| Document and Entity Information Document | May 07, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 7, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WASHINGTON PRIME GROUP INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001594686 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | IN |
| Entity File Number | 001-36252 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-4323686 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 180 East Broad Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Columbus |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 43215 |
| City Area Code | 614 |
| Local Phone Number | 621-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Trading Symbol | WPG |
| 7.5% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.5% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Trading Symbol | WPGPRH |
| 6.875% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.875% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Trading Symbol | WPGPRI |
