Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of downREIT real estate ventures	4
Aggregate redemption value of interests	$ 42	$ 35
Number of unconsolidated joint ventures with partner	2
Long-term purchase commitment, description	We have entered into commitments aggregating $79.3 million comprised principally of construction contracts which are generally due in 12 to 36 months.
Capital Additions [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Construction contract commitment	$ 79.3
Capital Additions [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Construction contract period, months	12
Capital Additions [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Construction contract period, months	36

The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Describes the terms of a significant arrangement with a supplier (excluding an unconditional purchase obligation) to acquire goods or services over a period of time beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, which may include identification of the goods or services to be purchased, pricing, effects on pricing of failing to reach minimum quantities required to be purchased, cancellation rights, and termination provisions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Specifies the time period covered by the arrangement.

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No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
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- Details

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- Definition

The aggregate amount to be paid by the entity upon redemption of the security that is classified as a redeemable noncontrolling interest.

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No definition available.

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Name:	wri_MinorityInterestRedemptionValue
Namespace Prefix:	wri_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number Of Down Real Estate Investment Trust Real Estate Ventures

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No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wri_NumberOfDownRealEstateInvestmentTrustRealEstateVentures
Namespace Prefix:	wri_
Data Type:	xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number Of Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures With Partner

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No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	wri_
Data Type:	xbrli:positiveIntegerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration