Quarterly Results of Operations - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 256,768	$ 245,355	$ 242,040	$ 241,512	$ 241,665	$ 201,682	$ 197,664	$ 188,924	$ 985,675	$ 829,935	$ 707,087
Net (loss) income attributable to DDR	(10,700)	68,606	76,016	(16,640)	7,210	(375)	(23,313)	6,303	117,282	(10,175)	(25,822)
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders	$ (16,294)	$ 63,012	$ 67,815	$ (23,248)	$ 602	$ (6,983)	$ (36,034)	$ (727)	$ 91,285	$ (43,142)	$ (60,271)
Basic:
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to common shareholders	$ (0.05)	$ 0.17	$ 0.19	$ (0.07)	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.00	$ 0.25	$ (0.14)	$ (0.21)
Weighted-average number of shares	359,007	358,025	357,812	357,634	356,935	318,184	316,967	313,231
Diluted:
Net (loss) income per common share attributable to common shareholders	$ (0.05)	$ 0.17	$ 0.19	$ (0.07)	$ 0.00	$ (0.02)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.00	$ 0.25	$ (0.14)	$ (0.21)
Weighted-average number of shares	359,007	358,512	358,295	357,634	356,935	318,184	316,967	313,899