Taubman Centers (TCO) 10-Q 29 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	TAUBMAN CENTERS INC.
Entity Central Index Key	890319
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,553,519
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$4.40

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Properties	$4,397,434	$4,246,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-1,484,052	-1,395,876
Properties, net	2,913,382	2,850,124
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Notes 2 and 4)	335,393	214,152
Cash and cash equivalents	32,377	32,057
Restricted cash (Note 5)	7,164	6,138
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,663 and $3,424 in 2013 and 2012	61,103	69,033
Accounts receivable from related parties	1,900	2,009
Deferred charges and other assets (Note 2)	87,520	94,982
Total Assets	3,438,839	3,268,495
Liabilities:
Notes payable (Note 5)	2,985,952	2,952,030
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	285,763	278,098
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 4)	378,650	383,293
Total Liabilities	3,650,365	3,613,421
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 7, 8, 9, and 10)
Equity (Note 6):
Series B Non-Participating Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par and liquidation value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 25,159,072 and 25,327,699 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	25	25
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 63,524,788 and 63,310,148 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	635	633
Additional paid-in capital	813,139	657,071
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-14,274	-22,064
Dividends in excess of net income	-916,977	-891,283
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	-117,452	-255,618
Noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	-94,074	-89,308
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-211,526	-344,926
Total Liabilities and Equity	$3,438,839	$3,268,495

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,663,000	$3,424,000
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	63,524,788	63,310,148
Common stock, shares outstanding	63,524,788	63,310,148
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, par or value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	25,159,072	25,327,699
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	25,159,072	25,327,699
Series J Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, par or value	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference	192,500,000	192,500,000
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	7,700,000	7,700,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	7,700,000	7,700,000
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	7,700,000	7,700,000
Series K Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, par or value	$0
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference	$170,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference per share	$25
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	6,800,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	6,800,000
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	6,800,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$103,501	$99,564	$309,043	$292,248
Percentage rents	7,021	6,315	13,732	12,767
Expense recoveries	67,943	66,633	197,549	185,325
Management, leasing, and development services	8,753	10,234	13,954	27,441
Other	6,720	6,793	21,104	20,487
Total Revenues	193,938	189,539	555,382	538,268
Expenses:
Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and promotion	55,375	53,253	154,694	143,854
Other operating	19,295	16,128	53,950	52,360
Management, leasing, and development services	1,027	6,165	4,172	21,674
General and administrative	11,812	9,571	36,676	28,021
Interest expense	32,515	34,943	99,589	109,146
Depreciation and amortization	40,982	36,414	116,262	109,083
Total Expenses	161,006	156,474	465,343	464,138
Nonoperating Income (Expense)	-456	56	1,831	251
Income before income tax expense and equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	32,476	33,121	91,870	74,381
Income tax expense (Note 3)	-1,453	-732	-2,715	-1,438
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 4)	12,220	12,672	34,047	35,743
Net income	43,243	45,061	123,202	108,686
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	-12,536	-12,295	-36,667	-33,893
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.	30,707	32,766	86,535	74,793
Distributions to participating securities of TRG (Note 9)	-435	-403	-1,313	-1,209
Preferred stock dividends (Note 6)	-5,784	-10,663	-15,148	-17,980
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	24,488	21,700	70,074	55,604
Other comprehensive income (Note 13):
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	-1,984	-1,822	5,757	-6,260
Cumulative translation adjustment	5,086		1,574
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	1,740	151	3,834	641
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,842	-1,671	11,165	-5,619
Comprehensive income	48,085	43,390	134,367	103,067
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-13,900	-11,834	-40,064	-32,111
Comprehensive income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.	$34,185	$31,556	$94,303	$70,956
Basic earnings per common share (Note 11)	$0.38	$0.36	$1.10	$0.94
Diluted earnings per common share (Note 11)	$0.38	$0.35	$1.09	$0.92
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.50	$0.46	$1.50	$1.39
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding b basic	63,753,748	60,571,612	63,653,155	59,207,828

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	($340,448)	$26	$580	$673,923	($27,613)	($863,040)	($124,324)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		33,941,958	58,022,475
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		7,700,000
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	186,215			186,215
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares		-7,480,000
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value	-180,588			-180,588
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	208,939		29	208,910
Partners' Capital Account, Units, Period Increase (Decrease)		-56,900	56,902
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			2,875,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Units			1	-1
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9)	-497		7	-504
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (in shares)			744,241
Tax impact of share-based compensation (Note 3)	766			766
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	-585			-62,127	43		61,499
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests, in shares		-1,900
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests (excludes contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interests)							3,924
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	3,924
Dividend equivalents (Note 9)	-103					-103
Dividend and distributions (excludes dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	-149,916					-102,076	-47,840
Net income	108,686
Net income (excludes net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	110,270					74,793	35,477
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	-6,260
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other (excludes other comprehensive income attritbutable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	-6,178				-4,286		-1,892
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	641				-449		-192
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	-167,560	26	617	826,594	-31,407	-890,426	-72,964
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012		34,103,158	61,698,618
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	-344,926	25	633	657,071	-22,064	-891,283	-89,308
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		33,027,699	63,310,148
Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	164,395			164,395
Partners' Capital Account, Units, Period Increase (Decrease)		-168,627	168,637
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		6,800,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Units			2	-2
Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)	-21,189		-3	-21,186
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9)	7,514		3	7,511
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (in shares)			359,045
Tax impact of share-based compensation (Note 3)	405			405
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 7)	-1,050			-1,050
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests (Note 7)				5,995	22		-6,017
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests, in shares	-313,042		-313,042
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests (excludes contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interests)	4,729						4,729
Dividend equivalents (Note 9)	-129					-129
Dividends and distributions						-112,100
Dividend and distributions (excludes dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	-155,642
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders							43,542
Net income	123,202					86,535	36,667
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	5,757				3,981		1,776
Cumulative translation adjustment	1,574				1,127		447
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	3,834				2,660		1,174
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	($211,526)	$25	$635	$813,139	($14,274)	($916,977)	($94,074)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013		39,659,072	63,524,788

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Contributions To Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	$231
Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests		-1,846
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		-1,584
Other comprehensive income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests		($82)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$123,202	$108,686
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,262	109,083
Provision for bad debts	1,868	1,974
Gain on sale of peripheral land	-863
Gain on sale of marketable securities (Note 12)	-1,323
Other	9,907	8,786
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, restricted cash, deferred charges, and other assets	357	-678
Accounts payable and other liabilities	19,701	17,089
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	269,111	244,940
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to properties	-193,027	-201,916
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities (Note 12)	2,493
Repayments of notes receivable	500	5,802
Issuances of notes receivable	-1,489
Proceeds from sale of peripheral land	6,916
Collection and release of TCBL related proceeds (Note 2)	12,903
Release of restricted cash		289,389
Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 2)	-120,676	-48,910
Distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of income	3,927	145,383
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities	-288,453	189,748
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Debt proceeds	183,964
Debt payments	-145,112	-204,693
Repayment of installment notes		-281,467
Debt issuance costs	-7,010
Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)	-21,189
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs		208,939
Issuance of common stock and/or partnership units in connection with incentive plans	-3,422	-10,118
Issuance of Series K Preferred Stock, net of offering costs	164,395
Issuance of Series J Preferred Stock, net of offering costs		186,215
Redemptions of Series G and H Preferred Stock		-187,000
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 7)	-1,050
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-43,542	-49,686
Distributions to participating securities of TRG	-1,313	-1,209
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	4,729	4,155
Cash dividends to preferred shareowners	-15,148	-11,568
Cash dividends to common shareowners	-95,640	-82,887
Other		-106
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities	19,662	-429,425
Net Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents	320	5,263
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	32,057	24,033
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$32,377	$29,296

Interim_Financial_Statements

Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Financial Statements	Interim Financial Statements
	General
	Taubman Centers, Inc. (the Company or TCO) is a Michigan corporation that operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (the Operating Partnership or TRG) is a majority-owned partnership subsidiary of TCO that owns direct or indirect interests in all of the Company’s real estate properties. In this report, the term “Company" refers to TCO, the Operating Partnership, and/or the Operating Partnership's subsidiaries as the context may require. The Company engages in the ownership, management, leasing, acquisition, disposition, development, and expansion of regional and super-regional retail shopping centers and interests therein. The Company’s owned portfolio as of September 30, 2013 included 25 operating urban and suburban shopping centers in 13 states.
	Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia), which is the platform for the Company’s expansion into China and South Korea, is headquartered in Hong Kong.
	The unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements for the interim periods have been made. The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.
	Dollar amounts presented in tables within the notes to the financial statements are stated in thousands, except share data or as otherwise noted.
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company include all accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership, and its consolidated subsidiaries, including The Taubman Company LLC (the Manager) and Taubman Asia. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The entities included in these consolidated financial statements are separate legal entities and maintain records and books of account separate from any other entity. However, inclusion of these separate entities in the consolidated financial statements does not mean that the assets and credit of each of these legal entities are available to satisfy the debts or other obligations of any other such legal entity included in the consolidated financial statements.
	Investments in entities not controlled but over which the Company may exercise significant influence (Unconsolidated Joint Ventures or UJVs) are accounted for under the equity method. The Company has evaluated its investments in the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures under guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity and has concluded that the ventures are not variable interest entities. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its interests in these entities under general accounting standards for investments in real estate ventures (including guidance for determining effective control of a limited partnership or similar entity). The Company’s partners or other owners in these Unconsolidated Joint Ventures have substantive participating rights including approval rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, financing, admission of new partners/members, or sale of the properties and the Company has concluded that the equity method of accounting is appropriate for these interests. Specifically, the Company’s 79% investment in Westfarms is through a general partnership in which the other general partners have approval rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, refinancing, or sale of the property.
	Ownership
	In addition to the Company’s common stock, there were three classes of preferred stock outstanding (Series B, J and K) as of September 30, 2013. Dividends on the 6.5% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series J Preferred Stock) and the 6.25% Series K Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series K Preferred Stock) are cumulative and are paid on the last day of each calendar quarter. The Company owns corresponding Series J and Series K Preferred Equity interests in the Operating Partnership that entitle the Company to income and distributions (in the form of guaranteed payments) in amounts equal to the dividends payable on the Company’s Series J and Series K Preferred Stock. See "Note 6 - Equity Transactions" for further details on the Series K Preferred Stock issuance.
	The Company also is obligated to issue to partners in the Operating Partnership other than the Company, upon subscription, one share of nonparticipating Series B Preferred Stock per each Operating Partnership unit. The Series B Preferred Stock entitles its holders to one vote per share on all matters submitted to the Company’s shareowners and votes together with the common stock on all matters as a single class. The holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to dividends or earnings. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into the Company’s common stock at a ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock.
	Outstanding voting securities of the Company at September 30, 2013 consisted of 25,159,072 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 63,524,788 shares of common stock.
	The Operating Partnership
	At September 30, 2013, the Operating Partnership’s equity included two classes of preferred equity (Series J and K) and the net equity of the partnership unitholders. Net income and distributions of the Operating Partnership are allocable first to the preferred equity interests, and the remaining amounts to the general and limited partners in the Operating Partnership in accordance with their percentage ownership. The Series J and Series K Preferred Equity are owned by the Company and are eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company's ownership in the Operating Partnership at September 30, 2013 consisted of a 72% managing general partnership interest, as well as the Series J and Series K Preferred Equity interests. The Company's average ownership percentage in the Operating Partnership for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was 72% and 69%, respectively. At September 30, 2013, the Operating Partnership had 88,702,310 partnership units outstanding, of which the Company owned 63,524,788 units.

