SUPPLEMENTAL AND NONCASH INFORMATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ 238,531us-gaap_InterestPaidNet	$ 223,793us-gaap_InterestPaidNet	$ 233,220us-gaap_InterestPaidNet
Accrued dividends and distributions payable	54,433	50,523	43,689
Additions to real estate assets accrued but not yet paid	25,332	20,625	22,468
Reduction to preferred liquidation value of PJV units	0	10,000	0
Trade-in allowance - aircraft	0	2,800	0
Notes receivable from sale of land	360	7,430	0
Issuance of noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership	0	0	14,000
Conversion of Operating Partnership units to common stock	0	0	59,738
Addition to real estate assets from conversion of note receivable	0	0	4,522
Assumption of mortgage notes payable in acquisitions	0	0	220,634
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	4.93%	4.88%
Partnership Interest [Member] \| Consolidation of Joint Venture [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Increase in real estate assets	0	0	111,407
Assumption of mortgage notes payable in acquisitions	0	0	54,169
Decrease in investment in unconsolidated affiliates	0	0	(15,643)
Increase in intangible lease and other assets	0	0	18,426
Columbia Place Chapel Hill and Citadel [Member] \| Transfer of Real Estate Assets in Settlement of Mortgage Debt Obligations [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Increase in real estate assets	(79,398)	0	0
Decrease in mortgage and other indebtedness	163,998	0	0
Decrease in operating assets and liabilities	4,799	0	0
Lakeshore Mall [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Note receivable from sale of Lakeshore Mall	10,000	0	0
4.60% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Discount on issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2023	75	0	0
5.250% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Discount on issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2023	$ 0	$ (4,626)	$ 0
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] \| 4.60% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	4.60%
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] \| 5.250% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Weighted Average Interest Rate (percent)	5.25%

Future cash outflow to pay for real estate additions accrued but not yet paid.

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If the Company exercises their right to offer to redeem the preferred joint venture units on or before August 1, 2013, then the preferred liquidation value will be reduced by $10.0 million so long as Westfield does not reject the offer and the redemption closes on or before September 30, 2013.

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The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized.

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The amount of mortgage loans on real estate which were foreclosed on during the reporting period.

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Amount of noncash consideration received for selling an asset or business through a noncash (or part noncash) transaction.

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Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust unit (UPREIT unit).

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