The percentage points (also referred to as 'margin') added to the reference rate as stated in the loan agreement and used to compute the variable rate on the loans. For instance, the loan agreement might state that the interest rate the borrower is obligated to pay is the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a 150 basis point spread adjusted quarterly (each three months). LIBOR in this example is the index or reference rate, 150 basis points are the margin, the reference rate plus the margin is the fully indexed rate. This element would be used to report separately the margin.

No definition available.

Name:	cbl_BasisSpreadOnVariableRateDebt
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Aug. 09, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 77,099
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt	400,000
Basis Spread On Variable Rate Debt			150	140
Alamance Crossing West [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 16,000