INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES - Adjustments to Company's Share of Joint Venture Net Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Net income	$ 7.1	$ 3.6	$ 5.2	$ 1.7

This element represents the amortization of basis differential, deferred gains and differences in gain (loss) on sale of certain assets due to the basis differentials, and other than temporary impairment charges.

No definition available.

Name:	ddr_IncomeLossNet
Namespace Prefix:	ddr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration