Organization and Basis of Presentation (Schedule of Properties Owned by Operating Partnership) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2017 property associated_center mixed_use_center office_building mall community_center
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Malls (mall) | mall	68
Associated Centers (associated center) | associated_center	23
Community Centers (community center) | community_center	9
Office Buildings (office building)	5
Total (property) | property	105
Consolidated properties
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Malls (mall) | mall	60
Associated Centers (associated center) | associated_center	20
Community Centers (community center) | community_center	4
Office Buildings (office building)	5
Total (property) | property	89
Number of mixed-use centers owned (mixed use center) | mixed_use_center	1
Consolidated properties | CBL & Associates Limited Partnership
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Office Buildings (office building)	2
Unconsolidated Properties
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items]
Malls (mall) | mall	8
Associated Centers (associated center) | associated_center	3
Community Centers (community center) | community_center	5
Office Buildings (office building)	0
Total (property) | property	16