EastGroup Properties (EGP) 10-Q 24 Apr 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 21, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EastGroup Properties Inc
Entity Central Index Key	49,600
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			$ 2,188,222,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,897,304
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - U

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Real estate properties	$ 2,207,734,000	$ 2,113,073,000
Development	244,313,000	293,908,000
Real estate and development properties	2,452,047,000	2,406,981,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(710,875,000)	(694,250,000)
Real estate, net	1,741,172,000	1,712,731,000
Unconsolidated investment	7,724,000	7,681,000
Cash	44,000	522,000
Other Assets	107,490,000	104,830,000
TOTAL ASSETS	1,856,430,000	1,825,764,000
LIABILITIES
Unsecured bank credit facilities	199,305,000	190,990,000
Unsecured debt	652,950,000	652,838,000
Secured debt	253,986,000	257,505,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	43,730,000	52,701,000
Other liabilities	31,478,000	29,864,000
Total Liabilities	1,181,449,000	1,183,898,000
Stockholders' Equity:
Common shares; $.0001 par value; 70,000,000 shares authorized; 33,897,304 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and 33,332,213 at December 31, 2016	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	989,009,000	949,318,000
Distributions in excess of earnings	(321,775,000)	(313,655,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3,405,000	1,995,000
Total Stockholders' Equity	670,642,000	637,661,000
Noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	4,339,000	4,205,000
Total Equity	674,981,000	641,866,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 1,856,430,000	$ 1,825,764,000

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - 3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common shares, authorized	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common shares, issued	33,897,304	33,332,213
Common shares, outstanding	33,897,304	33,332,213
Excess shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Excess shares, authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Excess shares, issued	0	0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Unaudited - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
REVENUES
Income from real estate operations	$ 66,137	$ 61,568
Other income	17	21
Revenues	66,154	61,589
EXPENSES
Expenses from real estate operations	19,007	17,820
Depreciation and amortization	20,225	19,162
General and administrative	5,478	5,312
Expenses	44,710	42,294
OPERATING INCOME	21,444	19,295
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense	(8,686)	(9,065)
Gain on Sales of Real Estate Investments	0	11,332
Other	215	268
Net Income	12,973	21,830
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint ventures	(154)	(119)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	12,819	21,711
Other comprehensive income (loss) - cash flow hedges	1,410	(5,397)
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 14,229	$ 16,314
BASIC PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.38	$ 0.67
Weighted average shares outstanding	33,361	32,254
DILUTED PER COMMON SHARE DATA FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.38	$ 0.67
Weighted average shares outstanding	33,409	32,307
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 12,819	$ 21,711

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Distributions In Excess Of Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Ventures
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 641,866	$ 3	$ 949,318	$ (313,655)	$ 1,995	$ 4,205
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	12,973	0	0	12,819	0	154
Net unrealized change in fair value of interest rate swaps	1,410	0	0	0	1,410	0
Common dividends declared - $.62 per share	(20,939)	0	0	(20,939)	0	0
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures	2,683	0	2,683	0	0	0
Issuance of 544,144 shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses	39,456	0	39,456	0	0	0
Issuance of 782 shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan	57	0	57	0	0	0
Withheld 33,695 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	(2,505)	0	(2,505)	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(120)	0	0	0	0	(120)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	100	0	0	0	0	100
BALANCE at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 674,981	$ 3	$ 989,009	$ (321,775)	$ 3,405	$ 4,339

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Unaudited (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Common dividends declared - per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.62
Issuance of shares of common stock, common stock offering, net of expenses	544,144
Issuance of shares of common stock, dividend reinvestment plan	782
Withheld shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock	33,695

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income	$ 12,973	$ 21,830
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations	20,225	19,162
Stock-based compensation expense	2,357	2,790
Gain on sales of real estate investments and non-operating real estate	40	(11,342)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued income and other assets	1,625	1,504
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid rent	(13,671)	(15,267)
Other	264	(24)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	23,813	18,653
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Real estate development	(22,178)	(16,598)
Purchases of real estate	(20,611)	0
Real estate improvements	(4,270)	(6,054)
Proceeds from sales of real estate investments and non-operating real estate	773	18,974
Repayments on mortgage loans receivable	32	30
Changes in accrued development costs	5,153	(724)
Changes in other assets and other liabilities	(3,266)	(2,392)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(44,367)	(6,764)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from unsecured bank credit facilities	84,734	76,646
Repayments on unsecured bank credit facilities	(76,518)	(60,309)
Repayments on secured debt	(3,526)	(4,656)
Debt issuance costs	(87)	(289)
Distributions paid to stockholders (not including dividends accrued on unvested restricted stock)	(21,515)	(20,413)
Proceeds from common stock offerings	39,456	0
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment plan	57	64
Other	(2,525)	(2,968)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	20,076	(11,925)
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(478)	(36)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	522	48
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	44	12
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized of $1,646 and $1,162 for 2017 and 2016, respectively	$ 7,721	$ 8,835

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized	$ 1,646	$ 1,162

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 2016 annual report on Form 10-K and the notes thereto. Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2016 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2017 presentation.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had a controlling interest in one joint venture, the 80% owned University Business Center. EastGroup previously owned 80% of Castilian Research Center. During the second quarter of 2016, Castilian Research Center was sold, and the joint venture was subsequently terminated. 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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, liabilities, 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 that permit 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company did not identify any impairment charges which should be recorded. 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 was $ 16,634,000 and $15,666,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company’s Real estate properties and Development at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Real estate properties: Land $ 320,555 308,931 Buildings and building improvements 1,506,363 1,435,309 Tenant and other improvements 380,816 368,833 Development 244,313 293,908 2,452,047 2,406,981 Less accumulated depreciation (710,875 ) (694,250 ) $ 1,741,172 1,712,731

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
DEVELOPMENT [Abstract]
Development	DEVELOPMENT For properties under development and properties acquired in the development stage, 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 related to such development activities. The internal costs are allocated to specific development properties based on development 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, including interest expense, property taxes and internal personnel costs, ceases. The properties are then transferred to Real estate properties , and depreciation commences on the entire property (excluding the land).

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUISITIO

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Real Estate Property Acquisitions and Acquired Intangibles	REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES Upon acquisition of real estate properties, EastGroup applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations. Prior to the Company's adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, effective October 1, 2016, acquisition-related costs were recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs were incurred and the services were received. As discussed in Note 18, beginning with acquisitions after October 1, 2016, the Company follows the guidance in ASU 2017-01, which provides a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Under the new guidance, companies are required to utilize an initial screening test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set is not a business. EastGroup has determined that its real estate property acquisition in the first quarter of 2017 is considered to be an acquisition of a group of similar identifiable assets; therefore, the acquisition is not considered to be an acquisition of a business. As a result, the Company has capitalized acquisition costs related to its first quarter 2017 acquisition. The FASB Codification 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 for business combinations 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 was $1,121,000 and $1,111,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Amortization of above and below market leases increased rental income by $ 136,000 and $125,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , EastGroup acquired Shiloh 400 in Atlanta, Georgia, for $20,347,000 of which $18,712,000 was allocated to Real estate properties. EastGroup allocated $3,092,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Atlanta market. The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (see Note 16 for additional information on ASC 820). Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $1,801,000 to in-place lease intangibles and $2,000 to above market leases (both included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets), and $168,000 to below market leases (included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). During the year ended December 31, 2016 , EastGroup acquired the following development-stage properties: Parc North in Fort Worth (Dallas), Weston Commerce Park in Weston (South Florida), and Jones Corporate Park in Las Vegas. At the time of acquisition, the properties were classified as under construction or in the lease-up phase of development. In addition, the Company acquired Flagler Center, a three -building business distribution complex in Jacksonville, Florida. The properties purchased in 2016 were acquired for a total cost of $112,158,000 , of which $22,228,000 was allocated to Real estate properties and $84,490,000 was allocated to Development . EastGroup allocated $29,164,000 of the total purchase price to land using third party land valuations for the Dallas, South Florida, Las Vegas and Jacksonville markets. The market values are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820. Intangibles associated with the purchase of real estate were allocated as follows: $5,941,000 to in-place lease intangibles and $393,000 to above market leases (included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets), and $894,000 to below market leases (included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets). The intangible assets, including in-place lease intangibles, above market leases and below market leases, are amortized over the remaining lives of the associated leases in place at the time of acquisition. 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 or other intangibles existed at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

REAL ESTATE SOLD AND HELD FOR S

REAL ESTATE SOLD AND HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Real Estate Sold and Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	REAL ESTATE SOLD AND 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 accordance with FASB 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, the Company would report a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity 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, the Company would provide 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. EastGroup performs an analysis of properties sold to determine whether the sales qualify for discontinued operations presentation. The Company did not classify any properties as held for sale as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company does not consider its sales in 2016 and the first three months of 2017 to be disposals of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results. The Company did not sell any operating properties during the first three months of 2017 . During the first quarter of 2017, the Company sold 5 acres of land in Dallas for $850,000 and recognized a loss of $40,000 . During 2016, EastGroup sold the following operating properties: Northwest Point Distribution and Service Centers, North Stemmons II and III, America Plaza, Lockwood Distribution Center, West Loop Distribution Center 1 & 2, two of its four Interstate Commons Distribution Center buildings, Castilian Research Center and Memphis I. The properties, which contain 1,256,000 square feet and are located in Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Santa Barbara and Memphis, were sold for $75.7 million and the Company recognized net gains on the sales of $42.2 million . The Company also sold 25 acres of land in Houston, Dallas and Orlando for $5.4 million and recognized gains on sales of $733,000 . The results of operations and gains and losses on sales for the properties sold during the periods presented are reported in continuing operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The gains and losses on the sales of land are included in Other , and the gains on the sales of operating properties are included in Gain on sales of real estate investments .

OTHER ASSETS

OTHER ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	OTHER ASSETS A summary of the Company’s Other assets follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Leasing costs (principally commissions) $ 67,572 65,521 Accumulated amortization of leasing costs (25,548 ) (26,340 ) Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization 42,024 39,181 Straight-line rents receivable 28,908 28,369 Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable (79 ) (76 ) Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 28,829 28,293 Accounts receivable 4,075 6,824 Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable (565 ) (809 ) Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 3,510 6,015 Acquired in-place lease intangibles 21,911 21,231 Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles (8,642 ) (8,642 ) Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 13,269 12,589 Acquired above market lease intangibles 1,455 1,594 Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles (644 ) (736 ) Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 811 858 Mortgage loans receivable 4,720 4,752 Interest rate swap assets 5,243 4,546 Goodwill 990 990 Prepaid expenses and other assets 8,094 7,606 Total Other assets $ 107,490 104,830

