Investments in Joint Ventures - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Minimum percentage of noncontrolling ownership interest In joint ventures	33.30%
Maximum percentage of noncontrolling ownership interest in joint ventures	97.50%
Equity investments fair value joint ventures	$ 5.9	$ 5.6

The Account's share of fair value investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	tiaareal_EquityInvestmentsFairValueJointVentures
Namespace Prefix:	tiaareal_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant