CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 66,481	$ (205)	$ 124,997	$ (16,829)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation	(1,729)	(429)	6,654	(16,364)
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation included in net income	5,609	0	25,324	0
Change in fair value of interest-rate contracts	2,999	(1,537)	535	11,107
Amortization of interest-rate contracts	118	118	354	354
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	0	(840)	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	(182)	2,639	(649)	2,639
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	6,815	791	31,378	(2,264)
Comprehensive income (loss)	73,296	586	156,375	(19,093)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests:
Allocation of net loss (income)	2,125	(170)	2,985	(556)
Foreign currency translation	647	(290)	634	323
Reclassification adjustment for foreign currency translation included in net income	(3,964)	0	(3,964)	0
Total comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(1,192)	(460)	(345)	(233)
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to DDR	$ 72,104	$ 126	$ 156,030	$ (19,326)