DEBT

DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT Unsecured bank credit facilities increased $ 8,315,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , mainly due to proceeds of $84,734,000 exceeding repayments of $76,518,000 and the amortization of debt issuance costs during the period. Unsecured debt increased $112,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 , primarily due to the amortization of debt issuance costs. Secured debt decreased $ 3,519,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 . The decrease resulted from regularly scheduled principal payments of $3,526,000 and amortization of premiums on Secured debt , offset by the amortization of debt issuance costs during the period. The Company presents debt issuance costs as reductions of Secured debt, Unsecured debt and Unsecured bank credit facilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as detailed below. March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Unsecured bank credit facilities - variable rate, carrying amount $ 120,236 112,020 Unsecured bank credit facilities - fixed rate, carrying amount (1) 80,000 80,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (931 ) (1,030 ) Unsecured bank credit facilities 199,305 190,990 Unsecured debt - fixed rate, carrying amount (1) 655,000 655,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,050 ) (2,162 ) Unsecured debt 652,950 652,838 Secured debt - fixed rate, carrying amount (1) 255,060 258,594 Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,074 ) (1,089 ) Secured debt 253,986 257,505 Total debt $ 1,106,241 1,101,333 (1) These loans have a fixed interest rate or an effectively fixed interest rate due to interest rate swaps. Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, including Secured debt and Unsecured debt (not including Unsecured bank credit facilities ), as of March 31, 2017 are as follows: Years Ending December 31, (In thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ 54,703 2018 61,316 2019 130,569 2020 114,096 2021 129,563 2022 and beyond 419,813 Total $ 910,060

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EX

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Property taxes payable $ 11,043 14,186 Development costs payable 14,997 9,844 Property capital expenditures payable 4,582 2,304 Interest payable 4,481 3,822 Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock 954 1,530 Book overdraft (1) 2,015 14,452 Other payables and accrued expenses 5,658 6,563 Total Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 43,730 52,701 (1) Represents unfunded outstanding checks for which the bank has not advanced cash to the Company.

OTHER LIABILITIES

OTHER LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	OTHER LIABILITIES A summary of the Company’s Other liabilities follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Security deposits $ 15,301 14,782 Prepaid rent and other deferred income 11,392 9,795 Acquired below-market lease intangibles 4,162 4,012 Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles (1,829 ) (1,662 ) Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 2,333 2,350 Interest rate swap liabilities 1,865 2,578 Prepaid tenant improvement reimbursements 572 343 Other liabilities 15 16 Total Other liabilities $ 31,478 29,864

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 13 for information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps. Three Months Ended 2017 2016 (In thousands) ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): Balance at beginning of period $ 1,995 (3,456 ) Change in fair value of interest rate swaps 1,410 (5,397 ) Balance at end of period $ 3,405 (8,853 )

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDG

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 change variable interest rates to fixed interest rates by using interest rate swaps. 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 March 31, 2017 , the Company had seven interest rate swaps outstanding, all of which are used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with unsecured loans. All of the Company's interest rate swaps convert the related loans' LIBOR rate components to effectively fixed interest rates, and the Company has concluded that each of the hedging relationships is 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 through interest expense as interest payments are made 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 the swap interest payments will be $1,266,000 over the next twelve months. These payments approximate the expected cash interest payments for the swaps. Since the interest payments on the swaps in combination with the associated debt have been effectively fixed, this estimate is not in addition to the Company's total expected combined interest payments or expense for the next twelve months. The Company's valuation methodology for over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives is to discount cash flows based on Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) rates. Uncollateralized or partially-collateralized trades are discounted at OIS rates, 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 calculates its derivative valuations using mid-market prices. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 March 31, 2017 Notional Amount as of December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Interest Rate Swap $80,000 $80,000 Interest Rate Swap $75,000 $75,000 Interest Rate Swap $75,000 $75,000 Interest Rate Swap $65,000 $65,000 Interest Rate Swap $60,000 $60,000 Interest Rate Swap $40,000 $40,000 Interest Rate Swap $15,000 $15,000 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . See Note 16 for additional information on the fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps. Derivatives As of March 31, 2017 Derivatives As of December 31, 2016 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value (In thousands) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Interest rate swap assets Other assets $ 5,243 Other assets $ 4,546 Interest rate swap liabilities Other liabilities 1,865 Other liabilities 2,578 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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 (In thousands) DERIVATIVES IN CASH FLOW HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS Interest Rate Swaps: Amount of income (loss) recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) on derivatives $ 637 (6,324 ) Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Interest expense (773 ) (927 ) See Note 12 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 financial institutions the Company regards as credit-worthy. The Company has an agreement with its derivative counterparties 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 March 31, 2017 , the fair value of derivatives in an asset position related to these agreements was $5,243,000 , and the fair value of derivatives in a liability position related to these agreements was $1,865,000 . As of March 31, 2017 , the Company has not posted any collateral related to these arrangements. If the Company had breached any of the contractual provisions of the derivative contracts, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value. The swap termination value of derivatives in an asset position was an asset in the amount of $5,278,000 , and the swap termination value of derivatives in a liability position was a liability in the amount of $1,905,000 .

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 EPS 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. The dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock is determined using the treasury stock method. Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators in the basic and diluted EPS computations is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders $ 12,819 21,711 Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding 33,361 32,254 DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders $ 12,819 21,711 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding 33,361 32,254 Unvested restricted stock 48 53 Total Shares 33,409 32,307

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EastGroup applies 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 $2,681,000 and $3,014,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of which $486,000 and $357,000 were capitalized as part of the Company's development costs. Stock-based compensation expense for directors was $ 162,000 and $133,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In March 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the Committee) evaluated the Company's performance compared to certain annual performance measures (primarily funds from operations (FFO) per share and total shareholder return) for the year ended December 31, 2016. Based on the evaluation, 36,571 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at the grant date (March 2, 2017) fair value of $74.80 per share. These shares vested 20% on the date shares were determined and awarded and will vest 20% per year on January 1 in years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The shares are being expensed on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period. Also in March 2017, the Committee evaluated the Company’s total shareholder return, both on an absolute basis for 2016 as well as on a relative basis compared to the NAREIT Equity Index, NAREIT Industrial Index and Russell 2000 Index for the five-year period ended December 31, 2016. Based on the evaluation, 33,289 shares were awarded to the Company’s executive officers at the grant date (March 2, 2017) fair value of $74.80 per share. These shares vested 25% on the date shares were determined and awarded and will vest 25% per year on January 1 in years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The shares are being expensed on a straight-line basis over the remaining service period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the shares issued to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, N. Keith McKey, under these plans became fully vested on the grant date of the awards in the first quarter of 2017. 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 three months of 2017 , the Company withheld 33,695 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those participants who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan. As of the vesting dates, the aggregate fair value of shares that vested during the first three months of 2017 was $6,441,000 . Three Months Ended Award Activity: March 31, 2017 Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at beginning of period 162,191 $ 51.98 Granted 69,860 74.80 Forfeited (16,000 ) 36.98 Vested (86,728 ) 61.62 Unvested at end of period 129,323 $ 59.70

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUM

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, 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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount (1) Fair Value Carrying Amount (1) Fair Value (In thousands) Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 44 44 522 522 Mortgage loans receivable 4,720 4,720 4,752 4,747 Interest rate swap assets 5,243 5,243 4,546 4,546 Financial Liabilities: Unsecured bank credit facilities - variable rate (2) 120,236 120,127 112,020 111,923 Unsecured bank credit facilities - fixed rate (2) 80,000 79,999 80,000 79,998 Unsecured debt (2) 655,000 630,892 655,000 623,147 Secured debt (2) 255,060 263,226 258,594 266,585 Interest rate swap liabilities 1,865 1,865 2,578 2,578 (1) Carrying amounts shown in the table are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below. (2) Carrying amounts and fair values shown in the table exclude debt issuance costs (see Note 9 for additional information). 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 (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 13 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swaps. 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), excluding the effects of debt issuance costs. 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), excluding the effects of debt issuance costs. 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), excluding the effects of debt issuance costs. 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 13 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swaps.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 PRONOUNCEMENT

