EastGroup Properties (EGP) 10-Q 21 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 18, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'EastGroup Properties Inc	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000049600	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,639,408,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	31,620,960	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS	'	'
Real estate properties	$1,840,488,000	$1,778,559,000
Development	184,618,000	148,767,000
Real estate and development properties	2,025,106,000	1,927,326,000
Less accumulated depreciation	-576,182,000	-550,113,000
Real estate, net	1,448,924,000	1,377,213,000
Real estate assets held for sale	425,000	0
Unconsolidated investment	2,832,000	2,764,000
Cash	19,000	8,000
Other Assets	96,408,000	93,427,000
TOTAL ASSETS	1,548,608,000	1,473,412,000
LIABILITIES	'	'
Secured debt	488,632,000	499,793,000
Unsecured debt	305,000,000	305,000,000
Unsecured bank credit facilities	142,392,000	88,952,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	45,017,000	37,104,000
Other liabilities	26,796,000	23,858,000
Total Liabilities	1,007,837,000	954,707,000
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common shares; $.0001 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 31,620,960 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and 30,937,225 at December 31, 2013	3,000	3,000
Excess shares; $.0001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital on common shares	832,061,000	790,535,000
Distributions in excess of earnings	-294,741,000	-278,169,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-1,148,000	1,629,000
Total Stockholders' Equity	536,175,000	513,998,000
Noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	4,596,000	4,707,000
Total Equity	540,771,000	518,705,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$1,548,608,000	$1,473,412,000

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common shares, authorized	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common shares, issued	31,620,960	30,937,225
Common shares, outstanding	31,620,960	30,937,225
Excess shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Excess shares, authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Excess shares, issued	0	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Unaudited (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Income from real estate operations	$53,801	$48,957	$106,578	$97,110
Other income	18	139	53	186
Revenues	53,819	49,096	106,631	97,296
EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Expenses from real estate operations	15,625	13,663	30,637	27,204
Depreciation and amortization	17,154	16,301	34,322	31,863
General and administrative	2,958	2,777	6,406	6,141
Acquisition costs	160	138	160	167
Expenses	35,897	32,879	71,525	65,375
OPERATING INCOME	17,922	16,217	35,106	31,921
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-8,898	-8,717	-17,884	-17,338
Other	218	255	534	479
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	9,242	7,755	17,756	15,062
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'	'	'	'
Income from real estate operations	0	35	0	36
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	0	35	0	36
NET INCOME	9,242	7,790	17,756	15,098
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	-124	-147	-266	-301
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	9,118	7,643	17,490	14,797
Other comprehensive income (loss) - cash flow hedges	-1,740	2,118	-2,777	2,340
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	7,378	9,761	14,713	17,137
BASIC PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.29	$0.25	$0.56	$0.49
Income from discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$0.29	$0.25	$0.56	$0.49
Weighted average shares outstanding	31,137	29,991	30,972	29,900
DILUTED PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.29	$0.25	$0.56	$0.49
Income from discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$0.29	$0.25	$0.56	$0.49
Weighted average shares outstanding	31,244	30,096	31,063	29,990
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	9,118	7,608	17,490	14,761
Income from discontinued operations	0	35	0	36
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$9,118	$7,643	$17,490	$14,797

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Distributions In Excess Of Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2013	$518,705,000	$3,000	$790,535,000	($278,169,000)	$1,629,000	$4,707,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	17,756,000	0	0	17,490,000	0	266,000
Net unrealized change in fair value of interest rate swaps	-2,777,000	0	0	0	-2,777,000	0
Common dividends declared - $1.08 per share	-34,062,000	0	0	-34,062,000	0	0
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	-3,908,000	0	-3,908,000	0	0	0
Issuance of 634,138 shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses	39,359,000	0	39,359,000	0	0	0
Issuance of 1,630 shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan	103,000	0	103,000	0	0	0
Withheld 31,417 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	-1,844,000	0	-1,844,000	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	-377,000	0	0	0	0	-377,000
BALANCE at Jun. 30, 2014	$540,771,000	$3,000	$832,061,000	($294,741,000)	($1,148,000)	$4,596,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	'
Common dividends declared - per share (in dollars per share)	$1.08
Issuance of shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses	634,138
Issuance of shares of common stock, options exercised	'
Issuance of shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan	1,630
Withheld shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	31,417

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net Income	$17,756	$15,098
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations	34,322	31,863
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations	0	80
Stock-based compensation expense	2,824	2,327
Gain on sales of land and real estate investments	-95	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accrued income and other assets	2,128	2,765
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid rent	-3,123	743
Other	-80	-62
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	53,732	52,814
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Real estate development	-56,125	-40,165
Purchases of real estate	-41,751	-69,952
Real estate improvements	-9,912	-9,501
Proceeds from sales of real estate investments	3,471	0
Repayments on mortgage loans receivable	78	52
Changes in receivable for development infrastructure cost reimbursements	0	-1,351
Changes in accrued development costs	12,076	2,970
Changes in other assets and other liabilities	-4,536	-4,446
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-96,699	-122,393
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Proceeds from unsecured bank credit facilities	165,969	194,775
Repayments on unsecured bank credit facilities	-112,529	-94,002
Repayments on secured debt	-11,152	-12,296
Debt issuance costs	-42	-1,459
Distributions paid to stockholders (not including dividends accrued on unvested restricted stock)	-34,183	-31,874
Proceeds from common stock offerings	37,033	13,877
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	120
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan	103	105
Other	-2,221	-915
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	42,978	68,331
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	11	-1,248
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	8	1,258
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	19	10
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $2,336 and $2,560 for 2014 and 2013, respectively	$17,350	$16,657

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized	$2,336	$2,560

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The accompanying unaudited financial statements of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (“EastGroup” or “the Company”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In management’s opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements contained in the 2013 annual report on Form 10-K and the notes thereto. Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2013 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2014 presentation.

PRINCIPLES_OF_CONSOLIDATION

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EastGroup Properties, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and its investment in any joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling interest.  At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had a controlling interest in two joint ventures: the 80% owned University Business Center and the 80% owned Castilian Research Center.  The Company records 100% of the joint ventures’ assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests provided for in accordance with the joint venture agreements.  The equity method of accounting is used for the Company’s 50% undivided tenant-in-common interest in Industry Distribution Center II.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

USE_OF_ESTIMATES

USE OF ESTIMATES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	USE OF ESTIMATES
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

REAL_ESTATE_PROPERTIES

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Properties	'
	REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES
	EastGroup has one reportable segment – industrial properties.  These properties are concentrated in major Sunbelt markets of the United States, primarily in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina, have similar economic characteristics and also meet the other criteria permitting the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment.
	The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows (including estimated future expenditures necessary to substantially complete the asset) expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company determined that no impairment charges on the Company’s real estate properties were necessary.
	Depreciation of buildings and other improvements is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of generally 40 years for buildings and 3 to 15 years for improvements.  Building improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred.  Significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful life of the assets are capitalized.  Depreciation expense for continuing and discontinued operations was $14,094,000 and $28,067,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and $13,494,000 and $26,551,000 for the same periods in 2013.
	The Company’s real estate properties and development at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Real estate properties:
	Land	$	274,860		265,871
	Buildings and building improvements	1,249,926			1,210,318
	Tenant and other improvements	315,702			302,370
	Development	184,618			148,767
		2,025,106			1,927,326
	Less accumulated depreciation	(576,182		)	(550,113	)
		$	1,448,924		1,377,213

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DEVELOPMENT [Abstract]	'
Development	'
	DEVELOPMENT
	During the period in which a property is under development, costs associated with development (i.e., land, construction costs, interest expense, property taxes and other direct and indirect costs associated with development) are aggregated into the total capitalized costs of the property.  Included in these costs are management’s estimates for the portions of internal costs (primarily personnel costs) deemed directly or indirectly related to such development activities. The internal costs are allocated to specific development properties based on construction activity. As the property becomes occupied, depreciation commences on the occupied portion of the building, and costs are capitalized only for the portion of the building that remains vacant.  When the property becomes 80% occupied or one year after completion of the shell construction (whichever comes first), capitalization of development costs ceases.  The properties are then transferred to real estate properties, and depreciation commences on the entire property (excluding the land).

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_AND_ACQU

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations and Acquired Intangibles	'
		BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES
	Upon acquisition of real estate properties, the Company applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations, which requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.  The Codification also provides guidance on how to properly determine the allocation of the purchase price among the individual components of both the tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values.  Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired.  Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases.  The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management's determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models.  The Company determines whether any financing assumed is above or below market based upon comparison to similar financing terms for similar properties.  The cost of the properties acquired may be adjusted based on indebtedness assumed from the seller that is determined to be above or below market rates.
	The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets:  the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships.  The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease.  The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.  The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values.  These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.
	Amortization expense for in-place lease intangibles for continuing and discontinued operations was $1,121,000 and $2,333,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and $999,000 and $1,777,000 for the same periods in 2013.  Amortization of above and below market leases increased rental income by $89,000 and $176,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and increased rental income by $27,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and decreased rental income by $10,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, EastGroup acquired Ridge Creek Distribution Center III in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Colorado Crossing Distribution Center in Austin, Texas. The Company purchased these properties for a total cost of $41,751,000, of which $37,964,000 was allocated to real estate properties. The Company allocated $7,061,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Charlotte and Austin markets. The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (see Note 17 for additional information on ASC 820). Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $4,660,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $4,000 to above market leases (both included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets), and $877,000 to below market leases (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). These costs are amortized over the remaining lives of the associated leases in place at the time of acquisition.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company acquired Northfield Distribution Center in Dallas, Texas, and Interchange Park II in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Company purchased these properties for a total cost of $72,397,000, of which $65,387,000 was allocated to real estate properties.  The Company allocated $13,218,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Dallas and Charlotte markets.  Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows:  $8,399,000 to in-place lease intangibles, $158,000 to above market leases, and $1,547,000 to below market leases.
	EastGroup expensed acquisition-related costs of $160,000 in the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, and expensed $138,000 and $167,000 during the same periods of 2013.
	The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of goodwill (at least annually) and the recoverability of other intangibles (on a quarterly basis) for possible impairment.  In management’s opinion, no impairment of goodwill and other intangibles existed at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

REAL_ESTATE_HELD_FOR_SALE_DISC

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
	REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE/DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year.  Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 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, which amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when the component or group of components meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale or when the component or group of components is disposed of by sale or other than by sale. In addition, this ASU requires additional disclosures about both discontinued operations and the disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-08 beginning with the period ended March 31, 2014, and has applied the provisions prospectively.
	Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-08, the results of operations for the operating properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods were shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Interest expense was not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations were included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage was required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.
	During the first quarter of 2014, EastGroup sold one operating property (58,000 square feet) for $3,600,000 and recognized a gain of $95,000. The results of operations and gain on sale for the property sold during the period are reported under Income from Continuing Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The gain on sale is included in Other.
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company owned one operating property, Tampa West Distribution Center VI, that was classified as held for sale on the June 30, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The 9,000 square foot property was sold in July 2014 for $743,000, generating a gain that will be recognized by the Company in its third fiscal quarter of 2014.
	During 2013, the Company sold three operating properties (49,000 square feet) for $3,198,000 and recognized gains of $798,000. The results of operations for the properties sold during 2013 are reported under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
	The following table presents the components of revenue and expense for the properties sold during 2013.
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2014		2013		2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Income from real estate operations	$	—	83		—	157
	Expenses from real estate operations	—		(21	)	—	(41	)
	Property net operating income from discontinued operations	—		62		—	116
	Depreciation and amortization	—		(27	)	—	(80	)
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	35		—	36

OTHER_ASSETS

OTHER ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	OTHER ASSETS
	A summary of the Company’s Other Assets follows:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	50,350		48,473
	Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(19,889		)	(18,855	)
	Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	30,461			29,618
	Straight-line rents receivable	24,886			24,030
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(269		)	(376	)
	Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	24,617			23,654
	Accounts receivable	3,745			4,863
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(343		)	(349	)
	Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	3,402			4,514
	Acquired in-place lease intangibles	20,380			16,793
	Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(6,626		)	(5,366	)
	Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	13,754			11,427
	Acquired above market lease intangibles	1,623			1,835
	Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(610		)	(659	)
	Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,013			1,176
	Mortgage loans receivable	8,816			8,894
	Discount on mortgage loans receivable	(18		)	(24	)
	Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	8,798			8,870
	Loan costs	8,091			8,050
	Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(4,207		)	(3,601	)
	Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	3,884			4,449
	Interest rate swap assets	816			1,692
	Goodwill	990			990
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,673			7,037
	Total Other Assets	$	96,408		93,427

ACCOUNTS_PAYABLE_AND_ACCRUED_E

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
	A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Property taxes payable	$	14,870	15,507
	Development costs payable	19,755		7,679
	Interest payable	3,594		3,658
	Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,807		1,928
	Other payables and accrued expenses	4,991		8,332
	Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	$	45,017	37,104

OTHER_LIABILITIES

OTHER LIABILITIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Liabilities	'
	OTHER LIABILITIES
	A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Security deposits	$	12,086		11,359
	Prepaid rent and other deferred income	8,434			10,101
	Acquired below-market lease intangibles	3,649			2,972
	Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles	(1,016		)	(874	)
	Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	2,633			2,098
	Interest rate swap liabilities	2,130			244
	Prepaid tenant improvement reimbursements	1,497			40
	Other liabilities	16			16
	Total Other Liabilities	$	26,796		23,858

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Total Comprehensive Income is comprised of net income plus all other changes in equity from non-owner sources and is presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are presented in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and are summarized below. See Note 12 for information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps.
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
	Balance at beginning of period	$	592		(170	)	1,629		(392	)
	Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	(1,740		)	2,118		(2,777	)	2,340
	Balance at end of period	$	(1,148	)	1,948		(1,148	)	1,948

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]

'

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

'

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risk, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its debt funding and, to a limited extent, the use of derivative instruments.

Specifically, the Company has entered into derivative instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company's derivative instruments, described below, are used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of the Company's known or expected cash payments principally related to certain of the Company's borrowings.

The Company's objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage exposure to interest rate movements and add stability to interest expense. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

As of June 30, 2014, the Company had three interest rate swaps outstanding, all of which are used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with unsecured loans. The Company executed an $80,000,000 interest rate swap associated with an $80,000,000 unsecured loan during the third quarter of 2012. The interest rate swap converts the loan's LIBOR rate component to a fixed interest rate for the entire term of the loan, and the Company has concluded that the hedging relationship is highly effective. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into two forward starting interest rate swaps totaling $75,000,000 which are hedging an unsecured loan which closed in December 2013; the swaps convert the loan's LIBOR rate component to a fixed interest rate for the entire term of the loan, and the Company has concluded that the hedging relationships are highly effective.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and is 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 derivatives, which is immaterial for the periods reported, is recognized directly in earnings (included in Other on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income).

Amounts reported in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to Interest Expense as interest payments are made on the Company's variable-rate debt. The Company estimates that an additional $2,247,000 will be reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) as an increase to Interest Expense over the next twelve months.

As of January 1, 2013, the Company changed its valuation methodology for over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives to discount cash flows based on Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) rates.  Uncollateralized or partially-collateralized trades are discounted at OIS, but include appropriate economic adjustments for funding costs (i.e., a LIBOR-OIS basis adjustment to approximate uncollateralized cost of funds) and credit risk.  The Company made the changes to better align its inputs, assumptions, and pricing methodologies with those used in its principal market by most dealers and major market participants.  The changes in valuation methodology were applied prospectively as a change in accounting estimate and are immaterial to the Company's financial statements.

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:

Interest Rate Derivative

Notional Amount as of June 30, 2014

Notional Amount as of December 31, 2013

Interest Rate Swap

$80,000,000

$80,000,000

Interest Rate Swap

$60,000,000

$60,000,000

Interest Rate Swap

$15,000,000

$15,000,000

The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. See Note 17 for additional information on the fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps.

Derivatives

Derivatives

As of June 30, 2014

As of December 31, 2013

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:

Interest rate swap assets

Other Assets

$

816,000

Other Assets

$

1,692,000

Interest rate swap liabilities

Other Liabilities

2,130,000

Other Liabilities

244,000

The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2014

2013

2014

2013

(In thousands)

DERIVATIVES IN CASH FLOW HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS

Interest Rate Swaps:

Amount of income (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on derivatives

$

(2,321

)

1,966

(3,922

)

2,039

Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Interest Expense

(581

)

(152

)

(1,145

)

(301

)

See Note 11 for additional information on the Company's Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) resulting from its interest rate swaps.

Derivative financial agreements expose the Company to credit risk in the event of non-performance by the counterparties under the terms of the interest rate hedge agreements. The Company believes it minimizes the credit risk by transacting with major credit-worthy financial institutions.

The Company has an agreement with its derivative counterparty containing a provision stating that the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender.

As of June 30, 2014, the fair value of derivatives in an asset position related to these agreements was $816,000, and the fair value of derivatives in a liability position related to these agreements was $2,130,000. If the Company breached any of the contractual provisions of the derivative contracts, it would be required to settle its obligation under the agreements at the swap termination value. As of June 30, 2014, the swap termination value of derivatives in an asset position was an asset in the amount of $838,000, and the swap termination value of derivatives in a liability position was a liability in the amount of $2,125,000.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The Company applies ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, which requires companies to present basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS).  Basic EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period.  The Company’s basic EPS is calculated by dividing Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding does not include any potentially dilutive securities or any unvested restricted shares of common stock. These unvested restricted shares, although classified as issued and outstanding, are considered forfeitable until the restrictions lapse and will not be included in the basic earnings per share calculation until the shares are vested.
	Diluted EPS represents the amount of earnings for the period attributable to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period and to each share that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the reporting period.  The Company calculates diluted EPS by dividing Net Income Attributable to EastGroup Properties, Inc. Common Stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock and stock options had the options been exercised.  The dilutive effect of stock options and their equivalents (such as unvested restricted stock) is determined using the treasury stock method which assumes exercise of the options as of the beginning of the period or when issued, if later, and assumes proceeds from the exercise of options are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period.
	Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		June 30,			June 30,
		2014		2013	2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
	Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$	9,118	7,643	17,490	14,797
	Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding	31,137		29,991	30,972	29,900
	DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
	Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$	9,118	7,643	17,490	14,797
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	31,137		29,991	30,972	29,900
	Common stock options	—		1	—	2
	Unvested restricted stock	107		104	91	88
	Total Shares	31,244		30,096	31,063	29,990

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company follows the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation, to account for its stock-based compensation plans. ASC 718 requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements and that the cost be measured on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.
	Stock-based compensation cost for employees was $1,348,000 and $3,417,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, of which $321,000 and $832,000 were capitalized as part of the Company’s development costs. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, stock-based compensation cost for employees was $1,008,000 and $2,839,000, respectively, of which $141,000 and $692,000 were capitalized as part of the Company's development costs.
	Stock-based compensation expense for directors was $120,000 and $239,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, and $90,000 and $180,000 for the same periods of 2013.
	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an equity compensation plan for its executive officers based upon certain annual performance measures (primarily funds from operations (FFO) per share and total shareholder return).  Any shares issued pursuant to this compensation plan will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion and issued in the first quarter of 2015.  The number of shares to be issued on the grant date could range from zero to 44,524.  These shares will vest 20% on the date shares are determined and awarded and generally will vest 20% per year on each January 1 for the subsequent four years.
	Also in the second quarter of 2014, EastGroup’s Board of Directors approved a long-term equity compensation plan for the Company’s executive officers. The awards will be based on the results of the Company's total shareholder return, both on an absolute basis for 2014 as well as on a relative basis compared to the NAREIT Equity Index, NAREIT Industrial Index and Russell 2000 Index over the five-year period ending December 31, 2014. Any shares issued pursuant to this equity compensation plan will be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion and issued in the first quarter of 2015.  The number of shares to be issued on the grant date could range from zero to 46,719.  These shares will vest 25% on the date shares are determined and awarded and generally will vest 25% per year on each January 1 for the subsequent three years.
	Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares issued to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, David H. Hoster II, and Chief Financial Officer, N. Keith McKey, will become fully vested no later than January 1, 2016 and April 6, 2016, respectively.
	Following is a summary of the total restricted shares granted, forfeited and delivered (vested) to participants with the related weighted average grant date fair value share prices.  Of the shares that vested in the first six months of 2014, the Company withheld 31,417 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those participants who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan.  As of the vesting date, the fair value of shares that vested during the first six months of 2014 was $5,656,000.
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	Award Activity:	June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014
			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		Shares			Shares
	Unvested at beginning of period	269,516	$	49.84	294,406		$	47.19
	Granted	—	—		71,642		61.96
	Forfeited	—	—		—		—
	Vested	—	—		(96,532	)	50.75
	Unvested at end of period	269,516	$	49.84	269,516		$	49.84

RISKS_AND_UNCERTAINTIES

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Risks and Uncertainties	'
	RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
	The state of the overall economy can significantly impact the Company’s operational performance and thus impact its financial position.  Should EastGroup experience a significant decline in operational performance, it may affect the Company’s ability to make distributions to its shareholders, service debt, or meet other financial obligations.

RECENT_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMEN

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	EastGroup has evaluated all ASUs recently released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that ASU 2014-08 (as discussed in Note 7) and ASU 2014-09 (discussed below) apply to the Company.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  ASC 820 also provides guidance for using fair value to measure financial assets and liabilities.  The Codification requires disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, including measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active (Level 2), and significant valuation assumptions that are not readily observable in the market (Level 3).
	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		Carrying Amount (1)		Fair Value	Carrying Amount (1)	Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	19	19	8	8
	Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	8,798		9,004	8,870	9,040
	Interest rate swap assets	816		816	1,692	1,692
	Financial Liabilities:
	Secured debt	488,632		516,341	499,793	519,390
	Unsecured debt	305,000		303,060	305,000	294,860
	Unsecured bank credit facilities	142,392		142,826	88,952	89,140
	Interest rate swap liabilities	2,130		2,130	244	244
	(1) Carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below.
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
	Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.
	Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount (included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets):  The fair value is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities (Level 2 input).
	Interest rate swap assets (included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets): The instruments are recorded at fair value based on models using inputs, such as interest rate yield curves, LIBOR swap curves and OIS curves, observable for substantially the full term of the contract (Level 2 input). See Note 12 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swaps.
	Secured debt: The fair value of the Company’s secured debt is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).
	Unsecured debt:  The fair value of the Company’s unsecured debt is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities, as advised by the Company’s bankers (Level 2 input).
	Unsecured bank credit facilities: The fair value of the Company’s unsecured bank credit facilities is estimated by discounting expected cash flows at current market rates (Level 2 input).
	Interest rate swap liabilities (included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets): The instruments are recorded at fair value based on models using inputs, such as interest rate yield curves, LIBOR swap curves and OIS curves, observable for substantially the full term of the contract (Level 2 input). See Note 12 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swaps.

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	EastGroup closed the sale of Tampa West Distribution Center VI in July 2014, as discussed in Note 7.
	On July 10, 2014, the Company repaid a mortgage loan with a June 30, 2014 balance of $26.6 million, an interest rate of 5.68% and a maturity date of October 10, 2014.
	In July 2014, EastGroup executed a term sheet relating to a $75 million unsecured term loan which is expected to close in late July. The loan will have a five year term and interest only payments. It will bear interest at the annual rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin (currently 1.15%) based on the Company's senior unsecured long-term debt rating. Also in July, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to convert the loan's LIBOR rate component to a fixed interest rate for the entire term of the loan providing a total effective fixed interest rate of 2.846%.
	Also subsequent to June 30, 2014, EastGroup began construction of West Road III, a 78,000 square foot business distribution building in Houston with a projected total cost of $5.0 million. The Company also began construction of Thousand Oaks 4 in San Antonio. The business distribution building will contain 66,000 square feet and has a projected total cost of $5.1 million.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EastGroup Properties, Inc., its wholly owned subsidiaries and its investment in any joint ventures in which the Company has a controlling interest.  At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had a controlling interest in two joint ventures: the 80% owned University Business Center and the 80% owned Castilian Research Center.  The Company records 100% of the joint ventures’ assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests provided for in accordance with the joint venture agreements.  The equity method of accounting is used for the Company’s 50% undivided tenant-in-common interest in Industry Distribution Center II.  All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses during the reporting period and to disclose material contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Business Combinations	'
	Upon acquisition of real estate properties, the Company applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations, which requires that acquisition-related costs be recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.  The Codification also provides guidance on how to properly determine the allocation of the purchase price among the individual components of both the tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values.  Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired.  Factors considered by management in allocating the cost of the properties acquired include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases.  The allocation to tangible assets (land, building and improvements) is based upon management's determination of the value of the property as if it were vacant using discounted cash flow models.  The Company determines whether any financing assumed is above or below market based upon comparison to similar financing terms for similar properties.  The cost of the properties acquired may be adjusted based on indebtedness assumed from the seller that is determined to be above or below market rates.
	The purchase price is also allocated among the following categories of intangible assets:  the above or below market component of in-place leases, the value of in-place leases, and the value of customer relationships.  The value allocable to the above or below market component of an acquired in-place lease is determined based upon the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the acquired leases) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term, and (ii) management’s estimate of the amounts that would be paid using fair market rates over the remaining term of the lease.  The amounts allocated to above and below market leases are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.  The total amount of intangible assets is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based upon management’s assessment of their respective values.  These intangible assets are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the remaining term of the existing lease, or the anticipated life of the customer relationship, as applicable.
Discontinued Operations	'
	The Company considers a real estate property to be held for sale when it meets the criteria established under ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, including when it is probable that the property will be sold within a year.  Real estate properties held for sale are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated while they are held for sale.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 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, which amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under ASU 2014-08, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when the component or group of components meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale or when the component or group of components is disposed of by sale or other than by sale. In addition, this ASU requires additional disclosures about both discontinued operations and the disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2014-08 beginning with the period ended March 31, 2014, and has applied the provisions prospectively.
	Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-08, the results of operations for the operating properties sold or held for sale during the reported periods were shown under Discontinued Operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Interest expense was not generally allocated to the properties held for sale or whose operations were included under Discontinued Operations unless the mortgage was required to be paid in full upon the sale of the property.

