Taubman Centers (TCO) 10-K 24 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	TAUBMAN CENTERS INC.
Entity Central Index Key	890319
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,315,227
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$4.70

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Properties (Notes 4 and 8)	$3,262,505	$4,485,090
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-970,045	-1,516,982
Properties, net	2,292,460	2,968,108
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Notes 2 and 5)	370,004	327,692
Cash and cash equivalents	276,423	40,993
Restricted cash (Note 8)	37,502	5,046
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,927 and $1,934 in 2014 and 2013 (Note 6)	49,245	73,193
Accounts receivable from related parties (Note 12)	832	1,804
Deferred charges and other assets (Note 7)	188,435	89,386
Total Assets	3,214,901	3,506,222
Liabilities:
Notes payable (Note 8)	2,025,505	3,058,053
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	292,802	292,280
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 5)	476,651	371,549
Total Liabilities	2,794,958	3,721,882
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 15)
Equity:
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013	25	25
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 63,324,409 and 63,101,614 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013	633	631
Additional paid-in capital	815,961	796,787
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)	-15,068	-8,914
Dividends in excess of net income	-483,188	-908,656
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	318,363	-120,127
Noncontrolling interests (Note 9)	101,580	-95,533
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	419,943	-215,660
Total Liabilities and Equity	$3,214,901	$3,506,222

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts	($2,927,000)	($1,934,000)
Common stock, par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	63,324,409	63,101,614
Common stock, shares outstanding	63,324,409	63,101,614
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, liquidation value 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 value per share	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share	$25
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	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 value per share	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share	$25
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$371,454	$417,729	$398,306
Percentage rents	22,929	28,512	28,026
Expense recoveries	239,782	272,494	258,252
Management, leasing, and development services	12,349	16,142	31,811
Other	32,615	32,277	31,579
Total Revenues	679,129	767,154	747,974
Expenses:
Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and promotion	190,119	215,825	201,552
Other operating	65,142	71,235	73,203
Management, leasing, and development services	6,220	5,321	27,417
General and administrative	48,292	50,014	39,659
Restructuring charge (Note 2)	3,706
Interest expense	90,803	130,023	142,616
Depreciation and amortization	120,207	155,772	149,517
Total Expenses	524,489	628,190	633,964
Nonoperating income (expense) (Notes 2 and 10)	-42,807	1,348	277
Income before income tax expense, equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, and gain on dispositions, net of tax	111,833	140,312	114,287
Income tax expense (Note 3)	-2,267	-3,409	-4,964
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 5)	62,002	52,465	48,494
Income before gain on dispositions, net of tax	171,568	189,368	157,817
Gain on dispositions, net of tax (Note 2)	1,106,554
Net income	1,278,122	189,368	157,817
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 9)	-385,109	-56,778	-51,643
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.	893,013	132,590	106,174
Distributions to participating securities of TRG (Note 13)	-6,018	-1,749	-1,612
Preferred stock dividends (Note 14)	-23,138	-20,933	-21,051
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	863,857	109,908	83,511
Other comprehensive income (Note 19):
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	-18,004	8,817	-4,506
Cumulative translation adjustment	-7,193	4,407	2,644
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	16,729	5,583	793
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-8,468	18,807	-1,069
Comprehensive income	1,269,654	208,175	156,748
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-382,825	-62,443	-51,238
Comprehensive income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc.	$886,829	$145,732	$105,510
Basic earnings per common share (Note 16):
Basic earnings per common share (Note 16)	$13.65	$1.73	$1.39
Diluted earnings per common share (Note 16)
Diluted earnings per common share (Note 16)	$13.47	$1.71	$1.37
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding b basic	63,267,800	63,591,523	59,884,455

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 [Member]	Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	($340,448)	$26	$580	$673,923	($27,613)	($863,040)	($124,324)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		33,941,958	58,022,475
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	208,939		29	208,910
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		7,700,000	2,875,000
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	186,215			186,215
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer		-1	11	-10
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer, shares		-1,132,359	1,132,424
Repurchase of common stock, shares		-1,900
Redemption of Series G and H Preferred Stock	-180,588			-180,588
Redemption of Series G and H Preferred Stock, shares		-7,480,000
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans	19,846		13	19,833
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans, shares			1,280,249
Tax impact of share-based compensation	1,020			1,020
Expiration of redemption feature on redeemable noncontrolling interests	72,035			72,035
Acquisition of additional ownership	-275,000			-339,170			64,170
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests				14,903	6,212		-21,115
Contributions from noncontrolling interests (excludes contributions attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	4,567						4,567
Other	-140					-140
Dividend and distributions (excludes dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	-199,145					-134,277	-64,868
Net income (excludes net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	158,793					106,174	52,619
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period (excluding redeemable noncontrolling interests), Net of Tax	-4,457				-3,117		-1,340
Net income	157,817
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	-4,506
Cumulative translation adjustment	2,644				1,888		756
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	793				566		227
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	-344,926	25	633	657,071	-22,064	-891,283	-89,308
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		33,027,699	63,310,148
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		6,800,000
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	164,395			164,395
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer			2	-2
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer, shares		-176,630	176,640
Repurchase of common stock	-52,287		-8	-52,279
Repurchase of common stock, shares			-786,805
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans	13,055		4	13,051
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans, shares			401,631
Tax impact of share-based compensation	472			472
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests				15,129	8		-15,137
Contributions from noncontrolling interests (excludes contributions attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	4,729						4,729
Dividends and distributions (excludes dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	-208,047					-149,787	-58,260
Other	-1,226			-1,050		-176
Net income	189,368					132,590	56,778
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	8,817				6,117		2,700
Cumulative translation adjustment	4,407				3,150		1,257
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	5,583				3,875		1,708
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	-215,660	25	631	796,787	-8,914	-908,656	-95,533
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		39,651,069	63,101,614
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	2,875,000
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer, shares		-35,500	35,500
Repurchase of common stock	-17			-17
Repurchase of common stock, shares			-266
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans	18,932		2	18,930
Share-based compensation under employee and director benefit plans, shares			187,561
Tax impact of share-based compensation	87			87
Acquisition of additional ownership
Adjustments of noncontrolling interests				83	30		-113
Contributions from noncontrolling interests (excludes contributions attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	22,345						22,345
Dividends and distributions (excludes dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests)	-674,685					-466,731	-207,954
Other, Shares		1,431
Other	-713			91		-814	10
Net income	1,278,122					893,013	385,109
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate instruments and other	-18,004				-12,783		-5,221
Cumulative translation adjustment	-7,193				-5,148		-2,045
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	16,729				11,747		4,982
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$419,943	$25	$633	$815,961	($15,068)	($483,188)	$101,580
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		39,617,000	63,324,409

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CHAN1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Parenthetical (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Contibutions attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests			$231
Dividends attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests			-2,456
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest			-976
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest			($49)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income	$1,278,122	$189,368	$157,817
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	120,207	155,772	149,517
Provision for bad debts	2,900	489	1,397
Gain on dispositions (Note 2)	-1,116,287
Debt extinguishment costs (Note 2)	36,372
Discontinuation of hedge accounting (Note 10)	7,763
Income from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of distributions		-3,076
Other	18,728	11,315	12,165
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, restricted cash, deferred charges, and other assets	-595	-12,053	-24,445
Accounts payable and other liabilities	16,476	29,557	27,898
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	363,686	371,372	324,349
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Additions to properties	-442,991	-283,864	-247,637
Cash in escrow or deposits related to center construction projects (Notes 7 and 8)	-70,607
Proceeds from dispositions, net of transaction costs (Note 2)	1,776,394
Release of restricted cash (Note 2)			289,389
Collection and release of TCBL related proceeds (Note 2)		12,903	4,414
Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 2)	-45,974	-108,918	-146,458
Distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of income	68,388		220,662
Other	7,329	8,446	5,974
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities	1,292,539	-371,433	126,344
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Debt proceeds	163,779	429,745	105,740
Extinguishment of debt (Note 2)	-658,092
Other debt payments	-264,884	-317,365	-11,462
Repayment of installment notes			-281,467
Debt issuance costs	-8,208	-9,479	-4,711
Repurchase of common stock (Note 14)	-17	-52,287
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs			208,939
Issuance of common stock and/or partnership units in connection with incentive plans	-943	-1,644	6,503
Issuance of Preferred Stock, net of offering costs		164,395	186,215
Redemptions of Series G and H Preferred Stock			-187,000
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in International Plaza			-275,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-207,954	-58,260	-67,325
Distributions to participating securities of TRG (Note 2)	-6,018	-1,749	-1,612
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	22,345	4,729	4,798
Cash dividends to preferred shareowners	-23,138	-20,933	-14,639
Cash dividends to common shareowners (Note 2)	-437,665	-127,105	-111,543
Other		-1,050	-105
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities	-1,420,795	8,997	-442,669
Net Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents	235,430	8,936	8,024
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	40,993	32,057	24,033
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$276,423	$40,993	$32,057

