Investments in Joint Ventures - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2020
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	98.00%

Maximum percentage of noncontrolling ownership interest in joint ventures.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	tiaareal_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant