Taubman Centers (TCO) 10-Q 4 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'TAUBMAN CENTERS INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000890319	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	63,322,750
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets (Note 2):	'	'
Properties	$3,143,649	$4,485,090
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-951,736	-1,516,982
Real Estate Investment Property, Net	2,191,913	2,968,108
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Notes 2 and 4)	361,729	327,692
Cash and cash equivalents	45,725	40,993
Restricted cash (Note 5)	43,258	5,046
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,352 and $1,934 in 2014 and 2013	38,187	73,193
Accounts receivable from related parties	2,258	1,804
Deferred Costs and Other Assets	149,042	89,386
Assets of centers held for sale (Note 2)	780,063	'
Total Assets	3,612,175	3,506,222
Liabilities (Note 2):	'	'
Notes payable (Note 5)	2,015,999	3,058,053
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	275,211	292,280
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Notes 2 and 4)	401,809	371,549
Liabilities of centers held for sale (Note 2)	652,068	'
Total Liabilities	3,345,087	3,721,882
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, 25,117,000 and 25,151,069 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	25	25
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 63,319,539 and 63,101,614 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	633	631
Additional paid-in capital	809,071	796,787
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 13)	-9,258	-8,914
Dividends in excess of net income	-587,291	-908,656
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	213,180	-120,127
Noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	53,908	-95,533
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	267,088	-215,660
Total Liabilities and Equity	$3,612,175	$3,506,222

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,352,100	$1,934,100
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	63,319,539	63,101,614
Common stock, shares outstanding	63,319,539	63,101,614
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	25,117,000	25,151,069
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	25,117,000	25,151,069
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	$0
Preferred Stock, liquidation preference	$170,000,000	$170,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	6,800,000	6,800,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	6,800,000	6,800,000
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	6,800,000	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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Minimum rents	$96,691	$103,501	$291,113	$309,043
Percentage rents	5,263	7,021	11,019	13,732
Expense recoveries	63,527	67,943	187,439	197,549
Management, leasing, and development services	3,135	8,753	8,605	13,954
Other	7,428	6,720	22,631	21,104
Total Revenues	176,044	193,938	520,807	555,382
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and promotion	52,184	55,375	148,955	154,694
Other operating	18,036	19,295	49,582	53,950
Management, leasing, and development service	1,539	1,027	4,520	4,172
General and administrative	11,369	11,812	34,493	36,676
Restructuring charge (Note 2)	3,031	'	3,031	'
Interest expense	23,382	32,515	74,946	99,589
Depreciation and amortization	24,553	40,982	96,521	116,262
Operating Expenses	134,094	161,006	412,048	465,343
Nonoperating income (expense) (Notes 2 and 8)	891	-456	-3,327	1,831
Income before income tax expense, equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, and gain on dispositions, net of tax	42,841	32,476	105,432	91,870
Income tax expense (Note 3)	-683	-1,453	-1,693	-2,715
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 4)	14,479	12,220	41,222	34,047
Income before gain on dispositions, net of tax	56,637	43,243	144,961	123,202
Gain on dispositions, net of tax (Note 2)	'	'	476,887	'
Net income	56,637	43,243	621,848	123,202
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	-16,700	-12,536	-178,935	-36,667
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.	39,937	30,707	442,913	86,535
Distributions to participating securities of TRG (Note 9)	-471	-435	-1,409	-1,313
Preferred stock dividends (Note 6)	-5,784	-5,784	-17,353	-15,148
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	33,682	24,488	424,151	70,074
Other comprehensive income (Note 13):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	2,593	-1,984	-11,994	5,757
Cumulative translation adjustment	-4,282	5,086	-2,432	1,574
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	2,599	1,740	14,073	3,834
Other comprehensive income (loss)	910	4,842	-353	11,165
Comprehensive income	57,547	48,085	621,495	134,367
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-16,969	-13,900	-178,956	-40,064
Comprehensive income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.	$40,578	$34,185	$442,539	$94,303
Basic earnings per common share (Note 11)	$0.53	$0.38	$6.71	$1.10
Diluted earnings per common share (Note 11)	$0.53	$0.38	$6.60	$1.09
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.54	$0.50	$1.62	$1.50
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding b basic	63,317,680	63,753,748	63,249,400	63,653,155

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, 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	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units	'	-168,627	168,637	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Units	'	'	2	-2	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)	-21,189	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	'	6,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	164,395	'	'	164,395	'	'	'
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	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-1,050	'	'	1,050	'	'	'
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	0	'	'	5,995	22	'	-6,017
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests (excludes contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interests)	4,729	'	'	'	'	'	4,729
Dividends and distributions	-155,642	'	'	'	'	-112,100	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	'	'	'	'	'	'	-43,542
Other	-129	'	'	'	'	-129	'
Net income	123,202	'	'	'	'	86,535	36,667
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period (excluding redeemable noncontrolling interests), Net of Tax	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	'	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	633	657,071	'	'	'
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	63,310,148	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	'	'	-313,042	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)	'	'	-3	-21,186	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	'	'	'	1,050	'	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	-215,660	25	631	796,787	-8,914	-908,656	-95,533
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	39,651,069	63,101,614	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units	'	-35,500	35,500	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	'	'	-266	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)	-17	'	'	-17	'	'	'
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (Note 9)	12,087	'	2	12,085	'	'	'
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans (in shares)	'	'	182,691	'	'	'	'
Tax impact of share-based compensation (Note 3)	71	'	'	71	'	'	'
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests (Note 7)	0	'	'	54	29	'	-83
Contributions from Noncontrolling Interests (excludes contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interests)	22,346	'	'	'	'	'	22,346
Dividends and distributions	-173,055	'	'	'	'	-121,268	'
Stockholders' Equity, Other Shares	'	1,431	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	'	'	'	'	'	'	-51,787
Other	-179	'	'	91	'	-280	10
Net income	621,848	'	'	'	'	442,913	178,935
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period (excluding redeemable noncontrolling interests), Net of Tax	-11,994	'	'	'	-8,478	'	-3,516
Cumulative translation adjustment	-2,432	'	'	'	-1,741	'	-691
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	14,073	'	'	'	9,846	'	4,227
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$267,088	$25	$633	$809,071	($9,258)	($587,291)	$53,908
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	39,617,000	63,319,539	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income	$621,848	$123,202
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	96,521	116,262
Provision for bad debts	2,284	1,868
Gain on sale of peripheral land	'	-863
Gain on sale of marketable securities	'	-1,323
Gain on dispositions (Note 2)	-486,620	'
Discontinuation of hedge accounting (Note 8)	5,507	'
Other	7,637	9,907
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables, restricted cash, deferred charges, and other assets	4,665	357
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-2,300	19,701
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	249,542	269,111
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:	'	'
Additions to properties	-292,523	-193,027
Issuances of notes receivable	'	-1,489
Proceeds from sale of peripheral land	'	6,916
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	'	2,493
Proceeds from dispositions, net of transaction costs (Note 2)	385,598	'
Cash in escrow related to center construction projects (Note 5)	-39,630	'
Repayments of notes receivable	7,304	500
Collection and release of TCBL related proceeds	'	12,903
Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 2)	-44,109	-120,676
Distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of income	6,591	3,927
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities	23,231	-288,453
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'	'
Debt proceeds	115,969	183,964
Debt payments	-226,944	-145,112
Debt issuance costs	-5,430	-7,010
Repurchase of common stock (Note 6)	-17	-21,189
Issuance of common stock and/or partnership units in connection with incentive plans	-792	-3,422
Issuance of Series K Preferred Stock, net of offering costs	'	164,395
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interest (Note 7)	'	-1,050
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-51,787	-43,542
Distributions to participating securities of TRG	-1,409	-1,313
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	22,346	4,729
Cash dividends to preferred shareowners	-17,353	-15,148
Cash dividends to common shareowners	-102,624	-95,640
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities	-268,041	19,662
Net Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents	4,732	320
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	40,993	32,057
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$45,725	$32,377

Interim_Financial_Statements

Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 included 24 operating urban and suburban shopping centers in 12 states. In October 2014, the Company completed the sale of seven centers to an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group (Starwood) (Note 2). Subsequent to the sale, the Company no longer operates centers in North Carolina and Texas. Also in October 2014, The Mall at University Town Center opened in Sarasota, Florida (Note 2).
	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.
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU No. 2014-08 changes the definition of a discontinued operation to include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. ASU No. 2014-08 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, but can be early-adopted. The Company has early adopted ASU No. 2014-08 and will apply the revised definition to all disposals on a prospective basis.
	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, 2013. 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% and 50.1% investments in Westfarms and International Plaza, respectively, are through general partnerships 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, 2014. 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 in 2013.
	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, 2014 consisted of 25,117,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 63,319,539 shares of common stock.
	The Operating Partnership
	At September 30, 2014, 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, 2014 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 both the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 72%. At September 30, 2014, the Operating Partnership had 88,454,989 partnership units outstanding, of which the Company owned 63,319,539 units.

Acquisitions_Dispositions_and_

Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development [Abstract]	'
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Developments
	Acquisitions
	Purchase of U.S. Headquarters Building
	In February 2014, the Company purchased the U.S. headquarters building located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for approximately $16.1 million from an affiliate of the Taubman family. In exchange for the building, the Company assumed the $17.4 million, 5.90% fixed rate loan on the building, issued 1,431 Operating Partnership units (and a corresponding number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock), and received $1.4 million in escrowed and other cash from the affiliate. A purchase accounting premium adjustment of $0.7 million, recorded to recognize the loan at fair value, is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the loan which matures April 1, 2015.
	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.
	Dispositions
	Sale of Centers to Starwood
	In June 2014, the Company entered into agreements with Starwood to dispose of a portfolio of seven centers. The following centers (Sale Centers) were included in the agreements: MacArthur Center in Norfolk, Virginia, Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond, Virginia, Northlake Mall in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, Florida, The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, The Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township, Michigan, and Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, Michigan.
	In October 2014, the Company completed the disposition of the Sale Centers for consideration of $1.403 billion, excluding transaction costs. After the prepayment or defeasance of $623 million of property-level debt and accrued interest and $44 million of transaction costs, net cash proceeds were $736 million. The Company's share of the net cash proceeds was $716 million.
	The debt extinguished consisted of four loans: a $216 million loan secured by Northlake Mall at an interest rate of 5.41% maturing in February 2016, a $200 million loan secured by The Mall at Wellington Green at an interest rate of 5.44% maturing in May 2015, an amortizing loan of $128 million secured by MacArthur Center, which was swapped to a rate of 4.99% maturing in September 2020, and an amortizing loan of $78 million secured by The Mall at Partridge Creek at an interest rate of 6.15% maturing in July 2020.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company incurred $5.5 million of expenses, $5.2 million at TRG's beneficial share, related to the discontinuation of hedge accounting on the swap previously designated to hedge the MacArthur Center note payable. In addition, the Company incurred $1.0 million of disposition costs related to the Sale Centers as of September 30, 2014. These expenses are classified as Nonoperating Expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
	As a result of the sale, the Company underwent a restructuring plan to reduce its workforce across various areas of the organization during the third quarter of 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the Company incurred $3.0 million of expenses related to the reduction in workforce. These expenses are classified as Restructuring Charge on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. As of September 30, 2014, $2.3 million of restructuring costs were unpaid and remained accrued.
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the seven centers included as part of the disposal group classified as "held for sale" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	Assets:
	Properties, net	$	754,180
	Other assets	25,883
	Total assets	$	780,063
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	621,945
	Other liabilities	30,123
	Total liabilities	$	652,068
	International Plaza
	In January 2014, the Company sold a total of 49.9% of the Company's interests in the entity that owns International Plaza, including certain governance rights, for $499 million (excluding transaction costs), which consisted of $337 million of cash and approximately $162 million of beneficial interest in debt. A gain of $368 million (net of tax of $9.7 million) was recognized as a result of the transaction. The Company's ownership in the center decreased to a noncontrolling 50.1% interest, which is accounted for under the equity method subsequent to the disposition.
	Arizona Mills
	In January 2014, the Company completed the sale of its 50% interest in Arizona Mills, an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, and land in Syosset, New York related to the former Oyster Bay project, to Simon Property Group (SPG). The consideration, excluding transaction costs, consisted of $60 million of cash and 555,150 partnership units in Simon Property Group Limited Partnership. The number of partnership units received was determined based on a value of $154.91 per unit. The fair value of the partnership units recognized for accounting purposes was $77.7 million, after considering the one-year restriction on the sale of these partnership units. The number of partnership units subsequently increased to 590,124, in lieu of the Company's participation in a distribution of certain partnership units of another entity by SPG and Simon Property Group Limited Partnership. The increase in the number of partnership units was neutral to the market value of the Company's holdings as of the transaction date. The Company's investment in the partnership units is classified within Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As a result of the sale, the Company was relieved of its $84 million share of the $167 million mortgage loan outstanding on Arizona Mills at the time of the sale. A gain of $109 million was recognized as a result of the transaction.
	U.S. Development
	International Market Place
	International Market Place, a 0.4 million square foot center is under construction 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, which is subject to a participating ground lease. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's capitalized costs for the project were $85.0 million ($79.6 million at TRG's share).
	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 project. The center will be anchored by Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue and is expected to open in March 2015. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had capitalized costs of $321.9 million ($258.9 million at TRG's share).
	The Mall at University Town Center
	The Mall at University Town Center, a 0.9 million square foot center in Sarasota, Florida, opened in October 2014. The Company owns a 50% interest in the project. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had invested $138.2 million. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Asia
	CityOn.Zhengzhou
	In 2013, the Company formed a joint venture with Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd (Wangfujing), one of China's largest department store chains. The joint venture owns a majority interest in and will manage an approximately 1.0 million square foot multi-level shopping center (CityOn.Zhengzhou) 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 spring 2016. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had invested $41.7 million in the project, as increased by $0.4 million of cumulative currency translation adjustments. The investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	CityOn.Xi'an
	In 2012, the Company formed a joint venture with Wangfujing. The joint venture will own a 60% controlling interest in and manage an approximately 1.0 million square foot shopping center (CityOn.Xi'an) 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, 2014, the Company had invested $58.2 million in the project, as increased by $1.1 million of cumulative currency translation adjustments. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Hanam Union Square
	In 2011, the Company formed a joint venture with Shinsegae Group, South Korea's largest retailer, to build an approximately 1.7 million square foot shopping mall (Hanam Union Square) in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, which is scheduled to open in late 2016. In August 2014, the Company partnered with a major institution in Asia to acquire an additional 19% stake from Shinsegae Group, increasing the partnership ownership interest to 49%. The new institutional partner owns 14.7% of the project, bringing the Company's effective ownership to 34.3%, an increase from the Company's previous 30% share. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had invested $127.8 million in the project, as increased by $2.9 million of cumulative currency translation adjustments. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	State current	$	1		$	47		$	1,520		$	298
	State deferred	(4		)	(34		)	(16		)	(59		)
	Federal current	313			160			7,851			468
	Federal deferred	(26		)	(38		)	1,139			251
	Foreign current	399			1,353			980			1,983
	Foreign deferred				(35		)	(48		)	(226		)
		$	683		$	1,453		$	11,426		$	2,715
	Less income tax expense allocated to Gain on Dispositions (1)							9,733
	Total income tax expense	$	683		$	1,453		$	1,693		$	2,715
	-1	Amount represents the income taxes incurred as part of the Company's sale of interests in International Plaza in January 2014. The tax on the sale is classified within Gain on Dispositions, Net of Tax on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
	Deferred Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal	$	1,607		$	2,746
	Foreign	1,822			1,821
	State	550			527
	Total deferred tax assets	$	3,979		$	5,094
	Valuation allowances	(1,783		)	(1,831		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	2,196		$	3,263
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Federal	$	602		$	602
	Foreign	474			449
	State	91			107
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	1,167		$	1,158
	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 $0.1 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014
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, International Plaza, 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, 2014 and
			31-Dec-13
	Arizona Mills (1)		0/50%
	CityOn.Xi'an (under construction)		Note 2
	CityOn.Zhengzhou (under construction)		Note 2
	Fair Oaks		50
	Hanam Union Square (under construction)		Note 2
	International Plaza (2)		50.1/100
	The Mall at Millenia		50
	Stamford Town Center		50
	Sunvalley		50
	The Mall at University Town Center (under construction) (3)		Note 2
	Waterside Shops		50
	Westfarms		79
	-1	In January 2014, the Company disposed of its 50% interest in Arizona Mills (Note 2). Prior to the disposition, Arizona Mills was accounted for as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.
	-2	In January 2014, the Company sold a total of 49.9% of its interests in the entity that owns International Plaza. The disposition decreased the Company's ownership in the center to a noncontrolling 50.1% interest (Note 2). Prior to the disposition, International Plaza was accounted for as a consolidated center.
	-3	The Mall at University Town Center opened in October 2014.
	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’ mortgage notes payable was $1.8 billion at September 30, 2014 and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2013. The methodology for determining this fair value is consistent with that used for determining the fair value of consolidated mortgage notes payable (Note 12).
	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, 2014 excluded the balances of Hanam Union Square, CityOn.Xi'an, and CityOn.Zhengzhou, which are currently under construction (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
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Properties	$	1,517,439		$	1,305,658
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(539,451		)	(478,820		)
		$	977,988		$	826,838
	Cash and cash equivalents	28,763			28,782
	Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,364 and $977 in 2014 and 2013	29,399			33,626
	Deferred charges and other assets	31,740			28,095
		$	1,067,890		$	917,341
	Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
	Notes payable	$	1,785,602		$	1,551,161
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	73,889			70,226
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	(453,452		)	(412,204		)
	Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	(338,149		)	(291,842		)
		$	1,067,890		$	917,341
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	$	(453,452	)	$	(412,204	)
	TRG's investment in properties under development (Note 2)	226,853			193,306
	TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	131,070			118,132
	TCO's additional basis	55,449			56,909
	Net investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	(40,080	)	$	(43,857	)
	Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	401,809			371,549
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	361,729		$	327,692
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues	$	80,671		$	71,858		$	238,190		$	209,183
	Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	25,040		$	22,933		$	75,486		$	67,037
	Interest expense	18,518			17,302			55,065			51,758
	Depreciation and amortization	11,417			9,237			32,613			27,155
	Total operating costs	$	54,975		$	49,472		$	163,164		$	145,950
	Nonoperating income	(22		)	(1		)	(25		)	(1		)
	Net income	$	25,674		$	22,385		$	75,001		$	63,232
	Net income attributable to TRG	$	14,258		$	12,402		$	41,319		$	35,103
	Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s basis adjustments	707			306			1,363			405
	Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	(486		)	(488		)	(1,460		)	(1,461		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	14,479		$	12,220		$	41,222		$	34,047
	Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ operations:
Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	31,762		$	28,000		$	92,336		$	80,777
Interest expense	(10,006		)	(9,415		)	(29,805		)	(28,192		)
Depreciation and amortization	(7,277		)	(6,365		)	(21,309		)	(18,538		)
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	14,479		$	12,220		$	41,222		$	34,047

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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%), The Mall at Wellington Green (10%), and MacArthur Center (5%). In October 2014, the Company disposed of The Mall at Wellington Green and MacArthur Center as part of the sale to Starwood (Note 2).
		At 100%						At Beneficial Interest
		Consolidated Subsidiaries				Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		Consolidated Subsidiaries				Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Debt as of:
	September 30, 2014	$	2,637,941	(1	)	$	1,785,602	$	2,448,342	(1	)	$	984,512
	December 31, 2013	3,058,053				1,551,161		2,891,592				868,942
	Capitalized interest:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	$	18,844	(2	)	$	2,836	$	18,136			$	1,430
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	11,511		(2	)	73		11,169				46
	Interest expense:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	$	74,946			$	55,065	$	68,687			$	29,805
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	99,589				51,578		93,049				28,192
	-1	The debt balance presented includes the debt of centers classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2014 (Note 2). The debt of centers held for sale was $622 million at 100% and $596 million at the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest at September 30, 2014. In October 2014, the Company disposed of the centers that were previously held for sale (Note 2).
	-2	The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred in funding its equity contributions to development projects accounted for as Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The capitalized interest cost is included in the Company's basis in its investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. 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.
	2014 Financings
	In April 2014, a $320 million construction facility was completed for The Mall of San Juan, a consolidated joint venture. The construction facility has an initial three-year term with two, one-year extension options. The loan is interest only for the entire term and bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.00%, which may decrease to LIBOR plus 1.75% upon achieving certain performance measures.
	In March 2014, the maturity date on the Company's $65 million secondary revolving line of credit was extended through April 2016. All significant terms of the credit facility agreement remain unchanged as a result of the extension.
	In January 2014, the Company used a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the total of 49.9% interests in the entity that owns International Plaza (Note 2) to pay off the $99.5 million mortgage note payable on Stony Point Fashion Park that was scheduled to mature in June 2014.
	Debt Covenants
	Certain loan agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including the following corporate covenants on the Company’s unsecured primary revolving line of credit, unsecured term loan, and the construction facilities on The Mall at University Town Center and The Mall of San Juan: 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 and term loan have unencumbered pool covenants, which currently apply to Beverly Center, Dolphin Mall, and Twelve Oaks Mall 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. As of September 30, 2014, the corporate minimum fixed charge coverage ratio is the most restrictive covenant. The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and loan obligations as of September 30, 2014. 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.
	Upon the disposition of Fairlane Town Center and The Shops at Willow Bend in October 2014 (Note 2), these centers were removed from the primary revolving line of credit and term loan unencumbered asset pool. The Company does not expect that this will significantly affect the ability to meet the required covenants or the current $1.1 billion availability under the line of credit.
	Guarantees
	In connection with the financing of the construction facility at The Mall at University Town Center, which is owned by an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, the Operating Partnership provided an unconditional guarantee of 25% of the principal balance and 50% of all accrued but unpaid interest. The maximum amount of the construction facility is $225 million. The outstanding balance of The Mall at University Town Center construction financing facility as of September 30, 2014 was $155.6 million. Accrued but unpaid interest as of September 30, 2014 was $0.2 million. The principal guarantee may be reduced to 12.5% of the outstanding principal balance upon achievement of certain performance measures. Upon stabilization, the unconditional guarantee may be released. The Company believes the likelihood of a payment under the guarantee to be remote.
	In connection with the financing of the construction facility at The Mall of San Juan, the Operating Partnership has provided an unconditional guarantee of the construction loan principal balance and all accrued but unpaid interest during the term of the loan. In addition, the Operating Partnership has provided a guarantee as to the completion of the center. The outstanding balance of The Mall of San Juan construction financing facility as of September 30, 2014 was $116.0 million. Accrued but unpaid interest as of September 30, 2014 was $0.1 million. The center is expected to open in March 2015 and the Company believes the likelihood of a payment under the guarantees to be remote.
	Other
	The Company is required to escrow cash balances for specific uses stipulated by certain of its lenders. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s cash balances restricted for these uses were $43.3 million and $5.0 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, $39.6 million of the $43.3 million of restricted cash was required under certain debt agreements to be in escrow for certain major construction projects.

