Noncontrolling Interests: (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 20, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 17, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Limited partnership interest of the operating partnership (as a percent)	6.00%		7.00%
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Number of trading days used to calculate redemption value	10 days
Redemption value of outstanding OP Units not owned by the Company	$ 877,184mac_MinorityInterestRedemptionValue		$ 587,917mac_MinorityInterestRedemptionValue
The Macerich Partnership, L.P.
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership interest in operating partnership (as a percent)	94.00%		93.00%

Represents the aggregate redemption value for the noncontrolling interest.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Minority Interest, Redemption Value Basis Number of Trading Days

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Face amount or stated value per share of common stock.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 30

-Article 5

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- Definition

The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Details

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