<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.7.0.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>402</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>368</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>146</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>20</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityCapital</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfEquityCapitalParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Organization and Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Dispositions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions and Dispositions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesAndNoncontrollingInterests</Role>
      <ShortName>Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Indebtedness</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtedness</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Indebtedness</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherNotesReceivable</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Equity and Capital</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/EquityAndCapital</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity and Capital</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Earnings per Share and Earnings per Unit</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndEarningsPerUnit</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings per Share and Earnings per Unit</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/Contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2114100 - Disclosure - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivities</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncash Investing and Financing Activities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2202201 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2301301 - Disclosure - Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentation</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302302 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncements</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositions</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesAndNoncontrollingInterestsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesAndNoncontrollingInterests</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtednessTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtedness</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Comprehensive Income (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Comprehensive Income (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/ComprehensiveIncome</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherNotesReceivableTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherNotesReceivable</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/SegmentInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/Contingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2314301 - Disclosure - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivities</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401402 - Disclosure - Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/OrganizationAndBasisOfPresentationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402403 - Disclosure - Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/RecentAccountingPronouncementsRecentAccountingPronouncementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDispositionsAcquisitionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404403 - Disclosure - Dispositions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/DispositionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Dispositions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests (Unconsolidated Affiliates) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesAndNoncontrollingInterestsUnconsolidatedAffiliatesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests (Unconsolidated Affiliates) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesAndNoncontrollingInterestsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesAndNoncontrollingInterestsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Unconsolidated Affiliates and Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesAndNoncontrollingInterestsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtednessDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtednessTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Scheduled Principal Payments) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtednessScheduledPrincipalPaymentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Scheduled Principal Payments) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtednessTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Derivative Instrument Risk) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtednessDerivativeInstrumentRiskDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Indebtedness (Derivative Instrument Risk) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherIndebtednessTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Comprehensive Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Comprehensive Income (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Comprehensive Income (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherNotesReceivableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/MortgageAndOtherNotesReceivableTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410401 - Disclosure - Equity and Capital (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/EquityAndCapitalDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity and Capital (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/EquityAndCapital</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share and Earnings per Unit (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/EarningsPerShareAndEarningsPerUnitDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share and Earnings per Unit (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412403 - Disclosure - Contingencies (Guarantees) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ContingenciesGuaranteesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies (Guarantees) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/ContingenciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Share-Based Compensation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414402 - Disclosure - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/NoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="cbl-20170331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://cblproperties.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://cblproperties.com/role/SubsequentEvents</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>cbl-20170331.xml</File>
    <File>cbl-20170331.xsd</File>
    <File>cbl-20170331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>cbl-20170331_def.xml</File>
    <File>cbl-20170331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>cbl-20170331_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