REAL_ESTATE_PROPERTIES_Tables

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Real Estate Properties	'
	The Company’s real estate properties and development at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Real estate properties:
	Land	$	274,860		265,871
	Buildings and building improvements	1,249,926			1,210,318
	Tenant and other improvements	315,702			302,370
	Development	184,618			148,767
		2,025,106			1,927,326
	Less accumulated depreciation	(576,182		)	(550,113	)
		$	1,448,924		1,377,213

REAL_ESTATE_HELD_FOR_SALEDISCO

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE/DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (TABLES)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents the components of revenue and expense for the properties sold during 2013.
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	2014		2013		2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	Income from real estate operations	$	—	83		—	157
	Expenses from real estate operations	—		(21	)	—	(41	)
	Property net operating income from discontinued operations	—		62		—	116
	Depreciation and amortization	—		(27	)	—	(80	)
	Income from discontinued operations	$	—	35		—	36

OTHER_ASSETS_Tables

OTHER ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Assets	'
	A summary of the Company’s Other Assets follows:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$	50,350		48,473
	Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(19,889		)	(18,855	)
	Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	30,461			29,618
	Straight-line rents receivable	24,886			24,030
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(269		)	(376	)
	Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	24,617			23,654
	Accounts receivable	3,745			4,863
	Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(343		)	(349	)
	Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	3,402			4,514
	Acquired in-place lease intangibles	20,380			16,793
	Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(6,626		)	(5,366	)
	Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	13,754			11,427
	Acquired above market lease intangibles	1,623			1,835
	Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(610		)	(659	)
	Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,013			1,176
	Mortgage loans receivable	8,816			8,894
	Discount on mortgage loans receivable	(18		)	(24	)
	Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	8,798			8,870
	Loan costs	8,091			8,050
	Accumulated amortization of loan costs	(4,207		)	(3,601	)
	Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	3,884			4,449
	Interest rate swap assets	816			1,692
	Goodwill	990			990
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,673			7,037
	Total Other Assets	$	96,408		93,427

ACCOUNTS_PAYABLE_AND_ACCRUED_E1

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Summary of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	A summary of the Company’s Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses follows:
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	Property taxes payable	$	14,870	15,507
	Development costs payable	19,755		7,679
	Interest payable	3,594		3,658
	Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,807		1,928
	Other payables and accrued expenses	4,991		8,332
	Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	$	45,017	37,104

OTHER_LIABILITIES_Tables

OTHER LIABILITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of other liabilities	'
	A summary of the Company’s Other Liabilities follows:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	Security deposits	$	12,086		11,359
	Prepaid rent and other deferred income	8,434			10,101
	Acquired below-market lease intangibles	3,649			2,972
	Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles	(1,016		)	(874	)
	Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	2,633			2,098
	Interest rate swap liabilities	2,130			244
	Prepaid tenant improvement reimbursements	1,497			40
	Other liabilities	16			16
	Total Other Liabilities	$	26,796		23,858

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Tables

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) are presented in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and are summarized below. See Note 12 for information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps.
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
	Balance at beginning of period	$	592		(170	)	1,629		(392	)
	Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	(1,740		)	2,118		(2,777	)	2,340
	Balance at end of period	$	(1,148	)	1,948		(1,148	)	1,948

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk:
	Interest Rate Derivative		Notional Amount as of June 30, 2014		Notional Amount as of December 31, 2013
	Interest Rate Swap		$80,000,000		$80,000,000
	Interest Rate Swap		$60,000,000		$60,000,000
	Interest Rate Swap		$15,000,000		$15,000,000
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below presents the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. See Note 17 for additional information on the fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps.
		Derivatives						Derivatives
		As of June 30, 2014						As of December 31, 2013
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate swap assets	Other Assets		$	816,000			Other Assets		$	1,692,000
	Interest rate swap liabilities	Other Liabilities		2,130,000				Other Liabilities		244,000
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below presents the effect of the Company's derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
		(In thousands)
	DERIVATIVES IN CASH FLOW HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS
	Interest Rate Swaps:
	Amount of income (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on derivatives	$	(2,321	)		1,966			(3,922	)		2,039
	Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Interest Expense	(581		)		(152	)		(1,145	)		(301	)

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows:
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
		June 30,			June 30,
		2014		2013	2014	2013
		(In thousands)
	BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
	Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$	9,118	7,643	17,490	14,797
	Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding	31,137		29,991	30,972	29,900
	DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
	Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$	9,118	7,643	17,490	14,797
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	31,137		29,991	30,972	29,900
	Common stock options	—		1	—	2
	Unvested restricted stock	107		104	91	88
	Total Shares	31,244		30,096	31,063	29,990

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of total shares granted, forfeited and delivered	'
	Following is a summary of the total restricted shares granted, forfeited and delivered (vested) to participants with the related weighted average grant date fair value share prices.  Of the shares that vested in the first six months of 2014, the Company withheld 31,417 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those participants who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan.  As of the vesting date, the fair value of shares that vested during the first six months of 2014 was $5,656,000.
		Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
	Award Activity:	June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014
			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		Shares			Shares
	Unvested at beginning of period	269,516	$	49.84	294,406		$	47.19
	Granted	—	—		71,642		61.96
	Forfeited	—	—		—		—
	Vested	—	—		(96,532	)	50.75
	Unvested at end of period	269,516	$	49.84	269,516		$	49.84

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying amounts and fair value of financial instruments	'
	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments in accordance with ASC 820 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		Carrying Amount (1)		Fair Value	Carrying Amount (1)	Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	19	19	8	8
	Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	8,798		9,004	8,870	9,040
	Interest rate swap assets	816		816	1,692	1,692
	Financial Liabilities:
	Secured debt	488,632		516,341	499,793	519,390
	Unsecured debt	305,000		303,060	305,000	294,860
	Unsecured bank credit facilities	142,392		142,826	88,952	89,140
	Interest rate swap liabilities	2,130		2,130	244	244
	(1) Carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below.

PRINCIPLES_OF_CONSOLIDATION_De

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (Details)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	joint_ventures	joint_ventures
Subsidiaries [Line Items]	'	'
Joint Ventures	2	2
University Business Center [Member]	'	'
Subsidiaries [Line Items]	'	'
Joint venture ownership interest	80.00%	80.00%
Joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests	100.00%	100.00%
Castilian Research Center [Member]	'	'
Subsidiaries [Line Items]	'	'
Joint venture ownership interest	80.00%	80.00%
Joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests	100.00%	100.00%
Industry Distribution Center II - undivided tenant [Member]	'	'
Subsidiaries [Line Items]	'	'
Tenant-in-common interest	50.00%	50.00%

REAL_ESTATE_PROPERTIES_Details

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation Expense During the Period	$14,094,000	$13,494,000	$28,067,000	$26,551,000	'
Real Estate Properties	'	'	'	'	'
Land	274,860,000	'	274,860,000	'	265,871,000
Building and building improvements	1,249,926,000	'	1,249,926,000	'	1,210,318,000
Tenant and other improvements	315,702,000	'	315,702,000	'	302,370,000
Development	184,618,000	'	184,618,000	'	148,767,000
Real estate and development properties	2,025,106,000	'	2,025,106,000	'	1,927,326,000
Less accumulated depreciation	-576,182,000	'	-576,182,000	'	-550,113,000
Real estate, net	$1,448,924,000	'	$1,448,924,000	'	$1,377,213,000
Building [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'	'	'40 years	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Improvements [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Improvements [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	'	'	'15 years	'	'

DEVELOPMENT_Details

DEVELOPMENT (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DEVELOPMENT [Abstract]	'
Percentage of Property Occupation by Tenants when Development Cost Ceased Being Capitalized	80.00%
Length of Time After Project Completion When Development Cost are no Longer Capitalized	'1 year

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_AND_ACQU1

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Ridge Creek Distribution Center III and Colorado Crossing Distribution Center [Domain]

Ridge Creek Distribution Center III and Colorado Crossing Distribution Center [Domain]

Ridge Creek Distribution Center III and Colorado Crossing Distribution Center [Domain]

Ridge Creek Distribution Center III and Colorado Crossing Distribution Center [Domain]

Northfield Distribution Center and Interchange Park II [Domain]

Northfield Distribution Center and Interchange Park II [Domain]

Northfield Distribution Center and Interchange Park II [Domain]

Northfield Distribution Center and Interchange Park II [Domain]

Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]

Below market lease [Member]

Above Market Leases [Member]

Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]

Below market lease [Member]

Above Market Leases [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense for lease intangibles

$1,121,000

$999,000

$2,333,000

$1,777,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Above and below market leases Increase (decrease) rental Income

89,000

27,000

176,000

-10,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cost of properties purchased

'

'

'

'

41,751,000

'

'

'

72,397,000

'

'

'

Amount of total cost allocated to real estate properties

'

'

'

'

37,964,000

'

'

'

65,387,000

'

'

'

Amount of total cost allocated to land

'

'

'

'

7,061,000

'

'

'

13,218,000

'

'

'

Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate

'

'

'

'

'

4,660,000

877,000

4,000

'

8,399,000

1,547,000

158,000

Acquisition-related costs expensed

$160,000

$138,000

$160,000

$167,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

REAL_ESTATE_HELD_FOR_SALE_DISC1

REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 21, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 21, 2014
					Oklahoma City property sale [Member]	Tampa property sales [Member]	Sale of real estate property [Domain]	Sale of real estate property [Domain]	Sale of real estate property [Domain]
					sqft	sqft	Integer	Tampa West Distribution Center VI [Domain]	Tampa West Distribution Center VI [Domain]
					Integer	Integer			sqft
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties transferred to held for sale and sold	'	'	'	'	1	3	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties held for sale	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	'
Square Footage of Real Estate Property	'	'	'	'	58,000	49,000	'	'	9,000
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	'	'	'	'	$3,600,000	$3,198,000	'	$743,000	'
Real Estate Held-for-sale, Gain on Sale	'	'	'	'	95,000	798,000	'	'	'
Income from real estate operations	0	83,000	0	157,000	'	'	'	'	'
Expenses from real estate operations	0	-21,000	0	-41,000	'	'	'	'	'
Property net operating income from discontinued operations	0	62,000	0	116,000	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations	0	-27,000	0	-80,000	'	'	'	'	'
Income from real estate operations	0	35,000	0	36,000	'	'	'	'	'
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	$0	$35,000	$0	$36,000	'	'	'	'	'

OTHER_ASSETS_Details

OTHER ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Assets, Unclassified [Abstract]	'	'
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$50,350	$48,473
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	-19,889	-18,855
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	30,461	29,618
Straight-line rents receivable	24,886	24,030
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	-269	-376
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	24,617	23,654
Accounts receivable	3,745	4,863
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	-343	-349
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	3,402	4,514
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	20,380	16,793
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	-6,626	-5,366
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	13,754	11,427
Acquired above market lease intangibles	1,623	1,835
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	-610	-659
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	1,013	1,176
Mortgage loans receivable	8,816	8,894
Discount on mortgage loans receivable	-18	-24
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	8,798	8,870
Loan costs	8,091	8,050
Accumulated amortization of loan costs	-4,207	-3,601
Loan costs, net of accumulated amortization	3,884	4,449
Interest rate swap assets	816	1,692
Goodwill	990	990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,673	7,037
Other Assets Total	$96,408	$93,427

ACCOUNTS_PAYABLE_AND_ACCRUED_E2

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Property taxes payable	$14,870	$15,507
Development costs payable	19,755	7,679
Interest payable	3,594	3,658
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock	1,807	1,928
Other payables and accrued expenses	4,991	8,332
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$45,017	$37,104

