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Unconsolidated Affiliates, Noncontrolling Interests and Cost Method Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of entities - equity method of accounting	16		16
Non-controlling Interests [Abstract]
Total non-controlling interests	$ 214,255		$ 214,255		$ 223,605
Total redeemable non-controlling partnership interests	35,306		35,306		34,379
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	36,851	38,331	76,947	77,373
Depreciation and amortization expense	(12,662)	(14,286)
Interest expense	(13,080)	(13,858)
Other operating expenses	(10,539)	(11,295)
Loss on sales of real estate assets	1,665	1,412
Operating income of discontinued operations	0	103
Net income (loss)	2,235	407
Company's share [Abstract]
Revenues	20,430	21,686	42,984	42,311
Depreciation and amortization expense	(7,097)	(8,403)	(14,112)	(15,205)
Interest expense	(7,201)	(8,449)	(14,460)	(15,612)
Other operating expenses	(5,923)	(4,647)	(12,425)	(10,753)
Loss on sales of real estate assets	1,246	170	1,246	121
Operating income of discontinued operations	0	52	0	86
Net income (loss)	1,455	409	3,233	948
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Non-controlling Interest [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			223,605
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling preferred joint venture interest			10,228	10,217
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling preferred joint venture interest			(22,086)	(29,489)
Ending Balance	214,255		214,255
Third Party Interests [Member]
Non-controlling Interests [Abstract]
Total non-controlling interests	209,127		209,127		217,519
Total redeemable non-controlling partnership interests	29,051		29,051		28,070
Consolidated Subsidiary [Member]
Non-controlling Interests [Abstract]
Total non-controlling interests	5,128		5,128		6,086
Total redeemable non-controlling partnership interests	6,255		6,255		6,309
CBL-TRS Joint Venture LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
CBL-TRS Joint Venture II LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Governors Square IB [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Governor's Square Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	47.50%		47.50%
High Pointe Commons Lp [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
High Pointe Commons IIHAP LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Imperial Valley Mall LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	60.00%		60.00%
Imperial Valley Peripheral LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	60.00%		60.00%
JG Gulf Coast Town Center LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Kentucky Oaks Mall Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Mall Of South Carolina LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Mall Of South Carolina Outparcel LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Port Orange I LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Triangle Town Member LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
West Melbourne I LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
York Town Center LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Company's Interest	50.00%		50.00%
Jinsheng [Member]
Cost Method Investments [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	6.20%		6.20%
Number of series 2 ordinary shares secured against convertible security notes			16,565,534
Series A-2 Preferred Shares			16,565,534
Percentage of ownership interest in Jinsheng (in hundredths)	6.20%		6.20%
Carrying value of investment	$ 4,819		$ 4,819