 [Member] [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Anticipated construction starts	2
Plans for future development per building (square feet)	70,000
Projected total cost for development starts	$ 9.5
Percent Leased for one development project to be started in second quarter 2013	100.00%

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Share

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company applies ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires companies to present basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).  Basic EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period.  The Company’s basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Diluted EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and to each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  The Company calculates diluted EPS by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options had the options been exercised.  The dilutive effect of stock options and their equivalents (such as unvested restricted stock) was determined using the treasury stock method which assumes exercise of the options as of the beginning of the period or when issued, if later, and assumes proceeds from the exercise of options are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.

Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:

		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders		$	7,154	5,403
Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding		29,809		27,647
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders		$	7,154	5,403
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding		29,809		27,647
Common stock options		3		4
Unvested restricted stock		78		67
Total Shares		29,890		27,718

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

During the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into an agreement in principle with an insurance company under which the Company plans to issue $100 million of senior unsecured notes at a fixed interest rate of 3.8%. The notes will require semi-annual interest payments with principal payments of: $30 million on August 30, 2020, $50 million on August 30, 2023, and $20 million on August 30, 2025. The transaction is expected to close on August 30, 2013, and the issuance of the notes in this private placement is subject to due diligence and completion of final documentation.

Subsequent to quarter-end, EastGroup closed the acquisition of 42.4 acres of development land in southwest Charlotte for a price of $5.7 million. The land is projected to contain the future development of 465,000 square feet of industrial space in six business distribution buildings to be named Steele Creek Commerce Park. EastGroup plans to begin the development of the first two buildings (70,000 square feet each) with a projected total investment of $9.5 million during the second quarter of 2013. One of the buildings is 100% pre-leased, and the other will be offered for lease as a multi-tenant facility.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ (1,831,000)
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 57.10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested at beginning of period (in shares)	212,206
Granted (in shares)	91,149
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Vested (in shares)	(30,316)
Unvested at end of period (in shares)	273,039
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested at beginning of period (per share)	$ 42.84
Granted (per share)	$ 57.10
Forfeited (per share)	$ 0.00
Vested (per share)	$ 52.32
Unvested at end of period (per share)	$ 46.55
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized shares of common stock	1,900,000
Shares available for grant	1,248,882
Stock-based compensation costs capitalized as development costs	551,000	233,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,831,000	1,492,000
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares withheld for tax obligations	17,927
Fair value of shares vested as of the vesting date	1,700,000
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Company Performance Awards [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested within current year	20.00%
Percentage of shares granted vesting annually in future periods	20.00%
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 57.10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	36,813
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (per share)	$ 57.10
Management Incentive Plan 2004 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Shareholder Return Awards [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of shares vested within current year	25.00%
Percentage of shares granted vesting annually in future periods	25.00%
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 57.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	54,336
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (per share)	$ 57.11
Directors Equity Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized shares of common stock	50,000
Shares available for grant	9,127
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 90,000	$ 75,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized shares of common stock	2,000,000

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BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization expense for lease intangibles	$ 778,000	$ 1,069,000
Above and below market leases Increase (decrease) rental Income	(46,000)	(120,000)
Acquisition-related costs expensed	29,000	19,000
Madison Distribution Center, Wiegman Distribution Center II and Valwood Distribution Center [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total cost of properties purchased		51,750,000
Amount of total cost allocated to real estate properties		48,934,000
Amount of total cost allocated to land		7,435,000
Madison Distribution Center, Wiegman Distribution Center II and Valwood Distribution Center [Member] | Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate		3,305,000
Madison Distribution Center, Wiegman Distribution Center II and Valwood Distribution Center [Member] | Above Market Leases [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate		244,000
Madison Distribution Center, Wiegman Distribution Center II and Valwood Distribution Center [Member] | Below Market Leases [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate		$ 733,000

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Distributions In Excess Of Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 491,176,000	$ 3,000	$ 731,950,000	$ (245,249,000)	$ (392,000)	$ 4,864,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	7,308,000	0	0	7,154,000	0	154,000
Net unrealized change in fair value of interest rate swap	222,000	0	0	0	222,000	0
Common dividends declared - $.53 per share	(16,227,000)	0	0	(16,227,000)	0	0
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	1,831,000	0	(1,831,000)	0	0	0
Issuance of 245,010 shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses	13,798,000	0	13,798,000	0	0	0
Issuance of 933 shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan	54,000	0	54,000	0	0	0
Withheld 9,412 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	(528,000)	0	(528,000)	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(195,000)	0	0	0	0	(195,000)
BALANCE at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 497,439,000	$ 3,000	$ 747,105,000	$ (254,322,000)	$ (170,000)	$ 4,823,000

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PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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.

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PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Business Combinations

Upon acquisition of real estate properties, the Company applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations, which requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.  The Codification also provides guidance on how to properly determine the allocation of the purchase price among the individual components of both the tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values.  Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired.  Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases.  The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management's determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models.  The Company determines whether any financing assumed is above or below market based upon comparison to similar financing terms for similar properties.  The cost of the properties acquired may be adjusted based on indebtedness assumed from the seller that is determined to be above or below market rates.  

The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets:  the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships.  The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease.  The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.  The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values.  These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.

Discontinued Operations

The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year.  Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale.  In accordance with the guidelines established under the Codification,the results of operations for the operating properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods are shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Interest expense is not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations are included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage is required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.

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PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 joint_ventures	Mar. 31, 2013 University Business Center [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 University Business Center [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Castilian Research Center [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Castilian Research Center [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Industry Distribution Center II [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Industry Distribution Center II [Member]
Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Joint Ventures	2
Joint venture ownership interest		80.00%	80.00%	80.00%	80.00%
Joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Tenant-in-common interest						50.00%	50.00%

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DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risk, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and, to a limited extent, the use of derivative instruments.

Specifically, the Company has entered into derivative instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company's derivative instruments, described below, are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company's known or expected cash payments principally related to certain of the Company's borrowings.

The Company's objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage exposure to interest rate movements and add stability to interest expense. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. 

The Company currently has one interest rate swap outstanding that is used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with its variable-rate debt. The Company entered into an $80,000,000 interest rate swap during the third quarter of 2012 and has concluded that the hedging relationship is highly effective. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives, which is immaterial for the periods reported, is recognized directly in earnings (included in Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income).

Amounts reported in Other Comprehensive Income related to derivatives will be reclassified to Interest Expense as interest payments are made on the Company's variable-rate debt. The Company estimates that an additional $579,000 will be reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income as an increase to Interest Expense over the next twelve months.

As of January 1, 2013, the Company changed its valuation methodology for over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives to discount cash flows based on Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) rates.  Uncollateralized or partially-collateralized trades are discounted at OIS, but include appropriate economic adjustments for funding costs (i.e., a LIBOR-OIS basis adjustment to approximate uncollateralized cost of funds) and credit risk.  The Company is making the changes to better align its inputs, assumptions, and pricing methodologies with those used in its principal market by most dealers and major market participants.  The changes in valuation methodology are applied prospectively as a change in accounting estimate and are immaterial to the Company's financial statements.

As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk:

Interest Rate Derivative	Notional Amount
Interest Rate Swap	$80,000,000

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instrument as well as its classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. See Note 17 for additional information on the fair value of the Company's interest rate swap.

	Liability Derivatives As of March 31, 2013			Liability Derivatives As of December 31, 2012
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Interest rate swaps	Other Liabilities	$	414,000	Other Liabilities	$	645,000

The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2013			2012
	(In thousands)
DERIVATIVES IN CASH FLOW HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS
Interest Rate Swaps:
Amount of income recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on derivative		$	73		—
Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense		(149		)	—

See Note 11 for additional information on the Company's Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss resulting from its interest rate swap.

Derivative financial agreements expose the Company to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties under the terms of the interest rate hedge agreements. The Company believes it minimizes the credit risk by transacting with major credit-worthy financial institutions.

The Company has an agreement with its derivative counterparty containing a provision stating that the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender.

As of March 31, 2013, the fair value of derivatives in a liability position related to these agreements was $414,000. If the Company breached any of the contractual provisions of the derivative contract, it would be required to settle its obligation under the agreement at the swap termination value. As of March 31, 2013, the swap termination value was a liability in the amount of $394,000.