Equity_Transactions

Equity Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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. No stock repurchases were made during the third quarter of 2014. As of September 30, 2014, the Company repurchased 787,071 shares of its common stock at an average price of $66.45 per share for a total of $52.3 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.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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). In April 2014, the Taubman Asia operating agreement was amended to provide that so long as the Taubman Asia President is employed by Taubman Asia on April 1, 2016, then during the month ended April 30, 2016, he will have the right to exercise an option to put up to 40% of his ownership interest for cash in December 2016 at a valuation determined as of October 31, 2016. In addition, under the amended agreement, 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 50% (increasing to 100% as early as June 2017) 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Any adjustments to the redemption value are recorded through equity.
	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 is 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 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 with a carrying value of zero. The redemption of this interest in a consolidated subsidiary was accounted for as an equity transaction.
	Equity Balances of Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	The net equity balance of the noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included the following:
		2014			2013
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$	(17,790	)	$	(37,191	)
	Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	71,698			(58,342		)
		$	53,908		$	(95,533	)
	Income Allocable to Noncontrolling Interests
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 included the following:
		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	2,643		$	2,198
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	14,057			10,338
		$	16,700		$	12,536
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 included the following:
		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	8,013		$	6,752
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	170,922			29,915
		$	178,935		$	36,667
	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, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	$	424,151		$	70,074
	Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest:
	Increase in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)	54			5,995
	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 from noncontrolling interests	54			4,945
	Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	424,205		$	75,019
	-1	In 2014 and 2013, 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), redemption of the outlet joint venture partner's interest in 2013, and stock repurchases (Note 6).
	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, 2014, 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 $400 million at September 30, 2014, compared to a book value of $(22.5) 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, 2014
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, with the exception of the MacArthur Center swap, 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, 2014, 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 Subsidiaries:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		100	%		$	200,000			1.64	%		1.35	%	(1)	2.99	%	(1)	Feb-19
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		100	%		175,000				1.65	%		1.35	%	(1)	3	%	(1)	Feb-19
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		100	%		100,000				1.64	%		1.35	%	(1)	2.99	%	(1)	Feb-19
	Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,200				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,200				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	-1	The hedged forecasted transaction for each of these swaps is the first previously unhedged one-month LIBOR-indexed interest payments accrued and made each month on a debt principal amount equal to the swap notional, regardless of the specific debt agreement from which they may flow. The Company is currently using these swaps to manage interest rate risk on the $475 million TRG Term Loan. The credit spread on this loan can also vary within a range of 1.35% to 1.90%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio at the measurement date.
	-2	The notional amount on each of these swaps is equal to 50% of the outstanding principal balance of the loan on Fair Oaks.
	Non-designated Derivatives
	Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and are used to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in hedging relationships are recorded directly in earnings.
	In June 2014, in connection with entering into the Starwood Purchase and Sale Agreement (Note 2), the Company discontinued hedge accounting on the MacArthur Center swap and accelerated the reclassification of amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) to earnings as a result of it becoming probable that the center's debt would be early extinguished and the hedged interest payments would not occur. The accelerated amount was a loss of $4.9 million recorded as a component of Nonoperating Expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Company also recorded a gain of $0.2 million and a loss of $0.6 million to Nonoperating Expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 for changes in the fair value of this swap subsequent to the June 2014 discontinuation of hedge accounting. As of September 30, 2014, this interest rate swap is classified in Liabilities of Centers Held for Sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In October 2014, this swap was terminated and the debt was paid off with the proceeds from the sale to Starwood (Note 2). The following information relates to this swap as of September 30, 2014:
	Instrument Type		Ownership			Notional Amount				Swap Rate			Credit Spread on Loan			Total Swapped Rate on Loan			Maturity Date
	Consolidated Subsidiaries:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		95	%		$	128,100			2.64	%		2.35	%		4.99	%		Sep-20
	-1	The notional amount on this swap was equal to the outstanding principal balance of the loan on MacArthur Center.
	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 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 $9.7 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.
	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, 2014 and September 30, 2013. The tables include the amount of gains or losses on outstanding derivative instruments recognized in OCI in cash flow hedging relationships and the location and amount of gains or losses reclassified from AOCI into income resulting from outstanding derivative instruments and settled derivative instruments associated with hedged debt.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, 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
		2014				2013						2014				2013
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	$	3,692			$	(67	)		Interest Expense		$	(1,810	)		$	(812	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	1,266				(329		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(789		)		(777		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	4,958			$	(396	)				$	(2,599	)		$	(1,589	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiaries									Interest Expense						$	(151	)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	—			$	(151	)
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had an immaterial amount of hedge ineffectiveness related to the swap on MacArthur Center (prior to discontinuation of hedge accounting), which was classified as Nonoperating Income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 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										Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep										30-Sep
		2014				2013						2014				2013
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)									Nonoperating Expense (1)		$	(4,880	)
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)	$	(4,043	)		$	6,375			Interest Expense (1)		(6,853		)		$	(2,406	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	1,008				4,039				Equity in Income of UJVs		(2,340		)		(2,297		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	(3,035	)		$	10,414					$	(14,073	)		$	(4,703	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiaries									Interest Expense						$	(454	)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	—			$	(454	)
	-1	Includes MacArthur Center swap for the period that it was effective as a hedge until June 2014, when hedge accounting was discontinued.
	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, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company does not have any derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in an asset position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
				Fair Value
		Consolidated Balance Sheet Location		September 30				December 31
				2014				2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Asset derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	Deferred Charges and Other Assets						$	1,543
	Liability derivatives:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiaries	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		$	(726	)		$	(3,418	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	Investment in UJVs		(4,929		)		(5,938		)
	Total liabilities designated as hedging instruments			$	(5,655	)		$	(9,356	)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contract – held for sale	Liabilities of Centers Held for Sale		(4,874		)
Total liability derivatives			$	(10,529	)		$	(9,356	)
Contingent Features
Three 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. Three of the Company’s outstanding derivatives contain provisions that state if the Operating Partnership defaults on any of its recourse indebtedness in excess of $50 million, then the derivative obligation could also be declared in default. As of September 30, 2014, the Company is not in default on any indebtedness that would trigger a credit risk related default on its current outstanding derivatives.
As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position was $10.5 million and $9.4 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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, 2014
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 $3.4 million and $9.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. 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. Compensation cost capitalized as part of properties and deferred leasing costs was $0.4 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 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, 2014 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, 2014	563,436			$	43.81	2.6	$	31.31	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	(42,143	)		42.16
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	521,293			$	43.95	1.9	$	31.31	-	$	55.9
	Fully vested options at September 30, 2014	521,293			$	43.95	1.9
	No options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the period end stock price and the option exercise price) of in-the-money options outstanding was $15.1 million as of September 30, 2014.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1.4 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014, 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 2014, 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 2017 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 0.70% and a measurement period of approximately three years. The resulting weighted average grant-date fair value was $93.07 per PSU.
	A summary of PSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
		Number of Performance Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	234,863			$	139.18
	Vested	(43,858	)	(1)	85.4
	Granted	49,157			93.07
	Forfeited	(771	)		160.09
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	239,391			$	139.5
	-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, 2014 equaled 172% of the number of PSU awards vested in the table above.
	None of the PSU outstanding at September 30, 2014 were vested. As of September 30, 2014, there was $16.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested PSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 2.1 years.
	Restricted Share Units
	In 2014, 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 2017, 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 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 0.70%. The result of the Company’s valuation was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $63.95 per RSU.
	In 2014, 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 2015 to March 2017, 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 0.13% to 0.71%. The result of the Company's valuation was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $66.19 per RSU.
	A summary of RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
		Number of Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	269,899			$	62
	Vested	(98,213	)		51.07
	Granted (three-year vesting)	106,540			63.95
	Granted (staggered vesting)	8,505			66.19
	Forfeited	(4,843	)		65.44
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	281,888			$	66.65
	None of the RSU outstanding at September 30, 2014 were vested. As of September 30, 2014, there was $8.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 1.8 years.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 of $73.00 per share for the Company's common stock, the aggregate value of interests in the Operating Partnership that may be tendered under the Cash Tender Agreement was $1.8 billion. The purchase of these interests at September 30, 2014 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.
	The Company carries liability insurance to mitigate its exposure to certain losses, including those relating to personal injury claims. We believe the Company's insurance policy terms and conditions and limits are appropriate and adequate given the relative risk of loss and industry practice. There are, however, certain types of losses, such as punitive damage awards, that may not be covered by insurance, and not all potential losses are insured against.
	Other
	See Note 5 for the Operating Partnership's guarantees of certain notes payable, including a guarantee relating to an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, 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, 2014
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						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep						30-Sep
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
	Basic	$	33,682		$	24,488		$	424,151	$	70,074
	Impact of additional ownership of TRG	121			107			4,151		352
	Diluted	$	33,803		$	24,595		$	428,302	$	70,426
	Shares (Denominator) – basic	63,317,680			63,753,748			63,249,400		63,653,155
	Effect of dilutive securities	770,062			937,161			1,626,651		1,049,493
	Shares (Denominator) – diluted	64,087,742			64,690,909			64,876,051		64,702,648
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.53		$	0.38		$	6.71	$	1.1
	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.53		$	0.38		$	6.6	$	1.09
	The calculation of diluted earnings per share in certain periods 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					Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep					30-Sep
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding	4,369,590		4,494,470			4,352,233		4,557,851
	Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections	871,262		871,262					871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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.
	Other
	The Company's valuation of an insurance deposit utilizes unadjusted quoted prices determined by active markets for the specific securities the Company has invested in, and therefore falls 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, 2014 Using							December 31, 2013 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)
	Insurance deposit		$	13,089						$	12,225
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 8)												$	1,543
	Total assets		$	13,089		$	—			$	12,225		$	1,543
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 8)					$	(5,600	)					$	(3,418	)
	Total liabilities					$	(5,600	)					$	(3,418	)
	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.
	Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Values
	Simon Property Group Limited Partnership Units
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company owned 590,124 partnership units in Simon Property Group Limited Partnership (Note 2). The fair value of the partnership units, derived from SPG's common stock price after considering the one-year restriction on the sale of the units, and therefore falling into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, was $94.0 million at September 30, 2014. The partnership units were classified as Deferred Charges and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and had a book value of $77.7 million at September 30, 2014.
	Notes Payable
	The fair value of notes payable is estimated using cash flows discounted at current market rates and therefore falls 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company employed the credit spreads at which the debt was originally issued. For debt refinanced prior to 2010, excluding debt assumed from acquisitions, an additional 0.75% and 1.00% credit spread was added to the discount rate at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, to attempt to account for 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, 2014 or December 31, 2013. 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		2014							2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Notes payable (1)	$	2,637,941		$	2,689,413			$	3,058,053		$	3,107,119
	-1	Includes a carrying value of $622 million and a fair value of $641 million of notes payable related to the centers classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2014. In October 2014, the Company disposed of the centers that were previously held for sale (Note 2).
	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, 2014 by $40.2 million or 1.5%.
	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, 2014
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, 2014 are 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-14	$	5,040			$	(13,954	)	$	(8,914	)	$	2,011		$	6,141		$	8,152
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(1,741		)		(8,478		)	(10,219		)	(691		)	(3,516		)	(4,207		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					9,846			9,846						4,227			4,227
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	(1,741	)		$	1,368		$	(373	)	$	(691	)	$	711		$	20
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	7				22			29			(7		)	(22		)	(29		)
	September 30, 2014	$	3,306			$	(12,564	)	$	(9,258	)	$	1,313		$	6,830		$	8,143
	Changes in the balance of each component of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are 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		)
	September 30, 2013	$	3,020			$	(17,294	)	$	(14,274	)	$	1,198		$	4,672		$	5,870
	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts reclassified from AOCI				Affected line item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
	Losses on interest rate instruments and other:
	Discontinuation of hedge accounting - consolidated subsidiary		$	4,880			Nonoperating Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - consolidated subsidiaries		$	6,853			Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		2,340				Equity in Income of UJVs
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	14,073
	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		(1,323		)		Nonoperating Income, net
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	3,834

Cash_Flow_Disclosures_Suppleme

Cash Flow Disclosures, Supplemental (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	Cash Flow Disclosures and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
	The following non-cash investing and financing activities occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013. This table excludes any non-cash adjustments of noncontrolling interests as a result of equity transactions (Note 7).
		Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014		2013
	Issuance of a note receivable in connection with the sale of peripheral land			$	7,411
	Receipt of Simon Property Group Limited Partnership units in connection with the sale of Arizona Mills (Note 2)	$	77,700
	Issuance of TRG partnership units in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building (Note 2)	91
	Assumption of debt in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building (Note 2)	18,215
	Other non-cash additions to properties	53,018		14,351
	Other non-cash additions to properties primarily represent accrued construction and tenant allowance costs. Various assets and liabilities were also adjusted upon the disposition of interests in International Plaza and the deconsolidation of the Company's remaining interest (Note 2).

