| Document And Entity Information | Sep. 07, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | WASHINGTON PRIME GROUP INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Sep. 7, 2021 |
| 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 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001594686 |
| CommonStock Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | WPG |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| SeriesHCumulativeRedeemablePreferredStock75 Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.5% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | WPGPRH |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| SeriesICumulativeRedeemablePreferredStock6875 Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.875% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | WPGPRI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| WashingtonPrimeGroupLp Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | WASHINGTON PRIME GROUP, L.P. |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001610911 |
