SUPPLEMENTAL AND NONCASH INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized		$ 209,566	$ 226,233	$ 238,531
Accrued dividends and distributions payable		54,313	54,489	54,433
Additions to real estate assets accrued but not yet paid		24,881	26,345	25,332
Capital contribution of note receivable to joint venture		5,280	0	0
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest to joint venture		155	0	0
Write-off of note receivable		1,846	0	0
Note receivable from sale of land		$ 0	$ 0	360
Weighted average interest rate (percent)		4.82%	4.54%
EastGate Crossing, Cincinnati, OH
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Mortgage debt assumed by buyer of real estate assets	$ 14,570	$ 38,150	$ 14,570	0
Columbia Place, Chapel Hill Mall and Citadel Mall
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Decrease in real estate assets		0	0	(79,398)
Decrease in mortgage and other indebtedness		0	0	163,998
Decrease in operating assets and liabilities		0	0	4,799
Lakeshore Mall
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Note receivable from sale of Lakeshore Mall		0	0	10,000
Senior unsecured notes due 2026
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Discount on issuance of Senior Notes		5,740	0	0
4.60% Senior Notes Due 2024
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Discount on issuance of Senior Notes		$ 0	0	75
Senior Unsecured Notes | Senior unsecured notes due 2026
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (percent)		5.95%
Senior Unsecured Notes | 4.60% Senior Notes Due 2024
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (percent)		4.60%
Partnership Interest
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Decrease in real estate assets		$ (14,025)	0	0
Increase in investment in unconsolidated affiliates		14,030	0	0
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$ (5)	$ 0	$ 0