New_Accounting_Pronouncement_N

New Accounting Pronouncement (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	New Accounting Pronouncement
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers". This standard provides a single comprehensive model to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and gains and losses arising from transfers of non-financial assets including sales of property, plant, and equipment, real estate, and intangible assets. ASU No. 2014-09 supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU No. 2014-09 may be applied either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the application of this ASU and its effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Note 16 – Subsequent Event
	Sale of Centers to Starwood
	In October 2014, the Company completed the sale of seven centers to Starwood. See "Note 2 - Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Developments" for further discussion of the sale.

Acquisitions_Dispositions_and_1

Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development Schedule of Major Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Major Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of Interests in Centers [Policy Text Block]	'
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the seven centers included as part of the disposal group classified as "held for sale" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	Assets:
	Properties, net	$	754,180
	Other assets	25,883
	Total assets	$	780,063
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	621,945
	Other liabilities	30,123
	Total liabilities	$	652,068

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	State current	$	1		$	47		$	1,520		$	298
	State deferred	(4		)	(34		)	(16		)	(59		)
	Federal current	313			160			7,851			468
	Federal deferred	(26		)	(38		)	1,139			251
	Foreign current	399			1,353			980			1,983
	Foreign deferred				(35		)	(48		)	(226		)
		$	683		$	1,453		$	11,426		$	2,715
	Less income tax expense allocated to Gain on Dispositions (1)							9,733
	Total income tax expense	$	683		$	1,453		$	1,693		$	2,715
	-1	Amount represents the income taxes incurred as part of the Company's sale of interests in International Plaza in January 2014. The tax on the sale is classified within Gain on Dispositions, Net of Tax on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal	$	1,607		$	2,746
	Foreign	1,822			1,821
	State	550			527
	Total deferred tax assets	$	3,979		$	5,094
	Valuation allowances	(1,783		)	(1,831		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	2,196		$	3,263
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Federal	$	602		$	602
	Foreign	474			449
	State	91			107
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	1,167		$	1,158

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, International Plaza, 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, 2014 and
			31-Dec-13
	Arizona Mills (1)		0/50%
	CityOn.Xi'an (under construction)		Note 2
	CityOn.Zhengzhou (under construction)		Note 2
	Fair Oaks		50
	Hanam Union Square (under construction)		Note 2
	International Plaza (2)		50.1/100
	The Mall at Millenia		50
	Stamford Town Center		50
	Sunvalley		50
	The Mall at University Town Center (under construction) (3)		Note 2
	Waterside Shops		50
	Westfarms		79
	-1	In January 2014, the Company disposed of its 50% interest in Arizona Mills (Note 2). Prior to the disposition, Arizona Mills was accounted for as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.
	-2	In January 2014, the Company sold a total of 49.9% of its interests in the entity that owns International Plaza. The disposition decreased the Company's ownership in the center to a noncontrolling 50.1% interest (Note 2). Prior to the disposition, International Plaza was accounted for as a consolidated center.
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Text Block	'
	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, 2014 excluded the balances of Hanam Union Square, CityOn.Xi'an, and CityOn.Zhengzhou, which are currently under construction (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
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Properties	$	1,517,439		$	1,305,658
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(539,451		)	(478,820		)
		$	977,988		$	826,838
	Cash and cash equivalents	28,763			28,782
	Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,364 and $977 in 2014 and 2013	29,399			33,626
	Deferred charges and other assets	31,740			28,095
		$	1,067,890		$	917,341
	Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
	Notes payable	$	1,785,602		$	1,551,161
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	73,889			70,226
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	(453,452		)	(412,204		)
	Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	(338,149		)	(291,842		)
		$	1,067,890		$	917,341
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	$	(453,452	)	$	(412,204	)
	TRG's investment in properties under development (Note 2)	226,853			193,306
	TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	131,070			118,132
	TCO's additional basis	55,449			56,909
	Net investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	(40,080	)	$	(43,857	)
	Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	401,809			371,549
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	361,729		$	327,692
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues	$	80,671		$	71,858		$	238,190		$	209,183
	Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	25,040		$	22,933		$	75,486		$	67,037
	Interest expense	18,518			17,302			55,065			51,758
	Depreciation and amortization	11,417			9,237			32,613			27,155
	Total operating costs	$	54,975		$	49,472		$	163,164		$	145,950
	Nonoperating income	(22		)	(1		)	(25		)	(1		)
	Net income	$	25,674		$	22,385		$	75,001		$	63,232
	Net income attributable to TRG	$	14,258		$	12,402		$	41,319		$	35,103
	Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s basis adjustments	707			306			1,363			405
	Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	(486		)	(488		)	(1,460		)	(1,461		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	14,479		$	12,220		$	41,222		$	34,047
	Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ operations:
	Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	31,762		$	28,000		$	92,336		$	80,777
	Interest expense	(10,006		)	(9,415		)	(29,805		)	(28,192		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(7,277		)	(6,365		)	(21,309		)	(18,538		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	14,479		$	12,220		$	41,222		$	34,047

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an1

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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%), The Mall at Wellington Green (10%), and MacArthur Center (5%). In October 2014, the Company disposed of The Mall at Wellington Green and MacArthur Center as part of the sale to Starwood (Note 2).
		At 100%						At Beneficial Interest
		Consolidated Subsidiaries				Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		Consolidated Subsidiaries				Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Debt as of:
	September 30, 2014	$	2,637,941	(1	)	$	1,785,602	$	2,448,342	(1	)	$	984,512
	December 31, 2013	3,058,053				1,551,161		2,891,592				868,942
	Capitalized interest:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	$	18,844	(2	)	$	2,836	$	18,136			$	1,430
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	11,511		(2	)	73		11,169				46
	Interest expense:
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	$	74,946			$	55,065	$	68,687			$	29,805
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	99,589				51,578		93,049				28,192
	-1	The debt balance presented includes the debt of centers classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2014 (Note 2). The debt of centers held for sale was $622 million at 100% and $596 million at the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest at September 30, 2014. In October 2014, the Company disposed of the centers that were previously held for sale (Note 2).
	-2	The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred in funding its equity contributions to development projects accounted for as Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The capitalized interest cost is included in the Company's basis in its investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. 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, 2014
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Net equity balance of noncontrolling interests	'
	The net equity balance of the noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 included the following:
		2014			2013
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$	(17,790	)	$	(37,191	)
	Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	71,698			(58,342		)
		$	53,908		$	(95,533	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	'
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 included the following:
		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	8,013		$	6,752
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	170,922			29,915
		$	178,935		$	36,667
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 included the following:
		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	2,643		$	2,198
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	14,057			10,338
		$	16,700		$	12,536
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, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
		2014			2013
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	$	424,151		$	70,074
	Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest:
	Increase in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)	54			5,995
	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 from noncontrolling interests	54			4,945
	Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	424,205		$	75,019
	-1	In 2014 and 2013, 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),

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit1

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	'
	As of September 30, 2014, 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 Subsidiaries:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		100	%		$	200,000			1.64	%		1.35	%	(1)	2.99	%	(1)	Feb-19
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		100	%		175,000				1.65	%		1.35	%	(1)	3	%	(1)	Feb-19
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		100	%		100,000				1.64	%		1.35	%	(1)	2.99	%	(1)	Feb-19
	Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,200				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		137,200				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	-1	The hedged forecasted transaction for each of these swaps is the first previously unhedged one-month LIBOR-indexed interest payments accrued and made each month on a debt principal amount equal to the swap notional, regardless of the specific debt agreement from which they may flow. The Company is currently using these swaps to manage interest rate risk on the $475 million TRG Term Loan. The credit spread on this loan can also vary within a range of 1.35% to 1.90%, depending on the Company's leverage ratio at the measurement date.
	-2	The notional amount on each of these swaps is equal to 50% of the outstanding principal balance of the loan on Fair Oaks.
	Instrument Type		Ownership			Notional Amount				Swap Rate			Credit Spread on Loan			Total Swapped Rate on Loan			Maturity Date
	Consolidated Subsidiaries:
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (1)		95	%		$	128,100			2.64	%		2.35	%		4.99	%		Sep-20
	-1	The notional amount on this swap was equal to the outstanding principal balance of the loan on MacArthur Center.
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income	'
		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
		2014				2013						2014				2013
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	$	3,692			$	(67	)		Interest Expense		$	(1,810	)		$	(812	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	1,266				(329		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(789		)		(777		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	4,958			$	(396	)				$	(2,599	)		$	(1,589	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiaries									Interest Expense						$	(151	)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	—			$	(151	)
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company had an immaterial amount of hedge ineffectiveness related to the swap on MacArthur Center (prior to discontinuation of hedge accounting), which was classified as Nonoperating Income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 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										Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep										30-Sep
		2014				2013						2014				2013
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)									Nonoperating Expense (1)		$	(4,880	)
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)	$	(4,043	)		$	6,375			Interest Expense (1)		(6,853		)		$	(2,406	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	1,008				4,039				Equity in Income of UJVs		(2,340		)		(2,297		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	(3,035	)		$	10,414					$	(14,073	)		$	(4,703	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiaries									Interest Expense						$	(454	)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	—			$	(454	)
		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
		2014				2013						2014				2013
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	$	3,692			$	(67	)		Interest Expense		$	(1,810	)		$	(812	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	1,266				(329		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(789		)		(777		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	4,958			$	(396	)				$	(2,599	)		$	(1,589	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiaries									Interest Expense						$	(151	)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges											$	—			$	(151	)
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company does not have any derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in an asset position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
				Fair Value
		Consolidated Balance Sheet Location		September 30				December 31
				2014				2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Asset derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	Deferred Charges and Other Assets						$	1,543
	Liability derivatives:
	Interest rate contract – consolidated subsidiaries	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		$	(726	)		$	(3,418	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	Investment in UJVs		(4,929		)		(5,938		)
	Total liabilities designated as hedging instruments			$	(5,655	)		$	(9,356	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contract – held for sale	Liabilities of Centers Held for Sale		(4,874		)
	Total liability derivatives			$	(10,529	)		$	(9,356	)

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 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, 2014	563,436			$	43.81	2.6	$	31.31	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	(42,143	)		42.16
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	521,293			$	43.95	1.9	$	31.31	-	$	55.9
	Fully vested options at September 30, 2014	521,293			$	43.95	1.9
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of PSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is presented below:
		Number of Performance Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	234,863			$	139.18
	Vested	(43,858	)	(1)	85.4
	Granted	49,157			93.07
	Forfeited	(771	)		160.09
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	239,391			$	139.5
	-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, 2014 equaled 172% 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, 2014 is presented below:
		Number of Restricted Share Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	269,899			$	62
	Vested	(98,213	)		51.07
	Granted (three-year vesting)	106,540			63.95
	Granted (staggered vesting)	8,505			66.19
	Forfeited	(4,843	)		65.44
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	281,888			$	66.65

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basic and diluted earnings per share	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep						30-Sep
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
	Basic	$	33,682		$	24,488		$	424,151	$	70,074
	Impact of additional ownership of TRG	121			107			4,151		352
	Diluted	$	33,803		$	24,595		$	428,302	$	70,426
	Shares (Denominator) – basic	63,317,680			63,753,748			63,249,400		63,653,155
	Effect of dilutive securities	770,062			937,161			1,626,651		1,049,493
	Shares (Denominator) – diluted	64,087,742			64,690,909			64,876,051		64,702,648
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.53		$	0.38		$	6.71	$	1.1
	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.53		$	0.38		$	6.6	$	1.09
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					Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep					30-Sep
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding	4,369,590		4,494,470			4,352,233		4,557,851
	Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections	871,262		871,262					871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 Using							December 31, 2013 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)
	Insurance deposit		$	13,089						$	12,225
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 8)												$	1,543
	Total assets		$	13,089		$	—			$	12,225		$	1,543
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 8)					$	(5,600	)					$	(3,418	)
	Total liabilities					$	(5,600	)					$	(3,418	)
Estimated fair value of notes payable	'
	The estimated fair values of notes payable at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		2014							2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Notes payable (1)	$	2,637,941		$	2,689,413			$	3,058,053		$	3,107,119

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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, 2014 are 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-14	$	5,040			$	(13,954	)	$	(8,914	)	$	2,011		$	6,141		$	8,152
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(1,741		)		(8,478		)	(10,219		)	(691		)	(3,516		)	(4,207		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					9,846			9,846						4,227			4,227
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	(1,741	)		$	1,368		$	(373	)	$	(691	)	$	711		$	20
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	7				22			29			(7		)	(22		)	(29		)
	September 30, 2014	$	3,306			$	(12,564	)	$	(9,258	)	$	1,313		$	6,830		$	8,143
	Changes in the balance of each component of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are 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		)
	September 30, 2013	$	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		(1,323		)		Nonoperating Income, net
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	3,834
	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts reclassified from AOCI				Affected line item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
	Losses on interest rate instruments and other:
	Discontinuation of hedge accounting - consolidated subsidiary		$	4,880			Nonoperating Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - consolidated subsidiaries		$	6,853			Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		2,340				Equity in Income of UJVs
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	14,073

Cash_Flow_Disclosures_Suppleme1

Cash Flow Disclosures, Supplemental (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following non-cash investing and financing activities occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013. This table excludes any non-cash adjustments of noncontrolling interests as a result of equity transactions (Note 7).
		Nine Months Ended September 30
		2014		2013
	Issuance of a note receivable in connection with the sale of peripheral land			$	7,411
	Receipt of Simon Property Group Limited Partnership units in connection with the sale of Arizona Mills (Note 2)	$	77,700
	Issuance of TRG partnership units in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building (Note 2)	91
	Assumption of debt in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building (Note 2)	18,215
	Other non-cash additions to properties	53,018		14,351

Interim_Financial_Statements_D

Interim Financial Statements (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Westfarms [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	79.00%	79.00%
International Plaza [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.10%	'

Interim_Financial_Statements_O

Interim Financial Statements (Operating Partnership) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
The Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of urban and suburban shopping centers in the Company's owned portfolio	24	'	'
Number of states in which Company operates	12	'	'
Number Of Classes Of Preferred Stock	'three	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	63,319,539	'	63,101,614
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%	72.00%	'
Units of Partnership Interest, Amount	88,454,989	'	'
Number Of Operating Partnership Units Outstanding Owned By Company	63,319,539	'	'
Series J Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
The Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'
Dividend rate (in hundredths)	6.50%	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,700,000	'	7,700,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
The Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'
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, Shares Outstanding	25,117,000	'	25,151,069
Starwood Transaction [Member]	'	'	'
The Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of Centers Held for Sale	'seven	'	'

Acquisitions_Dispositions_and_2

Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Starwood Transaction [Member]

Starwood Transaction [Member]

Taubman Prestige Outlets of Chesterfield [Member]

Taubman Prestige Outlets of Chesterfield [Member]

International Plaza [Member]

Arizona Mills [Member]

Arizona Mills [Member]

Arizona Mills [Member]

SPG Units [Member]

Northlake [Member]

Mall At Wellington Green [Member]

Mac Arthur Center Member

Mall At Partridge Creek Member

International Market Place [Member]

The Mall at University Town Center [Member]

The Mall of San Juan [Member]

Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square [Member] [Member]

Xi'an Saigao City Plaza [Member]

Hanam Union Square [Member]

Hanam Union Square [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Starwood Transaction [Member]

Starwood Transaction [Member]

Starwood Transaction [Member]

Starwood Transaction [Member]

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

Business Dispositions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Consideration Paid to Acquire U.S. Headquarters Building

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,100,000

Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,400,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.90%

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,431

Restricted and Other Cash Proceeds Received as Part of the Acquisition of the U.S. Headquarters Building

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

Notes payable (Note 5)

'

'

3,058,053,000

'

2,015,999,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

167,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Feb-16

1-May-15

1-Sep-20

1-Jul-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-15

Notes Payable, Carrying Amount Expected at Date of Defeasance or Settlement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

216,000,000

200,000,000

128,000,000

78,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Interest Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93.50%

'

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash Or Part Noncash, Acquisition Interest Sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.90%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Total Consideration Received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,403,000,000

'

'

499,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from dispositions, net of transaction costs (Note 2)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

337,000,000

60,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Original Number of Units Received, Prior to Equity Transaction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

555,150

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Acquisition Date

'

'

77,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restriction Period on Sale of Partnership Units Received, years

'

'

'one

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, total units after equity transaction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

590,124

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

162,000,000

84,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes

'

'

476,887,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

368,000,000

109,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Total Consideration Expected, Amount before Transaction Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

716,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected Cash Proceeds from Divestiture of Real Estate Properties

'

'

'

'

'

'

736,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Expected, Debt Defeased or Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

623,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction Costs Incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

44,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Inclusive of the Adjustment to Fair Value

'

'

-5,507,000

'

'

'

-5,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net, Plus Adjustments to Fair Value, At Beneficial Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Disposition Costs Incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Applicable Income Taxes

'

'

9,733,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.10%

0.00%

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

32.00%

30.00%

34.30%

30.00%

'

Value of Partnership Unit Received in Connection with Disposition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$154.91

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Area of Real Estate Property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

900,000

700,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

1,700,000

'

'

Joint Venture Cash Acquisition, Interest Acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19.00%

'

'

Construction in Progress, Gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85,000,000

'

321,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

361,729,000

'

361,729,000

'

'

327,692,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

138,200,000

'

41,700,000

58,200,000

127,800,000

'

'

Cumulative translation adjustment

-4,282,000

5,086,000

-2,432,000

1,574,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

1,100,000

2,900,000

'

'

Construction in Progress, Gross, Company's Share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,600,000

'

258,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

Joint Venture, Ownership Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

49.00%

'

'

Outside Partner, Ownership Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14.70%

'

'

Number of Loans to be Defeased or Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'four

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.41%

5.44%

4.99%

6.15%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets Held-for-sale, Property, Plant and Equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

754,180,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Assets Held-for-sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,883,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets Held-for-sale, at Carrying Value

780,063,000

'

780,063,000

'

'

'

780,063,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities Held-for-Sale, Notes Payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

621,945,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Liabilities Held for Sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,123,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liabilities of Assets Held-for-sale

652,068,000

'

652,068,000

'

'

'

652,068,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Centers Held for Sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'seven

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Reserve

$2,300,000

'

$2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
State current	$1	$47	$1,520	$298	'
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-4	-34	-16	-59	'
Federal current	313	160	7,851	468	'
Federal deferred	-26	-38	1,139	251	'
Foreign current	399	1,353	980	1,983	'
Foreign deferred	'	-35	-48	-226	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Gross of Tax on Gain	683	1,453	11,426	2,715	'
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Applicable Income Taxes	'	'	9,733	'	'
Total income tax expense	683	1,453	1,693	2,715	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets	3,979	'	3,979	'	5,094
Valuation allowances	-1,783	'	-1,783	'	-1,831
Net deferred tax assets	2,196	'	2,196	'	3,263
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	1,167	'	1,167	'	1,158
Tax impact of share-based compensation from redemption of share-based compensation awards	'	'	71	405	'
Domestic Country [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets	1,607	'	1,607	'	2,746
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	602	'	602	'	602
Foreign Country [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets	1,822	'	1,822	'	1,821
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	474	'	474	'	449
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets	550	'	550	'	527
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities	91	'	91	'	107
International Plaza [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Applicable Income Taxes	'	'	9,700	'	'
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'
Tax impact of share-based compensation from redemption of share-based compensation awards	'	'	$71	$405	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	$1.80	$1.50
Fair Oaks [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
International Plaza [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.10%	100.00%
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 University Town Center [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.00%	'
Arizona Mills Member	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	0.00%	50.00%
Noncash Or Part Noncash, Acquisition Interest Sold	50.00%	'
International Plaza [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage (in hundredths)	50.10%	'
Noncash Or Part Noncash, Acquisition Interest Sold	49.90%	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Combined Financial Information Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Properties	$1,517,439	$1,305,658
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-539,451	-478,820
Properties, net	977,988	826,838
Cash and cash equivalents	28,763	28,782
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,364	977
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,364 and $977 in 2014 and 2013	29,399	33,626
Deferred charges and other assets	31,740	28,095
Total Assets	1,067,890	917,341
Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:	'	'
Notes payable	1,785,602	1,551,161
Accounts payable and other liabilities	73,889	70,226
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	-453,452	-412,204
Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	-338,149	-291,842
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	1,067,890	917,341
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	-453,452	-412,204
TRG's investment in properties under development (Note 2)	226,853	193,306
TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	131,070	118,132
TCO's additional basis	55,449	56,909
Equity Method Investment Difference Between Carrying Amount And Underlying Equity Net Investment	-40,080	-43,857
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	401,809	371,549
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$361,729	$327,692

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity method investment, summarized financial information, income statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$80,671	$71,858	$238,190	$209,183
Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	25,040	22,933	75,486	67,037
Interest expense	18,518	17,302	55,065	51,758
Depreciation and amortization	11,417	9,237	32,613	27,155
Total operating costs	54,975	49,472	163,164	145,950
Nonoperating income	-22	-1	-25	-1
Net income	25,674	22,385	75,001	63,232
Net income attributable to TRG	14,258	12,402	41,319	35,103
Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRGbs basis adjustments	707	306	1,363	405
Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	-486	-488	-1,460	-1,461
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	14,479	12,220	41,222	34,047
Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Venturesb operations:	'	'	'	'
Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	31,762	28,000	92,336	80,777
Interest expense	-10,006	-9,415	-29,805	-28,192
Depreciation and amortization	($7,277)	($6,365)	($21,309)	($18,538)

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an2

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes Payable, Gross of Notes Payable Held for Sale	$2,637,941,000	'	$2,637,941,000	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	'	'	1-Apr-16	'	'
At 100% [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	2,015,999,000	'	2,015,999,000	'	3,058,053,000
Debt, unconsolidated joint ventures at 100%	1,785,602,000	'	1,785,602,000	'	1,551,161,000
Capitalized interest, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	'	'	18,844,000	11,511,000	'
Capitalized interest, unconsolidated joint ventures @100%	'	'	2,836,000	73,000	'
Interest expense, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	23,382,000	32,515,000	74,946,000	99,589,000	'
Interest Expense, Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, at 100%	'	'	55,065,000	51,578,000	'
Other Restrictions on Payment of Dividends	'	'	'0.95	'	'
Restricted cash (Note 5)	43,258,000	'	43,258,000	'	5,046,000
Cash in escrow related to construction projects	'	'	39,600,000	'	'
At beneficial interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Consolidated Subsidiaries At Beneficial Interest	2,448,342,000	'	2,448,342,000	'	2,891,592,000
Debt, unconsolidated joint ventures at beneficial interest	984,512,000	'	984,512,000	'	868,942,000
Capitalized interest, consolidated subsidiaries at beneficial interest	'	'	18,136,000	11,169,000	'
Capitalized Interest, Unconsolidated Joint Ventures at Beneficial Interest	'	'	1,430,000	46,000	'
Interest expense, consolidated subsidiaries at beneficial interest	'	'	68,687,000	93,049,000	'
Interest expense, unconsolidated joint ventures at beneficial interest	10,006,000	9,415,000	29,805,000	28,192,000	'
The Mall at University Town Center [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Construction Loan	155,600,000	'	155,600,000	'	'
Unconditional Guaranty Liability, Principal Balance, Percent	25.00%	'	25.00%	'	'
Interest Payable	200,000	'	200,000	'	'
At beneficial interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unconditional Guaranty Liability Upon Achievement of Performance Inventives, Principal Balance, Percent,	12.50%	'	12.50%	'	'
Unconditional Guaranty Liability, Interest, Percent	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
Construction Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	225,000,000	'	225,000,000	'	'
Cherry Creek Shopping Center [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'
International Plaza [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Noncash Or Part Noncash, Acquisition Interest Sold	'	'	49.90%	'	'
Mall At Wellington Green [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	10.00%	'	10.00%	'	'
Mac Arthur Center Member	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	5.00%	'	5.00%	'	'
The Mall of San Juan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Construction Loan	116,000,000	'	116,000,000	'	'
Interest Payable	100,000	'	100,000	'	'
At beneficial interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	'	'	'LIBOR plus 2.00%	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms, Performance Contingency	'	'	'LIBOR plus 1.75%	'	'
Number of Extension Options	'	'	'two	'	'
Length Of Extension Option	'	'	'one-year	'	'
Construction Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	320,000,000	'	320,000,000	'	'
Term of Construction Facility, years	'	'	'three	'	'
Stony Point [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
At 100% [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	99,500,000	'	99,500,000	'	'
Secondary Line of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	65,000,000	'	65,000,000	'	'
Line of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,100,000,000	'	1,100,000,000	'	'
Starwood Transaction [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Liabilities Held-for-Sale, Notes Payable	621,945,000	'	621,945,000	'	'
Liabilities Held-for-Sale, Notes Payable, At Beneficial Interest	$596,000,000	'	$596,000,000	'	'

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an3

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Specific Debt Instrument Detail) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Payable	$2,015,999	$3,058,053
The Mall at University Town Center [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
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
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Other Restrictions on Payment of Dividends	'0.95	'
Restricted cash	$43,258,000	$5,046,000
Cash in escrow related to construction projects	39,600,000	'
The Mall of San Juan [Member]	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'
Construction Loan	116,000,000	'
Interest Payable	$100,000	'

Equity_Transactions_Details

Equity Transactions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
			Series K Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Transactions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	$200,000,000	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	'	787,071	'
Stock Acquired and Retired During Period, Cost Per Share	'	$66.45	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	'	-52,300,000	'
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	'	'	6,800,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	'	'	6.25%
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	164,395,000	'	164,400,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs	'	'	$5,600,000

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Taubman Asia [Member]

Taubman Asia [Member]

International Market Place [Member]

International Market Place [Member]

Taubman Prestige Outlets of Chesterfield [Member]

Taubman Prestige Outlets of Chesterfield [Member]

Finite Life Entities [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [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%

'

6.50%

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage 2014 - June 2017

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage beginning June 2017

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage in consolidated subsidiary (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93.50%

'

90.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Nonredeemable

2,643,000

2,198,000

8,013,000

6,752,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Nonredeemable

14,057,000

10,338,000

170,922,000

29,915,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

16,700,000

12,536,000

178,935,000

36,667,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures

-17,790,000

'

-17,790,000

'

-37,191,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG

71,698,000

'

71,698,000

'

-58,342,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interests (Note 7)

53,908,000

'

53,908,000

'

-95,533,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

-22,500,000

'

'

'

Effects of changes in ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on equity [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners

33,682,000

24,488,000

424,151,000

70,074,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase in Taubman Centers, Inc.bs paid-in capital for adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54,000

5,995,000

'

Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests

'

'

'

-1,050,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,050,000

1,050,000

Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54,000

4,945,000

'

Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers from noncontrolling interests

'

'

424,205,000

75,019,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite Life Entities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Terminaton date of partnership agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-83

'

'

'

Estimated fair value of noncontrolling interests in finite life entities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

$1,050,000

'

'

'

'

'

$1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit2

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Interest Rate Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Unsecured Debt [Member]	'	'
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	'	'one-month LIBOR
Unsecured Debt	$475,000,000	$475,000,000
Derivative, Lower Range of Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.35%	1.35%
Derivative, Higher Range of Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.90%	1.90%
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap1 - Non-Designated Derivative [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	'	4,900,000
Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Fair Value Hedging Instruments	200,000	600,000
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	95.00%	95.00%
Derivative, Notional Amount	128,100,000	128,100,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.64%	2.64%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.35%	2.35%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	4.99%	4.99%
Derivative, Maturity Date	'	1-Sep-20
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap 2 [Domain]	'	'
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%	100.00%
Derivative, Notional Amount	200,000,000	200,000,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	1.64%	1.64%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.35%	1.35%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	2.99%	2.99%
Derivative, Maturity Date	'	1-Feb-19
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap 3 [Domain]	'	'
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%	100.00%
Derivative, Notional Amount	175,000,000	175,000,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	1.65%	1.65%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.35%	1.35%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	3.00%	3.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date	'	1-Feb-19
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap 4 [Domain]	'	'
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%	100.00%
Derivative, Notional Amount	100,000,000	100,000,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	1.64%	1.64%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.35%	1.35%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	2.99%	2.99%
Derivative, Maturity Date	'	1-Feb-19
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]	'	'
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%	50.00%
Derivative, Notional Amount	137,200,000	137,200,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.40%	2.40%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.70%	1.70%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	4.10%	4.10%
Derivative, Maturity Date	'	1-Apr-18
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Interest Rate Swap2 Member	'	'
Cash flow hedges of interest rate risk [Abstract]	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%	50.00%
Derivative, Notional Amount	137,200,000	137,200,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	2.40%	2.40%
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.70%	1.70%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	4.10%	4.10%
Derivative, Maturity Date	'	1-Apr-18
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap1 - Non-Designated Derivative [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	'	($4,880,000)

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit3

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$9,700,000	'	$9,700,000	'
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	4,958,000	-396,000	-3,035,000	10,414,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-2,599,000	-1,589,000	-14,073,000	-4,703,000
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges	0	-151,000	0	-454,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate contracts b consolidated subsidiaries | Other comprehensive income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	3,692,000	-67,000	-4,043,000	6,375,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate contracts b consolidated subsidiaries | Interest expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-1,810,000	-812,000	-6,853,000	-2,406,000
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges	'	-151,000	'	-454,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate contracts - UJVs [Member] | Other comprehensive income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	1,266,000	-329,000	1,008,000	4,039,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest rate contracts - UJVs [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-789,000	-777,000	-2,340,000	-2,297,000
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap1 - Non-Designated Derivative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	'	'	4,900,000	'
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap1 - Non-Designated Derivative [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	'	'	($4,880,000)	'

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	($10,500,000)	($9,400,000)
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	'
Credit Derivative, Recourse Provisions	'provisions that state if the Operating Partnership defaults on any of its recourse indebtedness in excess of $50 million, then the derivative obligation could also be declared in default	'
Interest Rate Contracts Consolidated Subsidiaries Member | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	1,543,000
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	-726,000	-3,418,000
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	-4,929,000	-5,938,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	-5,655,000	-9,356,000
Credit Default Option [Member]	'	'
Contingent features [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held	3	'
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	-4,874,000	'
Derivative [Member]	'	'
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	($10,529,000)	($9,356,000)

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Rate

Rate

2008 Omnibus Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Unissued Partnership Units Under Unit Option Deferral Election Member

Performance Shares [Member]

Total Performance Share Units [Member]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

$3.40

$3.60

$9.80

$9.70

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary of option activity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

563,436

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding at September 30, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

521,293

'

563,436

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price

'

'

'

'

'

$43.95

'

$43.81

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning of Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, End of Period

'

'

'

'

'

1.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Lower Range

'

'

'

'

'

$31.31

'

$31.31

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Upper Range

'

'

'

'

'

$55.90

'

$55.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fully vested options at September 30, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

521,293

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price

'

'

'

'

'

$43.95

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)

'

'

'

'

'

1.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary of option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money options outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

15.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value

'

'

'

'

'

1.4

3.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options

'

'

'

'

'

1.8

2.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'December 2017

'

'

'

'

'

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 one share of the Companybs common stock

'

'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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.70%

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.70%

'

0.13%

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.71%

Weighted average grant-date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$93.07

'

$63.95

'

$66.19

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'three years

'

'

'

'

Right to Receive Upon Vesting Shares of Common Stock as Percentage of PSU, Actual Vested During Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

172.00%

'

'

'

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16.2

'

8.6

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'25 months 13 days

'

'21 months 11 days

'

Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

234,863

'

269,899

'

Vested (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-43,858

'

-98,213

'

Granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,157

'

106,540

'

8,505

Outstanding at September 30, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

239,391

'

281,888

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-771

'

-4,843

'

Outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$139.18

'

$62

'

Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$85.40

'

$51.07

'

Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$93.07

'

$63.95

'

$66.19

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$160.09

'

$65.44

'

Outstanding at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$139.50

'

$66.65

'

Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount

$0.40

$0.40

$1.50

$1.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period

'

'

'

'

'

42,143

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price

'

'

'

'

'

$42.16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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)	$73
Approximate aggregate value of interests in the Operating Partnership that may be tendered	1,800,000,000
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]	'
Number Of Restaurant Owners That Filed Lawsuit	2
Minimum amount of damages sought by plaintiff	$20,000,000
Continuing offer [Abstract]	'
Number Of Restaurants That Filed Lawsuit	2
NumberOfIndividualsSuitWasFiledAgainst	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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):	'	'	'	'
Basic	$33,682	$24,488	$424,151	$70,074
Impact of additional ownership of TRG	121	107	4,151	352
Diluted	$33,803	$24,595	$428,302	$70,426
Shares (Denominator) b basic	63,317,680	63,753,748	63,249,400	63,653,155
Effect of dilutive securities	770,062	937,161	1,626,651	1,049,493
Shares (Denominator) b diluted	64,087,742	64,690,909	64,876,051	64,702,648
Earnings per common share - basic	$0.53	$0.38	$6.71	$1.10
Earnings per common share b diluted	$0.53	$0.38	$6.60	$1.09
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	4,369,590	4,494,470	4,352,233	4,557,851
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

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures (Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Abstract]	'	'
Insurance deposit	$13,089	$12,225
Total assets	13,089	12,225
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	1,543
Total assets	0	1,543
Derivative interest rate contract	-5,600	-3,418
Total liabilities	($5,600)	($3,418)

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Details

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$2,689,413,000	$3,107,119,000
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Reporting Date	94,000,000	'
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Acquisition Date	77,700,000	'
Restriction Period on Sale of Partnership Units Received, years	'one	'
Additional Credit Spread Included In Discount Rate To Estimate Fair Value Of Notes Payable	0.75%	1.00%
Notes Payable	2,015,999,000	3,058,053,000
Notes Payable, Gross of Notes Payable Held for Sale	2,637,941,000	'
Arizona Mills Member	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, total units after equity transaction	590,124	'
Starwood Transaction [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities Held-for-Sale, Notes Payable	621,945,000	'
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$641,000,000	'

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Value of Notes Payable) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Estimated fair values of notes payable [Abstract]	'	'
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$2,689,413,000	$3,107,119,000
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	$40,200,000	'
Impact Of Overall One Percent Increase In Interest Rates Decrease In Fair Values Of Notes Payable Percent	1.50%	'

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, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

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]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net

'

'

'

'

'

$4,880

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of gain/loss on interest rate contract reclassfied from AOCI

'

'

'

'

'

6,853

2,860

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of gain/loss on interest rate contract reclassfied from AOCI for unconsolidated joint ventures

'

'

'

'

'

2,340

2,297

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,306

3,020

5,040

1,888

1,313

1,198

2,011

756

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-12,564

-17,294

-13,954

-23,952

6,830

4,672

6,141

1,739

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

-9,258

'

-9,258

'

-8,914

'

'

-9,258

-14,274

-8,914

-22,064

8,143

5,870

8,152

2,495

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,741

1,127

'

'

-691

447

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-8,478

3,981

'

'

-3,516

1,776

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,219

5,108

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,207

2,223

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,741

1,127

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,368

6,641

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-373

7,768

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-691

447

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

711

2,950

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20

3,397

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Adjustment Foreign Currency Attributable To Parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss), adjustments, attributable to parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22

17

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss), total adjustments attributable to parent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29

22

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Comprehensive Income Loss Adjustment Foreign Currency Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7

-5

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss), adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-22

-17

'

'

Other comprehensive income (loss), total adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-29

-22

'

'

Gain on sale of marketable securities (Note 12)

'

'

'

1,323

'

'

-1,323

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income

$2,599

$1,740

$14,073

$3,834

'

$14,073

$3,834

$9,846

$2,660

'

'

$4,227

$1,174

'

'

Cash_Flow_Disclosures_Suppleme2

Cash Flow Disclosures, Supplemental (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Financing Receivable, Gross	'	$7,411
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Acquisition Date	77,700	'
Issuance of partnership units in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building	91	'
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed including Unamortized Premium	18,215	'
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$53,018	$14,351