Tanger Properties LTD Partnership 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TANGER FACTORY OUTLET CENTERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	899715
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		95,836,347

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_UN

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Rental property
Rental property held for sale	$46,530	$46,005
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Rental property
Land	217,994	217,994
Buildings, improvements and fixtures	1,950,092	1,947,083
Construction in progress	154,328	98,526
Rental property, at cost, total	2,322,414	2,263,603
Accumulated depreciation	-680,739	-662,236
Total rental property, net	1,641,675	1,601,367
Cash and cash equivalents	14,661	16,875	16,906	15,241
Rental property held for sale	46,530	46,005
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	205,083	208,050
Deferred lease costs and other intangibles, net	137,478	140,883
Deferred debt origination costs, net	11,606	12,126
Prepaids and other assets	71,924	72,354
Total assets	2,128,957	2,097,660
Debt
Senior, unsecured notes (net of discount of $6,259 and $6,426, respectively)	793,741	793,574
Unsecured term loans (net of discount of $202 and $241, respectively)	267,298	267,259
Mortgages payable (including premiums of $2,838 and $3,031, respectively)	285,068	271,361
Unsecured lines of credit	115,700	111,000
Total debt	1,461,807	1,443,194
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	80,835	69,558
Deferred financing obligation	28,388	28,388
Other liabilities	31,076	32,634
Total liabilities	1,602,106	1,573,774
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Common shares, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 95,836,347 and 95,509,781 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	958	955
Paid in capital	794,652	791,566
Accumulated distributions in excess of net income	-270,124	-281,679
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-25,755	-14,023
Equity attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.	499,731	496,819
Noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership	26,481	26,417
Noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships	639	650
Total equity	526,851	523,886	551,825	557,595
Total liabilities and equity	2,128,957	2,097,660
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Rental property
Land	217,994	217,994
Buildings, improvements and fixtures	1,950,092	1,947,083
Construction in progress	154,328	98,526
Rental property, at cost, total	2,322,414	2,263,603
Accumulated depreciation	-680,739	-662,236
Total rental property, net	1,641,675	1,601,367
Cash and cash equivalents	14,583	15,806	16,847	14,984
Rental property held for sale	46,530	46,005
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	205,083	208,050
Deferred lease costs and other intangibles, net	137,478	140,883
Deferred debt origination costs, net	11,606	12,126
Prepaids and other assets	71,475	71,848
Total assets	2,128,430	2,096,085
Debt
Senior, unsecured notes (net of discount of $6,259 and $6,426, respectively)	793,741	793,574
Unsecured term loans (net of discount of $202 and $241, respectively)	267,298	267,259
Mortgages payable (including premiums of $2,838 and $3,031, respectively)	285,068	271,361
Unsecured lines of credit	115,700	111,000
Total debt	1,461,807	1,443,194
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	80,308	67,983
Deferred financing obligation	28,388	28,388
Other liabilities	31,076	32,634
Total liabilities	1,601,579	1,572,199
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
General partner, 1,000,000 units outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	4,948	4,828
Limited partners, 5,078,406 and 5,078,406 Class A units and 94,836,347 and 94,509,781 Class B units outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	548,418	533,199
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-27,154	-14,791	-5,977	-2,721
Total partners' equity	526,212	523,236
Noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships	639	650
Total equity	526,851	523,886	551,825	557,595
Total liabilities and equity	$2,128,430	$2,096,085

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_UN1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	0.01	0.01
Common shares, authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common shares, issued	95,836,347	95,509,781
Common shares, outstanding	95,836,347	95,509,781
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Discount (Premium), Net	6,259	6,426
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member] | Unsecured Term Loan and Notes Payable [Member]
Discount (Premium), Net	202	241
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Discount (Premium), Net	-2,838	-3,031
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Discount (Premium), Net	3,623	3,636
General partner units, outstanding	1,000,000	1,000,000
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Discount (Premium), Net	6,259	6,426
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Unsecured Term Loan and Notes Payable [Member]
Discount (Premium), Net	202	241
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Discount (Premium), Net	-2,838	-3,031
Class A Limited Partnership Units [Member] | Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Limited partners units, outstanding	5,078,406	5,078,406
Class B Limited Partnership Units [Member] | Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Limited partners units, outstanding	94,836,347	94,509,781

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues
Management, leasing and other services	$1,283	$566
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Revenues
Base rentals	67,629	66,976
Percentage rentals	2,229	2,083
Expense reimbursements	33,364	31,542
Management, leasing and other services	1,283	566
Other income	1,421	1,615
Total revenues	105,926	102,782
Expenses
Property operating	37,732	36,027
General and administrative	11,305	10,722
Acquisition costs	0	7
Abandoned pre-development costs	0	1,596
Depreciation and amortization	23,989	26,063
Total expenses	73,026	74,415
Operating income	32,900	28,367
Interest expense	-13,089	-14,920
Gain on sale of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities	13,726	0
Interest and other income	306	60
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	33,843	13,507
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	2,543	1,933
Net income	36,386	15,440
Noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership	-1,855	-803
Noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships	-19	-21
Net income attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.	34,512	14,616
Basic earnings per common share/unit
Net income (in dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.15
Diluted earnings per common share/unit
Net income (in dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.15
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.23
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Revenues
Base rentals	67,629	66,976
Percentage rentals	2,229	2,083
Expense reimbursements	33,364	31,542
Management, leasing and other services	1,283	566
Other income	1,421	1,615
Total revenues	105,926	102,782
Expenses
Property operating	37,732	36,027
General and administrative	11,305	10,722
Acquisition costs	0	7
Abandoned pre-development costs	0	1,596
Depreciation and amortization	23,989	26,063
Total expenses	73,026	74,415
Operating income	32,900	28,367
Interest expense	-13,089	-14,920
Gain on sale of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities	13,726	0
Interest and other income	306	60
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	33,843	13,507
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	2,543	1,933
Net income	36,386	15,440
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated partnerships	-19	-21
Net income attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.	36,367	15,419
Net income available to limited partners	36,007	15,263
Net income available to general partner	$360	$156
Basic earnings per common share/unit
Net income (in dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.15
Diluted earnings per common share/unit
Net income (in dollars per share)	$0.36	$0.15
Distribution paid per common unit (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.23

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Net income	$36,386	$15,440
Other comprehensive loss
Reclassification adjustments for amounts recognized in net income	0	-96
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-11,076	-2,840
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-1,287	-320
Other comprehensive loss	-12,363	-3,256
Comprehensive income	24,023	12,184
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests/in consolidated partnerships	-1,243	-655
Comprehensive income attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc./Operating Partnership	22,780	11,529
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Net income	36,386	15,440
Other comprehensive loss
Reclassification adjustments for amounts recognized in net income	0	-96
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-11,076	-2,840
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-1,287	-320
Other comprehensive loss	-12,363	-3,256
Comprehensive income	24,023	12,184
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests/in consolidated partnerships	-19	-21
Comprehensive income attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc./Operating Partnership	$24,004	$12,163

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]	Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]	Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]	Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]	Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]	Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]	Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		Total shareholders' equity [Member]	Common shares [Member]	Paid in capital [Member]	Accumulated distributions in excess of earnings [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]	Noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership [Member]	Noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships [Member]		Total shareholders' equity [Member]	General partner [Member]	Limited partners [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]	Noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships [Member]
Balance, partners' capital, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest at Dec. 31, 2013									$557,595
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013										550,691	4,988	548,424	-2,721	6,904
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	557,595	522,259	945	788,984	-265,242	-2,428	28,432	6,904
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	15,440	14,616	0	0	14,616	0	803	21	15,440	15,419	156	15,263	0	21
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,256	-3,087	0	0	0	-3,087	-169	0	-3,256	-3,256	0	0	-3,256	0
Compensation under Incentive Award Plan	3,525	3,525	0	3,525	0	0	0	0	3,525	3,525	0	3,525	0	0
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of options	261	261	0	261	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common units upon exercise of options									261	261	0	261	0	0
Issuance of restricted common shares, net of forfeitures	0	0	13	-13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Adjustment for noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership	0	302	0	302	0	0	-302	0
Adjustment for noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships	903	0	0	0	0	0	0	903	903	0	0	0	0	903
Exchange of Operating Partnership units for common shares	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount									-22,617	-22,617	-225	-22,392	0	0
Common dividends	-21,459	-21,459	0	0	-21,459	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,184	0	0	0	0	0	-1,158	-26	-26	0	0	0	0	-26
Balance, partners' capital, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest at Mar. 31, 2014									551,825
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014										544,023	4,919	545,081	-5,977	7,802
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	551,825	516,417	958	793,059	-272,085	-5,515	27,606	7,802
Balance, partners' capital, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest at Dec. 31, 2014									523,886
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014									523,236	523,236	4,828	533,199	-14,791	650
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	523,886	496,819	955	791,566	-281,679	-14,023	26,417	650
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	36,386	34,512	0	0	34,512	0	1,855	19	36,386	36,367	360	36,007	0	19
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-12,363	-11,732	0	0	0	-11,732	-631	0	-12,363	-12,363	0	0	-12,363	0
Compensation under Incentive Award Plan	3,801	3,801	0	3,801	0	0	0	0	3,801	3,801	0	3,801	0	0
Issuance of common shares upon exercise of options	233	233	0	233	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common units upon exercise of options									233	233	0	233	0	0
Issuance of restricted common shares, net of forfeitures	0	0	3	-3	0	0	0	0	0		0		0	0
Withholding of common shares/units for employee income taxes	-1,084	-1,084	0	-1,084	0	0	0	0	-1,084	-1,084	0	-1,084	0	0
Adjustment for noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership	0	-59	0	-59	0	0	59	0
Adjustment for noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships	197	198	0	198	0	0	0	-1	197	198	0	198	0	-1
Limited Partners' Capital Account, Distribution Amount									-24,176	-24,176	-240	-23,936	0	0
Common dividends	-22,957	-22,957	0	0	-22,957	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,248	0	0	0	0	0	-1,219	-29	-29	0	0	0	0	-29
Balance, partners' capital, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest at Mar. 31, 2015									526,851
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015									526,212	526,212	4,948	548,418	-27,154	639
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$526,851	$499,731	$958	$794,652	($270,124)	($25,755)	$26,481	$639

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_SHAR1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Common shares issued upon exercise of options, in shares	8,300	15,800
Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	348,844	1,302,729
Common shares issued in exchange for Operating Partnership units (in shares)	0	21,500
Exchange of Operating Partnership units for common shares (in shares)		21,500
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.24	$0.23
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	30,578	0
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Common shares issued upon exercise of options, in shares	8,300	15,800
Issuance of restricted shares, net of forfeitures (in shares)	348,844	1,302,729
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	30,578
Common distributions (in dollars per share)	0.24	0.225

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$36,386	$15,440
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,989	26,063
Amortization of deferred financing costs	599	553
Abandoned pre-development costs	0	1,596
Gain on sale of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities	-13,726	0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	-2,543	-1,933
Share-based compensation expense	3,613	3,366
Amortization of debt (premiums) and discounts, net	14	-89
Net amortization (accretion) of market rent rate adjustments	916	669
Straight-line rent adjustments	-1,269	-1,838
Distributions of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	2,719	1,363
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Other assets	1,885	587
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,806	-3,275
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,389	42,502
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to rental property	-51,044	-13,269
Additions to investments in and notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures	-16,419	-33,679
Net proceeds on sale of interests in unconsolidated entities	15,495	0
Proceeds from insurance reimbursements	103	0
Additions to non-real estate assets	-208	-705
Distributions in excess of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	4,837	1,320
Additions to deferred lease costs	-2,338	-1,874
Net cash used in investing activities	-49,574	-48,207
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash dividends paid	-22,957	-21,459
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership	-1,219	-1,158
Proceeds from debt issuances	118,341	133,100
Repayments of debt	-99,742	-103,291
Employee income taxes paid related to shares withheld upon vesting of equity awards	-1,084	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships	-29	-26
Additions to deferred financing costs	-191	-43
Proceeds from exercise of options	233	261
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-6,648	7,384
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-381	-14
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,214	1,665
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	16,875	15,241
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	14,661	16,906
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	36,386	15,440
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,989	26,063
Amortization of deferred financing costs	599	553
Abandoned pre-development costs	0	1,596
Gain on sale of assets and interests in unconsolidated entities	-13,726	0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	-2,543	-1,933
Share-based compensation expense	3,613	3,366
Amortization of debt (premiums) and discounts, net	14	-89
Net amortization (accretion) of market rent rate adjustments	916	669
Straight-line rent adjustments	-1,269	-1,838
Distributions of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	2,719	1,363
Changes in other assets and liabilities:
Other assets	1,828	840
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,854	-3,330
Net cash provided by operating activities	55,380	42,700
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to rental property	-51,044	-13,269
Additions to investments in and notes receivable from unconsolidated joint ventures	-16,419	-33,679
Net proceeds on sale of interests in unconsolidated entities	15,495	0
Proceeds from insurance reimbursements	103	0
Additions to non-real estate assets	-208	-705
Distributions in excess of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	4,837	1,320
Additions to deferred lease costs	-2,338	-1,874
Net cash used in investing activities	-49,574	-48,207
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash dividends paid	-24,176	-22,617
Proceeds from debt issuances	118,341	133,100
Repayments of debt	-99,742	-103,291
Employee income taxes paid related to shares withheld upon vesting of equity awards	-1,084	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships	-29	-26
Additions to deferred financing costs	-191	-43
Proceeds from exercise of options	233	261
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-6,648	7,384
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-381	-14
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,223	1,863
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	15,806	14,984
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$14,583	$16,847

Business

Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business	Business
	Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. and subsidiaries is one of the largest owners and operators of outlet centers in the United States and Canada. We are a fully-integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") which, through our controlling interest in the Operating Partnership, focuses exclusively on developing, acquiring, owning, operating and managing outlet shopping centers. As of March 31, 2015, we owned and operated 36 outlet centers, with a total gross leasable area of approximately 11.3 million square feet. We also had partial ownership interests in 8 outlet centers totaling approximately 2.4 million square feet, including 4 outlet centers in Canada.
	Our outlet centers and other assets are held by, and all of our operations are conducted by, Tanger Properties Limited Partnership and subsidiaries. Accordingly, the descriptions of our business, employees and properties are also descriptions of the business, employees and properties of the Operating Partnership. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term, "Company", refers to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. and subsidiaries and the term, "Operating Partnership", refers to Tanger Properties Limited Partnership and subsidiaries. The terms "we", "our" and "us" refer to the Company or the Company and the Operating Partnership together, as the text requires.
	The Company owns the majority of the units of partnership interest issued by the Operating Partnership through its two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Tanger GP Trust and Tanger LP Trust. Tanger GP Trust controls the Operating Partnership as its sole general partner. Tanger LP Trust holds a limited partnership interest. As of March 31, 2015, the Company, through its ownership of Tanger GP Trust and Tanger LP Trust, owned 95,836,347 units of the Operating Partnership and other limited partners (the "Non-Company LPs") collectively owned 5,078,406 Class A common limited partnership units. Each Class A common limited partnership unit held by the Non-Company LPs is exchangeable for one of the Company's common shares, subject to certain limitations to preserve the Company's REIT status. Class B common limited partnership units, which are held by Tanger LP Trust, are not exchangeable for common shares of the Company.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Company's and the Operating Partnership's combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The December 31, 2014 balance sheet data in this Form 10-Q was derived from audited financial statements. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC's rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements for the interim periods have been made. The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.
	We consolidate properties that are wholly owned or properties where we own less than 100% but we control. Control is determined using an evaluation based on accounting standards related to the consolidation of voting interest entities and variable interest entities ("VIE"). For joint ventures that are determined to be a VIE, we consolidate the entity where we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Determination of the primary beneficiary is based on whether an entity has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our determination of the primary beneficiary considers all relationships between us and the VIE, including management agreements and other contractual arrangements.
	Investments in real estate joint ventures that we do not control but may exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These investments are recorded initially at cost and subsequently adjusted for our equity in the venture's net income or loss, cash contributions, distributions and other adjustments required under the equity method of accounting. These investments are evaluated for impairment when necessary.
	Allocation provisions within our partnership or joint venture agreements are not always consistent with the legal ownership interests held by each partner or joint venture investee primarily due to partner preferences. We separately report investments in joint ventures for which accumulated distributions have exceeded investments in and our share of net income or loss of the joint ventures within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The net equity of our Charlotte joint ventures is less than zero because of financing or operating distributions that were greater than net income, as net income includes non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization.
	We have concluded that our Westgate, Savannah and Southaven joint ventures are each considered a VIE because our voting rights are disproportionate to our economic interests. The operating, development, leasing, and management agreements of Westgate and Savannah provide that the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the ventures require unanimous consent. Accordingly, we determined that we are not the primary beneficiary in either instance, since we do not have the power to direct the significant activities that affect the economic performance of the ventures, and have applied the equity method of accounting. Our investment in Westgate was approximately $13.9 million and in Savannah was approximately $47.4 million as of March 31, 2015. We are unable to estimate our maximum exposure to loss at this time because our guarantees are limited and based on the future operating performance of Westgate and Savannah.
	The management agreement and other contractual arrangements for Southaven give us, but not necessarily our joint venture partner, significant participating rights over activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the ventures, thus we have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary and have consolidated the venture's balance sheet and results of operations. At March 31, 2015, total assets of this venture, which is currently under construction, were $19.3 million and total liabilities were $2.0 million. The primary classification of these assets on the consolidated balance sheets are within total rental property, net and the classification of liabilities is within accounts payable and accrued expenses. These assets include only those assets that can be used to settle obligations of the VIE. The liabilities include third party liabilities and exclude intercompany balances that are eliminated in consolidation.
	"Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership" reflects the Non-Company LP's percentage ownership of the Operating Partnership's units. "Noncontrolling interests in other consolidated partnerships" consist of outside equity interests in partnerships or joint ventures not wholly owned by the Company or the Operating Partnership that are consolidated with the financial results of the Company and Operating Partnership because the Operating Partnership exercises control over the entities that own the properties. Noncontrolling interests are initially recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based upon purchase price allocations. Income is allocated to the noncontrolling interests based on the allocation provisions within the partnership or joint venture agreements..
	We have reclassified $566,000 related to management, leasing and other services in the consolidated statement of operations for the three ended March 31, 2014, to the caption "management, leasing and other services" from the caption "other income" to conform to the presentation of the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	In addition, we have reclassified certain amounts related to interest income and other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 to the caption "interest and other income" from the caption "other income" to conform to the presentation of the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Disposition_of_Properties_and_

Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale [Abstract]
Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale	Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, we entered into an agreement with a private buyer to acquire our outlet center in Lincoln City, Oregon along with an option agreement to purchase an additional four properties. Subsequently, the buyer purchased the Lincoln City outlet center in December 2014. The buyer had the option to purchase three properties during the first quarter of 2015 and one additional property during the first quarter of 2016. When the buyer did not close on the terms set forth in the agreement, the buyer's option expired. On April 1, 2015, we entered into a letter of intent with a private buyer for the sale of the four outlet centers that are currently classified as rental properties held for sale. The buyer is currently conducting due diligence. Should the buyer choose to move forward, the transaction is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2015.
	The four properties total approximately 712,000 square feet and have been classified as rental property held for sale as of March 31, 2015 on the consolidated balance sheets. The results of operations for these properties are included in continuing operations as the potential sale did not meet the criteria set forth in the recently-adopted guidance requiring the result of operations to be separately set forth as discontinued operations.
	The carrying values of the rental properties held for sale were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Rental property, net	$	43,982	$	43,532
	Deferred lease costs and other intangibles, net	834		757
	Prepaids and other assets	1,714		1,716
	Rental property held for sale	$	46,530	$	46,005

Developments_of_Consolidated_O

Developments of Consolidated Outlet Centers	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Developments of Consolidated Outlet Centers	Developments of Consolidated Outlet Centers
	Development continues for the following consolidated outlet centers as of March 31, 2015:
	Project	Approximate square feet	Costs Incurred to Date		Borrowed to date		Projected Opening
		(in 000's)	(in millions)		(in millions)
	Foxwoods, Connecticut	313	$	86	$	40.1	5/21/15
	Grand Rapids, Michigan	350	32.5		—		7/31/15
	Southaven, Mississippi	320	16.6		—		4Q15
	Total	983	$	135.1	$	40.1
	Southaven, Mississippi
	In January 2015, we purchased land for approximately $14.8 million and commenced construction on the development of an approximately 320,000 square foot outlet center in Southaven, Mississippi. Tanger Outlets Southaven will be located less than five miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. The outlet center is being developed through a joint venture in which we own a controlling interest and is consolidated for financial reporting purposes.
	On April 29, 2015, the joint venture closed on a mortgage loan with the ability to borrow up to $60.0 million at an interest rate of LIBOR +1.75%. The loan initially matures on April 29, 2018, with one two-year extension option.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments In Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures	Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures
	The equity method of accounting is used to account for each of the individual joint ventures. We have an ownership interest in the following unconsolidated real estate joint ventures:
	As of March 31, 2015
	Joint Venture		Outlet Center Location		Ownership %			Square Feet		Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)			Total Joint Venture Debt
								(in 000's)					(in millions)
	Columbus		Columbus, OH		50	%		—		$	2		$	—
	Galveston/Houston		Texas City, TX		50	%		353		0.6			65
	National Harbor		National Harbor, MD		50	%		339		9.1			83.7
	RioCan Canada		Various		50	%		870		132			14.3
	Savannah (1)		Savannah, GA		50	%		—		47.4			55.2
	Westgate		Glendale, AZ		58	%		411		13.9			62
	Other							—		0.1			—
										$	205.1		$	280.2
	Charlotte(2)		Charlotte, NC		50	%		398		$	(0.6	)	$	90
										$	(0.6	)	$	90
	As of December 31, 2014
	Joint Venture		Center Location		Ownership %			Square Feet		Carrying Value of Investment			Total Joint Venture Debt
								(in 000's)		(in millions)			(in millions)
	Galveston/Houston		Texas City, TX		50	%		353		$	1.3		$	65
	National Harbor		National Harbor, MD		50	%		339		9.5			83.7
	RioCan Canada		Various		50	%		870		132.5			15.7
	Savannah (1)		Savannah, GA		50	%		—		46.5			25.5
	Westgate		Glendale, AZ		58	%		381		14.3			54
	Wisconsin Dells		Wisconsin Dells, WI		50	%		265		2.4			24.3
	Other							—		1.5			—
										$	208		$	268.2
	Charlotte(2)		Charlotte, NC		50	%		398		$	(2.2	)	$	90
										$	(2.2	)	$	90
	-1	Based on capital contribution and distribution provisions in the joint venture agreement, we expect our economic interest in the venture's cash flow to be greater than the ownership percentage indicated above, which in this case, states our legal interest in this venture. Our economic interest may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including mortgage financing, partnership capital contributions and distributions, and proceeds from gains or losses of asset sales.
	-2	The negative carrying value is due to the distributions of proceeds from a mortgage loan, as well as quarterly distributions of excess cash flow, exceeding the original contributions from the partners.
	Fees we received for various services provided to our unconsolidated joint ventures were recognized in management, leasing and other services as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Fee:
	Development and leasing		$	581			$	8
	Loan guarantee		196				40
	Management and marketing		506				518
	Total Fees		$	1,283			$	566
	Our investments in real estate joint ventures are reduced by the percentage of the profits earned for leasing and development services associated with our ownership interest in each joint venture. Our carrying value of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures differs from our share of the assets reported in the "Summary Balance Sheets - Unconsolidated Joint Ventures" shown below due to adjustments to the book basis, including intercompany profits on sales of services that are capitalized by the unconsolidated joint ventures. The differences in basis (totaling $4.4 million as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014) are amortized over the various useful lives of the related assets.
	Columbus, Ohio
	We and our joint venture partner closed on the acquisition of land on April 29, 2015 and plan to start building imminently in the Columbus, Ohio market. The partners currently expect to complete construction in time to open the center during the second quarter of 2016. We are providing property management, marketing and leasing services to the outlet center.
	Savannah, Georgia
	In January 2014, we announced a joint venture arrangement to develop Tanger Outlets Savannah. The center, which opened on April 16, 2015, includes approximately 377,000 square feet, and is located on I-95 at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport interchange. As of March 31, 2015, our equity contributions totaled $45.2 million and our partner’s equity contributions totaled $8.3 million. Contributions we make in excess of our partners' equity contributions will earn a preferred rate of return equal to 8% from the date the contributions are made until the outlet center’s grand opening date, and then 10% annually thereafter.
	The joint venture has an interest only mortgage loan with the ability to borrow up to $97.7 million, of which $4.7 million will be available for future expansion, at an interest rate of LIBOR + 1.65%. The loan initially matures on May 21, 2017, with two, one -year extension options. As of March 31, 2015, the balance on the loan was $55.2 million. We are providing development, management and marketing services to the joint venture; and with our partner, are jointly providing leasing services to the outlet center.
	Westgate, Glendale, Arizona
	During the first quarter, the joint venture completed the remaining 28,000 square feet of a 78,000 square foot expansion of the existing property which brought the size of the outlet center to approximately 411,000 square feet. Construction commenced on the expansion during the second quarter of 2014 and was funded with borrowings under the amended Westgate mortgage loan. The joint venture's amended and restated construction loan has the ability to borrow up to $62.0 million and matures in June 2015 with the option to extend the maturity date for two additional years. On April 1, 2015, the joint venture exercised the option to extend the maturity date of the loan to June 27, 2017. As of March 31, 2015, the balance on the loan was $62.0 million.
	Tanger Outlets Westgate opened in November 2012 and was developed through, and currently owned by, a joint venture that was formed in May 2012. We are providing property management, construction supervision, marketing and leasing services to the joint venture.
	Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
	In February 2015, we sold our equity interest in the joint venture that owned an outlet center in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin for approximately $15.6 million, representing our share of the sales price totaling $27.7 million less our share of the outstanding debt, which totaled $12.1 million. As a result of this transaction, we recorded a gain of approximately $13.7 million in the first quarter of 2015, which represents the difference between the carrying value of our equity method investment and the net proceeds received.
	Condensed combined summary financial information of unconsolidated joint ventures accounted for using the equity method is as follows (in thousands):
	Condensed Combined Balance Sheets - Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Land		$	91,922			$	102,601
	Buildings, improvements and fixtures		496,201				542,501
	Construction in progress, including land		128,529				104,780
			716,652				749,882
	Accumulated depreciation		(38,236		)		(48,233		)
	Total rental property, net		678,416				701,649
	Cash and cash equivalents		56,119				46,917
	Deferred lease costs, net		19,345				21,234
	Deferred debt origination costs, net		5,256				5,995
	Prepaids and other assets		14,648				12,766
	Total assets		$	773,784			$	788,561
Liabilities and Owners' Equity
Mortgages payable		$	370,244			$	358,219
Accounts payable and other liabilities		46,971				70,795
Total liabilities		417,215				429,014
Owners' equity		356,569				359,547
Total liabilities and owners' equity		$	773,784			$	788,561
		Three months ended
Condensed Combined Statements of Operations		March 31,
- Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		2015				2014
Revenues		$	23,965			$	16,755
Expenses
Property operating		9,144				6,646
General and administrative		218				129
Depreciation and amortization		7,822				4,974
Total expenses		17,184				11,749
Operating income		6,781				5,006
Interest expense		(1,770		)		(1,226		)
Interest and other income		8				—
Net income		$	5,019			$	3,780
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of:
Net income		$	2,543			$	1,933
Depreciation and impairment charge (real estate related)		$	4,076			$	2,605

Debt_of_the_Company

Debt of the Company (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Debt of the Company	Debt of the Company
	All of the Company's debt is held by the Operating Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	The Company guarantees the Operating Partnership's obligations with respect to its unsecured lines of credit which have a total borrowing capacity of $520.0 million. The Company also guarantees the Operating Partnership's unsecured term loan as well as its obligation with respect to the mortgage assumed in connection with the acquisition of the outlet center in Ocean City, Maryland in July 2011.
	The Operating Partnership had the following amounts outstanding on the debt guaranteed by the Company (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Unsecured lines of credit	$	115,700	$	111,000
	Unsecured term loan	250,000		250,000
	Ocean City mortgage	17,804		17,827

Debt_of_the_Operating_Partners

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Debt of the Operating Partnership	Debt of the Operating Partnership
	The debt of the Operating Partnership consisted of the following (in thousands):
							As of					As of
							March 31, 2015					December 31, 2014
			Stated Interest Rate(s)			Maturity Date	Principal		Premium			Principal		Premium
									(Discount)					(Discount)
	Senior, unsecured notes:
	Senior notes		6.125	%		Jun-20	$	300,000	$	(1,226	)	$	300,000	$	(1,276	)
	Senior notes		3.875	%		Dec-23	250,000		(3,645		)	250,000		(3,732		)
	Senior notes		3.75	%		Dec-24	250,000		(1,388		)	250,000		(1,418		)
	Mortgages payable:
	Atlantic City (1)		5.14%-7.65%			November 2021- December 2026	45,340		3,594			45,997		3,694
	Deer Park		LIBOR + 1.50%			Aug-18	150,000		(1,082		)	150,000		(1,161		)
	Foxwoods		LIBOR + 1.65%			Dec-17	40,076		—			25,235		—
	Hershey (1)		5.17%-8.00%			Aug-15	29,085		251			29,271		399
	Ocean City (1)		5.24	%		Jan-16	17,729		75			17,827		99
	Note payable (1)		1.5	%		Jun-16	10,000		(202		)	10,000		(241		)
	Unsecured term loan		LIBOR + 1.05%			Feb-19	250,000		—			250,000		—
	Unsecured term note		LIBOR + 1.30%			Aug-17	7,500		—			7,500		—
	Unsecured lines of credit		LIBOR + 1.00%			Oct-17	115,700		—			111,000		—
							$	1,465,430	$	(3,623	)	$	1,446,830	$	(3,636	)
	-1	The effective interest rates assigned during the purchase price allocation to these assumed mortgages and note payable during acquisitions in 2011 were as follows: Atlantic City 5.05%, Hershey 3.40%, Ocean City 4.68%, and note payable 3.15%.
	Certain of our properties, which had a net book value of approximately $690.1 million at March 31, 2015 and $602.7 million at December 31, 2014, serve as collateral for mortgages payable. We maintain unsecured lines of credit that provide for borrowings of up to $520.0 million. The unsecured lines of credit include a $20.0 million liquidity line and a $500.0 million syndicated line. The syndicated line may be increased to $750.0 million through an accordion feature in certain circumstances.
	We provide guarantees to lenders for our joint ventures which include standard non-recourse carve out indemnifications for losses arising from items such as but not limited to fraud, physical waste, payment of taxes, environmental indemnities, misapplication of insurance proceeds or security deposits and failure to maintain required insurance. For construction and term loans, we may include a guaranty of completion as well as a principal guaranty ranging from 5% to 100% of principal.  The principal guarantees include terms for release or reduction based upon satisfactory completion of construction and performance targets including occupancy thresholds and minimum debt service coverage tests.
	The unsecured lines of credit and senior unsecured notes include covenants that require the maintenance of certain ratios, including debt service coverage and leverage, and limit the payment of dividends such that dividends and distributions will not exceed funds from operations, as defined in the agreements, for the prior fiscal year on an annual basis or 95% of funds from operations on a cumulative basis. As of March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.
	Debt Maturities
	Maturities of the existing long-term debt as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Calendar Year		Amount
	2015		$	31,402
	2016		30,283
	2017		166,284
	2018		153,183
	2019		253,369
	Thereafter		830,909
	Subtotal		1,465,430
	Net discount		(3,623		)
	Total		$	1,461,807

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The following table summarizes the terms and fair values of our derivative financial instruments, as well as their classifications within the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
										Fair Value
	Effective Date	Maturity Date	Notional Amount			Bank Pay Rate		Company Fixed Pay Rate		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Assets (Liabilities):
	November 14, 2013	August 14, 2018	$	50,000		1 month LIBOR		1.3075	%	$	(406	)	$	26
	November 14, 2013	August 14, 2018	50,000			1 month LIBOR		1.297	%	(388		)	40
	November 14, 2013	August 14, 2018	50,000			1 month LIBOR		1.3025	%	(398		)	29
	Total		$	150,000						$	(1,192	)	$	95
	The derivative financial instruments are comprised of interest rate swaps, which are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, each with a separate counterparty. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and currently do not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedges.
	The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative, if any, is recognized directly in earnings.
	The following table represents the effect of the derivative financial instruments on the accompanying consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
		Location of Reclassification from Accumulated OCI Into Income
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Interest Rate Swaps (Effective Portion):
	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative		$	(1,287	)	$	(320	)
	Treasury Rate Lock (Effective Portion):
	Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	Interest Expense	$	—		$	96
	In 2005, we settled two US treasury rate lock agreements associated with a 10 year senior, unsecured bond offering and received approximately $3.2 million. We fully amortized the remaining balance in December 2014 in connection with the early redemption of the associated 10 year senior, unsecured notes.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers are defined as follows:
	Tier	Description
	Level 1	Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets
	Level 2	Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable
	Level 3	Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions
	The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
					Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
					Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total
	Fair value as of March 31, 2015:
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps (Other liabilities)	$	(1,192	)	$	—	$	(1,192	)	$	—
	Total liabilities	$	(1,192	)	$	—	$	(1,192	)	$	—
					Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
					Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total
	Fair value as of December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Interest rate swaps (prepaids and other assets)	$	95		$	—	$	95		$	—
	Total assets	$	95		$	—	$	95		$	—
	The estimated fair value and recorded value of our debt consisting of senior unsecured notes, unsecured term loans, secured mortgages and unsecured lines of credit were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Fair value of debt	$	1,508,638		$	1,493,519
	Recorded value of debt	1,461,807			1,443,194
	With the exception of the unsecured term loan and unsecured lines of credit, that have variable rates and considered at market value, fair values of the senior notes and mortgage loans are determined using discounted cash flow analysis with an interest rate or credit spread similar to that of current market borrowing arrangements. Because the Company's senior unsecured notes are publicly traded with limited trading volume, these instruments are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. In contrast, mortgage loans are classified as Level 3 given the unobservable inputs utilized in the valuation. Considerable judgment is necessary to develop estimated fair values of financial instruments. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize on the disposition of the financial instruments.
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other assets and liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturities of these instruments.

Shareholders_Equity_of_the_Com

Shareholders' Equity of the Company (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Schedule of Shareholders' Equity of the Company [Line Items]
Shareholders' Equity of the Company	Shareholders' Equity of the Company
	For the first three months of 2014, Non-Company LPs exchanged a total of 21,500 Class A common limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership for an equal number of common shares of the Company. No Class A common limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership were exchanged during the three months ended March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, the Non-Company LPs owned 5,078,406 Class A common limited partnership units. Each Class A common limited partnership unit is exchangeable for one common share of the Company.

Partners_Equity_of_the_Operati

Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Schedule of Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership	Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership
	All units of partnership interest issued by the Operating Partnership have equal rights with respect to earnings, dividends and net assets. When the Company issues common shares upon the exercise of options, the issuance of restricted share awards or the exchange of Class A common limited partnership units, the Operating Partnership issues a corresponding Class B common limited partnership unit to Tanger LP trust, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
	The following table sets forth the changes in outstanding partnership units for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
			Limited Partnership Units
		General Partnership Units	Class A		Class B		Total
	Balance December 31, 2013	1,000,000	5,145,012		93,505,685		98,650,697
	Exchange of Class A limited partnership units	—	(21,500	)	21,500		—
	Issuance of restricted units	—	—		1,302,729		1,302,729
	Units issued upon exercise of options	—	—		15,800		15,800
	Balance March 31, 2014	1,000,000	5,123,512		94,845,714		99,969,226
	Balance December 31, 2014	1,000,000	5,078,406		94,509,781		99,588,187
	Issuance of restricted units	—	—		348,844		348,844
	Units issued upon exercise of options	—	—		8,300		8,300
	Units withheld for employee income taxes	—	—		(30,578	)	(30,578	)
	Balance March 31, 2015	1,000,000	5,078,406		94,836,347		99,914,753

Earnings_Per_Share_of_the_Comp

Earnings Per Share of the Company (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Earnings Per Share of the Company	Earnings Per Share of the Company
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in computing the Company's earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.	$	34,512		$	14,616
	Less allocation of earnings to participating securities	(408		)	(429		)
	Net income available to common shareholders of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.	$	34,104		$	14,187
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares	94,536			93,580
	Effect of notional units	82			—
	Effect of outstanding options and certain restricted common shares	79			69
	Diluted weighted average common shares	94,697			93,649
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15
	The notional units are considered contingently issuable common shares and are included in earnings per share if the effect is dilutive using the treasury stock method. Notional units granted in 2010 were converted into 933,769 restricted common shares in January 2014. The restricted common shares vested on December 31, 2014 and were considered participating securities through the vesting date.
	The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes options to purchase common shares when the exercise price is greater than the average market price of the common shares for the period. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, 252,000 options were excluded from the computation and for the three months ended March 31, 2014, 279,000 options were excluded from the computation. The assumed exchange of the partnership units held by the Non-Company LPs as of the beginning of the year, which would result in the elimination of earnings allocated to the noncontrolling interest in the Operating Partnership, would have no impact on earnings per share since the allocation of earnings to a common limited partnership unit, as if exchanged, is equivalent to earnings allocated to a common share.
	Certain of the Company's unvested restricted common share awards contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. The impact of these unvested restricted common share awards on earnings per share has been calculated using the two-class method whereby earnings are allocated to the unvested restricted common share awards based on dividends declared and the unvested restricted common shares' participation rights in undistributed earnings. Unvested restricted common shares that do not contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are included in the diluted earnings per share computation if the effect is dilutive, using the treasury stock method.

Earnings_Per_Unit_of_the_Opera

Earnings Per Unit of the Operating Partnership (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings Per Unit of the Operating Partnership	Earnings Per Unit of the Operating Partnership
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in computing earnings per unit (in thousands, except per unit amounts).
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to partners of the Operating Partnership	$	36,367		$	15,419
	Less allocation of earnings to participating securities	(408		)	(429		)
	Net income available to common unitholders of the Operating Partnership	$	35,959		$	14,990
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common units	99,614			98,720
	Effect of notional units	82			—
	Effect of outstanding options and restricted common units	79			69
	Diluted weighted average common units	99,775			98,789
	Basic earnings per common unit:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15
	Diluted earnings per common unit:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15
	The notional units are considered contingently issuable common units and are included in earnings per unit if the effect is dilutive using the treasury stock method. Notional units granted in 2010 were converted into 933,769 restricted common units in January 2014. The restricted common units vested on December 31, 2014 and were considered participating securities through the vesting date.
	The computation of diluted earnings per unit excludes options to purchase common units when the exercise price is greater than the average market price of the common units for the period. The market price of a common unit is considered to be equivalent to the market price of a Company common share. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, 252,000 units were excluded from the computation and for the three months ended March 31, 2014, 279,000 options were excluded from the computation.
	Certain of the Company's unvested restricted common share awards contain non-forfeitable rights to distributions or distribution equivalents. The impact of the corresponding unvested restricted unit awards on earnings per unit has been calculated using the two-class method whereby earnings are allocated to the unvested restricted unit awards based on distributions declared and the unvested restricted units' participation rights in undistributed earnings. Unvested restricted common units that do not contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are included in the diluted earnings per unit computation if the effect is dilutive, using the treasury stock method.

Equity_Based_Compensation_of_t

Equity Based Compensation of the Company (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Equity Based Compensation of the Company	Equity Based Compensation of the Company
	We have a shareholder approved equity-based compensation plan, the Incentive Award Plan of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers and Tanger Properties Limited Partnership (Amended and Restated as of April 4, 2014) (the "Plan"), which covers our independent directors, officers, employees and consultants. For each common share issued by the Company, the Operating Partnership issues one corresponding unit of partnership interest to the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries. Therefore, when the Company grants an equity based award, the Operating Partnership treats each award as having been granted by the Operating Partnership. In the discussion below, the term "we" refers to the Company and the Operating Partnership together and the term "shares" is meant to also include corresponding units of the Operating Partnership.
	During February 2015, the Company issued 357,844 restricted common shares to the Company's independent directors and the Company's senior executive officers. The grant date fair value of the awards ranged from $32.77 to $38.55 per share. The independent directors' restricted common shares vest ratably over a three year period and the senior executive officers' restricted shares vest ratably over a five year period. For the restricted shares issued to our chief executive officer, the restricted share agreement requires him to hold the shares for a minimum of three years following each vesting date. Compensation expense related to the amortization of the deferred compensation is being recognized in accordance with the vesting schedule of the restricted shares.
	In February 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Company approved the general terms of the Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. 2015 Outperformance Plan (the “2015 OPP"). The 2015 OPP is a long-term performance based incentive compensation plan pursuant to which award recipients may earn up to an aggregate of 306,600 restricted common shares based on the Company’s absolute share price appreciation (or total shareholder return) and its share price appreciation relative to its peer group, over a three year measurement period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017.
	We recorded share-based compensation expense in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Restricted common shares	$	2,658	$	2,306
	Notional unit performance awards	841		946
	Options	114		114
	Total share-based compensation	$	3,613	$	3,366
	Share-based compensation expense capitalized as a part of rental property and deferred lease costs were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Share-based compensation expense capitalized	$	188	$	159
	We withheld shares with value equivalent to the employees' minimum statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes, and remitted the cash to the appropriate taxing authorities. The total number of shares withheld was 30,578 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and was based on the value of the restricted common shares on the vesting date as determined by our closing share price on the day prior to the vesting date. No shares were withheld for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Total amounts paid for the employees' tax obligation to taxing authorities was $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and is reflected as a financing activity within the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Company (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Company	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Company
	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income									Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnership Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total			Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(14,113	)	$	90		$	(14,023	)	$	(773	)	$	5		$	(768	)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,511		)	—			(10,511		)	(565		)	—			(565		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	—			(1,221		)	(1,221		)	—			(66		)	(66		)
	Balance March 31, 2015	$	(24,624	)	$	(1,131	)	$	(25,755	)	$	(1,338	)	$	(61	)	$	(1,399	)
	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income									Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnership Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total			Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(4,590	)	$	2,162		$	(2,428	)	$	(254	)	$	(39	)	$	(293	)
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	—			(91		)	(91		)	—			(5		)	(5		)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,692		)	—			(2,692		)	(148		)	—			(148		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(304	)	$	(304	)	$	—		$	(16	)	$	(16	)
	Balance March 31, 2014	$	(7,282	)	$	1,767		$	(5,515	)	$	(402	)	$	(60	)	$	(462	)
	The following represents amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings (in thousands):
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income							Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(91	)		Interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Operating Partnership (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Operating Partnership	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Operating Partnership
	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(14,886	)	$	95		$	(14,791	)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(11,076		)	—			(11,076		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	—			(1,287		)	(1,287		)
	Balance March 31, 2015	$	(25,962	)	$	(1,192	)	$	(27,154	)
	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(4,844	)	$	2,123		$	(2,721	)
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	—			(96		)	(96		)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,840		)	—			(2,840		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	—			(320		)	(320		)
	Balance March 31, 2014	$	(7,684	)	$	1,707		$	(5,977	)
	The following represents amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income							Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(96	)		Interest expense

NonCash_Activities

Non-Cash Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]
Non-Cash Activities	Non-Cash Activities
	We purchase capital equipment and incur costs relating to construction of facilities, including tenant finishing allowances. Expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		31-Mar-14
	Costs relating to construction included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	31,859	$	13,471
	Additionally, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, additions to rental property excludes $197,000 and $903,000, respectively, in equity contributions made by our noncontrolling interest partners related to pre-development costs at our Southhaven and Foxwoods outlet centers, respectively, which are currently under development.

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards
	In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the associated debt liability. The guidance in the new standard is limited to the presentation of debt issuance costs. The standard does not affect the recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. ASU 2015-02 affects reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15 Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide certain disclosures when it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ended December 31, 2016 and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (the "Final Standard"). Under the Final Standard, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations (e.g., a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business or a major equity method investment) will be presented as discontinued operations. Under current GAAP, companies that sell a single investment property are generally required to report the sale as a discontinued operation, which requires the companies to reclassify earnings from continuing operations for all periods presented. The Final Standard is effective in the first quarter of 2015 for public entities with calendar year ends. The FASB will permit early adoption of the Final Standard, beginning in the first quarter of 2014, but only for disposals or classifications as held for sale that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We early adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2014. See Note 3 Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale for further information.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. This ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We are required to adopt the new pronouncement in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 using one of two retrospective application methods. We are currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	In May 2015, we repaid the mortgages associated with our Hershey, Pennsylvania property, which were assumed as part of the acquisition of the property in 2011. The maturity date of the mortgages was August 1, 2015 and they had a principal balance at the date of extinguishment of $29.0 million. We also wrote off the remaining unamortized premiums associated with the mortgages totaling approximately $201,000.

Disposition_of_Properties_and_1

Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale [Abstract]
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale	The carrying values of the rental properties held for sale were comprised of the following (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Rental property, net	$	43,982	$	43,532
	Deferred lease costs and other intangibles, net	834		757
	Prepaids and other assets	1,714		1,716
	Rental property held for sale	$	46,530	$	46,005

Developments_of_Consolidated_O1

Developments of Consolidated Outlet Centers (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Schedule of development of consolidated real estate properties	Development continues for the following consolidated outlet centers as of March 31, 2015:
	Project	Approximate square feet	Costs Incurred to Date		Borrowed to date		Projected Opening
		(in 000's)	(in millions)		(in millions)
	Foxwoods, Connecticut	313	$	86	$	40.1	5/21/15
	Grand Rapids, Michigan	350	32.5		—		7/31/15
	Southaven, Mississippi	320	16.6		—		4Q15
	Total	983	$	135.1	$	40.1

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments In Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	We have an ownership interest in the following unconsolidated real estate joint ventures:
	As of March 31, 2015
	Joint Venture		Outlet Center Location		Ownership %			Square Feet		Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)			Total Joint Venture Debt
								(in 000's)					(in millions)
	Columbus		Columbus, OH		50	%		—		$	2		$	—
	Galveston/Houston		Texas City, TX		50	%		353		0.6			65
	National Harbor		National Harbor, MD		50	%		339		9.1			83.7
	RioCan Canada		Various		50	%		870		132			14.3
	Savannah (1)		Savannah, GA		50	%		—		47.4			55.2
	Westgate		Glendale, AZ		58	%		411		13.9			62
	Other							—		0.1			—
										$	205.1		$	280.2
	Charlotte(2)		Charlotte, NC		50	%		398		$	(0.6	)	$	90
										$	(0.6	)	$	90
	As of December 31, 2014
	Joint Venture		Center Location		Ownership %			Square Feet		Carrying Value of Investment			Total Joint Venture Debt
								(in 000's)		(in millions)			(in millions)
	Galveston/Houston		Texas City, TX		50	%		353		$	1.3		$	65
	National Harbor		National Harbor, MD		50	%		339		9.5			83.7
	RioCan Canada		Various		50	%		870		132.5			15.7
	Savannah (1)		Savannah, GA		50	%		—		46.5			25.5
	Westgate		Glendale, AZ		58	%		381		14.3			54
	Wisconsin Dells		Wisconsin Dells, WI		50	%		265		2.4			24.3
	Other							—		1.5			—
										$	208		$	268.2
	Charlotte(2)		Charlotte, NC		50	%		398		$	(2.2	)	$	90
										$	(2.2	)	$	90
	-1	Based on capital contribution and distribution provisions in the joint venture agreement, we expect our economic interest in the venture's cash flow to be greater than the ownership percentage indicated above, which in this case, states our legal interest in this venture. Our economic interest may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including mortgage financing, partnership capital contributions and distributions, and proceeds from gains or losses of asset sales.
	-2	The negative carrying value is due to the distributions of proceeds from a mortgage loan, as well as quarterly distributions of excess cash flow, exceeding the original contributions from the partners.
Schedule of Development, Loan Guarantee, Management, Leasing, and Marketing Fees Paid By Unconsolidated JVs	Fees we received for various services provided to our unconsolidated joint ventures were recognized in management, leasing and other services as follows (in thousands):
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2015				2014
	Fee:
	Development and leasing		$	581			$	8
	Loan guarantee		196				40
	Management and marketing		506				518
	Total Fees		$	1,283			$	566
Summary Financial Information of Unconsolidated JVs Balance Sheet	Condensed combined summary financial information of unconsolidated joint ventures accounted for using the equity method is as follows (in thousands):
	Condensed Combined Balance Sheets - Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Land		$	91,922			$	102,601
	Buildings, improvements and fixtures		496,201				542,501
	Construction in progress, including land		128,529				104,780
			716,652				749,882
	Accumulated depreciation		(38,236		)		(48,233		)
	Total rental property, net		678,416				701,649
	Cash and cash equivalents		56,119				46,917
	Deferred lease costs, net		19,345				21,234
	Deferred debt origination costs, net		5,256				5,995
	Prepaids and other assets		14,648				12,766
	Total assets		$	773,784			$	788,561
	Liabilities and Owners' Equity
	Mortgages payable		$	370,244			$	358,219
	Accounts payable and other liabilities		46,971				70,795
	Total liabilities		417,215				429,014
	Owners' equity		356,569				359,547
	Total liabilities and owners' equity		$	773,784			$	788,561
Summary Financial Information Of Unconsolidated JVs Statements of Operations
			Three months ended
	Condensed Combined Statements of Operations		March 31,
	- Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		2015				2014
	Revenues		$	23,965			$	16,755
	Expenses
	Property operating		9,144				6,646
	General and administrative		218				129
	Depreciation and amortization		7,822				4,974
	Total expenses		17,184				11,749
	Operating income		6,781				5,006
	Interest expense		(1,770		)		(1,226		)
	Interest and other income		8				—
	Net income		$	5,019			$	3,780
	The Company and Operating Partnership's share of:
	Net income		$	2,543			$	1,933
	Depreciation and impairment charge (real estate related)		$	4,076			$	2,605

Debt_of_the_Company_Tables

Debt of the Company (Tables) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Debt	The Operating Partnership had the following amounts outstanding on the debt guaranteed by the Company (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Unsecured lines of credit	$	115,700	$	111,000
	Unsecured term loan	250,000		250,000
	Ocean City mortgage	17,804		17,827

Debt_of_the_Operating_Partners1

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Tables) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Schedule of Debt	The debt of the Operating Partnership consisted of the following (in thousands):
							As of					As of
							March 31, 2015					December 31, 2014
			Stated Interest Rate(s)			Maturity Date	Principal		Premium			Principal		Premium
									(Discount)					(Discount)
	Senior, unsecured notes:
	Senior notes		6.125	%		Jun-20	$	300,000	$	(1,226	)	$	300,000	$	(1,276	)
	Senior notes		3.875	%		Dec-23	250,000		(3,645		)	250,000		(3,732		)
	Senior notes		3.75	%		Dec-24	250,000		(1,388		)	250,000		(1,418		)
	Mortgages payable:
	Atlantic City (1)		5.14%-7.65%			November 2021- December 2026	45,340		3,594			45,997		3,694
	Deer Park		LIBOR + 1.50%			Aug-18	150,000		(1,082		)	150,000		(1,161		)
	Foxwoods		LIBOR + 1.65%			Dec-17	40,076		—			25,235		—
	Hershey (1)		5.17%-8.00%			Aug-15	29,085		251			29,271		399
	Ocean City (1)		5.24	%		Jan-16	17,729		75			17,827		99
	Note payable (1)		1.5	%		Jun-16	10,000		(202		)	10,000		(241		)
	Unsecured term loan		LIBOR + 1.05%			Feb-19	250,000		—			250,000		—
	Unsecured term note		LIBOR + 1.30%			Aug-17	7,500		—			7,500		—
	Unsecured lines of credit		LIBOR + 1.00%			Oct-17	115,700		—			111,000		—
							$	1,465,430	$	(3,623	)	$	1,446,830	$	(3,636	)
	-1	The effective interest rates assigned during the purchase price allocation to these assumed mortgages and note payable during acquisitions in 2011 were as follows: Atlantic City 5.05%, Hershey 3.40%, Ocean City 4.68%, and note payable 3.15%.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of the existing long-term debt as of March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
	Calendar Year		Amount
	2015		$	31,402
	2016		30,283
	2017		166,284
	2018		153,183
	2019		253,369
	Thereafter		830,909
	Subtotal		1,465,430
	Net discount		(3,623		)
	Total		$	1,461,807

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The following table summarizes the terms and fair values of our derivative financial instruments, as well as their classifications within the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
										Fair Value
	Effective Date	Maturity Date	Notional Amount			Bank Pay Rate		Company Fixed Pay Rate		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Assets (Liabilities):
	November 14, 2013	August 14, 2018	$	50,000		1 month LIBOR		1.3075	%	$	(406	)	$	26
	November 14, 2013	August 14, 2018	50,000			1 month LIBOR		1.297	%	(388		)	40
	November 14, 2013	August 14, 2018	50,000			1 month LIBOR		1.3025	%	(398		)	29
	Total		$	150,000						$	(1,192	)	$	95
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table represents the effect of the derivative financial instruments on the accompanying consolidated financial statements (in thousands):
		Location of Reclassification from Accumulated OCI Into Income
			Three months ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Interest Rate Swaps (Effective Portion):
	Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative		$	(1,287	)	$	(320	)
	Treasury Rate Lock (Effective Portion):
	Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated OCI into income	Interest Expense	$	—		$	96

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
					Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
					Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total
	Fair value as of March 31, 2015:
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps (Other liabilities)	$	(1,192	)	$	—	$	(1,192	)	$	—
	Total liabilities	$	(1,192	)	$	—	$	(1,192	)	$	—
					Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
					Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities		Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total
	Fair value as of December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Interest rate swaps (prepaids and other assets)	$	95		$	—	$	95		$	—
	Total assets	$	95		$	—	$	95		$	—
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments	The estimated fair value and recorded value of our debt consisting of senior unsecured notes, unsecured term loans, secured mortgages and unsecured lines of credit were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Fair value of debt	$	1,508,638		$	1,493,519
	Recorded value of debt	1,461,807			1,443,194

Partners_Equity_of_the_Operati1

Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership (Tables) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Schedule of Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership [Line Items]
Schedule of Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership	The following table sets forth the changes in outstanding partnership units for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
			Limited Partnership Units
		General Partnership Units	Class A		Class B		Total
	Balance December 31, 2013	1,000,000	5,145,012		93,505,685		98,650,697
	Exchange of Class A limited partnership units	—	(21,500	)	21,500		—
	Issuance of restricted units	—	—		1,302,729		1,302,729
	Units issued upon exercise of options	—	—		15,800		15,800
	Balance March 31, 2014	1,000,000	5,123,512		94,845,714		99,969,226
	Balance December 31, 2014	1,000,000	5,078,406		94,509,781		99,588,187
	Issuance of restricted units	—	—		348,844		348,844
	Units issued upon exercise of options	—	—		8,300		8,300
	Units withheld for employee income taxes	—	—		(30,578	)	(30,578	)
	Balance March 31, 2015	1,000,000	5,078,406		94,836,347		99,914,753

Earnings_Per_Share_of_the_Comp1

Earnings Per Share of the Company (Tables) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in computing the Company's earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.	$	34,512		$	14,616
	Less allocation of earnings to participating securities	(408		)	(429		)
	Net income available to common shareholders of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.	$	34,104		$	14,187
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common shares	94,536			93,580
	Effect of notional units	82			—
	Effect of outstanding options and certain restricted common shares	79			69
	Diluted weighted average common shares	94,697			93,649
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15

Earnings_Per_Unit_of_the_Opera1

Earnings Per Unit of the Operating Partnership (Tables) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in computing earnings per unit (in thousands, except per unit amounts).
		Three months ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to partners of the Operating Partnership	$	36,367		$	15,419
	Less allocation of earnings to participating securities	(408		)	(429		)
	Net income available to common unitholders of the Operating Partnership	$	35,959		$	14,990
	Denominator
	Basic weighted average common units	99,614			98,720
	Effect of notional units	82			—
	Effect of outstanding options and restricted common units	79			69
	Diluted weighted average common units	99,775			98,789
	Basic earnings per common unit:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15
	Diluted earnings per common unit:
	Net income	$	0.36		$	0.15

Equity_Based_Compensation_of_t1

Equity Based Compensation of the Company (Tables) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	We recorded share-based compensation expense in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Restricted common shares	$	2,658	$	2,306
	Notional unit performance awards	841		946
	Options	114		114
	Total share-based compensation	$	3,613	$	3,366
	Share-based compensation expense capitalized as a part of rental property and deferred lease costs were as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Share-based compensation expense capitalized	$	188	$	159

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Company (Tables) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income									Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnership Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total			Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(14,113	)	$	90		$	(14,023	)	$	(773	)	$	5		$	(768	)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,511		)	—			(10,511		)	(565		)	—			(565		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	—			(1,221		)	(1,221		)	—			(66		)	(66		)
	Balance March 31, 2015	$	(24,624	)	$	(1,131	)	$	(25,755	)	$	(1,338	)	$	(61	)	$	(1,399	)
	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income									Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnership Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total			Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Total
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(4,590	)	$	2,162		$	(2,428	)	$	(254	)	$	(39	)	$	(293	)
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	—			(91		)	(91		)	—			(5		)	(5		)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,692		)	—			(2,692		)	(148		)	—			(148		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(304	)	$	(304	)	$	—		$	(16	)	$	(16	)
	Balance March 31, 2014	$	(7,282	)	$	1,767		$	(5,515	)	$	(402	)	$	(60	)	$	(462	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following represents amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings (in thousands):
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income							Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(91	)		Interest expense

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Operating Partnership (Tables) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance December 31, 2014	$	(14,886	)	$	95		$	(14,791	)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(11,076		)	—			(11,076		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	—			(1,287		)	(1,287		)
	Balance March 31, 2015	$	(25,962	)	$	(1,192	)	$	(27,154	)
	The following table presents changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Foreign Currency			Cash flow hedges			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balance December 31, 2013	$	(4,844	)	$	2,123		$	(2,721	)
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	—			(96		)	(96		)
	Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,840		)	—			(2,840		)
	Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	—			(320		)	(320		)
	Balance March 31, 2014	$	(7,684	)	$	1,707		$	(5,977	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following represents amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into earnings:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income							Affected Line Item in Statement of Operations
		Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortization of cash flow hedges	$	—		$	(96	)		Interest expense

NonCash_Activities_Tables

Non-Cash Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions	Expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015		31-Mar-14
	Costs relating to construction included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	31,859	$	13,471

Business_Details

Business (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Partnership Units Owned by the Company	95,836,347
Class A Limited Partnership Units [Member] | Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Partnership units owned by the Operating Partnership and other limited partners	5,078,406
Consolidated Properties [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of Outlet Centers	36
Total gross leaseable area of outlet centers (in square feet)	11,300,000
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of Outlet Centers	8
Total gross leaseable area of outlet centers (in square feet)	2,400,000
Unconsolidated Properties [Member] | CANADA
Entity Information [Line Items]
Number of Outlet Centers	4

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Management, leasing and other services	$1,283,000	$566,000
Westgate [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	13,900,000		14,300,000
Savannah [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	47,400,000		46,500,000	[1]
Southaven [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Assets	19,300,000
Liabilities	$2,000,000
[1]	Based on capital contribution and distribution provisions in the joint venture agreement, we expect our economic interest in the venture's cash flow to be greater than the ownership percentage indicated above, which in this case, states our legal interest in this venture. Our economic interest may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including mortgage financing, partnership capital contributions and distributions, and proceeds from gains or losses of asset sales.

Disposition_of_Properties_and_2

Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale (Components of Assets Held for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Rental property held for sale	$46,530	$46,005
Rental property, net
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Rental property held for sale	43,982	43,532
Deferred lease costs and other intangibles, net
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Rental property held for sale	834	757
Prepaids and other assets
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Rental property held for sale	$1,714	$1,716

Disposition_of_Properties_and_3

Disposition of Properties and Properties Held for Sale (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015
	OutletCenter	OutletCenter	OutletCenter
Number of properties held for sale	4	4
Potential Sale in first quarter of 2015 [Member]
Number of properties held for sale		3
Potential Sale in first quarter of 2016 [Member]
Number of properties held for sale		1
Various [Member]
Square Feet	712,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Number of properties held for sale			4

Developments_of_Consolidated_O2

Developments of Consolidated Outlet Centers (Details) (USD $)	19 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	sqft	sqft	sqft
Properties under development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Feet	983,000	983,000	983,000
Costs incurred to date	$135,100,000
Borrowed to date	40,100,000	40,100,000	40,100,000
Southaven [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Feet	320,000	320,000	320,000
Costs incurred to date		16,600,000
Grand Rapids [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Feet	350,000	350,000	350,000
Costs incurred to date			32,500,000
Foxwoods [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Feet	313,000	313,000	313,000
Costs incurred to date	86,000,000
Borrowed to date	$40,100,000	$40,100,000	$40,100,000

Developments_of_Consolidated_O3

Developments of Consolidated Outlet Centers (Narrative) (Details) (Southaven [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
		Extension	mi
			sqft
Payments to Acquire Land	$14,800,000
Square Feet			320,000
Number of miles from major city			5
Mortgages [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Line of credit, Maximum borrowing capacity		$60,000,000
Basis spread on variable rate		1.75%
Number of mortgage extensions		1
Term of mortgage extension		2 years

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment Reported In Liabilities	($0.60)		($2.20)
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	280.2		268.2
Partnership Interest [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	205.1		208
Columbus [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %	50.00%
Square Feet	0
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	2
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	0
Galveston/Houston [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %	50.00%		50.00%
Square Feet	353,000		353,000
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	0.6		1.3
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	65		65
National Harbor [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %	50.00%		50.00%
Square Feet	339,000		339,000
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	9.1		9.5
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	83.7		83.7
RioCan Canda [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %	50.00%		50.00%
Square Feet	870,000		870,000
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	132		132.5
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	14.3		15.7
Savannah [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %	50.00%	[1]	50.00%	[1]
Square Feet	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	47.4		46.5	[1]
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	55.2	[1]	25.5	[1]
Westgate [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %	58.00%		58.00%
Square Feet	411,000		381,000
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	13.9		14.3
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	62		54
Wisconsin Dells [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %			50.00%
Square Feet			265,000
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)			2.4
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)			24.3
Other [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Square Feet	0		0
Carrying Value of Investment (in millions)	0.1		1.5
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	0		0
Charlotte [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership %	50.00%	[2]	50.00%	[2]
Square Feet	398,000	[2]	398,000	[2]
Equity Method Investment Reported In Liabilities	-0.6	[2]	-2.2	[2]
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)	$90	[2]	$90	[2]
[1]	Based on capital contribution and distribution provisions in the joint venture agreement, we expect our economic interest in the venture's cash flow to be greater than the ownership percentage indicated above, which in this case, states our legal interest in this venture. Our economic interest may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including mortgage financing, partnership capital contributions and distributions, and proceeds from gains or losses of asset sales.
[2]	The negative carrying value is due to the distributions of proceeds from a mortgage loan, as well as quarterly distributions of excess cash flow, exceeding the original contributions from the partners.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Joint Venture Fees) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Management, Leasing and Marketing Fees [Line Items]
Fees received	$1,283	$566
Development and Leasing Fee [Member]
Management, Leasing and Marketing Fees [Line Items]
Fees received	581	8
Loan Guarantee Fee [Member]
Management, Leasing and Marketing Fees [Line Items]
Fees received	196	40
Management and Marketing Fee [Member]
Management, Leasing and Marketing Fees [Line Items]
Fees received	$506	$518

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Summary Balance Sheets for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details) (Partnership Interest [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Partnership Interest [Member]
Assets
Land	$91,922	$102,601
Buildings, improvements and fixtures	496,201	542,501
Construction in progress, including land	128,529	104,780
Rental property, at cost, total	716,652	749,882
Accumulated depreciation	-38,236	-48,233
Total rental property, net	678,416	701,649
Cash and cash equivalents	56,119	46,917
Deferred lease costs, net	19,345	21,234
Deferred debt origination costs, net	5,256	5,995
Prepaids and other assets	14,648	12,766
Total assets	773,784	788,561
Liabilities and Owners' Equity
Mortgages payable	370,244	358,219
Accounts payable and other liabilities	46,971	70,795
Total liabilities	417,215	429,014
Owners' equity	356,569	359,547
Total liabilities and owners' equity	$773,784	$788,561

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_5

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Summary Statements of Operations for Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Partnership Interest [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	$23,965	$16,755
Property operating	9,144	6,646
General and administrative	218	129
Depreciation and amortization	7,822	4,974
Total expenses	17,184	11,749
Operating income	6,781	5,006
Interest expense	-1,770	-1,226
Interest and other income	8	0
Net income	5,019	3,780
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Summary Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Revenues	105,926	102,782
Property operating	37,732	36,027
General and administrative	11,305	10,722
Depreciation and amortization	23,989	26,063
Total expenses	73,026	74,415
Operating income	32,900	28,367
Interest expense	-13,089	-14,920
Interest and other income	306	60
Net income	36,386	15,440
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of net income (loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	2,543	1,933
The Company and Operating Partnership's share of depreciation and impairment charges (real estate related) of unconsolidated joint ventures	$4,076	$2,605

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_6

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
				sqft
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Differences in basis		$4,400,000		$4,400,000
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)		280,200,000		268,200,000
Savannah [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Square Feet		0	[1]	0	[1]
Estimated square footage of real estate property when completed		377,000
Company portion of contributed capital to the joint venture		45,200,000
Partner's Portion of Contributed Capital to the Joint Venture		8,300,000
Preferred return percentage prior to grand opening date		8.00%
Preferred return percentage after grand opening date		10.00%
Joint Venture Debt, Maximum Borrowings		97,700,000
Joint Venture Debt, Maximum Borrowings That May Be Used For Expansions		4,700,000
Basis spread on variable rate		1.65%
Number of mortgage extensions		2
Term of mortgage extension		1 year
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)		55,200,000	[1]	25,500,000	[1]
Westgate [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Estimated Square Feet of Expansion		28,000
Estimated total square feet of expansion		78,000
Square Feet		411,000		381,000
Joint Venture Debt, Maximum Borrowings		62,000,000
Term of mortgage extension		2 years
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)		62,000,000		54,000,000
Wisconsin Dells [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Square Feet				265,000
Total Joint Venture Debt (in millions)				24,300,000
Net sales price from sale of joint venture	15,600,000
Sales Price	27,700,000
Company's share of joint venture debt	12,100,000
Gain on sale of equity interest in unconsolidated joint venture		$13,700,000
[1]	Based on capital contribution and distribution provisions in the joint venture agreement, we expect our economic interest in the venture's cash flow to be greater than the ownership percentage indicated above, which in this case, states our legal interest in this venture. Our economic interest may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including mortgage financing, partnership capital contributions and distributions, and proceeds from gains or losses of asset sales.

Debt_of_the_Company_Details

Debt of the Company (Details) (Debt [Member], Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, unsecured lines of credit total borrowing capacity	$520,000,000
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value	115,700,000	111,000,000
Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value	250,000,000	250,000,000
Ocean City Factory Outlets [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, current carrying value	$17,804,000	$17,827,000

Debt_of_the_Operating_Partners2

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Schedule of Debt) (Details) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	$1,465,430		$1,446,830
Premium (Discount), Net	-3,623		-3,636
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Premium (Discount), Net	-6,259		-6,426
Senior Notes [Member] | 6.125% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate(s)	6.13%		6.13%
Principal	300,000		300,000
Discount	-1,226		-1,276
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.875% Senior Notes [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate(s)	3.88%		3.88%
Principal	250,000		250,000
Discount	-3,645		-3,732
Senior Notes [Member] | 3.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate(s)	3.75%		3.75%
Principal	250,000		250,000
Discount	-1,388		-1,418
Mortgages Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Premium (Discount), Net	2,838		3,031
Mortgages Payable [Member] | Atlantic City Outlets The Walk [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate(s), Minimum	5.14%	[1]	5.14%	[1]
Stated Interest Rate(s), Maximum	7.65%	[1]	7.65%	[1]
Principal	45,340		45,997	[1]
Premium	3,594	[1]	3,694	[1]
Mortgages Payable [Member] | Deer Park [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	150,000		150,000
Discount	-1,082		-1,161
Mortgages Payable [Member] | Foxwoods [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	40,076		25,235
Mortgages Payable [Member] | The Outlets at Hershey [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate(s), Minimum	5.17%	[1]	5.17%	[1]
Stated Interest Rate(s), Maximum	8.00%	[1]	8.00%	[1]
Principal	29,085		29,271	[1]
Premium	251	[1]	399	[1]
Mortgages Payable [Member] | Ocean City Factory Outlets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate(s)	5.24%	[1]	5.24%	[1]
Principal	17,729		17,827	[1]
Premium	75	[1]	99	[1]
Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate(s)	1.50%	[1]	1.50%	[1]
Principal	10,000	[1]	10,000	[1]
Discount	-202	[1]	-241	[1]
Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	250,000		250,000
Unsecured Term Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	7,500		7,500
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal	$115,700		$111,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Mortgages Payable [Member] | Deer Park [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.50%		1.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Mortgages Payable [Member] | Foxwoods [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.65%		1.65%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.05%		1.05%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Unsecured Term Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.30%		1.30%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%		1.00%
[1]	The effective interest rates assigned during the purchase price allocation to these assumed mortgages and note payable during acquisitions in 2011 were as follows: Atlantic City 5.05%, Hershey 3.40%, Ocean City 4.68%, and note payable 3.15%.

Debt_of_the_Operating_Partners3

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Debt Maturities) (Details) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Schedule of Maturities of Debt [Line Items]
2015	$31,402
2016	30,283
2017	166,284
2018	153,183
2019	253,369
Thereafter	830,909
Subtotal	1,465,430	1,446,830
Net discount	-3,623	-3,636
Total debt	$1,461,807	$1,443,194

Debt_of_the_Operating_Partners4

Debt of the Operating Partnership (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Collateral for mortgages payable	$690,100,000	$602,700,000
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Atlantic City Outlets The Walk [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rates			5.05%
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | The Outlets at Hershey [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rates			3.40%
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Ocean City Factory Outlets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rates			4.68%
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rates			3.15%
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, Maximum borrowing capacity	520,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Liquidity Line, Maximum Borrowings, Included in Total Line of Credit Maximum Borrowings	20,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Syndicated Line, Maximum Borrowings, Included in Total Line of Credit Maximum Borrowings	500,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Syndicated Line, Potential Maximum Borrowings if Accordion Feature is Utilized	$750,000,000
Line of Credit, Dividend Restrictions, Percentage of Funds From Operations Allowed on a Cumulative Basis	95.00%
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent of guaranty of completion and principal guaranty	5.00%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percent of guaranty of completion and principal guaranty	100.00%

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Classifications on Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$150,000
Derivative, fair value, net	-1,192	95
Interest Rate Swap One [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	50,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.31%
Derivative, fair value, net	-406	26
Interest Rate Swap Two [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	50,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.30%
Derivative, fair value, net	-388	40
Interest Rate Swap Three [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	50,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate	1.30%
Derivative, fair value, net	($398)	$29

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Gain (Loss) Recognized and Reclassified) (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), effective portion, net	($1,287)	($320)
Treasury Lock [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income, effective portion, net	$0	$96

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Treasury Lock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2005
	derivative_agreement
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Treasury Lock [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of instruments held	2
Debt instrument, term	10 years
Proceeds from hedge, financing activities	$3.20

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps (Other liabilities)	($1,192)
Total liabilities	-1,192
Interest rate swaps (prepaids and other assets)		95
Total assets		95
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps (Other liabilities)	0
Total liabilities	0
Interest rate swaps (prepaids and other assets)		0
Total assets		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps (Other liabilities)	-1,192
Total liabilities	-1,192
Interest rate swaps (prepaids and other assets)		95
Total assets		95
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps (Other liabilities)	0
Total liabilities	0
Interest rate swaps (prepaids and other assets)		0
Total assets		$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of debt	$1,508,638	$1,493,519
Recorded value of debt	$1,461,807	$1,443,194

Shareholders_Equity_of_the_Com1

Shareholders' Equity of the Company (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Common shares issued in exchange for Operating Partnership units (in shares)	0	21,500
Convertible units, shares issued upon conversion into common shares	1
Class A Limited Partnership Units [Member] | Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Common shares issued in exchange for Operating Partnership units (in shares)		-21,500
Number of Operating Partnership units owned by the Operating Partnership and other limited partners	5,078,406

Partners_Equity_of_the_Operati2

Partners' Equity of the Operating Partnership (Details) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
General and Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units [Roll Forward]
General partner (in shares)	1,000,000
Issuance of restricted shares (in shares)	348,844	1,302,729
Units issued upon exercise of options	8,300	15,800
Units withheld for employee income taxes	-30,578
General partner (in shares)	1,000,000
General partner [Member]
General and Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units [Roll Forward]
General partner (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Exchange of Class A limited partnership units		0
Issuance of restricted shares (in shares)	0	0
Units issued upon exercise of options	0	0
Units withheld for employee income taxes	0
General partner (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Class A Limited Partnership Units [Member]
General and Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units [Roll Forward]
Limited partners (in shares)	5,078,406	5,145,012
Exchange of Class A limited partnership units		-21,500
Issuance of restricted shares (in shares)	0	0
Units issued upon exercise of options	0	0
Units withheld for employee income taxes	0
Limited partners (in shares)	5,078,406	5,123,512
Class B Limited Partnership Units [Member]
General and Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units [Roll Forward]
Limited partners (in shares)	94,509,781	93,505,685
Exchange of Class A limited partnership units		21,500
Issuance of restricted shares (in shares)	348,844	1,302,729
Units issued upon exercise of options	8,300	15,800
Units withheld for employee income taxes	-30,578
Limited partners (in shares)	94,836,347	94,845,714
Limited partners [Member]
General and Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units [Roll Forward]
Limited partners (in shares)	99,588,187	98,650,697
Exchange of Class A limited partnership units		0
Issuance of restricted shares (in shares)	348,844	1,302,729
Units issued upon exercise of options	8,300	15,800
Units withheld for employee income taxes	-30,578
Limited partners (in shares)	99,914,753	99,969,226

Earnings_Per_Share_of_the_Comp2

Earnings Per Share of the Company (Details) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Numerator
Net income attributable to Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.		$34,512	$14,616
Less allocation of earnings to participating securities		-408	-429
Net income available to common shareholders/unitholders of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc./the Operating Partnership		$34,104	$14,187
Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares (in shares)		94,536,000	93,580,000
Effect of notional units (in shares)		82,000	0
Effect of outstanding options and restricted common shares (in shares)		79,000	69,000
Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares)		94,697,000	93,649,000
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income, basic (in dollars per share)		$0.36	$0.15
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income, diluted (in dollars per share)		$0.36	$0.15
Number of notional units converted to restricted common shares	933,769
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)		252,000	279,000

Earnings_Per_Unit_of_the_Opera2

Earnings Per Unit of the Operating Partnership (Details) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Numerator
Net income attributable to partners of the Operating Partnership		$36,367	$15,419
Less allocation of earnings to participating securities		-408	-429
Net income available to common shareholders/unitholders of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc./the Operating Partnership		$35,959	$14,990
Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares (in shares)		99,614,000	98,720,000
Effect of notional units (in shares)		82,000	0
Effect of outstanding options and restricted common shares (in shares)		79,000	69,000
Diluted weighted average common shares (in shares)		99,775,000	98,789,000
Basic earnings per common unit:
Net income, basic (in dollars per share)		$0.36	$0.15
Diluted earnings per common unit:
Net income, diluted (in dollars per share)		$0.36	$0.15
Number of notional units converted to restricted common units	933,769
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)		252,000	279,000

Equity_Based_Compensation_of_t2

Equity Based Compensation of the Company (Details) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$3,613	$3,366
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	2,658	2,306
Notional Unit Performance Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	841	946
Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$114	$114

Equity_Based_Compensation_of_t3

Equity Based Compensation of the Company (Details 2) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense capitalized	$188	$159

Equity_Based_Compensation_of_t4

Equity Based Compensation of the Company (Narrative) (Details) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	30,578	0
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	$1,084	$0
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares, granted (in shares)			357,844
Lower limit, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$32.77
Upper limit, grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$38.55
Independent Director's Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years
Senior Executive Officer's Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			5 years
Chief Executive Officer's Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement award holding period			3 years
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate number of restricted common shares that may be earned (in shares)			306,600
Share-based Award Measurement Period			3 years

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Company (Details) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($14,023)
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation adjustments	-11,076	-2,840
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-1,287	-320
Ending balance	-25,755
Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-14,023	-2,428
Amortization of cash flow hedges		-91
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation adjustments	-10,511	-2,692
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-1,221	-304
Ending balance	-25,755	-5,515
Parent [Member] | Foreign Currency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-14,113	-4,590
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation adjustments	-10,511	-2,692
Ending balance	-24,624	-7,282
Parent [Member] | Cash flow hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	90	2,162
Amortization of cash flow hedges		-91
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-1,221	-304
Ending balance	-1,131	1,767
Noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-768	-293
Amortization of cash flow hedges		-5
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation adjustments	-565	-148
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-66	-16
Ending balance	-1,399	-462
Noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership [Member] | Foreign Currency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-773	-254
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation adjustments	-565	-148
Ending balance	-1,338	-402
Noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership [Member] | Cash flow hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5	-39
Amortization of cash flow hedges		-5
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-66	-16
Ending balance	($61)	($60)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv5

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Company (Details 2) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	$0	($96)
Interest Expense [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	$0	($91)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv6

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Operating Partnership (Details) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($14,791)	($2,721)
Amortization of cash flow hedges		-96
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation adjustments	-11,076	-2,840
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-1,287	-320
Ending balance	-27,154	-5,977
Foreign Currency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-14,886	-4,844
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation adjustments	-11,076	-2,840
Ending balance	-25,962	-7,684
Cash flow hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	95	2,123
Amortization of cash flow hedges		-96
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges	-1,287	-320
Ending balance	($1,192)	$1,707

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv7

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income of the Operating Partnership (Details 2) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	$0	($96)
Interest Expense [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	$0	($96)

NonCash_Activities_Details

Non-Cash Activities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]
Costs relating to construction included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$31,859	$13,471

NonCash_Activities_Narrative_D

Non-Cash Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Southaven [Member]
Nonmonetary transactions [Line Items]
Equity contributions made by our noncontrolling interest excluded from rental property additions	$197
Foxwoods [Member]
Nonmonetary transactions [Line Items]
Equity contributions made by our noncontrolling interest excluded from rental property additions		$903

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Tanger Properties Limited Partnership [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		1-May-15
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal	$1,465,430		$1,446,830
The Outlets at Hershey [Member] | Mortgages [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal	29,085		29,271	[1]
Premium	251	[1]	399	[1]
The Outlets at Hershey [Member] | Mortgages [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal					29,000
Premium					$201
[1]	The effective interest rates assigned during the purchase price allocation to these assumed mortgages and note payable during acquisitions in 2011 were as follows: Atlantic City 5.05%, Hershey 3.40%, Ocean City 4.68%, and note payable 3.15%.