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Schedule III - REAL ESTATE ASSETS AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances $ 3,270,528,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances      
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 894,092,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand      
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,827,242,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements      
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,497,607,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts      
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (31,759,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold      
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 847,829,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand      
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 7,339,353,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements      
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 8,187,182,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue 8,123,514,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue 8,301,013,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue 7,767,819,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (2,240,007,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (2,056,357,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (1,972,031,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation (1,762,149,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
Land and buildings and improvements, gross 7,878,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateFederalIncomeTaxBasis      
Buildings [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Estimated useful life (years) 40 years      
Certain Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Estimated useful life (years) 20 years      
Certain Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Estimated useful life (years) 10 years      
Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Estimated useful life (years) 10 years      
Equipment and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Estimated useful life (years) 7 years      
Acadiana Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 132,068,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 22,511,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 145,769,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,633,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 19,919,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 161,994,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 181,913,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (64,670,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AcadianaMallMember
     
Alamance Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 48,660,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 20,853,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 63,105,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 38,372,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (2,803,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 18,050,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 101,477,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 119,527,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (23,120,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AlamanceCrossingMember
     
Arbor Place [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 117,496,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 7,862,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 95,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 25,161,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 7,862,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 120,491,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 128,353,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (53,004,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ArborPlaceMember
     
Asheville Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 73,260,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 7,139,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 58,747,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 52,846,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (805,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 6,334,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 111,593,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 117,927,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (43,955,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AshevilleMallMember
     
Bonita Lakes Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,924,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 31,933,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 6,964,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (985,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,924,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 37,912,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 42,836,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (17,624,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaLakesMallMember
     
Brookfield Square [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 87,816,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 8,996,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 84,250,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 47,966,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (18,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 9,170,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 132,024,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 141,194,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (51,316,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BrookfieldSquareMember
     
Burnsville Center [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 75,752,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 12,804,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 71,355,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 58,800,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (1,157,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 16,102,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 125,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 141,802,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (48,146,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BurnsvilleCenterMember
     
Cary Towne Center [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 51,250,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 23,688,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 74,432,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 27,986,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 23,701,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 102,405,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 126,106,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (35,729,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CaryTowneCenterMember
     
Cherryvale Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 78,280,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 11,892,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 63,973,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 56,227,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (1,667,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 11,608,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 118,817,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 130,425,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (39,588,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CherryvaleMallMember
     
Chesterfield Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 140,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 11,083,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 282,140,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 2,407,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 11,083,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 284,547,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 295,630,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (64,738,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChesterfieldMallMember
     
College Square [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,954,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,787,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 25,998,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (88,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,866,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 43,785,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 46,651,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (20,195,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CollegeSquareMember
     
Cross Creek Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 130,600,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 19,155,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 104,353,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 32,973,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 20,169,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 136,312,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 156,481,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (37,883,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CrossCreekMallMember
     
Dakota Square Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 56,705,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,552,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 87,625,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 2,972,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,552,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 90,597,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 95,149,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (7,290,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DakotaSquareMallMember
     
Eastland Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 59,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 5,746,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 75,893,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 7,741,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (753,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 5,304,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 83,323,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 88,627,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (27,256,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastlandMallMember
     
East Towne Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 66,772,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,496,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 63,867,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 45,386,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (366,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,130,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 109,253,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 113,383,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (38,587,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastTowneMallMember
     
Eastgate Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 39,852,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 13,046,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 44,949,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 27,097,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (1,017,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 12,029,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 72,046,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 84,075,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (26,052,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateMallMember
     
Fashion Square [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 39,736,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 15,218,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 64,970,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 11,273,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 15,218,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 76,243,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 91,461,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (28,246,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FashionSquareMember
     
Fayette Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 171,192,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 25,194,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 84,267,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 98,831,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 11,000us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 25,205,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 183,098,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 208,303,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (45,714,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FayetteMallMember
     
Frontier Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,681,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,858,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 19,810,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,681,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 35,668,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 38,349,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (20,329,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierMallMember
     
