| 8-K Cover Page | Sep. 14, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 14, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WEINGARTEN REALTY INVESTORS |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TX |
| Entity File Number | 1-9876 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 74-1464203 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2600 Citadel Plaza Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 125 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77008 |
| City Area Code | 713 |
| Local Phone Number | 866-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.03 par value |
| Trading Symbol | WRI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000828916 |