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Accounting Changes [Text Block]	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS EastGroup has evaluated all ASUs recently released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs 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 FASB issued further guidance in ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, that provides clarifying guidance in certain narrow areas and adds some practical expedients. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The effective date of ASU 2014-09 was extended by one year by ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method, and the Company is evaluating which transition method it will elect. The Company is also in the process of evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures beginning with the Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2018. EastGroup has performed an initial impact assessment and continues to evaluate its revenue streams and the potential impact of the new standard. In particular, the Company is evaluating the impact the new standard will have on revenue streams due under leases that are deemed to be non-lease components, such as common area maintenance reimbursements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized costs on the balance sheet. EastGroup plans to adopt ASU 2016-01 effective January 1, 2018. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The Company is a lessee on a limited number of leases, including office and ground leases, and the Company anticipates the related impact of ASU 2016-02 will not be material to its overall financial condition and results of operations. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged under ASU 2016-02. The Company's primary revenue is rental income; as such, the Company is a lessor on a significant number of leases. The Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impacts of the ASU and believes it will continue to account for its leases in substantially the same manner. The most significant change for the Company related to lessor accounting relates to the new standard's narrow definition of initial direct costs for leases; the new definition will result in certain costs (primarily legal costs related to lease negotiations) being expensed rather than capitalized upon adoption of the new standard. Public business entities are required to apply the amendments in ASU 2016-02 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. EastGroup plans to adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019. The Company is continuing the process of evaluating and quantifying the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures beginning with the Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The ASU is intended to improve the accounting for share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment awards are simplified with the ASU, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as equity or liabilities and classification on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years; early adoption is permitted. EastGroup adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. As a result, the Company elected to reverse compensation cost of any forfeited awards when they occur and will continue to classify the cash flows resulting from remitting cash to the tax authorities for the payment of taxes on the vesting of share-based payment awards as a financing activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In addition, upon vesting of share-based payments, the Company will withhold up to the maximum individual statutory tax rate and classify the entire award as equity. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses certain cash flow issues, including how debt prepayments or debt extinguishment costs and distributions received from equity method investees are presented. ASU 2016-15 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has adopted ASU 2016-15 effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The ASU is intended to provide a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Under the new guidance, companies are required to utilize an initial screening test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set is not a business. The Company has determined that some of its real estate property acquisitions may be considered to be acquisitions of groups of similar identifiable assets; therefore, the acquisitions are not considered to be acquisitions of a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years; early adoption is permitted and may be applied to transactions that have not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. EastGroup adopted ASU 2017-01 for transactions beginning on October 1, 2016. As a result, the Company has capitalized acquisition costs related to its fourth quarter 2016 and first quarter 2017 acquisitions as they were determined not to be acquisitions of a business. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Others (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement of performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017, and will apply the new guidance for goodwill impairment tests with measurement dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Notes)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent to quarter end, EastGroup acquired 30 acres of land in the Round Rock submarket of Austin for $5.3 million . EastGroup's plans for future development of the land include a master-planned, multi-phased development project to be named Settlers Crossing which will consist of four business distribution buildings totaling approximately 340,000 square feet.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the Company had a controlling interest in one joint venture, the 80% owned University Business Center. EastGroup previously owned 80% of Castilian Research Center. During the second quarter of 2016, Castilian Research Center was sold, and the joint venture was subsequently terminated. 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, liabilities, 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.
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 accordance with FASB 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, the Company would report a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity 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, the Company would provide 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. EastGroup performs an analysis of properties sold to determine whether the sales qualify for discontinued operations presentation. The Company did not classify any properties as held for sale as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company does not consider its sales in 2016 and the first three months of 2017 to be disposals of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's operations and financial results.
Real Estate Property Acquisitions and Acquired Intangibles [Policy Text Block]	Upon acquisition of real estate properties, EastGroup applies the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations. Prior to the Company's adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, effective October 1, 2016, acquisition-related costs were recognized as expenses in the periods in which the costs were incurred and the services were received. As discussed in Note 18, beginning with acquisitions after October 1, 2016, the Company follows the guidance in ASU 2017-01, which provides a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Under the new guidance, companies are required to utilize an initial screening test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set is not a business. EastGroup has determined that its real estate property acquisition in the first quarter of 2017 is considered to be an acquisition of a group of similar identifiable assets; therefore, the acquisition is not considered to be an acquisition of a business. As a result, the Company has capitalized acquisition costs related to its first quarter 2017 acquisition. The FASB Codification 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 for business combinations 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.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 EPS 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. The dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock is determined using the treasury stock method.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	EastGroup applies 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.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, 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).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]	EastGroup has evaluated all ASUs recently released by the FASB through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that the following ASUs 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 FASB issued further guidance in ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, that provides clarifying guidance in certain narrow areas and adds some practical expedients. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The effective date of ASU 2014-09 was extended by one year by ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method, and the Company is evaluating which transition method it will elect. The Company is also in the process of evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures beginning with the Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2018. EastGroup has performed an initial impact assessment and continues to evaluate its revenue streams and the potential impact of the new standard. In particular, the Company is evaluating the impact the new standard will have on revenue streams due under leases that are deemed to be non-lease components, such as common area maintenance reimbursements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset, and eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized costs on the balance sheet. EastGroup plans to adopt ASU 2016-01 effective January 1, 2018. The Company does not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The Company is a lessee on a limited number of leases, including office and ground leases, and the Company anticipates the related impact of ASU 2016-02 will not be material to its overall financial condition and results of operations. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged under ASU 2016-02. The Company's primary revenue is rental income; as such, the Company is a lessor on a significant number of leases. The Company is continuing to evaluate the potential impacts of the ASU and believes it will continue to account for its leases in substantially the same manner. The most significant change for the Company related to lessor accounting relates to the new standard's narrow definition of initial direct costs for leases; the new definition will result in certain costs (primarily legal costs related to lease negotiations) being expensed rather than capitalized upon adoption of the new standard. Public business entities are required to apply the amendments in ASU 2016-02 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. EastGroup plans to adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019. The Company is continuing the process of evaluating and quantifying the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures beginning with the Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The ASU is intended to improve the accounting for share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment awards are simplified with the ASU, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as equity or liabilities and classification on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years; early adoption is permitted. EastGroup adopted ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. As a result, the Company elected to reverse compensation cost of any forfeited awards when they occur and will continue to classify the cash flows resulting from remitting cash to the tax authorities for the payment of taxes on the vesting of share-based payment awards as a financing activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In addition, upon vesting of share-based payments, the Company will withhold up to the maximum individual statutory tax rate and classify the entire award as equity. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses certain cash flow issues, including how debt prepayments or debt extinguishment costs and distributions received from equity method investees are presented. ASU 2016-15 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has adopted ASU 2016-15 effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The ASU is intended to provide a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Under the new guidance, companies are required to utilize an initial screening test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set is not a business. The Company has determined that some of its real estate property acquisitions may be considered to be acquisitions of groups of similar identifiable assets; therefore, the acquisitions are not considered to be acquisitions of a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years; early adoption is permitted and may be applied to transactions that have not been reported in financial statements that have been issued or made available for issuance. EastGroup adopted ASU 2017-01 for transactions beginning on October 1, 2016. As a result, the Company has capitalized acquisition costs related to its fourth quarter 2016 and first quarter 2017 acquisitions as they were determined not to be acquisitions of a business. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Others (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating the requirement of performing a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. ASU 2017-04 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company has adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017, and will apply the new guidance for goodwill impairment tests with measurement dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Tables)

REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Real Estate Properties	The Company’s Real estate properties and Development at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Real estate properties: Land $ 320,555 308,931 Buildings and building improvements 1,506,363 1,435,309 Tenant and other improvements 380,816 368,833 Development 244,313 293,908 2,452,047 2,406,981 Less accumulated depreciation (710,875 ) (694,250 ) $ 1,741,172 1,712,731

OTHER ASSETS (Tables)

OTHER ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	A summary of the Company’s Other assets follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Leasing costs (principally commissions) $ 67,572 65,521 Accumulated amortization of leasing costs (25,548 ) (26,340 ) Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization 42,024 39,181 Straight-line rents receivable 28,908 28,369 Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable (79 ) (76 ) Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 28,829 28,293 Accounts receivable 4,075 6,824 Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable (565 ) (809 ) Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 3,510 6,015 Acquired in-place lease intangibles 21,911 21,231 Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles (8,642 ) (8,642 ) Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 13,269 12,589 Acquired above market lease intangibles 1,455 1,594 Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles (644 ) (736 ) Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 811 858 Mortgage loans receivable 4,720 4,752 Interest rate swap assets 5,243 4,546 Goodwill 990 990 Prepaid expenses and other assets 8,094 7,606 Total Other assets $ 107,490 104,830

