Acquisitions (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Unaudited supplement pro forma operating data
Pro forma revenues	$ 786,408	$ 787,386
Pro forma loss from continuing operations	(68,640)	(147,363)
Pro forma income (loss) from discontinued operations	16,106	(84,989)
Pro forma net loss attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (79,901)	$ (234,940)
Basic earnings per share data:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.36)	$ (0.72)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ 0.06	$ (0.24)
Net loss attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.30)	$ (0.96)
Diluted earnings per share data:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.44)	$ (0.72)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ 0.06	$ (0.24)
Net loss attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.38)	$ (0.96)