EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 8,363	$ 6,771	$ 23,160	$ 20,146
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	30,281	28,912	30,029	28,271
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 8,363	$ 6,771	$ 23,160	$ 20,146
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	30,281	28,912	30,029	28,271
Common stock options	0	2	1	3
Unvested restricted stock	119	116	94	87
Total Shares	30,400	29,030	30,124	28,361