EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 17,729	$ 8,363	$ 35,219	$ 23,160
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	31,515	30,281	31,156	30,029
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 17,729	$ 8,363	$ 35,219	$ 23,160
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	31,515	30,281	31,156	30,029
Common stock options	0	0	0	1
Unvested restricted stock	129	119	100	94
Total Shares	31,644	30,400	31,256	30,124