EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 63,580	$ 27,339
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	41,246	39,673
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$ 63,580	$ 27,339
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	41,246	39,673
Unvested restricted stock	113	92
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	41,359	39,765