Segment Information - Company's Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 210,870	$ 204,119	$ 193,778	$ 191,608	$ 189,357	$ 186,279	$ 185,946	$ 188,247	$ 800,375	$ 749,829	$ 741,932
Operating expenses									(338,472)	(294,167)	(306,901)
Net operating income (loss)									461,903	455,662	435,031
Depreciation and amortization									(248,781)	(215,928)	(202,981)
Interest income									15,799	9,832	7,302
Other income (expense), net									(17,880)	(5,002)	(24,148)
Gain on change in control and sale of interests, net									78,127	25,170	0
Unallocated (expenses)									(312,523)	(288,433)	(382,830)
Equity in net (loss) income of joint ventures									35,250	13,734	5,600
Impairment of joint venture investments									(26,671)	(2,921)	(227)
Loss from continuing operations									(14,776)	(7,886)	(162,253)
Total gross real estate assets	8,639,111				8,270,106				8,639,111	8,270,106	8,411,239
Notes receivable, net	68,718				93,905				68,718	93,905	120,330
Shopping Centers [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Total revenues									800,358	749,742	741,551
Operating expenses									(337,875)	(294,154)	(306,890)
Net operating income (loss)									462,483	455,588	434,661
Depreciation and amortization									(248,781)	(215,928)	(202,981)
Gain on change in control and sale of interests, net									78,127	25,170
Equity in net (loss) income of joint ventures									(2,570)	(6,747)	(4,958)
Total gross real estate assets	8,639,111				8,222,384				8,639,111	8,222,384	8,361,632
Loan Investments [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Total revenues									17	87	381
Operating expenses									(597)	(13)	(11)
Net operating income (loss)									(580)	74	370
Interest income									15,799	9,832	6,450
Other income (expense), net									(4,300)	(5,000)
Notes receivable, net	246,907				84,541				246,907	84,541	103,705
Brazil Equity Investment [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Equity in net (loss) income of joint ventures									37,820	20,481	10,558
Other [Member]
Operating Statistics [Line Items]
Interest income											852
Other income (expense), net									(13,580)	(2)	(24,148)
Unallocated (expenses)									(312,523)	(288,433)	(382,830)
Total gross real estate assets					47,722					47,722	49,607
Notes receivable, net	$ (178,189)				$ 9,364				$ (178,189)	$ 9,364	$ 16,625