Consolidated Statements of Capital - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Beginning balance of redeemable noncontrolling partnership interests	$ 3,575,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redemptions of common units	(96,000)	$ (2,246,000)	$ (656,000)
Dividends declared - common stock	(13,010,000)	(116,546,000)	(170,239,000)
Preferred dividends declared	(33,669,000)	(44,892,000)	(44,892,000)
Performance stock units	1,250,000	1,292,000	1,501,000
Forfeiture of performance stock units		(250,000)
Amortization of deferred compensation	2,794,000	3,640,000	3,982,000
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value		3,619,000	8,337,000
Deconsolidation of investment	12,014,000		(2,232,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(11,149,000)	(27,311,000)	(55,796,000)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,654,000	9,609,000	263,000
Net income (loss)	(130,337,000)	(98,095,000)	158,283,000
Cancellation of shares of restricted common stock	(144,000)	(284,000)	(405,000)
Ending balance of redeemable noncontrolling partnership interests	2,160,000	3,575,000
Non controlling Interest
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value		467,000	1,124,000
Deconsolidation of investment	12,014,000		(2,232,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(11,149,000)	(27,311,000)	(55,796,000)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,654,000	9,609,000	263,000
Net income (loss)	(21,560,000)	(19,527,000)	37,343,000
Total Shareholders' Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Dividends declared - common stock	(13,010,000)	(116,546,000)	(170,239,000)
Preferred dividends declared	(33,669,000)	(44,892,000)	(44,892,000)
Performance stock units	1,250,000	1,292,000	1,501,000
Forfeiture of performance stock units		(250,000)
Amortization of deferred compensation	2,794,000	3,640,000	3,982,000
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value		3,152,000	7,213,000
Net income (loss)	(108,777,000)	(78,568,000)	120,940,000
Cancellation of shares of restricted common stock	(144,000)	(284,000)	(405,000)
ASU 2016-16
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		11,433,000
ASU 2016-16 \| Total Shareholders' Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		11,433,000
ASU 2014-09
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		58,947,000
ASU 2014-09 \| Total Shareholders' Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		58,947,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership
Beginning balance of redeemable noncontrolling partnership interests	3,575,000
Beginning balance, partners' capital	1,032,458,000	1,236,768,000	1,341,179,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redemptions of common units	(96,000)	(2,267,000)	(656,000)
Issuances of common units	791,000	856,000	529,000
Dividends declared - common stock	(18,601,000)	(137,631,000)	(200,211,000)
Preferred dividends declared	(33,669,000)	(44,892,000)	(44,892,000)
Performance stock units	1,250,000	1,292,000	1,501,000
Forfeiture of performance stock units		(250,000)
Amortization of deferred compensation	2,794,000	3,640,000	3,982,000
Allocation of partners' capital	(3,403,000)	(4,059,000)	(3,087,000)
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value		3,618,000	8,337,000
Deconsolidation of investment	12,014,000		(2,232,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(5,557,000)	(6,226,000)	(25,823,000)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,654,000	9,609,000	263,000
Net income (loss)	(130,337,000)	(98,096,000)	158,283,000
Cancellation of shares of restricted common stock	(144,000)	(284,000)	(405,000)
Ending balance of redeemable noncontrolling partnership interests	2,160,000	3,575,000
Ending balance, partners' capital	862,154,000	1,032,458,000	1,236,768,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| CBL & Associates Limited Partnership Redeemable Common Units
Beginning balance of redeemable noncontrolling partnership interests	3,575,000	8,835,000	17,996,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Net income (loss)	(1,384,000)	(1,134,000)	699,000
Dividends declared - common stock	(3,429,000)	(4,572,000)	(4,572,000)
Allocation of partners' capital	3,398,000	4,065,000	3,049,000
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value		(3,619,000)	(8,337,000)
Ending balance of redeemable noncontrolling partnership interests	2,160,000	3,575,000	8,835,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| Non controlling Interest
Beginning balance, partners' capital	12,111,000	9,701,000	12,103,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Deconsolidation of investment	12,014,000		(2,232,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(5,557,000)	(6,226,000)	(25,823,000)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,654,000	9,609,000	263,000
Net income (loss)	739,000	(973,000)	25,390,000
Ending balance, partners' capital	23,961,000	12,111,000	9,701,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| Total Shareholders' Equity
Beginning balance, partners' capital	1,020,347,000	1,227,067,000	1,329,076,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redemptions of common units	(96,000)	(2,267,000)	(656,000)
Issuances of common units	791,000	856,000	529,000
Dividends declared - common stock	(18,601,000)	(137,631,000)	(200,211,000)
Preferred dividends declared	(33,669,000)	(44,892,000)	(44,892,000)
Performance stock units	1,250,000	1,292,000	1,501,000
Forfeiture of performance stock units		(250,000)
Amortization of deferred compensation	2,794,000	3,640,000	3,982,000
Allocation of partners' capital	(3,403,000)	(4,059,000)	(3,087,000)
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value		3,618,000	8,337,000
Net income (loss)	(131,076,000)	(97,123,000)	132,893,000
Cancellation of shares of restricted common stock	(144,000)	(284,000)	(405,000)
Ending balance, partners' capital	838,193,000	1,020,347,000	1,227,067,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| ASU 2016-16
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		11,433,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| ASU 2016-16 \| Total Shareholders' Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		11,433,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| ASU 2014-09
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		58,947,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| ASU 2014-09 \| Total Shareholders' Equity
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		58,947,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| General Partner
Beginning balance, partners' capital	4,628,000	6,735,000	7,781,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Dividends declared - common stock	(151,000)	(1,358,000)	(2,002,000)
Performance stock units	13,000	13,000	15,000
Forfeiture of performance stock units		(3,000)
Amortization of deferred compensation	29,000	38,000	41,000
Allocation of partners' capital	(34,000)	(97,000)	(91,000)
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value	(35,000)	37,000	86,000
Net income (loss)	(1,684,000)	(1,459,000)	905,000
Cancellation of shares of restricted common stock	(1,000)
Ending balance, partners' capital	2,765,000	4,628,000	6,735,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| General Partner \| ASU 2016-16
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		117,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| General Partner \| ASU 2014-09
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		605,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| Limited Partner
Beginning balance, partners' capital	450,507,000	655,120,000	756,083,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redemptions of common units	(96,000)	(2,267,000)	(656,000)
Issuances of common units	791,000	856,000	529,000
Dividends declared - common stock	(18,450,000)	(136,273,000)	(198,209,000)
Performance stock units	1,237,000	1,279,000	1,486,000
Forfeiture of performance stock units		(247,000)
Amortization of deferred compensation	2,765,000	3,602,000	3,941,000
Allocation of partners' capital	(3,369,000)	(3,962,000)	(2,996,000)
Adjustment to record redeemable noncontrolling interests at redemption value	35,000	3,581,000	8,251,000
Net income (loss)	(163,061,000)	(140,556,000)	87,096,000
Cancellation of shares of restricted common stock	(143,000)	(284,000)	(405,000)
Ending balance, partners' capital	270,216,000	450,507,000	655,120,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| Limited Partner \| ASU 2016-16
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		11,316,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| Limited Partner \| ASU 2014-09
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Cumulative effect of accounting change		58,342,000
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| Preferred Units
Beginning balance, partners' capital	$ 565,212,000	$ 565,212,000	$ 565,212,000
Beginning balance, partners' capital units (shares)	25,050	25,050	25,050
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Preferred dividends declared	$ (33,669,000)	$ (44,892,000)	$ (44,892,000)
Net income (loss)	33,669,000	44,892,000	44,892,000
Ending balance, partners' capital	$ 565,212,000	$ 565,212,000	$ 565,212,000
Ending balance, partners' capital units (shares)	25,050	25,050	25,050
CBL & Associates Limited Partnership \| Common Units
Beginning balance, partners' capital units (shares)	199,415	199,297	199,085
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redemption of common units (shares)	(73)	(535)	(84)
Issuance of common units (shares)	915	728	349
Ending balance, partners' capital units (shares)	200,189	199,415	199,297
Cancellation of restricted common units (shares)	(68)	(75)	(53)

