| Cover Page | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | RETAIL PROPERTIES OF AMERICA, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-35481 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 42-1579325 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2021 Spring Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Oak Brook |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60523 |
| City Area Code | 630 |
| Local Phone Number | 634-4200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | RPAI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001222840 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