Foothills Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 5,558,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 25,244,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 11,992,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 5,558,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 37,236,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 42,794,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (23,234,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsMallMember
     
Greenbriar Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 73,907,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,181,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 107,355,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,301,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (626,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,555,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 120,656,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 123,211,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (33,545,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GreenbriarMallMember
     
Hamilton Place [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 101,624,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,532,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 42,623,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 40,715,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (441,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,091,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 83,338,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 86,429,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (44,607,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonPlaceMember
     
Hanes Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 151,584,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 17,176,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 133,376,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 46,402,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (948,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 16,808,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 179,198,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 196,006,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (62,398,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HanesMallMember
     
Harford Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 8,699,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 45,704,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 21,495,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 8,699,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 67,199,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 75,898,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (21,441,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordMallMember
     
Hickory Point [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 28,338,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 10,731,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 31,728,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 16,208,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (293,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 10,439,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 47,935,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 58,374,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (16,593,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HickoryPointMember
     
Honey Creek Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 28,978,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,108,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 83,358,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,055,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,108,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 96,413,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 99,521,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (28,022,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HoneyCreekMallMember
     
Imperial Valley Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 49,945,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 35,378,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 70,549,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 170,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 35,378,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 70,719,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 106,097,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (4,910,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ImperialValleyMallMember
     
Janesville Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 8,074,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,009,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 8,190,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 8,074,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 34,199,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 42,273,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (14,164,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JanesvilleMallMember
     
Jefferson Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 68,470,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 13,125,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 40,234,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 24,578,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (521,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 12,604,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 64,812,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 77,416,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (22,693,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_JeffersonMallMember
     
Kirkwood Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 39,196,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,368,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 118,945,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,577,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,368,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 120,522,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 123,890,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (7,713,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_KirkwoodMallMember
     
The Lakes Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,328,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 42,366,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 11,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,328,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 53,696,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 57,024,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (23,387,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakesMallMember
     
Laurel Park [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 13,289,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 92,579,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 10,983,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 13,289,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 103,562,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 116,851,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (36,139,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaurelParkMember
     
Layton Hills Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 94,383,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 20,464,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 99,836,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,187,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (275,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 20,189,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 113,023,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 133,212,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (35,589,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsMallMember
     
Madison Square [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 17,596,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 39,186,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (48,797,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,550,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 5,435,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 7,985,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (289,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonSquareMember
     
Mall Del Norte [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 21,734,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 142,049,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 49,058,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 21,734,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 191,107,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 212,841,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (65,256,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MallDelNorteMember
     
Meridian Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 529,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 103,678,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 72,085,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,232,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 174,060,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 176,292,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (71,072,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MeridianMallMember
     
Midland Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 33,179,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 10,321,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,429,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 10,817,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 10,321,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 40,246,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 50,567,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (15,817,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidlandMallMember
     
Mid Rivers Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 16,384,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 170,582,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,846,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 16,384,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 184,428,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 200,812,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (43,296,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MidRiversMallMember
     
Monroeville Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 22,195,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 177,214,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 68,866,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 24,716,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 243,559,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 268,275,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (63,177,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MonroevilleMallMember
     
Northgate Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 8,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 19,734,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 28,694,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 31,024,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (2,562,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthgateMallMember
     
Northpark Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 9,977,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 65,481,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 39,750,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 10,962,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 104,246,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 115,208,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (34,289,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthparkMallMember
     
Northwoods Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 70,194,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 14,867,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 49,647,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 22,298,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (2,339,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 12,528,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 71,945,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 84,473,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (24,569,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_NorthwoodsMallMember
     
Old Hickory Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 15,527,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,413,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 8,219,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 15,527,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 37,632,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 53,159,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (14,033,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OldHickoryMallMember
     
Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 79,149,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 8,598,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 96,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (37,801,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 8,598,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 58,839,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 67,437,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (4,788,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtAtlantaMember
     
Outlet Shoppes at El Paso [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 69,566,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 9,239,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 96,640,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 11,416,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 9,463,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 107,832,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 117,295,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (10,213,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtElPasoMember
     
Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 38,659,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 20,953,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 22,180,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 744,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 20,953,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 22,924,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 43,877,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,119,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtGettysburgMember
     
Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 65,051,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 8,364,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 50,268,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 14,015,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 7,795,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 64,852,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 72,647,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (14,314,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesAtOklahomaCityMember
     
Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 77,398,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,146,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 63,365,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 282,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,146,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 63,647,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 66,793,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (1,190,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OutletShoppesoftheBluegrassMember
     
Parkdale Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 87,961,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 23,850,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 47,390,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 52,786,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (307,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 23,544,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 100,175,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 123,719,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (34,015,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleMallMember
     
Park Plaza Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 91,643,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 6,297,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 81,638,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 35,895,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 6,304,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 117,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 123,830,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (42,871,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkPlazaMallMember
     
Parkway Place Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 38,567,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 6,364,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 67,067,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 4,189,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 6,364,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 71,256,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 77,620,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (10,961,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkwayPlaceMallMember
     
Pearland Town Center [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 16,300,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 108,615,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,743,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (366,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 15,443,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 122,849,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 138,292,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (32,011,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandTownCenterMember
     
Post Oak Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,936,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 48,948,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,105,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (327,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,608,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 62,054,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 65,662,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (29,448,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PostOakMallMember
     
Randolph Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,547,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,927,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 12,000,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,547,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 25,927,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 30,474,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (8,919,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RandolphMallMember
     
Regency Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,384,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 36,839,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 15,355,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,244,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 51,334,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 55,578,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (20,193,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RegencyMallMember
     
Richland Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 9,874,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 34,793,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 16,046,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 9,887,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 50,826,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 60,713,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (16,084,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RichlandMallMember
     
River Ridge Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,824,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 59,052,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 12,100,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (252,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,572,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 71,152,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 75,724,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (18,112,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_RiverRidgeMallMember
     
South Country Center [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 15,754,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 159,249,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 15,165,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 15,754,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 174,414,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 190,168,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (39,006,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthCountryCenterMember
     
South Haven Town Ctr [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 40,023,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 8,255,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,380,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,187,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 8,478,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 42,344,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 50,822,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (14,741,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthHavenTownCtrMember
     
Southpark Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 64,486,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 9,501,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 73,262,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 33,585,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 11,282,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 105,066,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 116,348,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (31,929,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SouthparkMallMember
     
Stroud Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 31,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 14,711,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,936,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 20,734,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 14,711,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 44,670,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 59,381,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (15,768,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StroudMallMember
     
St. Clair Square [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 11,027,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 75,620,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 33,955,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 11,027,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 109,575,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 120,602,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (46,327,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StClairSquareMember
     
Sunrise Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 11,156,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 59,047,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (2,154,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 11,156,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 56,893,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 68,049,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (17,906,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseMallMember
     
Turtle Creek Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,345,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 26,418,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 18,820,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,535,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 44,048,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 47,583,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (21,695,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TurtleCreekMallMember
     
Valley View [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 59,688,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 15,985,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 77,771,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 20,191,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 15,999,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 97,948,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 113,947,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (28,491,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ValleyViewMember
     
Volusia Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 49,849,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 120,242,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 23,156,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 6,431,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 139,493,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 145,924,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (36,470,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_VolusiaMallMember
     
Walnut Square [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 50,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,138,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 16,928,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 50,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 32,066,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 32,116,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (18,200,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WalnutSquareMember
     
Wasau Center [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 18,369,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 5,231,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 24,705,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 16,478,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (5,231,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 41,183,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 41,183,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (17,157,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WasauCenterMember
     
West Towne Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 94,316,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 9,545,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 83,084,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 45,467,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 9,545,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 128,551,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 138,096,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (44,536,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneMallMember
     
Westgate Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 37,931,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,149,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,257,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 46,857,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (432,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 1,742,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 70,089,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 71,831,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (34,577,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateMallMember
     
Westmoreland Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,621,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 84,215,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 16,517,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,621,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 100,732,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 105,353,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (35,014,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandMallMember
     