OTHER_LIABILITIES_Details

OTHER LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities, Unclassified [Abstract]	'	'
Security deposits	$12,086	$11,359
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	8,434	10,101
Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles	3,649	2,972
Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles	-1,016	-874
Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles, Net of Accumulated Amortization	2,633	2,098
Interest rate swap liabilities	2,130	244
Prepaid tenant improvement reimbursements	1,497	40
Other liabilities	16	16
Other Liabilities - total	$26,796	$23,858

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Details

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$592	($170)	$1,629	($392)
Net unrealized change in fair value of interest rate swaps	-1,740	2,118	-2,777	2,340
Balance at End of Period, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	($1,148)	$1,948	($1,148)	$1,948

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details) (USD $)

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 21, 2014

Integer

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

$80 million interest rate swap [Member]

$80 million interest rate swap [Member]

$80 million interest rate swap [Member]

Eighty Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]

Eighty Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]

$60 million interest rate swap [Member]

$60 million interest rate swap [Member]

$15 million interest rate swap [Member]

$15 million interest rate swap [Member]

Seventy-five Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]

$75 million interest rate swaps [Member]

Seventy-five Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Assets [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Other Liabilities [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of interest rate swaps

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$80,000,000

$80,000,000

$80,000,000

'

'

$60,000,000

$60,000,000

$15,000,000

$15,000,000

'

$75,000,000

'

Number of interest rate swaps entered into during period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

Term Loan Notional Amount Associated with Interest Rate Swap Derivative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,000,000

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

Effective Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.85%

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Assets at Fair Value

816,000

1,692,000

'

'

'

'

816,000

1,692,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate cash flow hedge liabilities at fair value

2,130,000

244,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,130,000

244,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net

'

'

-2,321,000

1,966,000

-3,922,000

2,039,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense

'

'

-581,000

-152,000

-1,145,000

-301,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flow hedge amount to be reclassified to Interest Expense in next 12 months [Line Items]

'

'

2,247,000

'

2,247,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swap cash flow hedge termination value

'

'

'

'

'

'

$838,000

'

$2,125,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'
Numerator b net income attributable to common stockholders	$9,118	$7,643	$17,490	$14,797
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	31,137	29,991	30,972	29,900
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	'	'	'	'
Numerator b net income attributable to common stockholders	$9,118	$7,643	$17,490	$14,797
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	31,137	29,991	30,972	29,900
Common stock options	0	1	0	2
Unvested restricted stock	107	104	91	88
Total Shares	31,244	30,096	31,063	29,990

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	'	'	$3,908,000	'
Award Recipient Type Employees and Directors [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$0	'	$61.96	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Unvested at beginning of period (in shares)	269,516	'	294,406	'
Granted (in shares)	0	'	71,642	'
Forfeited (in shares)	0	'	0	'
Vested (in shares)	0	'	-96,532	'
Unvested at end of period (in shares)	269,516	'	269,516	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unvested at beginning of period (per share)	$49.84	'	$47.19	'
Granted (per share)	$0	'	$61.96	'
Forfeited (per share)	$0	'	$0	'
Vested (per share)	$0	'	$50.75	'
Unvested at end of period (per share)	$49.84	'	$49.84	'
Award Recipient Type Employees and Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares withheld for tax obligations	'	'	31,417	'
Fair value of shares vested as of the vesting date	'	'	5,656,000	'
Award Recipient Type Director [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	120,000	90,000	239,000	180,000
Award Recipient Type Employee [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation costs capitalized as development costs	321,000	141,000	832,000	692,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$1,348,000	$1,008,000	$3,417,000	$2,839,000
Award Recipient Type Employee [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2013 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Company Performance Awards [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Possible Shares To Be Awarded Vesting Rights (% Vesting Per Year in Future Years)	'	'	20.00%	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Potential Grants in Future Period (minimum)	'	'	0	'
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Potential Grants in Future Period (maximum)	'	'	44,524	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Percent of future vesting that will occur on grant date	'	'	20.00%	'
Award Recipient Type Employee [Member] | Equity Incentive Plan 2013 [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Shareholder Return Awards [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Possible Shares To Be Awarded Vesting Rights (% Vesting Per Year in Future Years)	'	'	25.00%	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Potential Grants in Future Period (minimum)	'	'	0	'
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Potential Grants in Future Period (maximum)	'	'	46,719	'
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Percent of future vesting that will occur on grant date	'	'	25.00%	'

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU2

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$19	$8	$10	$1,258
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	19	8	'	'
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	8,798	8,870	'	'
Interest rate swap assets	816	1,692	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Secured debt	488,632	499,793	'	'
Unsecured debt	305,000	305,000	'	'
Unsecured bank credit facilities	142,392	88,952	'	'
Interest rate swap liabilities	2,130	244	'	'
Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'	'
Financial Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	19	8	'	'
Mortgage loans receivable, net of discount	9,004	9,040	'	'
Interest rate swap assets	816	1,692	'	'
Financial Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Secured debt	516,341	519,390	'	'
Unsecured debt	303,060	294,860	'	'
Unsecured bank credit facilities	142,826	89,140	'	'
Interest rate swap liabilities	$2,130	$244	'	'

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 21, 2014
Mortgage loan repayment [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Subsequent Event, Date	10-Jul-14
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$26.60
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.68%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	10-Oct-14
Seventy-five Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Margin over LIBOR rate	1.15%
Effective Interest Rate	2.85%
Unsecured debt, notional amount	75
Unsecured debt, term (in years)	5
West Road III [Domain] | Development starts during period [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Size (in square feet) of development start	78,000
Projected total cost for development starts	5
Thousand Oaks IV [Domain] | Development starts during period [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Size (in square feet) of development start	66,000
Projected total cost for development starts	$5.10