CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
INVESTMENTS IN REAL ESTATE, at cost:
Operating properties	$ 3,471,467	$ 3,450,317
Construction in progress	70,999	68,835
Land held for development	8,716	8,716
Total investments in real estate	3,551,182	3,527,868
Accumulated depreciation	(1,040,630)	(1,012,746)
Net investments in real estate	2,510,552	2,515,122
INVESTMENTS IN PARTNERSHIPS, at equity:	15,090	15,963
OTHER ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	32,553	34,230
Tenant and other receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,405 and $13,123 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	44,989	46,439
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $14,490 and $14,506 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	9,051	9,075
Deferred costs and other assets	94,964	97,752
Total assets	2,707,199	2,718,581
LIABILITIES:
Mortgage loans payable	1,498,822	1,502,650
Long-term Debt	130,000
Revolving Facility	25,000	130,000
Tenants’ deposits and deferred rent	17,511	17,896
Distributions in excess of partnership investments	65,414	64,491
Fair value of derivative liabilities	1,901	844
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	69,855	76,248
Total liabilities	1,808,503	1,792,129
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6):
EQUITY:
Shares of beneficial interest, $1.00 par value per share; 200,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 68,741 shares at March 31, 2014 and 68,293 shares at December 31, 2013	68,741	68,293
Capital contributed in excess of par	1,466,884	1,467,460
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(7,501)	6,637
Distributions in excess of net income	(662,731)	(636,939)
Total equity—Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust	865,474	892,258
Noncontrolling interest	33,222	34,194
Total equity	898,696	926,452
Total liabilities and equity	2,707,199	2,718,581
Series A Preferred Shares [Member]
EQUITY:
Preferred Shares	46	46
Series B Preferred Shares [Member]
EQUITY:
Preferred Shares	$ 35	$ 35