York Galleria [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 51,037,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 5,757,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 63,316,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 9,811,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 5,757,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 73,127,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 78,884,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (29,037,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_YorkGalleriaMember
     
Annex at Monroeville Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 716,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 29,496,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (685,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 716,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 28,811,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 29,527,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (7,611,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_AnnexAtMonroevilleMallMember
     
Bonita Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 794,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 4,786,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 8,650,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 794,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 13,436,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 14,230,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (5,659,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_BonitaCrossingMember
     
Chapel Hill Surban [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 925,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,520,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,900,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 925,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 4,420,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 5,345,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (1,204,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillSurbanMember
     
Coolsprings Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 11,946,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,803,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,985,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 4,543,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,554,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 18,777,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 22,331,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (11,135,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CoolspringsCrossingMember
     
Courtyard at Hickory Hollow [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,314,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,771,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (1,865,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (231,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 1,500,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 2,489,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 3,989,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (327,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CourtyardAtHickoryHollowMember
     
Eastgate Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 14,707,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 707,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,424,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 7,890,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (11,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 696,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 10,314,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 11,010,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,824,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_EastgateCrossingMember
     
Foothills Plaza [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 132,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,132,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 531,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 148,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 2,647,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 2,795,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (1,961,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaMember
     
Frontier Square [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 346,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 684,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 374,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (86,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 260,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 1,058,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 1,318,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (636,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FrontierSquareMember
     
Gunbarrel Pointe [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 10,641,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,170,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 10,874,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 3,455,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,170,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 14,329,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 18,499,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (4,921,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_GunbarrelPointeMember
     
Hamilton Corner [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 14,965,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 630,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,532,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 8,275,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 734,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 13,703,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 14,437,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (5,783,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCornerMember
     
Hamilton Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 9,853,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,014,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 5,906,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 6,736,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (1,370,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,644,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 12,642,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 15,286,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (6,146,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HamiltonCrossingMember
     
Harford Annex [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,854,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,718,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,034,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,854,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 10,752,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 13,606,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (2,954,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_HarfordAnnexMember
     
The Landing at Arbor Place [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,993,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 14,330,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,511,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (748,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,245,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 15,841,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 20,086,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (7,840,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LandingAtArborPlaceMember
     
Layton Convenience Ctr [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 8,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 980,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 988,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 988,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (336,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonConvenienceCtrMember
     
Layton Hills Plaza [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 299,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 301,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 301,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (159,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LaytonHillsPlazaMember
     
Madison Plaza [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 473,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,888,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 3,828,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 473,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 6,716,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 7,189,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (4,397,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MadisonPlazaMember
     
The Plaza at Fayette Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 38,987,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 9,531,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 27,646,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 3,813,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 9,531,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 31,459,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 40,990,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (8,918,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PlazaAtFayetteMallMember
     
Parkdale Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,994,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,408,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 2,113,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (355,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,639,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 9,521,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 12,160,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (2,972,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ParkdaleCrossingMember
     
The Shoppes at Hamilton Place [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,894,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 11,700,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,424,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,894,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 13,124,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 18,018,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,747,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtHamiltonPlaceMember
     
Sunrise Commons [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,013,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,525,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,108,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 1,013,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 8,633,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 9,646,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (2,637,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_SunriseCommonsMember
     
The Shoppes at St Clair [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 19,759,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 8,250,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 23,623,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 163,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (5,044,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,206,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 23,786,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 26,992,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (7,045,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ShoppesAtStClairMember
     
The Terrace [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 13,683,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 4,166,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,929,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 8,097,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 6,536,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 15,656,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 22,192,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (4,882,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TerraceMember
     
West Towne Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,151,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,955,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 7,913,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,126,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 9,893,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 12,019,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (1,248,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestTowneCrossingMember
     
WestGate Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,082,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,422,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 6,925,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 1,082,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 10,347,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 11,429,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,934,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestgateCrossingMember
     
Westmoreland South [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,898,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 21,167,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 9,233,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,898,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 30,400,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 33,298,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (9,163,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WestmorelandSouthMember
     
Cobblestone Village [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 6,082,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 12,070,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (524,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (220,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 4,296,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 13,112,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 17,408,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (2,482,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CobblestoneVillageMember
     
Marshalls Creek [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 6,456,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 15,351,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 197,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 6,453,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 15,551,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 22,004,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (834,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_MarshallsCreekMember
     
The Promenade at Dlberville [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 16,278,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 48,806,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 24,761,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (706,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 17,953,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 71,186,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 89,139,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (10,716,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PromenadeAtDlbervilleMember
     
Forum at Grandview [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 9,234,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,285,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 14,710,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (684,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 8,652,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 31,893,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 40,545,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,027,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ForumatGrandviewMember
     
Statesboro Crossing [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 11,212,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,855,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 17,805,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 432,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (235,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,840,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 18,017,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 20,857,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,576,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_StatesboroCrossingMember
     
Waynesville Commons [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,511,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 6,141,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 13,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,511,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 6,154,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 9,665,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (397,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_WaynesvilleCommonsMember
     
840 Greenbrier Circle [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,096,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,091,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 218,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 2,096,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 3,309,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 5,405,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (881,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A840GreenbrierCircleMember
     
850 Greenbrier Circle [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 3,154,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 6,881,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (303,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 3,154,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 6,578,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 9,732,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (1,425,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_A850GreenbrierCircleMember
     
CBL Center [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 13,648,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,422,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 15,070,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 15,070,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,943,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterMember
     
CBL Center II [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 20,485,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 140,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 24,675,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (12,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 140,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 24,663,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 24,803,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (12,877,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CblCenterIiMember
     
Oak Branch Business Center [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 535,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 2,192,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (25,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 535,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 2,167,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 2,702,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (523,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OakBranchBusinessCenterMember
     
One Oyster Point [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,822,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,623,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 843,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 1,822,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 4,466,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 6,288,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (774,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OneOysterPointMember
     
Pearland Hotel [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 16,149,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 389,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 16,538,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 16,538,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (3,495,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandHotelMember
     
Pearland Office [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 7,849,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 1,341,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 9,190,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 9,190,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (662,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandOfficeMember
     
Pearland Residential Mgmt [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 9,666,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 9,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 9,675,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 9,675,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (1,724,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PearlandResidentialMgmtMember
     
Port Orange Apartments [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,474,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (182,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 3,292,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 3,292,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (43,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PortOrangeApartmentsMember
     
Two Oyster Point [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,543,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,974,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 460,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 1,543,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 4,434,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 5,977,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (1,358,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_TwoOysterPointMember
     
Chapel Hill Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 6,578,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 68,043,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (74,621,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ChapelHillMallMember
     
Citadel Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 10,990,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 44,008,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (54,998,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_CitadelMallMember
     
Columbia Place [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,526,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 52,348,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (53,874,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_ColumbiaPlaceMember
     
Foothills Plaza Expansion [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 137,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 1,960,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (2,097,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_FoothillsPlazaExpansionMember
     
Lakeshore Mall [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,443,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 28,819,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (30,262,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_LakeshoreMallMember
     
Pemberton Plaza [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 1,284,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 1,379,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (2,663,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 0us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_PembertonPlazaMember
     
Other Land [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 2,024,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 3,458,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 54,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land (63,000)us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 1,961,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 3,512,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 5,473,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation (2,502,000)us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_OtherLandMember
     
Development in Progress Consisting of Construction and Development Properties [Member]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]        
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Encumbrances 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationAmountOfEncumbrances
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements 117,966,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationInitialCostOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCostsCapitalizedSubsequentToAcquisitionCarryingCosts
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Sale of Outparcel Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateCostOfRealEstateSold
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land 0us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfLand
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements 117,966,000us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationCarryingAmountOfBuildingsAndImprovements
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land and Buildings and Improvements 117,966,000us-gaap_RealEstateGrossAtCarryingValue
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember
     
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation $ 0us-gaap_RealEstateAccumulatedDepreciation
/ us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis
= cbl_DevelopmentInProgressConsistingOfConstructionAndDevelopmentPropertiesMember