Investment In Real Estate Joint Ventures And Partnerships (Combined Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Property	$ 4,308,849		$ 4,399,850
Accumulated depreciation	(1,060,419)		(1,040,839)
Property, net	3,248,430	[1]	3,359,011	[1]
Total Assets	4,118,547		4,184,784
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt, net (primarily mortgages payable)	2,293,898	[1]	2,204,030	[1]
Other liabilities, net	113,375		120,900
Total Liabilities	2,524,258		2,444,629
Accumulated equity	1,594,289		1,740,155		1,796,851	1,823,582
Total Liabilities and Equity	4,118,547		4,184,784
Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures [Member]
ASSETS
Property	1,507,115		1,631,694
Accumulated depreciation	(284,101)		(273,591)
Property, net	1,223,014		1,358,103
Other assets, net	159,105		161,344
Total Assets	1,382,119		1,519,447
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt, net (primarily mortgages payable)	467,908		468,841
Amounts payable to Weingarten Realty Investors and Affiliates	102,390		109,931
Other liabilities, net	35,083		34,157
Total Liabilities	605,381		612,929
Accumulated equity	776,738		906,518
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,382,119		$ 1,519,447

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