Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	33-92990
Entity Registrant Name	TIAA REAL ESTATE ACCOUNT
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	NY
Entity Address, Address Line One	730 Third Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10017-3206
City Area Code	212
Local Phone Number	490-9000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Documents Incorporated by Reference: None
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	0
Entity Public Float		$ 0
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000946155
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY