Acquisitions - Unaudited Supplement to Pro Forma Operating Data (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma revenues	$ 835,454	$ 822,719	$ 766,917
Pro forma (loss) income from continuing operations	(92,582)	48,461	(144,755)
Pro forma loss from discontinued operations	(16,416)	(18,590)	(86,786)
Pro forma net (loss) income attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (138,077)	$ 2,504	$ (234,129)
Basic earnings per share data:
(Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.41)	$ 0.07	$ (0.71)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.05)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.25)
Net (loss) income attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.46)	$ 0.01	$ (0.96)
Diluted earnings per share data:
Loss from continuing operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.41)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.71)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.05)	$ (0.06)	$ (0.25)
Net loss attributable to DDR common shareholders	$ (0.46)	$ (0.07)	$ (0.96)