Acquisitions_Dispositions_and_

Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development [Abstract]
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	Acquisitions, Developments, and Dispositions
	Acquisitions
	International Plaza
	In December 2012, the Company acquired an additional 49.9% interest in International Plaza from CSAT, LP, which increased its ownership in the center to 100%.
	Waterside Shops
	In December 2012, the Company acquired an additional 25% interest in Waterside Shops, which brought the Company's ownership interest in the center to 50%. After the acquisition, the Company continues to recognize its investment in Waterside Shops in Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company's share of the difference between the purchase price and the net book value of the additional interest in the Unconsolidated Joint Venture was estimated to be $52.7 million, which has been preliminarily allocated to land, buildings, improvements, and equipment. In addition, beneficial interest in debt was increased by a $3.9 million purchase accounting premium to record the debt at fair value. The premium is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt and had a balance of $3.2 million as of September 30, 2013.
	Redemption of Joint Venture Outlet Interest
	In September 2013, the Company redeemed the outlet joint venture partner's 10% interest, which increased the Company's ownership to 100%. See "Note 7 - Noncontrolling Interests" for further details on the redemption.
	Developments
	International Market Place
	In August 2013, the Company announced plans to move forward with the redevelopment of International Market Place, a 0.4 million square foot center, in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. The center will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and is expected to open in spring 2016. The Company owns a 93.5% interest in the project and is funding all construction costs. This project is subject to a participating ground lease. As of September 30, 2013, the Company's capitalized costs for the project were $12.5 million.
	The Mall at University Town Center
	The Mall at University Town Center, a 0.9 million square foot center, is under construction in Sarasota, Florida. The Company is funding its 50% share of the project. The center will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, and Dillard's and is expected to open in October 2014. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had invested $75.8 million. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	The Mall of San Juan
	The Mall of San Juan, a 0.7 million square foot center, is under construction in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Company owns 80% of the retail portion of the project. The center will be anchored by Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue and is expected to open in March 2015. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had capitalized costs of $104.2 million ($83.4 million at TRG's share).
	Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield
	Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield, a 0.3 million square foot outlet project in Chesterfield, Missouri, opened in August 2013. The Company increased its ownership in the project to 100% as a result of the Company's September 2013 redemption of the outlet joint venture partner (Note 7). The Company previously had a 90% interest in the outlet venture. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had capitalized costs of $116.5 million.
	Asia
	Hanam Union Square
	The Company has partnered with Shinsegae Group, South Korea's largest retailer, to build an approximately 1.7 million square foot shopping mall in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The Company has a 30% interest in the development, which is scheduled to open in late 2016. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had invested $91.8 million in the project, after cumulative currency translation adjustments. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Retail component of Xi'an Saigao City Plaza
	In 2012, the Company formed a joint venture with Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd, one of China's largest department store chains. The joint venture will own a 60% controlling interest in and manage an approximately 1.0 million square foot shopping center to be located at Xi'an Saigao City Plaza, a large-scale mixed-use development in Xi'an, China. Through this joint venture, the Company will beneficially own a 30% interest in the shopping center, which is scheduled to open in late 2015. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had invested $54 million in the project, after cumulative currency translation adjustments. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square
	In 2013, the Company formed a joint venture with Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd. The joint venture owns a majority interest in and will manage an approximately 1.0 million square foot multi-level shopping center to be located in Zhengzhou, China. Through this joint venture, the Company beneficially owns a 32% interest in the shopping center, which is scheduled to open in late 2015. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had invested $38.4 million in the project, which is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Dispositions
	TCBL
	In 2012, the Company sold assets of the Taubman TCBL business. In connection with the sale, the Company received cash of approximately $4.4 million, while the remaining consideration consisted of approximately $3.6 million held in an escrow account that was pending receipt of consideration in an equivalent amount of Chinese Renminbi, a note receivable of approximately $8.5 million, and other receivables of approximately $0.8 million. In 2013, the Company collected this remaining consideration from the sale. As of December 31, 2012, the cash held in escrow was included within Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the note receivable and other receivables were included within Accounts and Notes Receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Peripheral Land Sale - Non-Cash Investing Activity
	In 2013, the Company recognized a $0.9 million gain on the sale of peripheral land. In connection with this sale, the Company received a $7.4 million note as part of the purchase price consideration. The note, which bears interest at 1% during the first year and 7% in the second year, is due in February 2015 and is collateralized by the land.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income Tax Expense
	The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	State current	$	47		$	38		$	298		$	103
	State deferred	(34		)	(4		)	(59		)	(16		)
	Federal current	160			223			468			761
	Federal deferred	(38		)	(65		)	251			100
	Foreign current	1,353			748			1,983			698
	Foreign deferred	(35		)	(208		)	(226		)	(208		)
	Total income tax expense	$	1,453		$	732		$	2,715		$	1,438
	Deferred Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal	$	3,148		$	3,378
	Foreign	1,932			1,090
	State	434			182
	Total deferred tax assets	$	5,514		$	4,650
	Valuation allowances	(1,787		)	(991		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	3,727		$	3,659
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Federal	$	623		$	609
	Foreign	404			401
	State	121			107
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	1,148		$	1,117
	The Company believes that it is more likely than not the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to recognize the net deferred tax assets. These future operations are primarily dependent upon the Manager’s profitability, the timing and amounts of gains on peripheral land sales, the profitability of Taubman Asia's operations, and other factors affecting the results of operations of the Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. The valuation allowances relate to net operating loss carryforwards and tax basis differences where there is uncertainty regarding their realizability.
	The Company realized a tax benefit as additional paid-in capital relating to the redemption of certain share-based compensation awards of $0.4 million and $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. This benefit represents the amount of reduced Federal income tax attributed to the tax deduction that exceeds the recognized deferred tax asset relating to the awards, which was based on their cumulative book compensation cost. This excess tax deduction is due to changes in the fair value of the Company's shares between the grant date (the measurement date for book purposes) and the exercise date (the measurement date for tax purposes) of the awards.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	General Information
	The Company owns beneficial interests in joint ventures that own shopping centers. The Operating Partnership is the sole direct or indirect managing general partner or managing member of Fair Oaks, Stamford Town Center, Sunvalley, and Westfarms. The Operating Partnership also provides certain management, leasing, and/or development services to the other shopping centers noted below.
	Shopping Center		Ownership as of
			September 30, 2013 and
			31-Dec-12
	Arizona Mills		50%
	Fair Oaks		50
	Hanam Union Square (under development)		Note 2
	The Mall at Millenia		50
	The Mall at University Town Center (under development)		Note 2
	Stamford Town Center		50
	Sunvalley		50
	Waterside Shops		50
	Westfarms		79
	Retail component of Xi'an Saigao City Plaza (under development)		Note 2
	Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square (under development)		Note 2
	The Company's carrying value of its Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures differs from its share of the partnership or members’ equity reported in the combined balance sheet of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures due to (i) the Company's cost of its investment in excess of the historical net book values of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and (ii) the Operating Partnership’s adjustments to the book basis, including intercompany profits on sales of services that are capitalized by the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The Company's additional basis allocated to depreciable assets is recognized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. The Operating Partnership’s differences in bases are amortized over the useful lives or terms of the related assets and liabilities.
	In its Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company separately reports its investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures for which accumulated distributions have exceeded investments in and net income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The net equity of certain joint ventures is less than zero because distributions are usually greater than net income, as net income includes non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization. In addition, any distributions related to refinancing of the centers further decrease the net equity of the centers.
	The estimated fair value of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ notes payable was $1.5 billion at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The methodology for determining this fair value is consistent with that used for determining the fair value of consolidated mortgage notes payable (Note 12).
	In October 2013, a $225 million construction financing was completed for The Mall at University Town Center, a 50% owned Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Note 14).
	Combined Financial Information
	Combined balance sheet and results of operations information is presented in the following table for the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, followed by the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the combined operations information. The combined information of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures as of September 30, 2013 excluded the balances of Hanam Union Square, The Mall at University Town Center, the retail component of Xi'an Saigao City Plaza, and Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square, which are currently under development (Note 2). Beneficial interest is calculated based on the Operating Partnership's ownership interest in each of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
		September 30			December 31
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	Properties	$	1,142,770		$	1,129,647
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(489,626		)	(473,101		)
		$	653,144		$	656,546
	Cash and cash equivalents	22,954			30,070
	Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,101 and $1,072 in 2013 and 2012	24,067			26,032
	Deferred charges and other assets	26,039			31,282
		$	726,204		$	743,930
	Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
	Mortgage notes payable	$	1,482,584		$	1,490,857
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	53,629			68,282
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	(466,391		)	(470,411		)
	Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	(343,618		)	(344,798		)
		$	726,204		$	743,930
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	$	(466,391	)	$	(470,411	)
	TRG's investment in properties under development (Note 2)	248,030			128,279
	TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	117,709			114,136
	TCO's additional basis	57,395			58,855
	Net investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	(43,257	)	$	(169,141	)
	Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	378,650			383,293
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	335,393		$	214,152
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	71,858		$	70,435		$	209,183		$	202,516
	Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	22,933		$	23,365		$	67,037		$	65,695
	Interest expense	17,302			16,617			51,758			48,107
	Depreciation and amortization	9,237			8,822			27,155			25,945
	Total operating costs	$	49,472		$	48,804		$	145,950		$	139,747
	Nonoperating income	(1		)	18			(1		)	19
	Net income	$	22,385		$	21,649		$	63,232		$	62,788
	Net income attributable to TRG	$	12,402		$	12,351		$	35,103		$	35,637
	Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s basis adjustments	306			809			405			1,566
	Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	(488		)	(488		)	(1,461		)	(1,460		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	12,220		$	12,672		$	34,047		$	35,743
	Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ operations:
	Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	28,000		$	26,748		$	80,777		$	76,613
	Interest expense	(9,415		)	(8,765		)	(28,192		)	(25,084		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(6,365		)	(5,311		)	(18,538		)	(15,786		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	12,220		$	12,672		$	34,047		$	35,743

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Beneficial interest in Debt and Interest Expense	Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense
	The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the debt, capitalized interest, and interest expense of its consolidated subsidiaries and its Unconsolidated Joint Ventures is summarized in the following table. The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the consolidated subsidiaries excludes debt and interest related to the noncontrolling interests in Cherry Creek Shopping Center (50%), International Plaza (49.9%) in 2012 (Note 2), The Mall at Wellington Green (10%), and MacArthur Center (5%).
		At 100%						At Beneficial Interest
		Consolidated Subsidiaries				Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		Consolidated Subsidiaries		Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Debt as of:
	September 30, 2013	$	2,985,952			$	1,482,584	$	2,819,474	$	835,303
	December 31, 2012	2,952,030				1,490,857		2,785,501		841,363
	Capitalized interest:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	11,511	(1	)	$	73	$	11,169	$	46
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012	1,239				26		1,193		13
	Interest expense:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	99,589			$	51,758	$	93,049	$	28,192
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012	109,146				48,107		96,512		25,084
	-1	The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred in funding its equity contributions to development projects accounted for as UJVs. The capitalized interest cost is included in the Company's basis in its investment in UJVs. Such capitalized interest reduces interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income and in the table above is included within Consolidated Subsidiaries.
	2013 Financings
	In July 2013, the Company completed a 10-year, $85 million non-recourse financing, secured by its leasehold interest in City Creek Center. The payments on the loan, which bears interest at an all-in fixed annual rate of 4.43%, are based on amortizing principal over 30 years. The proceeds, net of fees, were used to pay down the Company's revolving lines of credit. The Operating Partnership has provided a limited guarantee of the repayment of the loan, which could be triggered only upon a decline in center occupancy to a level that the Company believes is remote.
	In February 2013, the Company refinanced its primary revolving line of credit. The new facility increased the borrowing capacity from a $650 million secured facility to a $1.1 billion unsecured line, which includes an accordion feature that would increase the borrowing capacity to as much as $1.5 billion, if fully exercised. The new line matures in March 2017 with a one-year extension option. The new facility bears interest at a range based on the Company's total leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2013, the leverage ratio resulted in a rate of LIBOR plus 1.45%, down from LIBOR plus 1.75% on the previous facility. TRG is the direct borrower with the entities that own Dolphin Mall, Fairlane Town Center, Twelve Oaks Mall, and The Shops at Willow Bend as guarantors under the line. Unamortized deferred financing costs of $1 million were written off in connection with the refinancing and recognized within interest expense.
	In January 2013, a 10-year, $225 million non-recourse refinancing was completed on Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. The payments on the loan, which bears interest at an all-in rate of 3.63%, are based on amortizing principal over 30 years. The existing $126 million, 5.25% fixed rate loan, which was scheduled to mature in March 2013, was paid off and the approximately $100 million of excess proceeds were used to pay down the revolving lines of credit.
	In October 2013, a $225 million construction financing was completed for The Mall at University Town Center, a 50% owned Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Note 14).
	Debt Covenants
	Certain loan agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including the following corporate covenants on the Company's primary revolving line of credit: a minimum net worth requirement, a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum recourse secured debt ratio, and a maximum payout ratio. In addition, the Company's primary revolving line of credit has unencumbered pool covenants, which currently apply to Dolphin Mall, Fairlane Town Center, Twelve Oaks Mall and The Shops at Willow Bend on a combined basis. These covenants include a minimum number and minimum value of eligible unencumbered assets, a maximum unencumbered leverage ratio, a minimum unencumbered interest coverage ratio, and a minimum unencumbered asset occupancy ratio. The corporate maximum secured leverage ratio is the most restrictive covenant for the Company's primary revolving line of credit. The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and loan obligations as of September 30, 2013. The maximum payout ratio covenant limits the payment of distributions generally to 95% of funds from operations, as defined in the loan agreements, except as required to maintain the Company's tax status, pay preferred distributions, and for distributions related to the sale of certain assets.
	The Company is required to escrow cash balances for specific uses stipulated by certain of its lenders. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s cash balances restricted for these uses were $7.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Equity_Transactions

Equity Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Transactions [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Equity Transactions
	In August 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $200 million of its outstanding common stock. The Company plans to repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. As of September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 313,042 shares of its common stock at an average price of $67.68 per share for a total of $21.2 million under the authorization. All shares repurchased have been cancelled. For each share of the Company’s stock repurchased, an equal number of the Company’s Operating Partnership units are redeemed. Repurchases of common stock were financed through general corporate funds, including borrowings under existing lines of credit.
	In March 2013, the Company issued 6,800,000 shares of 6.25% Series K Preferred Stock. Net proceeds from the offering were $164.4 million, net of offering costs of $5.6 million. The Series K Preferred Stock has no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements and generally is not convertible into any other security of the Company. The Series K Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $170.0 million ($25 per share). Dividends are cumulative and are paid in arrears on the last day of each calendar quarter. The Series K Preferred Stock will be redeemable by the Company at par, $25 per share, plus accrued dividends, generally beginning in March 2018. The Company owns corresponding Series K Preferred Equity interests in the Operating Partnership that entitle the Company to income and distributions (in the form of guaranteed payments) in amounts equal to the dividends payable on the Company's Series K Preferred Stock. The Series K Preferred Stock is generally non-voting. The Company's Series K Preferred Stock ranks on parity with its Series J Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its affairs.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests
	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	The Company's president of Taubman Asia (the Asia President) has an ownership interest in Taubman Asia, a consolidated subsidiary. The Asia President is entitled to 10% of Taubman Asia's dividends, with 85% of his dividends being withheld as contributions to capital. These withholdings will continue until he contributes and maintains his capital consistent with a 10% ownership interest, including all capital funded by the Operating Partnership for Taubman Asia's operating and investment activities subsequent to the Asia President obtaining his ownership interest. The Operating Partnership will have a preferred investment in Taubman Asia to the extent the Asia President has not yet contributed capital commensurate with his ownership interest. This preferred investment will accrue an annual preferential return equal to the Operating Partnership's average borrowing rate (with the preferred investment and accrued return together being referred to herein as the preferred interest). Due to this funding arrangement, the Operating Partnership is currently recognizing 100% of the results of operations of Taubman Asia. Taubman Asia has the ability to call, and the Asia President has the ability to put, the Asia President’s ownership interest upon specified terminations of the Asia President’s employment, although such put or call right may not be exercised for specified time periods after certain termination events. The redemption price for the ownership interest is generally a nominal amount through 2013 and subsequently 50% (increasing to 100% as early as May 2015) of the fair value of the ownership interest less the amount required to return the Operating Partnership's preferred interest. The Company has determined that the Asia President's ownership interest in Taubman Asia qualifies as an equity award, considering its specific redemption provisions, and accounts for it as a contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest, with a carrying value of zero at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Any adjustments to the redemption value are recorded through equity.
	In July 2010, the Company formed a joint venture that focused on developing and owning outlet shopping centers. The Company owned a 90% controlling interest, while the joint venture partner owned a 10% interest. The Company had been funding substantially all of the outlet business. In September 2013, the Company redeemed this partner's interest for $1.1 million as part of a negotiated transaction, an amount modestly less than the partner's previously contributed capital. The joint venture partner's interest was previously accounted for as a redeemable noncontrolling interest.
	The Company owns a 93.5% controlling interest in a joint venture that is redeveloping International Market Place in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. The 6.5% joint venture partner has no obligation nor the right to contribute capital. The Company will be entitled to a preferential return on its capital contributions. The Company has the right to purchase the joint venture partner's interest and the joint venture partner has the right to require the Company to purchase the joint venture partner's interest after the third anniversary of the opening of the center, and annually thereafter. The purchase price of the joint venture partner's interest will be based on fair value. Considering the redemption provisions, the Company accounts for the joint venture partner's interest as a contingently redeemable noncontrolling interest with a carrying value of zero at September 30, 2013. Any adjustments to the redemption value are recorded through equity.
	Equity Balances of Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	The net equity balance of the noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 included the following:
		2013			2012
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$	(38,757	)	$	(45,066	)
	Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	(55,317		)	(44,242		)
		$	(94,074	)	$	(89,308	)
	Income Allocable to Noncontrolling Interests
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 included the following:
		2013			2012
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	2,198		$	2,967
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	10,338			9,706
		$	12,536		$	12,673
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests				(378		)
		$	12,536		$	12,295
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 included the following:
		2013			2012
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	6,752		$	9,725
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	29,915			25,752
		$	36,667		$	35,477
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests				(1,584		)
		$	36,667		$	33,893
	Equity Transactions
	The following schedule presents the effects of changes in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on Taubman Centers, Inc.’s equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	$	70,074		$	55,604
	Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest –
	Increase (Decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)	5,995			(62,127		)
	Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership in the outlet joint venture	(1,050		)
	Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	4,945			(62,127		)
	Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	75,019		$	(6,523	)
	-1	In 2013 and 2012, adjustments of noncontrolling interests were made as a result of changes in the Company's ownership of the Operating Partnership in connection with the Company's share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9), issuances of stock pursuant to the Continuing Offer (Note 10), issuance of common stock in August 2012, redemption of a joint venture partner's interest, stock repurchases (Note 6), and redemptions of certain redeemable Operating Partnership Units.
	Finite Life Entities
	Accounting Standards Codification Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. At September 30, 2013, the Company held a controlling interest in a consolidated entity with a specified termination date in 2083. The noncontrolling owner's interest in this entity is to be settled upon termination by distribution or transfer of either cash or specific assets of the underlying entity. The estimated fair value of this noncontrolling interest was approximately $350 million at September 30, 2013, compared to a book value of $(43.6) million that is classified in Noncontrolling Interests in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value of the noncontrolling interest was calculated as the noncontrolling interest's ownership share of the underlying property's fair value. The property's fair value was estimated by considering its in-place net operating income, current market capitalization rate, and mortgage debt outstanding.

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit

Derivative and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Derivative and Hedging Activities	Derivative and Hedging Activities
	Risk Management Objective and Strategies for Using Derivatives
	The Company uses derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, primarily to manage exposure to interest rate risks inherent in variable rate debt and refinancings. The Company may also enter into forward starting swaps or treasury lock agreements to set the effective interest rate on a planned fixed-rate financing. The Company’s interest rate swaps 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. Interest rate caps involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. In a forward starting swap or treasury lock agreement that the Company cash settles in anticipation of a fixed rate financing or refinancing, the Company will receive or pay an amount equal to the present value of future cash flow payments based on the difference between the contract rate and market rate on the settlement date.
	The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and currently does not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments under the accounting requirements for derivatives and hedging.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated and are expected to be effective as cash flow hedges of the interest payments on the associated debt.
	Instrument Type		Ownership			Notional Amount				Swap Rate			Credit Spread on Loan		Total Swapped Rate on Loan			Maturity Date
	Consolidated Subsidiary:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		95	%		$	129,554			2.64	%		2.35	%	4.99	%		Sep-20
	Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,500				2.4	%		1.7	%	4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,500				2.4	%		1.7	%	4.1	%		Apr-18
	-1	The notional amount of the swap is equal to the outstanding principal balance on the loan.
	-2	The notional amount on each of these swaps is equal to 50% of the outstanding principal balance on the loan, which begins amortizing in August 2014.
	Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
	For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, is recognized directly in earnings. Net realized gains or losses resulting from derivatives that were settled in conjunction with planned fixed-rate financings or refinancings continue to be included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) during the term of the hedged debt transaction.
	Amounts reported in AOCI related to currently outstanding derivatives are recognized as an adjustment to income as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. Realized gains or losses on settled derivative instruments included in AOCI are recognized as an adjustment to income over the term of the hedged debt transaction.
	The Company expects that approximately $6.3 million of the AOCI of Taubman Centers, Inc. and the noncontrolling interests will be reclassified from AOCI and recognized as a reduction of income in the following 12 months.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $0.2 million of net realized losses included in AOCI resulting from settled derivative instruments, which were designated as cash flow hedges that are being recognized as a reduction of income over the term of the hedged debt.
	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012. The tables include the location and amount of unrealized gains and losses on outstanding derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships and the location and amount of realized losses reclassified from AOCI into income resulting from settled derivative instruments associated with hedged debt.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, the Company did not have any hedge ineffectiveness or amounts that were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recorded in earnings.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)								Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended September 30										Three Months Ended September 30
		2013				2012						2013			2012
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary	$	(67	)		$	(897	)		Interest Expense		$	(812	)	$	(802	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	(329		)		(893		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(777		)	(935		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	(396	)		$	(1,790	)				$	(1,589	)	$	(1,737	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary									Interest Expense		$	(151	)	$	(151	)
	Interest rate contract – UJVs									Equity in Income of UJVs
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	(151	)	$	(151	)
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, the Company did not have any hedge ineffectiveness or amounts that were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recorded in earnings.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)								Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
		Nine Months Ended September 30										Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013				2012						2013			2012
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary	$	6,375			$	(3,671	)		Interest Expense		$	(2,406	)	$	(2,380	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	4,039				(2,802		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(2,297		)	(2,770		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	10,414			$	(6,473	)				$	(4,703	)	$	(5,150	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary									Interest Expense		$	(454	)	$	(453	)
	Interest rate contract – UJVs									Equity in Income of UJVs					(188		)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	(454	)	$	(641	)
	The Company records all derivative instruments at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table presents the location and fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
				Fair Value
		Consolidated Balance Sheet Location		September 30				December 31
				2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Liability derivatives:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		$	(5,490	)		$	(11,865	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	Investment in UJVs		(6,982		)		(11,021		)
	Total liabilities designated as hedging instruments			$	(12,472	)		$	(22,886	)
	Contingent Features
	All of the Company's outstanding derivatives contain provisions that state if the hedged entity defaults on any of its indebtedness in excess of $1 million, then the derivative obligation could also be declared in default. As of September 30, 2013, the Company was not in default on any debt obligations that would trigger a credit risk related default on its current outstanding derivatives.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position was $12.5 million and $22.9 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company was not required to post any collateral related to these agreements. If the Company breached any of these provisions it would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their fair value. See Note 12 for fair value information on derivatives.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Taubman Company 2008 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (2008 Omnibus Plan), as amended, which is shareowner approved, provides for the award to directors, officers, employees, and other service providers of the Company of restricted shares, restricted units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership, options to purchase shares or Operating Partnership units, unrestricted shares or Operating Partnership units, and other awards to acquire up to an aggregate of 8.5 million Company common shares or Operating Partnership units. In addition, non-employee directors have the option to defer their compensation, other than their meeting fees, under a deferred compensation plan.
	Non-option awards granted after an amendment of the 2008 Omnibus Plan in 2010 are deducted at a ratio of 1.85 Company common shares or Operating Partnership units, while non-option awards granted prior to the amendment are deducted at a ratio of 2.85. Options are deducted on a one-for-one basis. The amount available for future grants is adjusted when the number of contingently issuable shares or units are settled, for grants that are forfeited, and for options that expire without being exercised.
	Prior to the adoption of the 2008 Omnibus Plan, the Company provided share-based compensation through an incentive option plan and non-employee directors' stock grant and deferred compensation plans.
	The compensation cost charged to income for the Company’s share-based compensation plans was $3.6 million and $9.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The compensation cost charged to income for the Company’s share-based compensation plans was $2.5 million and $8.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. Compensation cost capitalized as part of properties and deferred leasing costs was $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	The Company estimated the grant-date fair values of options, performance share units, and restricted share units using the methods discussed in the separate sections below for each type of grant. Expected volatility and dividend yields are based on historical volatility and yields of the Company’s common stock, respectively, as well as other factors. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curves in effect at the times of grants. The Company assumes no forfeitures of options or performance share units due to the small number of participants and low turnover rate.
	Options
	A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Range of Exercise Prices
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	689,802			$	42.5	3.8	$	24.74	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	(84,225	)		33.92
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	605,577			$	43.7	2.9	$	29.38	-	$	55.9
	Fully vested options at September 30, 2013	605,577			$	43.7	2.9
	The aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the period end stock price and the option exercise price) of in-the-money options outstanding was $14.3 million as of September 30, 2013.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $3.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, all options outstanding were fully vested, and there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to options.
	Under both the prior option plan and the 2008 Omnibus Plan, vested unit options can be exercised by tendering mature units with a market value equal to the exercise price of the unit options. In 2002, Robert S. Taubman, the Company’s chief executive officer, exercised options for 3.0 million units by tendering 2.1 million mature units and deferring receipt of 0.9 million units under the unit option deferral election. As the Operating Partnership pays distributions, the deferred option units receive their proportionate share of the distributions in the form of cash payments. Under an amendment executed in January 2011, beginning in December 2017 (unless Mr. Taubman retires earlier), the deferred partnership units will be issued in ten annual installments. The deferred units are accounted for as participating securities of the Operating Partnership.
	Performance Share Units
	In 2013, the Company granted Performance Share Units (PSU) under the 2008 Omnibus Plan. Each PSU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Company’s common stock ranging from 0-300% of the PSU based on the Company’s market performance relative to that of a peer group. The units vest in March 2016 if continuous service has been provided, or upon retirement or certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting period.
	The Company estimated the value of these PSU granted using a Monte Carlo simulation, considering the Company’s common stock price at the grant dates less the present value of the expected dividends during the vesting periods, historical returns of the Company and the peer group of companies, a risk-free interest rate of 0.30% to 0.40% and a measurement period of approximately three years. The resulting weighted average grant-date fair value was $103.37 per PSU.
	In 2013, the Company also granted a limited number of additional PSU that represent the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Company’s common stock ranging from 0-400% of the PSU based on the Company’s market performance relative to that of a peer group. The units vest in March 2017, if continuous service has been provided, or upon certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting period. The Company estimated the value of these additional PSU using a Monte Carlo simulation, considering the Company's common stock price at the grant dates less the present value of the expected dividends during the vesting periods, historical returns of the Company and the peer group of companies, a risk-free interest rate of 0.46% to 0.62% and a measurement period of approximately four years. The resulting weighted average grant-date fair value was $171.05 per PSU.
	A summary of PSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Number of Performance Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	262,740			$	122.52
	Vested	(73,259	)	(1)	65.29
	Granted (three-year vesting)	42,178			103.37
	Granted (four-year vesting)	15,444			171.05
	Forfeited	(12,240	)		140.49
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	234,863			$	139.18
	-1	Based on the Company's market performance relative to that of a peer group, the actual number of shares of common stock issued upon vesting during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 equaled 300% of the number of PSU awards vested in the table above.
	None of the PSU outstanding at September 30, 2013 were vested. As of September 30, 2013, there was $20.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested PSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 3.0 years.
	Restricted Share Units
	In 2013, Restricted Share Units (RSU) were issued under the 2008 Omnibus Plan and represent the right to receive upon vesting one share of the Company’s common stock. The units vest in March 2016, if continuous service has been provided through that period, or upon retirement or certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting period. The Company estimated the values of these RSU using the Company’s common stock at the grant dates deducting the present value of expected dividends during the vesting periods using a risk-free rate of 0.30% to 0.49%. The result of the Company’s valuation was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $71.67 per RSU.
	In 2013, the Company also granted a limited number of additional RSU that represent the right to receive upon vesting one share of the Company’s common stock. The units have staggered vesting dates from March 2014 to March 2015, if continuous service has been provided through those periods, or upon retirement or certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting periods. The Company estimated the value of these additional RSU using the Company's common stock price at the grant date deducting the present value of expected dividends during the vesting periods using a risk-free rate of 0.10% to 0.19%. The result of the Company's valuation was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $81.38 per RSU.
	A summary of RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Number of Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	322,305			$	48.19
	Vested	(138,028	)		37.03
	Granted (three-year vesting)	92,103			71.67
	Granted (staggered vesting)	5,197			81.38
	Forfeited	(11,678	)		57.6
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	269,899			$	62
	None of the RSU outstanding at September 30, 2013 were vested. As of September 30, 2013, there was $8.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 1.9 years.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Cash Tender
	At the time of the Company's initial public offering and acquisition of its partnership interest in the Operating Partnership in 1992, the Company entered into an agreement (the Cash Tender Agreement) with A. Alfred Taubman, who owns an interest in the Operating Partnership, whereby he has the annual right to tender to the Company partnership units in the Operating Partnership (provided that the aggregate value is at least $50 million) and cause the Company to purchase the tendered interests at a purchase price based on a market valuation of the Company on the trading date immediately preceding the date of the tender. At A. Alfred Taubman's election, his family may participate in tenders. The Company will have the option to pay for these interests from available cash, borrowed funds, or from the proceeds of an offering of the Company's common stock. Generally, the Company expects to finance these purchases through the sale of new shares of its stock. The tendering partner will bear all market risk if the market price at closing is less than the purchase price and will bear the costs of sale. Any proceeds of the offering in excess of the purchase price will be for the sole benefit of the Company. The Company accounts for the Cash Tender Agreement between the Company and Mr. Taubman as a freestanding written put option. As the option put price is defined by the current market price of the Company's stock at the time of tender, the fair value of the written option defined by the Cash Tender Agreement is considered to be zero.
	Based on a market value at September 30, 2013 of $67.31 per common share, the aggregate value of interests in the Operating Partnership that may be tendered under the Cash Tender Agreement was $1.6 billion. The purchase of these interests at September 30, 2013 would have resulted in the Company owning an additional 27% interest in the Operating Partnership.
	Continuing Offer
	The Company has made a continuing, irrevocable offer to all present holders (other than certain excluded holders, including A. Alfred Taubman), permitted assignees of all present holders, those future holders of partnership interests in the Operating Partnership as the Company may, in its sole discretion, agree to include in the continuing offer, all existing optionees under the previous option plan, and all existing and future optionees under the 2008 Omnibus Plan to exchange shares of common stock for partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (the Continuing Offer). Under the Continuing Offer agreement, one unit of the Operating Partnership interest is exchangeable for one share of the Company's common stock. Upon a tender of Operating Partnership units, the corresponding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, if any, will automatically be converted into the Company’s common stock at a ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock.
	Litigation
	In April 2009, two restaurant owners, their two restaurants, and their principal filed a lawsuit in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Case No. 09-CV-01619) against Atlantic Pier Associates LLC ("APA", the then owner of the leasehold interest in The Pier Shops), the Operating Partnership, Taubman Centers, Inc., the owners of APA and certain affiliates of such owners, three individuals affiliated with, or at one time employed by an affiliate of one of the owners, and, subsequently added the Manager as a defendant. The plaintiffs are alleging the defendants misrepresented and concealed the status of certain tenant leases at The Pier Shops and that such status was relied upon by the plaintiffs in making decisions about their own leases. The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $20 million, rescission of their leases, exemplary or punitive damages, costs and expenses, attorney's fees, return of certain rent, and other relief as the court may determine. The claims against the Operating Partnership, Taubman Centers, Inc., the Manager, other Taubman defendants, and one of the owners were dismissed in July 2011, but, in August 2011, the restaurant owners reinstated the same claims in a state court action that was then removed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Case No. 11-CV-05676). The defendants are vigorously defending the action. The outcome of this lawsuit cannot be predicted with any certainty and management is currently unable to estimate a range of potential loss that could result if an unfavorable outcome occurs. While management does not believe that an adverse outcome in this lawsuit would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, there can be no assurance that an adverse outcome would not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations for any particular period.
	Other
	See Note 7 for contingent features relating to certain joint venture agreements, Note 8 for contingent features relating to derivative instruments, and Note 9 for obligations under existing share-based compensation plans.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding for the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of potential common stock. Potential common stock includes outstanding partnership units exchangeable for common shares under the Continuing Offer (Note 10), outstanding options for partnership units, PSU, RSU, deferred shares under the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, and unissued partnership units under a unit option deferral election (Note 9). In computing the potentially dilutive effect of potential common stock, partnership units are assumed to be exchanged for common shares under the Continuing Offer, increasing the weighted average number of shares outstanding. The potentially dilutive effects of partnership units outstanding and/or issuable under the unit option deferral elections are calculated using the if-converted method, while the effects of other potential common stock are calculated using the treasury method. Contingently issuable shares are included in diluted EPS based on the number of shares, if any, that would be issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period.
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
	Basic	$	24,488		$	21,700		$	70,074	$	55,604
	Impact of additional ownership of TRG	107			168			352		470
	Diluted	$	24,595		$	21,868		$	70,426	$	56,074
	Shares (Denominator) – basic	63,753,748			60,571,612			63,653,155		59,207,828
	Effect of dilutive securities	937,161			1,453,710			1,049,493		1,508,690
	Shares (Denominator) – diluted	64,690,909			62,025,322			64,702,648		60,716,518
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.38		$	0.36		$	1.1	$	0.94
	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.38		$	0.35		$	1.09	$	0.92
	The calculation of diluted earnings per share excluded certain potential common stock including outstanding partnership units and unissued partnership units under a unit option deferral election, both of which may be exchanged for common shares of the Company under the Continuing Offer. The table below presents the potential common stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive in the period presented.
		Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding	4,494,470		4,235,782			4,557,851		5,221,040
	Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections	871,262		871,262			871,262		871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures

This note contains required fair value disclosures for assets and liabilities remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis and financial instruments carried at other than fair value, as well as assumptions employed in deriving these fair values.

Recurring Valuations

Derivative Instruments

The fair value of interest rate hedging instruments is the amount that the Company would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The Company’s valuations of its derivative instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative, and therefore fall into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The valuations reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including forward curves. The fair values of interest rate hedging instruments also incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both the Company’s own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk.

Marketable Securities

The Company's valuations of marketable securities, which were considered to be available-for-sale, and an insurance deposit utilize unadjusted quoted prices determined by active markets for the specific securities the Company has invested in, and therefore fall into Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, quantitative disclosure of the fair value for each major category of assets and liabilities is presented below:

Fair Value Measurements as of

Fair Value Measurements as of

September 30, 2013 Using

December 31, 2012 Using

Description

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Other Observable Inputs

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets

Significant Other Observable Inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Available-for-sale securities

$

2,452

Insurance deposit

$

12,224

11,291

Total assets

$

12,224

$

13,743

Derivative interest rate contract

$

(5,490

)

$

(11,865

)

Total liabilities

$

(5,490

)

$

(11,865

)

The insurance deposit shown above represents an escrow account maintained in connection with a property and casualty insurance arrangement for the Company’s shopping centers, and is classified within Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Corresponding deferred revenue relating to amounts billed to tenants for this arrangement has been classified within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The available-for-sale securities shown above consisted of marketable securities that represented shares in a Vanguard REIT fund that were purchased to facilitate a tax efficient structure for the 2005 disposition of Woodland mall and were classified within Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012. In January 2013, these securities were sold for $2.5 million, resulting in a $1.3 million realized gain.

Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Values

Community Development District Obligation

The owner of one shopping center pays annual special assessment levies of a Community Development District (CDD), which provided certain infrastructure assets and improvements. As the amount and period of the special assessments were determinable, the Company capitalized the infrastructure assets and improvements and recognized an obligation for the future special assessments to be levied. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the book value of the infrastructure assets and improvements, net of depreciation, was $38.3 million and $39.8 million, respectively. The related obligation is classified within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and had a balance of $60.8 million at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value of this obligation, derived from quoted market prices and therefore falling into Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, was $59.7 million at September 30, 2013 and $60.9 million at December 31, 2012.

Notes Payable

The fair value of notes payable is estimated using cash flows discounted at current market rates and therefore fall into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. When selecting discount rates for purposes of estimating the fair value of notes payable at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company employed the credit spreads at which the debt was originally issued. Excluding 2010 through 2013 refinancings and debt assumed as part of the 2011 acquisitions, an additional 1.25% and 1.50% credit spread was added to the discount rate at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, to estimate current market conditions. This additional spread is an estimate and is not necessarily indicative of what the Company could obtain in the market at the reporting date. The Company does not believe that the use of different interest rate assumptions would have resulted in a materially different fair value of notes payable as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012. To further assist financial statement users, the Company has included with its fair value disclosures an analysis of interest rate sensitivity.

The estimated fair values of notes payable at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:

2013

2012

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Notes payable

$

2,985,952

$

3,055,058

$

2,952,030

$

3,082,265

The fair values of the notes payable are dependent on the interest rates used in estimating the values. An overall 1% increase in rates employed in making these estimates would have decreased the fair values of the debt shown above at September 30, 2013 by $76 million or 2.5%.

Cash Equivalents and Notes Receivable

The fair value of cash equivalents and notes receivable approximates their carrying value due to their short maturity. The fair value of cash equivalents is derived from quoted market prices and therefore falls into Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of notes receivable are estimated using cash flows discounted at current market rates and therefore fall into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

See Note 4 regarding the fair value of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ notes payable, and Note 8 regarding additional information on derivatives.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Changes in the balance of each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI											Noncontrolling Interests AOCI
		Cumulative translation adjustment				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other				Total			Cumulative translation adjustment			Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total
	1-Jan-13	$	1,888			$	(23,952	)		$	(22,064	)	$	756		$	1,739		$	2,495
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	1,127				3,981				5,108			447			1,776			2,223
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					2,660				2,660						1,174			1,174
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,127				6,641				7,768			447			2,950			3,397
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	5				17				22			(5		)	(17		)	(22		)
	30-Sep-13	$	3,020			$	(17,294	)		$	(14,274	)	$	1,198		$	4,672		$	5,870
	Changes in the balance of each component of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:
		Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI										Noncontrolling Interests AOCI
		Cumulative translation adjustment		Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other				Total				Cumulative translation adjustment	Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total
	1-Jan-12			$	(27,613	)		$	(27,613	)			$	9,113		$	9,113
	Current period other comprehensive income			(3,837		)		(3,837		)			(1,782		)	(1,782		)
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership			43				43					(43		)	(43		)
	30-Sep-12			$	(31,407	)		$	(31,407	)			$	7,288		$	7,288
	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts reclassified from AOCI				Affected line item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
	(Gains)/losses on interest rate instruments and other:
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - consolidated subsidiaries		$	2,860			Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		2,297				Equity in Income of UJVs
	Realized gain on sale of securities (Note 12)		(1,323		)		Nonoperating Income
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	3,834

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Event
	In October 2013, a $225 million construction financing was completed for The Mall at University Town Center, a 50% owned Unconsolidated Joint Venture.  The construction facility is interest only during the initial three-year term at LIBOR plus 1.70%, which decreases to LIBOR plus 1.60% upon achieving certain performance measures. The loan has four one-year extension options. During each extension period, debt service payments also include principal payments based on an assumed interest rate of 6.0% and a 30-year amortization period. The Operating Partnership has provided an unconditional guaranty of 25% of the principal balance of the facility and 50% of the repayment of all accrued but unpaid interest. The principal guaranty may be reduced to 12.5% of the outstanding principal balance upon achievement of certain performance measures. Upon stabilization, the unconditional guaranty may be released. The loan is prepayable at any time without penalty. Amounts repaid may not be reborrowed.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The Company’s income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	State current	$	47		$	38		$	298		$	103
	State deferred	(34		)	(4		)	(59		)	(16		)
	Federal current	160			223			468			761
	Federal deferred	(38		)	(65		)	251			100
	Foreign current	1,353			748			1,983			698
	Foreign deferred	(35		)	(208		)	(226		)	(208		)
	Total income tax expense	$	1,453		$	732		$	2,715		$	1,438
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal	$	3,148		$	3,378
	Foreign	1,932			1,090
	State	434			182
	Total deferred tax assets	$	5,514		$	4,650
	Valuation allowances	(1,787		)	(991		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	3,727		$	3,659
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Federal	$	623		$	609
	Foreign	404			401
	State	121			107
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	1,148		$	1,117

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Beneficial Interests In Joint Ventures	The Company owns beneficial interests in joint ventures that own shopping centers. The Operating Partnership is the sole direct or indirect managing general partner or managing member of Fair Oaks, Stamford Town Center, Sunvalley, and Westfarms. The Operating Partnership also provides certain management, leasing, and/or development services to the other shopping centers noted below.
	Shopping Center		Ownership as of
			September 30, 2013 and
			31-Dec-12
	Arizona Mills		50%
	Fair Oaks		50
	Hanam Union Square (under development)		Note 2
	The Mall at Millenia		50
	The Mall at University Town Center (under development)		Note 2
	Stamford Town Center		50
	Sunvalley		50
	Waterside Shops		50
	Westfarms		79
	Retail component of Xi'an Saigao City Plaza (under development)		Note 2
	Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square (under development)		Note 2
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Text Block	Combined balance sheet and results of operations information is presented in the following table for the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, followed by the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the combined operations information. The combined information of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures as of September 30, 2013 excluded the balances of Hanam Union Square, The Mall at University Town Center, the retail component of Xi'an Saigao City Plaza, and Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square, which are currently under development (Note 2). Beneficial interest is calculated based on the Operating Partnership's ownership interest in each of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
		September 30			December 31
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	Properties	$	1,142,770		$	1,129,647
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(489,626		)	(473,101		)
		$	653,144		$	656,546
	Cash and cash equivalents	22,954			30,070
	Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,101 and $1,072 in 2013 and 2012	24,067			26,032
	Deferred charges and other assets	26,039			31,282
		$	726,204		$	743,930
	Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
	Mortgage notes payable	$	1,482,584		$	1,490,857
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	53,629			68,282
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	(466,391		)	(470,411		)
	Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	(343,618		)	(344,798		)
		$	726,204		$	743,930
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	$	(466,391	)	$	(470,411	)
	TRG's investment in properties under development (Note 2)	248,030			128,279
	TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	117,709			114,136
	TCO's additional basis	57,395			58,855
	Net investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	(43,257	)	$	(169,141	)
	Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	378,650			383,293
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	335,393		$	214,152
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	71,858		$	70,435		$	209,183		$	202,516
	Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	22,933		$	23,365		$	67,037		$	65,695
	Interest expense	17,302			16,617			51,758			48,107
	Depreciation and amortization	9,237			8,822			27,155			25,945
	Total operating costs	$	49,472		$	48,804		$	145,950		$	139,747
	Nonoperating income	(1		)	18			(1		)	19
	Net income	$	22,385		$	21,649		$	63,232		$	62,788
	Net income attributable to TRG	$	12,402		$	12,351		$	35,103		$	35,637
	Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s basis adjustments	306			809			405			1,566
	Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	(488		)	(488		)	(1,461		)	(1,460		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	12,220		$	12,672		$	34,047		$	35,743
	Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ operations:
	Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	28,000		$	26,748		$	80,777		$	76,613
	Interest expense	(9,415		)	(8,765		)	(28,192		)	(25,084		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(6,365		)	(5,311		)	(18,538		)	(15,786		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	12,220		$	12,672		$	34,047		$	35,743

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an1

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Operating Partnership's beneficial interest	The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the debt, capitalized interest, and interest expense of its consolidated subsidiaries and its Unconsolidated Joint Ventures is summarized in the following table. The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the consolidated subsidiaries excludes debt and interest related to the noncontrolling interests in Cherry Creek Shopping Center (50%), International Plaza (49.9%) in 2012 (Note 2), The Mall at Wellington Green (10%), and MacArthur Center (5%).
		At 100%						At Beneficial Interest
		Consolidated Subsidiaries				Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		Consolidated Subsidiaries		Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Debt as of:
	September 30, 2013	$	2,985,952			$	1,482,584	$	2,819,474	$	835,303
	December 31, 2012	2,952,030				1,490,857		2,785,501		841,363
	Capitalized interest:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	11,511	(1	)	$	73	$	11,169	$	46
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012	1,239				26		1,193		13
	Interest expense:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	$	99,589			$	51,758	$	93,049	$	28,192
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012	109,146				48,107		96,512		25,084
	-1	The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred in funding its equity contributions to development projects accounted for as UJVs. The capitalized interest cost is included in the Company's basis in its investment in UJVs. Such capitalized interest reduces interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income and in the table above is included within Consolidated Subsidiaries.

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Net equity balance of noncontrolling interests	The net equity balance of the noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 included the following:
		2013			2012
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$	(38,757	)	$	(45,066	)
	Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	(55,317		)	(44,242		)
		$	(94,074	)	$	(89,308	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 included the following:
		2013			2012
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	2,198		$	2,967
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	10,338			9,706
		$	12,536		$	12,673
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests				(378		)
		$	12,536		$	12,295
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 included the following:
		2013			2012
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	6,752		$	9,725
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	29,915			25,752
		$	36,667		$	35,477
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests				(1,584		)
		$	36,667		$	33,893
Effects of changes in ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on equity	The following schedule presents the effects of changes in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on Taubman Centers, Inc.’s equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012:
		2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	$	70,074		$	55,604
	Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest –
	Increase (Decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)	5,995			(62,127		)
	Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership in the outlet joint venture	(1,050		)
	Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	4,945			(62,127		)
	Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	75,019		$	(6,523	)
	-1	In 2013 and 2012, adjustments of noncontrolling interests were made as a result of changes in the Company's ownership of the Operating Partnership in connection with the Company's share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9), issuances of stock pursuant to the Continuing Offer (Note 10), issuance of common stock in August 2012, redemption of a joint venture partner's interest, stock repurchases (Note 6), and redemptions of certain redeemable Operating Partnership Units.

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit1

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated and are expected to be effective as cash flow hedges of the interest payments on the associated debt.
	Instrument Type		Ownership			Notional Amount				Swap Rate			Credit Spread on Loan		Total Swapped Rate on Loan			Maturity Date
	Consolidated Subsidiary:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		95	%		$	129,554			2.64	%		2.35	%	4.99	%		Sep-20
	Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,500				2.4	%		1.7	%	4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,500				2.4	%		1.7	%	4.1	%		Apr-18
	-1	The notional amount of the swap is equal to the outstanding principal balance on the loan.
	-2	The notional amount on each of these swaps is equal to 50% of the outstanding principal balance on the loan, which begins amortizing in August 2014.
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income	During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, the Company did not have any hedge ineffectiveness or amounts that were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recorded in earnings.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)								Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
		Three Months Ended September 30										Three Months Ended September 30
		2013				2012						2013			2012
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary	$	(67	)		$	(897	)		Interest Expense		$	(812	)	$	(802	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	(329		)		(893		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(777		)	(935		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	(396	)		$	(1,790	)				$	(1,589	)	$	(1,737	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary									Interest Expense		$	(151	)	$	(151	)
	Interest rate contract – UJVs									Equity in Income of UJVs
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	(151	)	$	(151	)
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, the Company did not have any hedge ineffectiveness or amounts that were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recorded in earnings.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)								Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
		Nine Months Ended September 30										Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013				2012						2013			2012
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary	$	6,375			$	(3,671	)		Interest Expense		$	(2,406	)	$	(2,380	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	4,039				(2,802		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(2,297		)	(2,770		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	10,414			$	(6,473	)				$	(4,703	)	$	(5,150	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary									Interest Expense		$	(454	)	$	(453	)
	Interest rate contract – UJVs									Equity in Income of UJVs					(188		)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	(454	)	$	(641	)
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	The Company records all derivative instruments at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table presents the location and fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
				Fair Value
		Consolidated Balance Sheet Location		September 30				December 31
				2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Liability derivatives:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiary	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		$	(5,490	)		$	(11,865	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	Investment in UJVs		(6,982		)		(11,021		)
	Total liabilities designated as hedging instruments			$	(12,472	)		$	(22,886	)

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Range of Exercise Prices
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	689,802			$	42.5	3.8	$	24.74	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	(84,225	)		33.92
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	605,577			$	43.7	2.9	$	29.38	-	$	55.9
	Fully vested options at September 30, 2013	605,577			$	43.7	2.9
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of PSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Number of Performance Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	262,740			$	122.52
	Vested	(73,259	)	(1)	65.29
	Granted (three-year vesting)	42,178			103.37
	Granted (four-year vesting)	15,444			171.05
	Forfeited	(12,240	)		140.49
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	234,863			$	139.18
	-1	Based on the Company's market performance relative to that of a peer group, the actual number of shares of common stock issued upon vesting during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 equaled 300% of the number of PSU awards vested in the table above.
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is presented below:
		Number of Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	322,305			$	48.19
	Vested	(138,028	)		37.03
	Granted (three-year vesting)	92,103			71.67
	Granted (staggered vesting)	5,197			81.38
	Forfeited	(11,678	)		57.6
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	269,899			$	62

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basic and diluted earnings per share
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
	Basic	$	24,488		$	21,700		$	70,074	$	55,604
	Impact of additional ownership of TRG	107			168			352		470
	Diluted	$	24,595		$	21,868		$	70,426	$	56,074
	Shares (Denominator) – basic	63,753,748			60,571,612			63,653,155		59,207,828
	Effect of dilutive securities	937,161			1,453,710			1,049,493		1,508,690
	Shares (Denominator) – diluted	64,690,909			62,025,322			64,702,648		60,716,518
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.38		$	0.36		$	1.1	$	0.94
	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.38		$	0.35		$	1.09	$	0.92
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The table below presents the potential common stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive in the period presented.
		Three Months Ended September 30					Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding	4,494,470		4,235,782			4,557,851		5,221,040
	Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections	871,262		871,262			871,262		871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, quantitative disclosure of the fair value for each major category of assets and liabilities is presented below:
			Fair Value Measurements as of							Fair Value Measurements as of
			September 30, 2013 Using							December 31, 2012 Using
	Description		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Significant Other Observable Inputs				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Significant Other Observable Inputs
			(Level 1)			(Level 2)				(Level 1)			(Level 2)
	Available-for-sale securities									$	2,452
	Insurance deposit		$	12,224						11,291
	Total assets		$	12,224						$	13,743
	Derivative interest rate contract					$	(5,490	)					$	(11,865	)
	Total liabilities					$	(5,490	)					$	(11,865	)
Estimated fair value of notes payable	The estimated fair values of notes payable at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows:
		2013							2012
		Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Notes payable	$	2,985,952		$	3,055,058			$	2,952,030		$	3,082,265

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013																				Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components [Line Items]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Changes in the balance of each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:																				Changes in the balance of each component of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:
		Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI										Noncontrolling Interests AOCI										Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI							Noncontrolling Interests AOCI
		Cumulative translation adjustment				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total			Cumulative translation adjustment			Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total				Cumulative translation adjustment	Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total			Cumulative translation adjustment	Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total
	1-Jan-13	$	1,888			$	(23,952	)	$	(22,064	)	$	756		$	1,739		$	2,495		1-Jan-12		$	(27,613	)	$	(27,613	)		$	9,113		$	9,113
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	1,127				3,981			5,108			447			1,776			2,223			Current period other comprehensive income		(3,837		)	(3,837		)		(1,782		)	(1,782		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					2,660			2,660						1,174			1,174			Adjustments due to changes in ownership		43			43				(43		)	(43		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,127				6,641			7,768			447			2,950			3,397			30-Sep-12		$	(31,407	)	$	(31,407	)		$	7,288		$	7,288
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	5				17			22			(5		)	(17		)	(22		)
	30-Sep-13	$	3,020			$	(17,294	)	$	(14,274	)	$	1,198		$	4,672		$	5,870
OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax [Table Text Block]	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts reclassified from AOCI				Affected line item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
	(Gains)/losses on interest rate instruments and other:
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - consolidated subsidiaries		$	2,860			Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		2,297				Equity in Income of UJVs
	Realized gain on sale of securities (Note 12)		(1,323		)		Nonoperating Income
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	3,834

Interim_Financial_Statements_D

Interim Financial Statements (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of urban and suburban shopping centers in the Company's owned portfolio	25
Number of states in which Company operates	13
Number Of Classes Of Preferred Stock	three
Common stock, shares outstanding	63,524,788	63,310,148
Westfarms [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	79.00%	79.00%
Series J Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Dividend rate (in hundredths)	6.50%
Preferred Stock, Non-Participating, Convertible, Shares Outstanding	7,700,000	7,700,000
Series K Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Dividend rate (in hundredths)	6.25%
Preferred Stock, Non-Participating, Convertible, Shares Outstanding	6,800,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Units of Partnership Interest, Terms of Conversion	one share of nonparticipating Series B Preferred Stock per each Operating Partnership unit
Preferred Stock, voting rights	one vote per share
Convertible Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion	ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock
Preferred Stock, Non-Participating, Convertible, Shares Outstanding	25,159,072	25,327,699

Interim_Financial_Statements_O

Interim Financial Statements (Operating Partnership) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
The Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Number Of Classes Of Preferred Equity	two
Managing general partnership interest of the Company in the Operating Partnership (in hundredths)	72.00%
Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest	72.00%	69.00%
Units of Partnership Interest, Amount	88,702,310
Number Of Operating Partnership Units Outstanding Owned By Company	63,524,788

Acquisitions_Dispositions_and_1

Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
				Taubman TCBL [Member]	The Shops At Willow Bend [Member]	Taubman Prestige Outlets of Chesterfield [Member]	Taubman Prestige Outlets of Chesterfield [Member]	International Market Place [Member]	The Mall at Univeristy Town Center [Member]	The Mall of San Juan [Member]	Hanam Union Square [Member]	Xi'an Saigao City Plaza [Member]	Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square [Member] [Member]	International Plaza [Member]	Waterside Shops Member	Waterside Shops Member
						sqft		sqft	sqft	sqft	sqft	sqft	sqft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Interest Acquired						10.00%								49.90%	25.00%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent						100.00%	90.00%	93.50%		80.00%				100.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage									50.00%		30.00%	30.00%	32.00%		50.00%
Difference between consideration paid and the net book value of the additional interest acquired in an equity method joint venture															$52,700,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium															3,900,000	3,200,000
Area of Real Estate Property						300,000		400,000	900,000	700,000	1,700,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Construction in Progress, Gross						116,500,000		12,500,000		104,200,000
Construction in Progress, Gross, Company's Share									75,800,000	83,400,000
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	335,393,000		214,152,000								91,800,000	54,000,000	38,400,000
Joint Venture, Ownership Percentage												60.00%
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses				4,400,000
Restricted Investments				3,600,000
Financing Receivable, Gross				8,500,000	7,400,000
Other Receivables				800,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment	$863,000				$900,000
Interest Rate, Note Receivable, First Year					1.00%
Interest Rate, Note Receivable, Second Year					7.00%

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
State current	$47	$38	$298	$103
State deferred	-34	-4	-59	-16
Federal current	160	223	468	761
Federal deferred	-38	-65	251	100
Foreign current	1,353	748	1,983	698
Foreign deferred	-35	-208	-226	-208
Total income tax expense	1,453	732	2,715	1,438
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred tax assets	5,514		5,514		4,650
Valuation allowances	-1,787		-1,787		-991
Net deferred tax assets	3,727		3,727		3,659
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities	1,148		1,148		1,117
Tax impact of share-based compensation from redemption of share-based compensation awards			405	766
Domestic Country [Member]
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred tax assets	3,148		3,148		3,378
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities	623		623		609
Foreign Country [Member]
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred tax assets	1,932		1,932		1,090
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities	404		404		401
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred tax assets	434		434		182
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred tax liabilities	$121		$121		$107

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity [Abstract]
Depreciable Basis In Years	40 years
Equity of certain joint ventures	less than zero
Fair Value Of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Notes Payable	$1,500,000,000	$1,500,000,000
Arizona Mills [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Fair Oaks [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
The Mall at Millenia [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Stamford Town Center [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Sunvalley [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Waterside Shops [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Westfarms [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	79.00%	79.00%
The Mall at Univeristy Town Center [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%
Equity method investment, difference between carrying amount and underlying equity [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$225,000,000

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Combined Financial Information Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Properties	$1,142,770	$1,129,647
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-489,626	-473,101
Properties, net	653,144	656,546
Cash and cash equivalents	22,954	30,070
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,101 and $1,072 in 2013 and 2012	24,067	26,032
Deferred charges and other assets	26,039	31,282
Total Assets	726,204	743,930
Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
Mortgage notes payable	1,482,584	1,490,857
Accounts payable and other liabilities	53,629	68,282
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	-466,391	-470,411
Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	-343,618	-344,798
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	726,204	743,930
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	-466,391	-470,411
TRG's investment in properties under development (Note 2)	248,030	128,279
TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	117,709	114,136
TCO's additional basis	57,395	58,855
Net investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	-43,257	-169,141
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	378,650	383,293
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	335,393	214,152
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,101	$1,072

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Combined Financial Information Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity method investment, summarized financial information, income statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$71,858	$70,435	$209,183	$202,516
Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	22,933	23,365	67,037	65,695
Interest expense	17,302	16,617	51,758	48,107
Depreciation and amortization	9,237	8,822	27,155	25,945
Total operating costs	49,472	48,804	145,950	139,747
Nonoperating income	-1	18	-1	19
Net income	22,385	21,649	63,232	62,788
Net income attributable to TRG	12,402	12,351	35,103	35,637
Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRGbs basis adjustments	306	809	405	1,566
Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	-488	-488	-1,461	-1,460
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	12,220	12,672	34,047	35,743
Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Venturesb operations:
Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	28,000	26,748	80,777	76,613
Interest expense	-9,415	-8,765	-28,192	-25,084
Depreciation and amortization	($6,365)	($5,311)	($18,538)	($15,786)

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an2

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
At 100% [Abstract]
Debt, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	$2,985,952		$2,985,952		$2,952,030
Debt, unconsolidated joint ventures at 100%	1,482,584		1,482,584		1,490,857
Capitalized interest, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%			11,511	1,239
Capitalized interest, unconsolidated joint ventures @100%			73	26
Interest expense, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	32,515	34,943	99,589	109,146
Interest Expense, Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, at 100%			51,758	48,107
At beneficial interest [Abstract]
Debt, consolidated subsidiaries at beneficial interest	2,819,474		2,819,474		2,785,501
Debt, unconsolidated joint ventures at beneficial interest	835,303		835,303		841,363
Capitalized interest, consolidated subsidiaries at beneficial interest			11,169	1,193
Capitalized Interest, Unconsolidated Joint Ventures at Beneficial Interest			46	13
Interest expense, consolidated subsidiaries at beneficial interest			93,049	96,512
Interest expense, unconsolidated joint ventures at beneficial interest	$9,415	$8,765	$28,192	$25,084
Cherry Creek Shopping Center [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%		50.00%
International Plaza [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners					49.90%
Mall At Wellington Green [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	10.00%		10.00%
Mac Arthur Center Member
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	5.00%		5.00%

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an3

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Specific Debt Instrument Detail) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$2,985,952,000	$2,952,030,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,100,000,000	650,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Including Accordion Feature	1,500,000,000
Length Of Extension Option	1 year
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR plus 1.45%	LIBOR plus 1.75%
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	1,000,000
Great Lakes Crossing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of loan, in years	10 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			225,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.63%
Period Over Which Principal Balance Is Amortized	30 years
Notes Payable		126,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.25%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		11-Mar-13
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	100,000,000
City Creek Center [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of loan, in years	10 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			85,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.43%
Period Over Which Principal Balance Is Amortized	30
The Mall at Univeristy Town Center [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of loan, in years	3 years
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$225,000,000
Period Over Which Principal Balance Is Amortized	30-year
Length Of Extension Option	1 year
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR plus 1.70%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an4

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Debt Covenants and Guarantees) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Other Restrictions on Payment of Dividends	0.95
Restricted cash	$7,164	$6,138

Equity_Transactions_Details

Equity Transactions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Transactions [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	$200,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	313,042
Stock Acquired and Retired During Period, Cost Per Share	$67.68
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	-21,189,000
Series K Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Transactions [Line Items]
Issuance of Series K Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs (in shares)	6,800,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	6.25%
Issuance of Series K Preferred Stock, net of offering costs (Note 6)	164,400,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs	5,600,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$170,000,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$25
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$25

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest		($378,000)		($1,584,000)
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Nonredeemable	2,198,000	2,967,000	6,752,000	9,725,000
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Nonredeemable	10,338,000	9,706,000	29,915,000	25,752,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			-1,050,000
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	-38,757,000		-38,757,000		-45,066,000
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	-55,317,000		-55,317,000		-44,242,000
Noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	-94,074,000		-94,074,000		-89,308,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income (loss) attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests	12,536,000	12,673,000	36,667,000	35,477,000
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	12,536,000	12,295,000	36,667,000	33,893,000
Effects of changes in ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	24,488,000	21,700,000	70,074,000	55,604,000
Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest b
Increase (Decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.bs paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)				-585,000
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 7)			-1,050,000
Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			75,019,000	-6,523,000
Taubman Asia [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of dividends to which the President is entitled (in hundredths)			10.00%
Percentage of President's dividends withheld as contributions to capital (in hundredths)			85.00%
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	10.00%		10.00%
Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage 2013 - May 2015	50.00%		50.00%
Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage beginning May 2015	100.00%		100.00%
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0		0
Joint Venture Focusing On Developing and Owning Outlet Shopping Centers Member
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in consolidated subsidiary (in hundredths)	90.00%		90.00%
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	10.00%		10.00%
International Market Place [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in consolidated subsidiary (in hundredths)	93.50%		93.50%
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	6.50%		6.50%
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0		0
Finite Life Entities [Member]
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	-43,600,000		-43,600,000
Finite Life Entities [Abstract]
Terminaton date of partnership agreement			1-Dec-83
Estimated fair value of noncontrolling interests in finite life entities	350,000,000		350,000,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests			-1,050,000
Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest b
Increase (Decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.bs paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)			5,995,000	-62,127,000
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$4,945,000	($62,127,000)

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit2

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]
Amount of AOCI to be reclassified to income in the following 12 months	$6,300,000
Net realized losses included in AOCI resulting from settled derivative instruments	200,000
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Type of Instrument	cash flow hedge
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	95.00%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Type of interest rate paid on swap	fixed
Notional amount	129,554,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	2.64%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	2.35%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	4.99%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Sep-20
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Type of Instrument	cash flow hedge
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Type of interest rate paid on swap	fixed
Notional amount	137,500,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	2.40%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.70%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	4.10%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Apr-18
Date in which outstanding balance on the loan begins amortizing.	1-Aug-14
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Interest Rate Swap2 Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Type of Instrument	cash flow hedge
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Type of interest rate paid on swap	fixed
Notional amount	$137,500,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	2.40%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.70%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	4.10%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Apr-18

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit3

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income) (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	($396)	($1,790)	$10,414	($6,473)
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-1,589	-1,737	-4,703	-5,150
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges	-151	-151	-454	-641
Interest rate contract b consolidated subsidiary | Other comprehensive income [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	-67	-897	6,375	-3,671
Interest rate contract b consolidated subsidiary | Interest expense [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-812	-802	-2,406	-2,380
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges	-151	-151	-454	-453
Interest rate contracts - UJVs [Member] | Other comprehensive income [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	-329	-893	4,039	-2,802
Interest rate contracts - UJVs [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-777	-935	-2,297	-2,770
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges				($188)

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit4

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Location and Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as Reported in the Consoiidated Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	($12,472,000)	($22,886,000)
Contingent features [Abstract]
Maximum amount of defaults on any of the hedged entity's indebtedness before the derivative obligation could also be declared in default	1,000,000
Interest Rate Contracts Consolidated Subsidiaries Member | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	-5,490,000	-11,865,000
Interest Rate Contracts Ujvs Member | Investment in UJVs [Member]
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	($6,982,000)	($11,021,000)

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			15 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Rate		Rate		Employee Stock Option [Member]	Employee Stock Option [Member]	Employee Stock Option [Member]	Unissued Partnership Units Under Unit Option Deferral Election Member	Performance Shares [Member]	Additional Performance Share Units [Member]	Additional Performance Share Units [Member]	Total Performance Share Units [Member]	Restricted Share Units [Member]	Total Restricted Share Units [Member]	Total Restricted Share Units [Member]	Additional Restricted Share Units [Member]
Deferred compensation arrangements [Abstract]
Aggregate number of Company common shares or Operating Partnership units approved for awards under the 2008 Omnibus Plan, amended (in shares)	8,500,000		8,500,000
The ratio at which non-option awards granted after the May 2010 amendment are deducted from the shares available for grant	1.85		1.85
The ratio at which non-option awards granted prior to the May 2010 amendment are deducted from the shares available for grant	2.85		2.85
The ratio at which options awards granted are deducted from the shares available for grant			one-for-one
Share-based compensation, allocation and classification in financial statements [Abstract]
Compensation cost charged to income for the Company's share-based compensation plans	$3.60	$2.50	$9.70	$8.70
Summary of option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1, 2013					689,802
Exercised					-84,225
Outstanding at September 30, 2013					605,577		689,802
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price					$43.70		$42.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price					$33.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning of Period							3.8
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, End of Period					2.9
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Lower Range					$29.38		$24.74
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Upper Range					$55.90		$55.90
Fully vested options at September 30, 2013					605,577
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price					$43.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)					2.9
Summary of option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money options outstanding					14.3
Aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money fully vested options					14.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value					3.6	3.8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options					2.9	3.1
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Options exercised under unit option deferral election plan (in shares)								3,000,000
The number of mature units tendered for the exercise of previously issued stock options under the unit option deferral election plan (in shares)								2,100,000
The number of units deferred under the unit option deferral election upon the exercise of previously issued stock options (in shares)								900,000
Date at which deferred partnership units begin to be issued								Dec-17
Number of Annual Installments during which Deferred Partnership Units will be issued								ten
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Awards under the 2008 Omnibus Plan									Each PSU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Companybs common stock ranging from 0-300% of the PSU based on the Companybs market performance relative to that of a peer group	represent the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Companybs common stock ranging from 0-400% of the PSU based on the Companybs market performance relative to that of a peer group				represent the right to receive upon vesting one share of the Companybs common stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum									0.30%	0.46%			0.30%			0.10%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum									0.40%	0.62%			0.49%			0.19%
Right To Receive Upon Vesting Shares Of Common Stock As Percentage Of Psu Low Range									0.00%	0.00%
Right To Receive Upon Vesting Shares Of Common Stock As Percentage Of Psu High Range									300.00%	400.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period									three years	four years
Weighted average grant-date fair value									$103.37	$171.05			$71.67			$81.38
Right to Receive Upon Vesting Shares of Common Stock as Percentage of PSU, Actual Vested During Period									300.00%
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized												20.5		8.1
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition												2 years 11 months 21 days		1 year 10 months 18 days
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at January 1, 2013												262,740		322,305
Vested (in shares)									-73,259					-138,028
Granted									42,178	15,444			92,103			5,197
Outstanding at September 30, 2013												234,863		269,899
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period										12,240					11,678
Outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)												$122.52		$48.19
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)									$65.29					$37.03
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)									$103.37	$171.05			$71.67			$81.38
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value											$140.49				$57.60
Outstanding at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)												$139.18		$62
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount	$0.40	$0.20	$1.20	$0.80

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash tender [Abstract]
Minimum aggregate value of Operating Partnership units to be tendered	$50,000,000
Fair Value of Written Option, Cash Tender Agreement	zero
Market value per common share (in dollars per share)	$67.31
Approximate aggregate value of interests in the Operating Partnership that may be tendered	1,600,000,000
Additional interest the Company would have owned in the Operating Partnership upon purchase of interests (in hundredths)	27.00%
Continuing offer [Abstract]
Common Stock, Conversion Basis	one unit of the Operating Partnership interest is exchangeable for one share of the Company's common stock
Case No CV01619 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Minimum amount of damages sought by plaintiff	$20,000,000
Number Of Restaurant Owners That Filed Lawsuit	2
Number of restaurants that filed lawsuit (in restaurants)	2
Number of individuals with employee against which lawsuit was filed	3
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Continuing offer [Abstract]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion	ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
Basic	$24,488	$21,700	$70,074	$55,604
Impact of additional ownership of TRG	107	168	352	470
Diluted	$24,595	$21,868	$70,426	$56,074
Shares (Denominator) b basic	63,753,748	60,571,612	63,653,155	59,207,828
Effect of dilutive securities	937,161	1,453,710	1,049,493	1,508,690
Shares (Denominator) b diluted	64,690,909	62,025,322	64,702,648	60,716,518
Earnings per common share - basic	$0.38	$0.36	$1.10	$0.94
Earnings per common share b diluted	$0.38	$0.35	$1.09	$0.92
Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4,494,470	4,235,782	4,557,851	5,221,040
Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	871,262	871,262	871,262	871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures (Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities			$2,452
Insurance deposit		12,224	11,291
Total assets		12,224	13,743
Derivative interest rate contract				-5,490	-11,865
Total liabilities				-5,490	-11,865
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	2,493
Realized gain on sale of securities (Note 12)	($1,323)

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Details

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Community Development District Obligation [Abstract]
Book value of the capitalized infrastructure assets and improvements, net of depreciation	$38.30	$39.80
Special Assessment Bond	60.8	60.8
Obligation For Future Special Assessments Fair Value	$59.70	$60.90

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Value of Notes Payable) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Additional Credit Spread Included In Discount Rate To Estimate Fair Value Of Notes Payable	1.25%	1.50%
Estimated fair values of notes payable [Abstract]
Notes Payable	$2,985,952,000	$2,952,030,000
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	3,055,058,000	3,082,265,000
Notes Payable Fair Values Hypothetical Percent Increase In Interest Rates	1.00%
Impact Of Overall One Percent Increase In Interest Rates Decrease In Fair Values Of Notes Payable	$76,000,000
Impact Of Overall One Percent Increase In Interest Rates Decrease In Fair Values Of Notes Payable Percent	2.50%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
						Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax							$3,020		$1,888		$1,198		$756
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax							-17,294	-31,407	-23,952	-27,613	4,672	7,288	1,739	9,113
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-14,274		-14,274		-22,064		-14,274	-31,407	-22,064	-27,613	5,870	7,288	2,495	9,113
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax							1,127				447
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax							3,981				1,776
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent							5,108
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											2,223
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent							1,127
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent							6,641	-3,837
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent							7,768	-3,837
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											447
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											2,950	1,782
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest											3,397	1,782
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Adjustment Foreign Currency Attributable To Parent							5				-5
Other comprehensive income (loss), adjustments, attributable to parent							17	43
Other comprehensive income (loss), total adjustments attributable to parent							22	43
Other comprehensive income (loss), adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interests											-17	-43
Other comprehensive income (loss), total adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests											-22	-43
Realized loss on interest rate contracts - consolidated subsidiaries						2,860
Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs						2,297
Realized gain on sale of securities (Note 12)			-1,323			-1,323
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	$1,740	$151	$3,834	$641			$2,660	($449)			$1,174	($192)

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
The Mall at Univeristy Town Center [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	225
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Debt Instrument, Term	3 years
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR plus 1.70%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms, Performance Contingency	LIBOR plus 1.60%
Number of Extension Options	four
Length Of Extension Option1	1 year
Assumed interest rate, principal payments during extension period	6.00%
Period Over Which Principal Balance Is Amortized	30-year
Unconditional Guaranty Liability, Principal Balance, Percent	25.00%
Unconditional Guaranty Liability, Interest, Percent	50.00%
Unconditional Guaranty Liability Upon Achievement of Performance Inventives, Principal Balance, Percent,	12.50%
City Creek Center [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$85
Debt Instrument, Term	10 years
Period Over Which Principal Balance Is Amortized	30
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	4.43%