Investment In Real Estate Joint Ventures And Partnerships (Combined Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Property	$ 4,425,127		$ 4,399,850
Accumulated depreciation	(1,073,361)		(1,040,839)
Property, net	3,351,766	[1]	3,359,011	[1]
Total Assets	4,190,968		4,184,784
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt, net (primarily mortgages payable)	2,323,620	[1]	2,204,030	[1]
Other liabilities, net	111,661		120,900
Total Liabilities	2,523,228		2,444,629
Accumulated equity	1,667,740		1,740,155		1,804,259	1,823,582
Total Liabilities and Equity	4,190,968		4,184,784
Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures [Member]
ASSETS
Property	1,568,267		1,631,694
Accumulated depreciation	(274,214)		(273,591)
Property, net	1,294,053		1,358,103
Other assets, net	154,599		161,344
Total Assets	1,448,652		1,519,447
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt, net (primarily mortgages payable)	466,149		468,841
Amounts payable to Weingarten Realty Investors and affiliates	106,311		109,931
Other liabilities, net	32,762		34,157
Total Liabilities	605,222		612,929
Accumulated equity	843,430		906,518
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,448,652		$ 1,519,447

[1] Consolidated Variable Interest Entities’ Assets and Liabilities included in the above balances (See Note 17):