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	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 December 31, 2014 included 18 urban and suburban shopping centers operating in 10 states.
	Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia), which is the platform for the Company’s operations and developments in China and South Korea, is headquartered in Hong Kong.
	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 participating rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, refinancing, or sale of the property.
	The Operating Partnership
	At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Operating Partnership’s equity included two classes of preferred equity (Series J and K Preferred Equity) and the net equity of the partnership unitholders (Note 14). 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 K Preferred Equity are owned by the Company and are eliminated in consolidation.
	The partnership equity of the Operating Partnership and the Company's ownership therein are shown below:
	Year		TRG units outstanding at December 31	TRG units owned by TCO at December 31(1)	TRG units owned by noncontrolling interests at December 31	TCO's % interest in TRG at December 31	TCO's average interest % in TRG
	2014		88,459,859	63,324,409	25,135,450	72%	72%
	2013		88,271,133	63,101,614	25,169,519	71	72
	2012		88,656,297	63,310,148	25,346,149	71	69
	-1	There is a one-for-one relationship between TRG units owned by TCO and TCO common shares outstanding; amounts in this column are equal to TCO’s common shares outstanding as of the specified dates.
	Outstanding voting securities of the Company at December 31, 2014 consisted of 25,117,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (Note 14) and 63,324,409 shares of Common Stock.
	Revenue Recognition
	Shopping center space is generally leased to tenants under short and intermediate term leases that are accounted for as operating leases. Minimum rents are recognized on the straight-line method. Percentage rent is accrued when lessees' specified sales targets have been met. For traditional net leases, where tenants reimburse the landlord for an allocation of reimbursable costs incurred, the Company recognizes revenue in the period the applicable costs are chargeable to tenants. For tenants paying a fixed common area maintenance charge (which typically includes fixed increases over the lease term), the Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. Management, leasing, and development revenue is recognized as services are rendered, when fees due are determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Fees for management, leasing, and development services are established under contracts and are generally based on negotiated rates, percentages of cash receipts, and/or actual costs incurred. Fixed-fee development services contracts are generally accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, using cost to cost measurements of progress. Profits on real estate sales are recognized whenever (1) a sale is consummated, (2) the buyer has demonstrated an adequate commitment to pay for the property, (3) the Company’s receivable is not subject to future subordination, and (4) the Company has transferred to the buyer the risks and rewards of ownership. Other revenues, including fees paid by tenants to terminate their leases, are recognized when fees due are determinable, no further actions or services are required to be performed by the Company, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Taxes assessed by government authorities on revenue-producing transactions, such as sales, use, and value-added taxes, are primarily accounted for on a net basis on the Company’s income statement.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes
	The Company records a provision for losses on accounts receivable to reduce them to the amount estimated to be collectible. The Company records a provision for losses on notes receivable to reduce them to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loans’ effective interest rates or the fair value of the collateral if the loans are collateral dependent.
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Buildings, improvements, and equipment are primarily depreciated on straight-line bases over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 3 to 50 years. Capital expenditures that are recoverable from tenants are generally depreciated over the estimated recovery period. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Tenant allowances are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the lease term. Deferred leasing costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. In the event of early termination of such leases, the unrecoverable net book values of the assets are recognized as depreciation and amortization expense in the period of termination.
	Capitalization
	Direct and indirect costs that are clearly related to the acquisition, development, construction, and improvement of properties are capitalized. Compensation costs are allocated based on actual time spent on a project. Costs incurred on real estate for ground leases, property taxes, insurance, and interest costs for qualifying assets are capitalized during periods in which activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress.
	The viability of all projects under construction or development, including those owned by Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, are regularly evaluated on an individual basis under the accounting for abandonment of assets or changes in use. To the extent a project, or individual components of the project, are no longer considered to have value, the related capitalized costs are charged against operations. Additionally, all properties are reviewed for impairment on an individual basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment of a shopping center owned by consolidated entities is recognized when the sum of expected cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the property. Other than temporary impairment of an investment in an Unconsolidated Joint Venture is recognized when the carrying value of the investment is not considered recoverable based on evaluation of the severity and duration of the decline in value, including the results of discounted cash flow and other valuation techniques. To the extent impairment has occurred, the excess carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value is charged to income.
	In leasing a shopping center space, the Company may provide funding to the lessee through a tenant allowance. In accounting for a tenant allowance, the Company determines whether the allowance represents funding for the construction of leasehold improvements and evaluates the ownership, for accounting purposes, of such improvements. If the Company is considered the owner of the leasehold improvements for accounting purposes, the Company capitalizes the amount of the tenant allowance and depreciates it over the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the lease term. If the tenant allowance represents a payment for a purpose other than funding leasehold improvements, or in the event the Company is not considered the owner of the improvements for accounting purposes, the allowance is considered to be a lease incentive and is recognized over the lease term as a reduction of rental revenue. Factors considered during this evaluation usually include (1) who holds legal title to the improvements, (2) evidentiary requirements concerning the spending of the tenant allowance, and (3) other controlling rights provided by the lease agreement (e.g. unilateral control of the tenant space during the build-out process). Determination of the accounting for a tenant allowance is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the facts and circumstances of the individual tenant lease. Substantially all of the Company’s tenant allowances have been determined to be leasehold improvements.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase. The Company deposits cash and cash equivalents with institutions with high credit quality. From time to time, cash and cash equivalents may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Included in cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 was $251.0 million that is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. The majority of the $251.0 million was invested across three separate financial institutions as of December 31, 2014.
	The Company is required to escrow cash balances for specific uses stipulated by certain of its lenders. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s cash balances restricted for these uses were $37.5 million and $5.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, $33.6 million of the $37.5 million of restricted cash was required under certain debt agreements to be in escrow for certain major construction projects. Included in restricted cash is $36.1 million at December 31, 2014 on deposit in excess of the FDIC insured limit.
	Acquisitions
	The Company recognizes the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The cost of acquiring a controlling ownership interest or an additional ownership interest (if not already consolidated) is allocated to the tangible assets acquired (such as land and building) and to any identifiable intangible assets based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair value of a property is determined on an “as-if-vacant” basis. Management considers various factors in estimating the "as-if-vacant" value including an estimated lease up period, lost rents, and carrying costs. The identifiable intangible assets would include the estimated value of “in-place” leases, above and below market “in-place” leases, and tenant relationships. The portion of the purchase price that management determines should be allocated to identifiable intangible assets is amortized in depreciation and amortization or as an adjustment to rental revenue, as appropriate, over the estimated life of the associated intangible asset (for instance, the remaining life of the associated tenant lease). The Company records goodwill when the cost of an acquired entity exceeds the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs related to the acquisition of a controlling interest, including due diligence costs, professional fees, and other costs to effect an acquisition, are expensed as incurred.
	Deferred Charges and Other Assets
	Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method, over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense. Direct costs related to successful leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. Cash expenditures for leasing costs are recognized in the Statement of Cash Flows as operating activities. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the agreements to which they relate.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	The cost of share-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized over the requisite employee service period which is generally the vesting period of the grant. The Company recognizes compensation costs for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards.
	Interest Rate Hedging Agreements
	All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects income. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of a cash flow hedge are recognized in the Company’s income generally as interest expense (Note 10).
	The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items.
	Income Taxes
	The Company operates in such a manner as to qualify as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains, to its shareowners and meet certain other requirements. As a REIT, the Company is entitled to a dividends paid deduction for the dividends it pays to its shareowners. Therefore, the Company will generally not be subject to federal income taxes as long as it currently distributes to its shareowners an amount equal to or in excess of its taxable income. REIT qualification reduces but does not eliminate the amount of state and local taxes paid by the Company. In addition, a REIT may be subject to certain excise taxes if it engages in certain activities.
	No provision for federal income taxes for consolidated partnerships has been made, as such taxes are the responsibility of the individual partners. There are certain state income taxes incurred which are provided for in the Company’s financial statements.
	The Company has made Taxable REIT Subsidiary (TRS) elections for all of its corporate subsidiaries pursuant to section 856 (I) of the Internal Revenue Code. The TRSs are subject to corporate level income taxes, including federal, state, and certain foreign income taxes for foreign operations, which are provided for in the Company’s financial statements.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the bases of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the amount where realization is more likely than not assured after considering all available evidence, including expected taxable earnings. The Company’s temporary differences primarily relate to deferred compensation, depreciation, and net operating loss carryforwards.
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests in the Company are comprised of the ownership interests of (1) noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and (2) the noncontrolling interests in joint ventures controlled by the Company through ownership or contractual arrangements. Consolidated net income and comprehensive income includes amounts attributable to the Company and the noncontrolling interests. Transactions that change the Company's ownership interest in a subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions if the Company retains its controlling financial interest in the subsidiary.
	The Company evaluates whether noncontrolling interests are subject to any redemption features outside of the Company's control that would result in presentation outside of permanent equity pursuant to general accounting standards regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable equity instruments. Certain noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and consolidated ventures of the Company qualify as redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 9). To the extent such noncontrolling interests are currently redeemable or it is probable that they will eventually become redeemable, these interests are adjusted to the greater of their redemption value or their carrying value at each balance sheet date.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company has certain entities in Asia for which the functional currency is the local currency. The assets and liabilities of the entities are translated from their functional currency into U.S. Dollars at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date. Income statement accounts are generally translated using the average exchange rate for the period. Income statement amounts of significant transactions are translated at the rate in effect as of the date of the transaction. The Company's share of unrealized gains and losses resulting from the translation of the entities' financial statements are reflected in shareholders' equity as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Note 19).
	Discontinued Operations
	Prior to 2014, the Company reclassified to discontinued operations any material operations and gains or losses on disposal related to properties that are held for sale or disposed of during the period in accordance with the applicable accounting standards. In 2014 the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). 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. The Company applied the revised definition to all disposals on a prospective basis beginning January 1, 2014.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Segments and Related Disclosures
	The Company has one reportable operating segment: it owns, develops, and manages regional shopping centers. The Company has aggregated its shopping centers into this one reportable segment, as the shopping centers share similar economic characteristics and other similarities. The shopping centers are located in major metropolitan areas, have similar tenants (most of which are national chains), are operated using consistent business strategies, and are expected to exhibit similar long-term financial performance. Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is often used by the Company's chief operating decision makers in assessing segment operating performance. EBITDA is believed to be a useful indicator of operating performance as it is customary in the real estate and shopping center business to evaluate the performance of properties on a basis unaffected by capital structure.
	No single retail company represents 10% or more of the Company's revenues. Although the Company does business in China and South Korea, there are not yet any material revenues from customers or long-lived assets attributable to a country other than the United States of America. At December 31, 2014, the Company's investments in Asia are in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and accounted for under the equity method.

Acquisitions_Dispositions_and_

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Development	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions, Dispositions, and Development [Abstract]
Acquisitions Dispositions and Development [Text Block]	Dispositions, Acquisitions, and Developments
	Dispositions
	Sale of Centers to Starwood
	In October 2014, the Company completed the disposition of a portfolio of seven centers to an affiliate of the Starwood Capital Group (Starwood). 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 connection with the sale, the Company received consideration of $1.4 billion. The proceeds were used to prepay or defease $623 million of property-level debt and accrued interest and to pay $51.2 million of transaction and debt extinguishment costs. The net cash proceeds were used to pay $424.3 million to shareholders and unitholders as a special dividend (Note 3). The debt extinguished consisted of four loans secured by Northlake Mall, The Mall at Wellington Green, MacArthur Center, and The Mall at Partridge Creek (Note 8).
	The Company recognized a gain of $629.7 million ($606.2 million at TRG's beneficial share) as a result of the disposition of the Sale Centers. In addition, the Company recorded debt extinguishment costs of $36.4 million, ($36.0 million at TRG's beneficial share) which were classified as Nonoperating Expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
	In 2014, the Company incurred $7.8 million of expenses ($7.4 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 $3.3 million of disposition costs related to the Sale Centers. These expenses are included in 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. In 2014, the Company incurred $3.7 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 December 31, 2014, $1.7 million of restructuring costs were unpaid and remained accrued.
	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/Oyster Bay
	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 (Note 17). 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.
	TCBL
	In November 2012, assets of the Taubman TCBL business were sold for $15.5 million. Additionally, the purchase price was adjusted for certain working capital and other transition costs. The total sale consideration was approximately equal to Taubman's investment in the business. As part of the sale, the non-controlling owners in Taubman TCBL relinquished the capital that was credited to them in connection with the Company's 2011 acquisition of Taubman TCBL. In connection with the sale, the Company received cash of approximately $4.4 million, while the remaining consideration consisted of approximately $3.6 million held in an escrow account pending receipt of consideration in an equivalent amount of Chinese Renminbi, a note receivable of approximately $8.5 million, and other receivables of approximately $0.8 million. Additionally, the Company incurred a tax liability of $3.2 million, which is included within Income Tax Expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income during 2012. In 2013, the Company collected the remaining consideration from the sale.
	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.
	International Plaza
	In December 2012, the Company acquired an additional 49.9% interest in International Plaza from CSAT, LP, which increased the Company's ownership in the center to 100%. The $437 million purchase price for CSAT, LP's interest in the center consisted of $275 million of cash and approximately $162 million of beneficial interest in debt. The acquisition of the additional interest in a consolidated subsidiary was accounted for as an equity transaction. Consequently, the difference of $339.2 million between the consideration paid for the interest and the book value of the noncontrolling interest was recognized as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital and the noncontrolling partners in TRG.
	Waterside Shops
	In December 2012, the Company acquired an additional 25% interest in Waterside Shops, which brought the Company's ownership interest in the center to 50%. The acquisition of the additional interest was accomplished by purchasing an affiliate of Oregon PERS' 50% interest in the center on a pari passu basis with an affiliate of The Forbes Company. The $155.0 million purchase price for Oregon PERS' interest in the center consisted of $72.5 million of cash and $82.5 million of beneficial interest in debt. The Company's share of the consideration for the additional interest was $77.5 million, which consisted of cash and beneficial interest in debt of $36.3 million and $41.3 million, respectively. After the acquisition, the Company continues to recognize its investment in Waterside Shops in Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company's share of the difference between the purchase price and the net book value of the additional interest in the Unconsolidated Joint Venture was $52.7 million, which was allocated to land, buildings, improvements, and equipment. In addition, beneficial interest in debt was increased by a $3.9 million purchase accounting premium to record the debt at fair value. The premium is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt and had a balance of $1.8 million as of December 31, 2014.
	The Mall at Green Hills, The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village
	In 2011 cash was drawn from the Company's revolving lines of credit primarily to collateralize the $281.5 million in installment notes that were issued as part of the consideration for the acquisition of The Mall at Green Hills, The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village. In 2012, the installment notes were repaid.
	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 December 31, 2014, the Company's capitalized costs for the project were $107.6 million ($100.8 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 December 31, 2014, the Company had capitalized costs of $384.4 million ($309.5 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 December 31, 2014, the Company's share of project costs were $161.4 million. This investment is classified within Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Asia Development
	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) under construction 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 December 31, 2014, the Company's share of project costs were $41.2 million, as decreased for immaterial 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) located at Xi'an Saigao City Plaza, a large-scale mixed-use development under construction 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 December 31, 2014, the Company's share of project costs were $75.1 million, as increased by $0.6 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 develop an approximately 1.7 million square foot shopping mall (Hanam Union Square) under construction 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% interest 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 December 31, 2014, the Company's share of project costs were $132.3 million, as decreased by $1.0 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income Tax Expense
	The Company’s income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 consisted of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	State current	$	1,361		$	230		$	205
	State deferred	(3		)	(77		)	(13		)
	Federal current	8,036			547			1,011
	Federal deferred	1,354			632			257
	Foreign current	1,300			2,193			3,324			(1)
	Foreign deferred	(48		)	(116		)	180			(1)
		$	12,000		$	3,409		$	4,964
	Less income tax expense allocated to Gain on Dispositions (2)	9,733
	Total income tax expense	$	2,267		$	3,409		$	4,964
	-1	The Company recognized $3.2 million of income tax expense related to the sale of Taubman TCBL's assets (Note 2), of which $2.8 million is included in foreign current tax expense and $0.4 million is included in foreign deferred tax expense.
	-2	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.
	Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a foreign net operating loss carryforward of $5.1 million. Of the $5.1 million, $0.7 million had a carryforward period of 10 years and $4.4 million had an indefinite carryforward period.
	Deferred Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal	$	1,382		$	2,746
	Foreign	1,806			1,821
	State	471			527
	Total deferred tax assets	$	3,659		$	5,094
	Valuation allowances	(1,703		)	(1,831		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,956		$	3,263
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Federal	$	592		$	602
	Foreign	473			449
	State	89			107
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	1,154		$	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.
	International Plaza
	In November 2013, substantially all of the interest in International Plaza acquired by the Company in 2012 was transferred to a Taxable REIT Subsidiary of the Company. Prior to the transfer in November 2013, substantially all of the interest was held by a nontaxable subsidiary of the Company. No deferred taxes were recorded related to any book-tax basis differences related to this transaction because of its intercompany nature.
	Tax Status of Dividends
	Dividends declared on the Company’s common and preferred stock and their tax status are presented in the following tables. The tax status of the Company’s dividends in 2014, 2013, and 2012 may not be indicative of future periods.
	Year		Dividends per common share declared			Return of capital			Ordinary income				Long term capital gain			Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2014		$	4.75	(1)	$	0.7057		$	0			$	1.8748	(2)	$	2.1695	(2)
	2014		2.16			0.3208			1.7773				0.0287		(2)	0.0332		(2)
	2013		2			0.2636			1.7364				0			0
	2012		1.85			0.5429			1.3071				0			0
	-1	Includes a special dividend of $4.75 per share of common stock declared and paid during December 2014, which was declared as a result of the Company's disposition of a portfolio of seven centers to Starwood in October 2014 (Note 2).
	-2	The portion of the per share common dividends paid on December 31, 2014 designated as capital gain (long term and unrecaptured Sec. 1250) dividends for tax purposes is $0.0619 per share of the $0.54 dividend and $4.0443 per share of the $4.75 dividend).
	Year		Dividends per Series G Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2012		$	1.35		$	1.35		$	0			$	0
	Year		Dividends per Series H Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2012		$	1.28672		$	1.28672		$	0			$	0
	Year		Dividends per Series J Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2014		$	1.625		$	0.49072		$	0.5258		(1)	$	0.60848	(1)
	2013		1.625			1.625			0				0
	2012		0.6184			0.6184			0				0
	-1	The portion of the per share Series J preferred dividends designated as capital gain (long term and unrecaptured Sec. 1250) for tax purposes is as follows; $0.32178 per share of the $0.40625 paid on June 30, 2014, 0.40625 per share of the $0.40625 paid on September 30, 2014, and $0.40625 per share of the $0.40625 paid on December 31, 2014.
	Year		Dividends per Series K Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2014		$	1.5625		$	0.47185		$	0.50558		(1)	$	0.58507	(1)
	2013		1.24132			1.24132			0				0
	-1	The portion of the per share Series K preferred dividends designated as capital gain (long term and unrecaptured Sec. 1250) for tax purposes is as follows; $0.30939 per share of the $0.39063 paid on June 30, 2014, $0.39063 per share of the $0.39063 paid on September 30, 2014, and $0.39063 per share of the $0.39063 paid on December 31, 2014.
	Tax Benefits
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company realized a $0.1 million, $0.5 million, and $1.0 million tax benefit, respectively, as additional paid-in capital relating to the redemption of certain share-based compensation awards. 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.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	The Company expects no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of December 31, 2014. The Company has no material interest or penalties relating to income taxes recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 or in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. As of December 31, 2014, returns for the calendar years 2011 through 2014 remain subject to examination by U.S. and various state and foreign tax jurisdictions.

Properties

Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block]	Properties
	Properties at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Land	$	226,252		$	336,360
	Buildings, improvements, and equipment	2,457,660			3,896,401
	Construction in process and pre-development costs	578,593			252,329
		$	3,262,505		$	4,485,090
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(970,045		)	(1,516,982		)
		$	2,292,460		$	2,968,108
	Depreciation expense for 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $110.1 million, $142.5 million, and $134.9 million, respectively.
	The charge to operations in 2014, 2013, and 2012 for domestic and non-U.S. pre-development activities was $4.2 million, $10.6 million, and $19.8 million, respectively.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [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
		December 31, 2014 and 2013
	Arizona Mills (Note 2)	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 (Note 2)	50.1/100
	The Mall at Millenia	50
	Stamford Town Center	50
	Sunvalley	50
	The Mall at University Town Center (Note 2)	50
	Waterside Shops	50
	Westfarms	79
	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.
	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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 exclude 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.
		December 31 2014			December 31 2013
	Assets:
	Properties	$	1,580,926		$	1,305,658
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(548,646		)	(478,820		)
		$	1,032,280		$	826,838
	Cash and cash equivalents	49,765			28,782
	Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,590 and $977 in 2014 and 2013	38,788			33,626
	Deferred charges and other assets	33,200			28,095
		$	1,154,033		$	917,341
	Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
	Mortgage notes payable	$	1,989,546		$	1,551,161
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	103,161			70,226
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	(525,759		)	(412,204		)
	Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	(412,915		)	(291,842		)
		$	1,154,033		$	917,341
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	$	(525,759	)	$	(412,204	)
	TRG's investment in projects under development (Note 2)	232,091			193,306
	TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	132,058			118,132
	TCO's additional basis	54,963			56,909
	Net Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	(106,647	)	$	(43,857	)
	Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	476,651			371,549
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	370,004		$	327,692
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	338,017		$	294,720		$	282,136
	Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	106,249		$	92,901		$	91,094
	Interest expense	74,806			68,998			68,760
	Depreciation and amortization	47,377			36,644			37,342
	Total operating costs	$	228,432		$	198,543		$	197,196
	Nonoperating income (expense)	(22		)				18
	Net income	$	109,563		$	96,177		$	84,958
	Net income attributable to TRG	$	60,690		$	53,166		$	47,763
	Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s basis adjustments	3,258			1,245			2,677
	Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	(1,946		)	(1,946		)	(1,946		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	62,002		$	52,465		$	48,494
	Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ operations:
	Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	132,652		$	114,939		$	107,044
	Interest expense	(40,416		)	(37,554		)	(35,862		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(30,234		)	(24,920		)	(22,688		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	62,002		$	52,465		$	48,494
	Other
	The provision for losses on accounts receivable of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $1.7 million, $0.6 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Deferred charges and other assets of $33.2 million at December 31, 2014 were comprised of leasing costs of $37.2 million, before accumulated amortization of $(16.6) million, net deferred financing costs of $9.6 million, and other net charges of $3.0 million. Deferred charges and other assets of $28.1 million at December 31, 2013 were comprised of leasing costs of $34.0 million, before accumulated amortization of $(17.7) million, net deferred financing costs of $9.0 million, and other net charges of $2.8 million.
In December 2014, an additional $175 million financing was completed on International Plaza, a 50.1% owned Unconsolidated Joint Venture. The loan has a seven-year term and bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%. In connection with this financing, the Unconsolidated Joint Venture also entered into an interest rate swap to fix the rate on the loan at 3.58% (Note 10).
The estimated fair value of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ mortgage notes payable was $2.0 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The methodology for determining this fair value is consistent with that used for determining the fair value of consolidated mortgage notes payable (Note 17).
Depreciation expense on properties for 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $40.9 million, $35.6 million, and $31.1 million, respectively.