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt, by type [Table Text Block]	The Company presents debt issuance costs as reductions of Secured debt, Unsecured debt and Unsecured bank credit facilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as detailed below. March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Unsecured bank credit facilities - variable rate, carrying amount $ 120,236 112,020 Unsecured bank credit facilities - fixed rate, carrying amount (1) 80,000 80,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (931 ) (1,030 ) Unsecured bank credit facilities 199,305 190,990 Unsecured debt - fixed rate, carrying amount (1) 655,000 655,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,050 ) (2,162 ) Unsecured debt 652,950 652,838 Secured debt - fixed rate, carrying amount (1) 255,060 258,594 Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,074 ) (1,089 ) Secured debt 253,986 257,505 Total debt $ 1,106,241 1,101,333 (1) These loans have a fixed interest rate or an effectively fixed interest rate due to interest rate swaps.
Principal payments due during the next five years	Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, including Secured debt and Unsecured debt (not including Unsecured bank credit facilities ), as of March 31, 2017 are as follows: Years Ending December 31, (In thousands) Remainder of 2017 $ 54,703 2018 61,316 2019 130,569 2020 114,096 2021 129,563 2022 and beyond 419,813 Total $ 910,060

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED 32

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Summary of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	A summary of the Company’s Accounts payable and accrued expenses follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Property taxes payable $ 11,043 14,186 Development costs payable 14,997 9,844 Property capital expenditures payable 4,582 2,304 Interest payable 4,481 3,822 Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock 954 1,530 Book overdraft (1) 2,015 14,452 Other payables and accrued expenses 5,658 6,563 Total Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 43,730 52,701

OTHER LIABILITIES (Tables)

OTHER LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of other liabilities	A summary of the Company’s Other liabilities follows: March 31, December 31, (In thousands) Security deposits $ 15,301 14,782 Prepaid rent and other deferred income 11,392 9,795 Acquired below-market lease intangibles 4,162 4,012 Accumulated amortization of below-market lease intangibles (1,829 ) (1,662 ) Acquired below-market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization 2,333 2,350 Interest rate swap liabilities 1,865 2,578 Prepaid tenant improvement reimbursements 572 343 Other liabilities 15 16 Total Other liabilities $ 31,478 29,864

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 13 for information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps. Three Months Ended 2017 2016 (In thousands) ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): Balance at beginning of period $ 1,995 (3,456 ) Change in fair value of interest rate swaps 1,410 (5,397 ) Balance at end of period $ 3,405 (8,853 )

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE35

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 March 31, 2017 Notional Amount as of December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Interest Rate Swap $80,000 $80,000 Interest Rate Swap $75,000 $75,000 Interest Rate Swap $75,000 $75,000 Interest Rate Swap $65,000 $65,000 Interest Rate Swap $60,000 $60,000 Interest Rate Swap $40,000 $40,000 Interest Rate Swap $15,000 $15,000
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . See Note 16 for additional information on the fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps. Derivatives As of March 31, 2017 Derivatives As of December 31, 2016 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Balance Sheet Location Fair Value (In thousands) Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges: Interest rate swap assets Other assets $ 5,243 Other assets $ 4,546 Interest rate swap liabilities Other liabilities 1,865 Other liabilities 2,578
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 months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 (In thousands) DERIVATIVES IN CASH FLOW HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS Interest Rate Swaps: Amount of income (loss) recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) on derivatives $ 637 (6,324 ) Amount of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Interest expense (773 ) (927 )

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 March 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders $ 12,819 21,711 Denominator – weighted average shares outstanding 33,361 32,254 DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders $ 12,819 21,711 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding 33,361 32,254 Unvested restricted stock 48 53 Total Shares 33,409 32,307

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 three months of 2017 , the Company withheld 33,695 shares to satisfy the tax obligations for those participants who elected this option as permitted under the applicable equity plan. As of the vesting dates, the aggregate fair value of shares that vested during the first three months of 2017 was $6,441,000 . Three Months Ended Award Activity: March 31, 2017 Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at beginning of period 162,191 $ 51.98 Granted 69,860 74.80 Forfeited (16,000 ) 36.98 Vested (86,728 ) 61.62 Unvested at end of period 129,323 $ 59.70

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR38

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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 March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Amount (1) Fair Value Carrying Amount (1) Fair Value (In thousands) Financial Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 44 44 522 522 Mortgage loans receivable 4,720 4,720 4,752 4,747 Interest rate swap assets 5,243 5,243 4,546 4,546 Financial Liabilities: Unsecured bank credit facilities - variable rate (2) 120,236 120,127 112,020 111,923 Unsecured bank credit facilities - fixed rate (2) 80,000 79,999 80,000 79,998 Unsecured debt (2) 655,000 630,892 655,000 623,147 Secured debt (2) 255,060 263,226 258,594 266,585 Interest rate swap liabilities 1,865 1,865 2,578 2,578 (1) Carrying amounts shown in the table are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below. (2) Carrying amounts and fair values shown in the table exclude debt issuance costs (see Note 9 for additional information).

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (De

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION (Details) - joint_ventures	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Joint Ventures	1	1
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%
Joint ventures' assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses with noncontrolling interests		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
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Depreciation Expense During the Period	$ 16,634,000	$ 15,666,000
Real Estate Properties
Land	320,555,000		$ 308,931,000
Building and building improvements	1,506,363,000		1,435,309,000
Tenant and other improvements	380,816,000		368,833,000
Development	244,313,000		293,908,000
Real estate and development properties	2,452,047,000		2,406,981,000
Less accumulated depreciation	(710,875,000)		(694,250,000)
Real estate, net	$ 1,741,172,000		$ 1,712,731,000
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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUISIT42

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS AND ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Integer
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization expense for lease intangibles	$ 1,121,000	$ 1,111,000
Above and below market leases Increase (decrease) rental Income	136,000	125,000
Acquisition-related costs expensed
2017 Acquisition (Shiloh) [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Total cost of properties purchased	20,347,000
Amount of total cost allocated to land	3,092,000
2017 Acquisition (Shiloh) [Member] | Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate	1,801,000
2017 Acquisition (Shiloh) [Member] | Above Market Leases [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate	2,000
2017 Acquisition (Shiloh) [Member] | Below market lease [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate	168,000
Flagler Center [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of buildings | Integer			3
2016 Acquisitions (Parc North, Flagler, Weston and Jones) [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Total cost of properties purchased			$ 112,158,000
Property acquisition, value allocated to Development			84,490,000
Amount of total cost allocated to land			29,164,000
2016 Acquisitions (Parc North, Flagler, Weston and Jones) [Member] | Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate			5,941,000
2016 Acquisitions (Parc North, Flagler, Weston and Jones) [Member] | Above Market Leases [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate			393,000
2016 Acquisitions (Parc North, Flagler, Weston and Jones) [Member] | Below market lease [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible acquired associated with purchase of Real Estate			894,000
Real Estate Properties [Domain] | 2017 Acquisition (Shiloh) [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of total cost allocated to real estate properties	$ 18,712,000
Real Estate Properties [Domain] | 2016 Acquisitions (Parc North, Flagler, Weston and Jones) [Member]
Property Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of total cost allocated to real estate properties			$ 22,228,000

REAL ESTATE SOLD AND HELD FOR43

REAL ESTATE SOLD AND HELD FOR SALE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)a	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²a
Sale of Northwest Point, North Stemmons II and III, America Plaza, Lockwood, West Loop 1 & 2, two of four Interstate Commons Distribution Center buildings, Castilian and Memphis I [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property | ft²		1,256,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties		$ 42,200,000
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment		$ 75,700,000
Land [Member]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]
SIze (in acres) of land sold | a	5	25
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 850,000	$ 5,400,000
Loss on sales of land	$ (40,000)
Gain on sales of land		$ 733,000

OTHER ASSETS (Details)

OTHER ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets Components [Abstract]
Leasing costs (principally commissions)	$ 67,572	$ 65,521
Accumulated amortization of leasing costs	(25,548)	(26,340)
Leasing costs (principally commissions), net of accumulated amortization	42,024	39,181
Straight-line rents receivable	28,908	28,369
Allowance for doubtful accounts on straight-line rents receivable	(79)	(76)
Straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	28,829	28,293
Accounts receivable	4,075	6,824
Allowance for doubtful accounts on accounts receivable	(565)	(809)
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	3,510	6,015
Acquired in-place lease intangibles	21,911	21,231
Accumulated amortization of acquired in-place lease intangibles	(8,642)	(8,642)
Acquired in-place lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	13,269	12,589
Acquired above market lease intangibles	1,455	1,594
Accumulated amortization of acquired above market lease intangibles	(644)	(736)
Acquired above market lease intangibles, net of accumulated amortization	811	858
Mortgage loans receivable	4,720	4,752
Interest rate swap assets	5,243	4,546
Goodwill	990	990
Prepaid expenses and other assets	8,094	7,606
Other Assets Total	$ 107,490	$ 104,830

DEBT (Details)

DEBT (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Secured and Unsecured Debt [Line Items]
Unsecured bank credit facilities, change during period		$ 8,315,000
Proceeds from unsecured bank credit facilities		84,734,000	$ 76,646,000
Repayments of Bank Debt		76,518,000	$ 60,309,000
Loans Payable, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Secured Debt		253,986,000		$ 257,505,000
Unsecured Debt		652,950,000		652,838,000
Unsecured bank credit facilities		199,305,000		190,990,000
Total debt		1,106,241,000		1,101,333,000
Secured and unsecured debt [Member]
Secured and Unsecured Debt [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months		54,703,000
Payments of principal over future years [Abstract]
2,018		61,316,000
2,019		130,569,000
2,020		114,096,000
2,021		129,563,000
2022 and beyond		419,813,000
Long-term debt, maturities, secured debt and unsecured debt		910,060,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Secured and Unsecured Debt [Line Items]
Unsecured debt, change during period		112,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Secured and Unsecured Debt [Line Items]
Secured debt, change during period		(3,519,000)
Secured debt, principal payments during period		3,526,000
Unsecured bank credit facilities
Loans Payable, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Unsecured bank credit facilities - variable rate, carrying amount		120,236,000		112,020,000
Unsecured bank credit facilities - fixed rate, carrying amount	[1]	80,000,000		80,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs		931,000		1,030,000
Unsecured bank credit facilities		199,305,000		190,990,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Loans Payable, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Unsecured debt, carrying amount	[1]	655,000,000		655,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs		2,050,000		2,162,000
Unsecured Debt		652,950,000		652,838,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Loans Payable, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Secured debt, carrying amount	[1]	255,060,000		258,594,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs		1,074,000		1,089,000
Secured Debt		$ 253,986,000		$ 257,505,000
[1]	These loans have a fixed interest rate or an effectively fixed interest rate due to interest rate swaps.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED 46

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Property taxes payable		$ 11,043	$ 14,186
Development costs payable		14,997	9,844
Property capital expenditures payable		4,582	2,304
Interest payable		4,481	3,822
Dividends payable on unvested restricted stock		954	1,530
Bank Overdrafts	[1]	2,015	14,452
Other payables and accrued expenses		5,658	6,563
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$ 43,730	$ 52,701
[1]	Represents unfunded outstanding checks for which the bank has not advanced cash to the Company.

OTHER LIABILITIES (Details)

OTHER LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities, Unclassified [Abstract]
Security deposits	$ 15,301	$ 14,782
Prepaid rent and other deferred income	11,392	9,795
Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles	4,162	4,012
Accumulated Amortization of Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles	(1,829)	(1,662)
Acquired Below Market Lease Intangibles, Net of Accumulated Amortization	2,333	2,350
Interest rate swap liabilities	1,865	2,578
Prepaid tenant improvement reimbursements	572	343
Other liabilities	15	16
Other Liabilities - total	$ 31,478	$ 29,864

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Balance at Beginning of Period, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 1,995	$ (3,456)
Net unrealized change in fair value of interest rate swaps	1,410	(5,397)
Balance at End of Period, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 3,405	$ (8,853)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE49

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)Integer	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swaps | Integer	7
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Assets at Fair Value	$ 5,243,000		$ 4,546,000
Interest rate cash flow hedge liabilities at fair value	1,865,000		2,578,000
Eighty Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Term Loan Notional Amount Associated with Interest Rate Swap Derivative
Seventy-five Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Term Loan Notional Amount Associated with Interest Rate Swap Derivative
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Income (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income(Loss), Effective Portion, Net	637,000	$ (6,324,000)
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense	(773,000)	$ (927,000)
Cash flow hedge amount to be reclassified to Interest Expense in next 12 months [Line Items]	1,266,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Assets at Fair Value	5,243,000		4,546,000
Interest rate swap cash flow hedge termination value	5,278,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate cash flow hedge liabilities at fair value	1,865,000		2,578,000
Interest rate swap cash flow hedge termination value	1,905,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | $80 million interest rate swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	80,000,000		80,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | $75 million interest rate swap executed in 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	75,000,000		75,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | $75 million interest rate swap executed in 2015 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	75,000,000		75,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | $65 million interest rate swap executed in 2016 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	65,000,000		65,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | $60 million interest rate swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	60,000,000		60,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | $40 million interest rate swap (2016) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	40,000,000		40,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | $15 million interest rate swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	$ 15,000,000		$ 15,000,000

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
BASIC EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS [Abstract]
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 12,819	$ 21,711
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	33,361	32,254
DILUTED EPS COMPUTATION FOR NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO EASTGROUP PROPERTIES, INC. COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
Numerator – net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 12,819	$ 21,711
Denominator - Weighted average shares outstanding	33,361	32,254
Unvested restricted stock	48	53
Total Shares	33,409	32,307

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ (2,683,000)
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]
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 74.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	36,571
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (per share)	$ 74.80
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Percent of vesting that occurred on grant date	20.00%
Percentage of shares granted vesting annually in future periods	20.00%
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]
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 74.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	33,289
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Granted (per share)	$ 74.80
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Percent of vesting that occurred on grant date	25.00%
Percentage of shares granted vesting annually in future periods	25.00%
Award Recipient Type Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation costs capitalized as development costs	$ 486,000	$ 357,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 2,681,000	3,014,000
Shares withheld for tax obligations	33,695
Fair value of shares vested as of the vesting date	$ 6,441,000
Award Recipient Type Employees and Directors [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value of shares issued (in dollars per share)	$ 74.80
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)	162,191
Granted (in shares)	69,860
Forfeited (in shares)	(16,000)
Vested (in shares)	(86,728)
Unvested at end of period (in shares)	129,323
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested at beginning of period (per share)	$ 51.98
Granted (per share)	74.80
Forfeited (per share)	36.98
Vested (per share)	61.62
Unvested at end of period (per share)	$ 59.70
Award Recipient Type Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 162,000	$ 133,000

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTR52

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value		$ 44	$ 522	$ 12	$ 48
Fair Value [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure		44	522
Mortgage loans receivable		4,720	4,747
Interest rate swap assets		5,243	4,546
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Unsecured bank credit facilities - variable rate	[1]	120,127	111,923
Unsecured bank credit facilities - fixed rate	[1]	79,999	79,998
Unsecured debt Fair Value Disclosure	[1]	630,892	623,147
Secured debt	[1]	263,226	266,585
Interest rate swap liabilities		1,865	2,578
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial Assets [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	[2]	44	522
Mortgage loans receivable	[2]	4,720	4,752
Interest rate swap assets	[2]	5,243	4,546
Financial Liabilities [Abstract]
Unsecured bank credit facilities - variable rate	[1],[2]	120,236	112,020
Unsecured bank credit facilities - fixed rate	[1],[2]	80,000	80,000
Unsecured debt Fair Value Disclosure	[1],[2]	655,000	655,000
Secured debt	[1],[2]	255,060	258,594
Interest rate swap liabilities	[2]	$ 1,865	$ 2,578
[1]	Carrying amounts and fair values shown in the table exclude debt issuance costs (see Note 9 for additional information).
[2]	Carrying amounts shown in the table are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the indicated captions, except as explained in the notes below.(2) Carrying amounts and fair values shown in the table exclude debt issuance costs (see Note 9 for additional information).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 (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 13 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swaps.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), excluding the effects of debt issuance costs.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), excluding the effects of debt issuance costs.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), excluding the effects of debt issuance costs.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 13 for additional information on the Company's interest rate swaps.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEME53

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Other Assets	$ 107,490	$ 104,830
Assets	1,856,430	1,825,764
Secured Debt	253,986	257,505
Unsecured Debt	652,950	652,838
Unsecured bank credit facilities	199,305	190,990
Liabilities	1,181,449	1,183,898
Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,856,430	$ 1,825,764

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2017USD ($)ft²aInteger
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Land | a	30
Cash paid for acquired properties | $	$ 5.3
Future number of buildings to be developed | Integer	4
Estimated future size (in square feet) of properties to be developed | ft²	340,000