Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 entities	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of entities - equity method of accounting	17
ASSETS
Investment in real estate assets	$ 2,227,475		$ 2,167,227
Accumulated depreciation	(570,764)		(555,174)
Real estate investment net, before development in process	1,656,711		1,612,053
Developments in progress	53,909		103,161
Net investment in real estate assets	1,710,620		1,715,214
Other assets	176,103		168,799
Total assets	1,886,723		1,884,013
LIABILITIES
Mortgage and other indebtedness	1,478,401		1,468,422
Other liabilities	41,133		48,203
Total liabilities	1,519,534		1,516,625
The Company	212,231		213,664
Other investors	154,958		153,724
Total owners' equity	367,189		367,388
Total liabilities and owners' equity	1,886,723		1,884,013
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	61,821	60,719
Depreciation and amortization expense	(18,787)	(19,148)
Interest income	340	339
Interest expense	(18,558)	(19,668)
Other operating expenses	(18,181)	(18,752)
Net income	6,635	3,490
Company's Share [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	31,952	31,670
Depreciation and amortization expense	(9,861)	(9,948)
Interest income	259	235
Interest expense	(9,491)	(10,072)
Other operating expenses	(9,175)	(9,266)
Net income	$ 3,684	$ 2,619
CBL/TC, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
CBL-TRS Joint Venture LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
CBL-TRS Joint Venture II LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
El Paso Outlet Outparcels, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
Fremaux Town Center JV, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	65.00%
Governors Square IB [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
Governor's Square Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	47.50%
High Pointe Commons Lp [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
High Pointe Commons IIHAP LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
JG Gulf Coast Town Center LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
Kentucky Oaks Mall Company [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
Mall Of South Carolina LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
Mall Of South Carolina Outparcel LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
Port Orange I LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
Triangle Town Member LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
West Melbourne I LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%
York Town Center LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in real estate property	50.00%