Accounts_and_Notes_Receivable

Accounts and Notes Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	Accounts and notes receivable at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Trade	$	24,757		$	32,162
	Notes	2,037			9,407
	Straight-line rent and recoveries	25,378			33,558
		$	52,172		$	75,127
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,927		)	(1,934		)
		$	49,245		$	73,193
	Notes receivable as of December 31, 2013 included a $7.4 million note related to a February 2013 sale of peripheral land. In January 2014, the $7.4 million note was repaid in full.

Deferred_Charges_Other_Assets

Deferred Charges Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Abstract]
Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Text Block]	Deferred Charges and Other Assets
	Deferred charges and other assets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Leasing costs	$	27,454		$	39,529
	Accumulated amortization	(10,659		)	(16,807		)
		$	16,795		$	22,722
	In-place leases, net	11,765			16,651
	Investment in SPG partnership units (Notes 2 and 17)	77,711
	Deferred financing costs, net	15,815			16,319
	Insurance deposit (Note 17)	13,059			12,225
	Deposits	40,257			4,320
	Prepaid expenses	5,496			4,952
	Deferred tax asset, net	1,956			3,263
	Other, net	5,581			8,934
		$	188,435		$	89,386
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $37.0 million in restricted deposits related to its Asia investments.

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense	Notes Payable
	Notes payable at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consist of the following:
		2014			2013			Stated Interest Rate		Maturity Date		Balance Due on Maturity		Facility Amount
	Cherry Creek Shopping Center	$	280,000		$	280,000		5.24%		6/8/16		$280,000
	City Creek Center	83,189		(1)	84,560		(1)	4.37%		8/1/23		68,575
	El Paseo Village	15,932		(2)	16,322		(2)	4.42%		12/6/15		15,565
	The Gardens on El Paseo	83,059		(3)	84,197		(3)	6.10%		6/11/16		81,480
	Great Lakes Crossing Outlets	217,281			221,541			3.60%		1/6/23		177,038
	The Mall at Green Hills	150,000			150,000			LIBOR+1.60%		12/1/18	(4)	150,000
	International Plaza				325,000		(5)	4.85%
	MacArthur Center				129,205		(6)	LIBOR + 2.35%
	Northlake Mall				215,500		(6)	5.41%
	The Mall at Partridge Creek				79,162		(6)	6.15%
	The Mall of San Juan	163,779		(7)				LIBOR + 2.00%		4/2/17	(7)	163,779		$	320,000
	The Mall at Short Hills	540,000			540,000			5.47%		12/14/15		540,000
	Stony Point Fashion Park				99,526		(8)	6.24%
	The Mall at Wellington Green				200,000		(6)	5.44%
	U.S. Headquarters Building	17,265		(9)				5.90%		4/1/15		16,974
	$65M Revolving Credit Facility							LIBOR + 1.40%		4/30/16				65,000		(10)
	$65M Revolving Credit Facility				33,040			LIBOR + 1.40%		4/30/14	(10)	33,040		65,000
	$1.1B Revolving Credit Facility			(11) (12)				LIBOR + 1.15%	(11)	2/28/19	(11)			1,100,000		(11)
	$1.1B Revolving Credit Facility				125,000		(11)	LIBOR + 1.45%	(11)	3/29/17		125,000		1,100,000
	$475M Unsecured Term Loan	475,000		(12) (13)	475,000		(13)	LIBOR + 1.35%	(13)	2/28/19		475,000
		$	2,025,505		$	3,058,053
	-1	The Operating Partnership has provided a limited guarantee of the repayment of the City Creek loan, which could be triggered only upon a decline in center occupancy to a level that the Company believes is remote.
	-2	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.1 million and $0.2 million premium in 2014 and 2013, respectively, for an above market interest rate upon acquisition of the center in December 2011.
	-3	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $1.6 million and $2.7 million premium in 2014 and 2013, respectively, for an above market interest rate upon acquisition of the center in December 2011.
	-4	Has a one-year extension option.
	-5	In January 2014, the Company sold a total of 49.9% of its interests in the entity that owns International Plaza (Note 2).
	-6	In October 2014, the remaining debt on the center was prepaid or defeased in connection with the Company's disposition of a portfolio of seven centers to Starwood (Note 2).
	-7	The Operating Partnership has provided an unconditional guaranty of the principal balance and all accrued but unpaid interest during the term of the loan. Loan has two one-year extension options.
	-8	In January 2014, the Company paid off the mortgage note payable on Stony Point Fashion Park.
	-9	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.2 million for an above market interest rate upon acquisition of the building in February 2014 (Note 2).
	-10	In March 2014, the maturity date on the Company's $65 million secondary revolving line of credit was extended through April 2016. The unused borrowing capacity at December 31, 2014 was $60.8 million, after considering $4.2 million of letters of credit outstanding on the facility.
	-11	TRG is the borrower under the $1.1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with an accordion feature to increase the borrowing capacity to $1.5 billion, subject to certain conditions including having the borrowing capacity based on the unencumbered asset pool EBITDA and obtaining lender commitments. As of December 31, 2014, the Company cannot fully utilize the accordion feature unless additional assets are added to the unencumbered asset pool. The facility bears interest at a range of LIBOR plus 1.15% to LIBOR plus 1.70% and a facility fee of 0.20% to 0.30% based on the Company's total leverage ratio. Prior to the amendment of the facility in November 2014, the interest rate was at a range of LIBOR plus 1.45% to LIBOR plus 1.85%. The facility has a one-year extension option. The unused borrowing capacity at December 31, 2014 was $1.1 billion.
	-12	As of December 31, 2014, the entities that own Beverly Center, Dolphin Mall, and Twelve Oaks Mall are guarantors under the $475 million unsecured term loan and the $1.1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility.
	-13	TRG is the borrower under the $475 million unsecured term loan with an accordion feature to increase the borrowing capacity to $600 million, subject to certain conditions including having the borrowing capacity based on the unencumbered asset pool EBITDA and obtaining lender commitments. As of December 31, 2014, the Company cannot fully utilize the accordion feature unless additional assets are added to the unencumbered asset pool. The loan bears interest at a range of LIBOR plus 1.35% to LIBOR plus 1.90% based on the Company's total leverage ratio. From January 2014 until maturity, the LIBOR rate is swapped to a fixed rate of 1.65%, resulting in an effective rate in the range of 3.00% to 3.55% (Note 10).
	Notes payable are collateralized by properties with a net book value of $1.4 billion at December 31, 2014.
	The following table presents scheduled principal payments on notes payable as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	578,790
	2016	367,527
	2017	170,095		(1)
	2018	156,563		(2)
	2019	481,820
	Thereafter	268,874
	Total principal maturities	$	2,023,669
	Net unamortized debt premiums	1,836
	Total notes payable	$	2,025,505
	-1	Includes 163.8 million with two one-year extension options.
	-2	Includes $150.0 million with one-year extension option.
	2015 Maturities
	During the second half of 2015, the Company expects to complete a refinancing of the loan on The Mall at Short Hills. The existing $540.0 million, 5.47% fixed rate loan is scheduled to mature in December 2015 and is prepayable without penalty beginning September 2015. Also in 2015, the Company expects to complete a refinancing on the U.S headquarters building loan. The existing $17.3 million, 5.9% fixed rate loan on the U.S. headquarters building is scheduled to mature in April 2015.
	The $15.9 million, 4.42% fixed rate loan on El Paseo Village matures in December 2015. The Company expects to pay off the loan in October 2015, the earliest prepayment date without penalty.
	Debt Covenants and Guarantees
	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 December 31, 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 December 31, 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
	In connection with the financing of the construction facility at The Mall at University Town Center, 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 December 31, 2014 was $187.8 million. Accrued but unpaid interest as of December 31, 2014 was $0.3 million. The principal guaranty may be reduced to 12.5% of the outstanding principal balance upon achievement of certain performance measures. Upon stabilization, the unconditional guaranty may be released. The 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 December 31, 2014 was $163.8 million. Accrued but unpaid interest as of December 31, 2014 was $0.2 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.
	In connection with the December 2014 additional $175 million financing at International Plaza, which is owned by an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, the Operating Partnership provided an unconditional and several guarantee of 50.1% of all obligations and liabilities related to an interest rate swap that was required on the debt for the term of the loan. As of December 31, 2014, the interest rate swap was in an asset position and had unpaid interest of $0.1 million. The Company believes the likelihood of a payment under the guarantee to be remote.
	Other
	The Company is required to escrow cash balances for specific uses stipulated by certain of its lenders. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's cash balances restricted for these uses were $37.5 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The Company is required under certain debt agreements to escrow cash for certain major construction projects. As of December 31, 2014, $33.6 million of the $37.5 million of restricted cash was required under certain debt agreements to be in escrow for certain major construction projects.
	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:
December 31, 2014	$	2,025,505		$	1,989,546		$	1,852,749			$	1,085,991
December 31, 2013	3,058,053			1,551,161			2,891,592				868,942
Capitalized interest:
Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	27,255	(1)	$	3,121		$	26,227			$	1,578
Year Ended December 31, 2013	16,385		(1)	587			15,839				320
Interest expense:
Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	90,803		$	74,806		$	82,702			$	40,416
Year Ended December 31, 2013	130,023			68,998			121,353				37,554
-1	The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred in funding its equity contributions to development projects accounted for as UJVs. The capitalized interest cost is included in the Company's basis in its investment in UJVs. Such capitalized interest reduces interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income and in the table above is included within Consolidated Subsidiaries.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Any adjustments to the redemption value are recorded through equity.
	Partnership Units Issued in Connection with 2011 Acquisition
	In December 2011, the Company acquired The Mall at Green Hills and The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village from affiliates of Davis Street Properties, LLC (Note 2). The purchase price consideration included 1.3 million Operating Partnership units determined based on a value of $55 per unit. These partnership units became eligible to be converted into the Company's common shares in December 2012 pursuant to the Continuing Offer (Note 15). Prior to that date, the holders had the ability to put the units back to the Operating Partnership for cash at the lesser of the current market price of the Company's common shares or $55 per share. Considering the redemption provisions, the Company accounted for these Operating Partnership units as a redeemable noncontrolling interest through December 2012 when they became subject to the Continuing Offer. In December 2012, upon the expiration of the redemption right of these redeemable noncontrolling interests, the carrying value of these units were classified within Noncontrolling Interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2014, of the 1.3 million Operating Partnership units originally issued as consideration, approximately 1.0 million units were tendered under the Continuing Offer.
	Reconciliation of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
		2012
	Balance January 1	$	84,235
	Contributions	231
	Distributions	(2,456		)
	Allocation of net income (loss)	(976		)
	Allocation of other comprehensive income (loss)	(49		)
	Capital relinquished in connection with TCBL disposition (Note 2)	(8,855		)
	Transfer to nonredeemable equity	(72,035		)
	Adjustments of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(95		)
	Balance December 31	$	—
	There was no significant activity regarding redeemable noncontrolling interests during the years ended December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	Equity Balances of Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	The net equity balance of the nonredeemable noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 includes the following:
		2014			2013
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$	(14,796	)	$	(37,191	)
	Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	116,376			(58,342		)
		$	101,580		$	(95,533	)
	Income Allocable to Noncontrolling Interests
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 includes the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	34,239		$	10,344		$	14,867
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	350,870			46,434			37,752
		$	385,109		$	56,778		$	52,619
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests							(976		)
		$	385,109		$	56,778		$	51,643
	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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	$	863,857		$	109,908		$	83,511
	Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest:
	Increase (Decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital for the adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)	83			15,129			14,903
	Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interest in International Plaza							(339,170		)
	Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interest in an outlet joint venture				(1,050		)
	Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	83			14,079			(324,267		)
	Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	863,940		$	123,987		$	(240,756	)
	-1	In 2014, 2013, and 2012, adjustments of the noncontrolling interest 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 13), issuances of stock pursuant to the continuing offer (Note 15), issuances of common stock in 2012 (Note 14), the acquisition of additional ownership interest in International Plaza in 2012, redemption of the outlet joint venture partner's interest in 2013, 2013 stock repurchases (Note 14), issuances of Operating Partnership units in connection with the acquisition of centers (Note 2), and redemptions of certain redeemable Operating Partnership Units.
	Finite Life Entities
	Accounting Standards Codification Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. At December 31, 2014, the Company held a controlling interest in a consolidated entity with a specified termination date in 2083. The noncontrolling owners’ 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 $430 million at December 31, 2014, compared to a book value of $(23.0) 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 shares 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative and Hedging Activities	Derivative and Hedging Activities
	Risk Management Objective and Strategies for Using Derivatives
	The Company uses derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, primarily to manage exposure to interest rate risks inherent in variable rate debt and refinancings. The Company may also enter into forward starting swaps or treasury lock agreements to set the effective interest rate on a planned fixed-rate financing. The Company’s interest rate swaps involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. In a forward starting swap or treasury lock agreement that the Company cash settles in anticipation of a fixed rate financing or refinancing, the Company will receive or pay an amount equal to the present value of future cash flow payments based on the difference between the contract rate and market rate on the settlement date.
	The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and currently does not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments under the accounting requirements for derivatives and hedging.
	As of December 31, 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	%		136,706				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		136,706				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (3)		50.1	%		175,000				1.83	%		1.75	%		3.58	%		Dec-21
	-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 Mall.
	-3	The notional amount on this swap is equal to the outstanding principal balance of the floating rate loan on International Plaza, which begins amortizing in February 2015 (Note 5).
	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, 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 loss of $2.9 million to Nonoperating Expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 for changes in the fair value of this swap subsequent to the June 2014 discontinuation of hedge accounting. In October 2014, this swap was terminated and the debt was paid off with the proceeds from the sale to Starwood (Note 2). As of December 31, 2014, the Company does not have any derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.
	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 $10.5 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. 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 year ended December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012 the Company did not have any hedge ineffectiveness or amounts that were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recorded in earnings.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)												Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
		2014				2013				2012						2014				2013			2012
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)													Nonoperating Expense (1)		$	(4,880	)
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)	$	(7,362	)		$	9,990			$	(2,821	)		Interest Expense (1)		$	(8,663	)		$	(3,221	)	$	(3,190	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	893				5,083				(1,976		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(3,186		)		(3,080		)	(3,600		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	(6,469	)		$	15,073			$	(4,797	)				$	(16,729	)		$	(6,301	)	$	(6,790	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries													Interest Expense						$	(605	)	$	(605	)
	Interest rate contract – UJVs													Equity in Income of UJVs									(188		)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges															$	—			$	(605	)	$	(793	)
	(1) Includes the 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013.
				Fair Value
		Consolidated Balance Sheet Location		December 31 2014				December 31
								2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Asset derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	Deferred Charges and Other Assets						$	1,543
	Interest rate contracts - UJVs	Investment in UJVs		$	109
	Total assets designated as hedging instruments			$	109			$	1,543
	Liability derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		$	(4,044	)		$	(3,418	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	Investment in UJVs		(5,154		)		(5,938		)
	Total liabilities designated as hedging instruments			$	(9,198	)		$	(9,356	)
	Contingent Features
	Two 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. One of the Company's outstanding derivatives contain provisions that state if the hedged entity defaults on any of its recourse indebtedness in excess of $50 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position was $9.2 million and $9.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 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 17 for fair value information on derivatives.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Leases Disclosure [Text Block]	Leases
	Shopping center space is leased to tenants and certain anchors pursuant to lease agreements. Tenant leases typically provide for minimum rent, percentage rent, and other charges to cover certain operating costs. Future minimum rent under operating leases in effect at December 31, 2014 for operating centers assuming no new or renegotiated leases or option extensions on anchor agreements, is summarized as follows:
	2015	$	282,484
	2016	260,605
	2017	233,552
	2018	207,722
	2019	182,095
	Thereafter	535,127
	Certain shopping centers, as lessees, have ground and building leases expiring at various dates through the year 2104. In addition, one center has an option to extend the term for three 10-year periods and another center has the option to extend the lease term for one additional 10-year period. Ground rent is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease terms.
	The Company also leases certain of its office facilities and certain equipment. Office facility and equipment leases expire at various dates through the year 2019.
	Rental expense on a straight-line basis under operating leases was $12.6 million in 2014, $13.4 million in 2013, and $12.0 million in 2012. Included in these amounts are related party office rental expense of $2.5 million in 2013 and $2.2 million in 2012. As a result of the Company's purchase of the U.S. headquarters building in February 2014 (Note 2), which was previously rented from an affiliate of the Taubman family, related party office rental expense decreased to $0.2 million in 2014. Contingent rent expense under operating leases was $1.7 million in 2014, $1.4 million in 2013, and $0.9 million in 2012. Payables representing straight-line rent adjustments under lease agreements were $44.8 million and $41.2 million, as of December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
	The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases:
	2015	$	9,935
	2016	12,834
	2017	13,240
	2018	13,200
	2019	12,737
	Thereafter	755,342
	City Creek Center, a mixed-use project in Salt Lake City, Utah, opened in March 2012. The Company owns the retail space subject to a long-term participating lease. City Creek Reserve, Inc. (CCRI), an affiliate of the LDS Church is the participating lessor. The Company owns 100% of the leasehold interest in the retail buildings and property. CCRI has an option to purchase the Company’s interest at fair value at various points in time over the term of the lease. In addition to the minimum rent included in the table above, the Company pays contingent rent based on the performance of the center.
	International Market Place, a regional mall redevelopment project located in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, is expected to open in spring 2016. The project is subject to a long-term participating ground lease. In addition to minimum rent included in the table above, the Company will pay contingent rent based on the performance of the center.