Amortization of deferred compensation.

No definition available.

Name:	cbl_AmortizationOfDeferredCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Net Income (Loss) Excluding Amount Recognized In Temporary Equity

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_NetIncomeLossExcludingAmountRecognizedInTemporaryEquity
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Stock canceled during period shares.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_StockCanceledDuringPeriodShares
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Stock Issued During Period, Value, Performance Stock Units, Forfeitures

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	cbl_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValuePerformanceStockUnitsForfeitures
Namespace Prefix:	cbl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase to additional paid-in capital (APIC) for recognition of cost for award under share-based payment arrangement, classified as other.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationOtherLongtermIncentivePlansRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of paid and unpaid common stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash, stock and payment-in-kind (PIK).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 405
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957935&loc=d3e64057-112817

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of paid and unpaid preferred stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash, stock and payment-in-kind (PIK).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStock
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInTemporaryEquityRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Change in noncontrolling interest during the period as a result of a change in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3A
-Subparagraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3A
-Subparagraph 16(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3A
-Subparagraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestChangeInRedemptionValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the quantification of the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle expected by the entity to have a significant effect on the entity's financial statements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of the reduction or elimination during the period of a noncontrolling interest resulting from the parent's loss of control and deconsolidation of the entity in which one or more outside parties had a noncontrolling interest.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from subsidiary issuance of equity interests to noncontrolling interest holders.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 23
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4569655-111683

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to exchanges and conversions. Partners include general, limited and preferred partners.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.F)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187171-122770

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountExchangesAndConversions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of each class of partnership units outstanding at the balance sheet date. Units represent shares of ownership of the general, limited, and preferred partners.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04.16(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488278&loc=d3e603758-122996

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 946
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04.16(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488278&loc=d3e603758-122996

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.F)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187171-122770

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of partners' capital (deficit), including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 272
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70478-108055

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnersCapitalIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

As of the reporting date, the carrying amount of noncontrolling interests which are redeemable by the (parent) entity (1) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (2) at the option of the holder of the noncontrolling interest, or (3) upon occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the (parent) entity. The noncontrolling interest holder's ownership (or holders' ownership) may be in the form of common shares (regardless of class), limited partnership units (regardless of class), non-preferential membership interests, or any other form of common equity regardless of investee entity legal form.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3A
-Subparagraph (16)(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3A
-Subparagraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3A
-Subparagraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3A
-Subparagraph (12)(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877616&loc=SL6540498-122764

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RedeemableNoncontrollingInterestEquityCommonCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Value, before forfeiture, of shares granted under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensationGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number, after forfeiture, of shares or units issued under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes shares or units issued under employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Value of stock related to Restricted Stock Awards forfeited during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardForfeitures
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period and has not been retired and is not held in treasury. Some state laws may mandate the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The portion of net income or loss attributable to temporary equity interest.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TemporaryEquityNetIncome
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_ParentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201616Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=cbl_CBLAssociatesLimitedPartnershipMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=cbl_RedeemableCommonUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis=us-gaap_GeneralPartnerMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnerTypeOfPartnersCapitalAccountAxis=us-gaap_LimitedPartnerMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis=cbl_PreferredUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PartnerCapitalComponentsAxis=cbl_CommonUnitsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: