EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 9,930	$ 8,372
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	32,032	30,806
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 9,930	$ 8,372
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	32,032	30,806
Unvested restricted stock	77	80
Total Shares	32,109	30,886