The_Manager

The Manager	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
The Manager [Abstract]
The Manager [Text Block]	The Manager
	The Taubman Company LLC (the Manager), which is 99% beneficially owned by the Operating Partnership, provides property management, leasing, development, and other administrative services to the Company, the shopping centers, Taubman affiliates, and other third parties. Accounts receivable from related parties include amounts due from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures or other affiliates of the Company, primarily relating to services performed by the Manager. These receivables include certain amounts due to the Manager related to reimbursement of third party (non-affiliated) costs.
	A. Alfred Taubman and certain of his affiliates receive various management services from the Manager. For such services, Mr. Taubman and affiliates paid the Manager approximately $2.9 million, $3.1 million, and $3.2 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. These amounts are classified in Management, Leasing, and Development Services revenues within the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income.
	Other related party transactions are described in Note 13 and Note 15.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation and Other Employee Plans
	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 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 $17.1 million, $12.9 million, and $11.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Compensation cost capitalized as part of properties and deferred leasing costs was $2.0 million, $1.6 million, and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	The Company estimated the grant-date fair values of options, performance share units, and restricted share units using the methods discussed in the separate sections below for each type of grant. Expected volatility and dividend yields are based on historical volatility and yields of the Company’s common stock, respectively, as well as other factors. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curves in effect at the times of grants. The Company assumes no forfeitures of options or performance share units due to the small number of participants and low turnover rate.
	Modification of Grants for Special Dividend
	In December 2014, the Company paid a special dividend of $4.75 per share of common stock to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 15, 2014. In connection with this special dividend, the Board of Directors approved award adjustments to all outstanding PSU and RSU grants and to options that had not been exercised prior to the ex-dividend date for the special dividend to ensure that the holders were in a neutral economic position after giving effect to the payment of the special dividend.
	The number of units subject to each such PSU and RSU grant was increased and for option holders, the exercise price was decreased, so that each grant or option had the same intrinsic value to the holder before and after giving effect to the payment of the special dividend.
	The total additional compensation related to the award adjustments was approximately $4.5 million, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting period, if any, of the grants. Amounts relating to vested options were recognized immediately.
	Options
	Options are granted to purchase units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership, which are exchangeable for new shares of the Company’s stock under the Continuing Offer (Note 15). The options have ten-year contractual terms.
	A summary of option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is presented below:
		Number of Options		Weighted Average				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Range of Exercise Prices
				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	1,321,990		$	37.13			4.8	$	13.83	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	-632,188		31.28
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	689,802		$	42.5			3.8	$	24.74	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	-126,366		36.67
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	563,436		$	43.81			2.6	$	31.31	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	-42,143		42.16
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	521,293		$	39.2			1.6	$	26.56	-	$	51.15	(1)
	Fully vested options at December 31, 2014	521,293		$	39.2			1.6
	(1) Range of exercise prices as of December 31, 2014 reflects adjustments to the exercise price as a result of the grant modification in December 2014.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all options outstanding were fully vested and there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to options.
	The aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the period end stock price and the option exercise price) of in-the-money options outstanding was $19.4 million as of December 31, 2014.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $1.4 million, $4.8 million, and $28.7 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $1.8 million, $4.6 million, and $19.8 million, respectively.
	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, including the special distribution, 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.
	In December 2014, the Company modified all outstanding option awards to ensure that holders were in a neutral economic position after giving effect to the payment of the special dividend by decreasing the exercise price of each award by $4.75. With the exception of the decrease to the exercise price, all terms of the modified awards remained the same as the original awards. The Company estimated the incremental fair values of the modification as of the modification date using a Black-Scholes valuation model considering: the Company’s common stock price at the modification date; before and after modification exercise prices ranging from $31.31 to $55.90 and $26.56 to $51.15, respectively; expected volatility of 13.62% to 19.14%, expected dividend yield of 2.70%, remaining contractual term (in years) of 0.46 to 3.24, and a risk-free interest rate of 0.07% to 0.98%. Expected volatility and dividend yields are based on historical volatility and yields of the Company’s common stock, respectively. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curves in effect on the modification date.
	Performance Share Units
	In 2014, 2013, and 2012 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 vesting date is March 2017, March 2016, and March 2015, for the 2014, 2013, and 2012 grants, respectively, 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 the PSU granted in 2014, 2013, and 2012 using a Monte Carlo simulation, considering the Company’s common stock price at the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends during the vesting periods, historical returns of the Company and the peer group of companies, and risk-free interest rates and measurement periods existing at the grant dates. Specific assumptions and the valuation results are shown below.
		Grant Dates
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.70%		0.30% to 0.40%		0.35% to 0.45%
	Measurement period	3 years		3 years		3 years
	Weighted average grant-date fair value	$93.07		$103.37		$107.45
	In 2013, the Company also granted additional PSU under the 2008 Omnibus Plan that represent the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Company’s common stock ranging from 0-400% of the PSU based on the Company’s market performance relative to that of a peer group. The units vest in March 2017, if continuous service has been provided, or upon certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting period. The Company estimated the value of these PSU granted using a Monte Carlo simulation, considering the Company’s common stock price at the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends during the vesting periods, historical returns of the Company and the peer group of companies, a risk-free interest rate of 0.46% to 0.62%, and a measurement period of approximately four years. The resulting weighted average grant-date fair value was $171.05 per PSU.
	In 2012, the Company also granted additional PSU under the 2008 Omnibus Plan that represent the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Company’s common stock ranging from 0-400% of the PSU based on the Company’s market performance relative to that of a peer group. The units vest in March 2017, if continuous service has been provided, or upon certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting period. The Company estimated the value of these PSU granted using a Monte Carlo simulation, considering the Company’s common stock price at the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends during the vesting period, historical returns of the Company and the peer group of companies, a risk-free interest rate of 0.70% to 0.90%, and a measurement period of five years. The resulting weighted average grant-date fair value was $189.23 per PSU.
	In December 2014, the Company modified all outstanding PSU grants to ensure that holders were in a neutral economic position after giving effect to the payment of the special dividend by increasing the number of PSU granted in each award. With the exception of the number of PSU granted, all terms of the modified awards remained the same as the original awards. The Company estimated the incremental fair values of the modification as of the modification date using a Monte Carlo simulation, considering the Company’s common stock price at the modification date less the special dividend and the present value of the expected dividends during the remaining vesting periods, historical returns of the Company and the peer group of companies, a risk-free interest rate of 0.03% to 0.65%, and a measurement period of 0.24 to 2.25 years.
	A summary of PSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is presented below:
		Number of Performance Stock Units				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	$	326,151			$	38.2
	Granted (three-year vesting)	50,041				107.45
	Granted (five-year vesting)	108,224				189.23
	Forfeited	(24,733		)		123.41
	Vested	(196,943		)	(1)	15.6
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	$	262,740			$	122.52
	Granted (three-year vesting)	42,178				103.37
	Granted (four-year vesting)	15,444				171.05
	Forfeited	(12,240		)		140.49
	Vested	(73,259		)	(1)	65.29
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	$	234,863			$	139.18
	Granted	49,157				93.07
	Forfeited	(771		)		160.09
	Vested	(43,858		)	(1)	85.4
	Special dividend adjustment (2)	15,260				57
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	$	254,651			$	132.86
	(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 year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 equaled 172%, 300%, and 240%, respectively, of the number of PSU awards vested in the table above.
	(2) Represents an adjustment made to the PSU as a result of the grant modification in December 2014.
	The total intrinsic value of PSU vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $5.3 million, $16.9 million, and $32.8 million, respectively.
	None of the PSU outstanding at December 31, 2014 were vested. As of December 31, 2014, there was $14.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested PSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 1.93 years.
	Restricted Share Units
	In 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 vesting date is March 2017, March 2016, and March 2015 for the 2014, 2013, and 2012 grants, respectively, if continuous service has been provided through that period, or upon retirement or certain other events if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting period.
The Company estimated the values of the RSU granted in 2014 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 valuations was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $63.95 per RSU granted during 2014. The Company estimated the value of the RSU granted in 2013 using the Company’s common stock at the grant dates deducting the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period using a risk-free rate of 0.30% to 0.49%. The result of the Company’s valuations was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $71.67 per RSU granted during 2013. The Company estimated the value of the RSU granted in 2012 using the Company's common stock at the grant date deducting the present value of expected dividends during the vesting period using a risk-free interest rate of 0.35% to 0.50%. The result of the Company's valuation was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $65.14 per RSU granted 2012.
In 2014, Restricted Share Units (RSU) were granted 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 interest 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 interest 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.
In 2013, the Company also granted a limited number of additional RSU that represent the right to receive upon vesting one share of the Company’s common stock. The units have staggered vesting dates from March 2014 to March 2015, if continuous service has been provided through those periods, or upon retirement or certain other events (such as death or disability) if earlier. No dividends accumulate during the vesting periods. The Company estimated the value of these additional RSU using the Company's common stock price at the grant date deducting the present value of expected dividends during the vesting periods using a risk-free interest rate of 0.10% to 0.19%. The result of the Company's valuation was a weighted average grant-date fair value of $81.38 per RSU.
In December 2014, the Company modified all outstanding RSU grants to ensure that holders were in a neutral economic position after giving effect to the payment of the special dividend by increasing the number of RSU granted in each award. With the exception of the number of RSU granted, all terms of the modified awards remained the same as the original awards. The Company estimated the incremental fair values of the modification as of the modification date using the Company’s common stock price at the modification date less the special dividend and the present value of the expected dividends during the remaining vesting periods using a risk free interest rate of 0.03% to 0.65% and a measurement period of 0.24 to 2.25 years.
A summary of RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is presented below:
	Number of Restricted Stock Units				Weighted average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2012	$	605,927			$	22.06
Granted	107,653				65.14
Forfeited	(26,665		)		46.48
Vested	(364,610		)		9.9
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	$	322,305			$	48.19
Granted (three-year vesting)	92,103				71.67
Granted (staggered vesting)	5,197				81.38
Forfeited	(11,678		)		57.6
Vested	(138,028		)		37.03
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	$	269,899			$	62
Granted (three-year vesting)	106,540				63.95
Granted (staggered vesting)	8,505				66.19
Forfeited	(4,843		)		65.44
Vested	(104,302		)		51.96
Special dividend adjustment (1)	17,852				72.27
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	$	293,651			$	67
.
(1) Represents an adjustment made to the RSU as a result of the grant modification in December 2014.
Based on an analysis of historical employee turnover, the Company has made an annual forfeiture assumption of approximately 2.02% of grants when recognizing compensation costs relating to the RSU.
The total intrinsic value of RSU vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $7.4 million, $10.6 million, and $25.2 million, respectively.
None of the RSU outstanding at December 31, 2014 were vested. As of December 31, 2014, there was $7.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSU outstanding. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 1.58 years.
Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Grant and Deferred Compensation
The 2008 Omnibus Plan provides a quarterly grant to each non-employee director of the Company shares of the Company's common stock based on the fair value of the Company's common stock on the last business day of the preceding quarter. The annual fair market value of the grant was $120,000 in 2014 and 2013, and $70,000 in 2012. As of December 31, 2014, 11,106 shares have been issued under the 2008 Omnibus Plan. Certain directors have elected to defer receipt of their shares as described below.
The Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, allows each non-employee director of the Company the right to defer the receipt of all or a portion of his or her annual director retainer until the termination of his or her service on the Company’s Board of Directors and for such deferred compensation to be denominated in restricted stock units. The number of restricted stock units received equals the deferred retainer fee divided by the fair market value of the common stock on the business day immediately before the date the director would otherwise have been entitled to receive the retainer fee. The restricted stock units represent the right to receive equivalent shares of common stock at the end of the deferral period. During the deferral period, when the Company pays cash dividends on its common stock, including special dividends, the directors’ deferral accounts will be credited with dividend equivalents on their deferred restricted stock units, payable in additional restricted stock units based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the business day immediately before the record date of the applicable dividend payment. There were 113,839 restricted stock units outstanding under the DCP at December 31, 2014.
Other Employee Plans
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had fully vested awards outstanding for 11,508 and 10,536 notional shares of stock, respectively, under a previous long-term performance compensation plan. These awards will be settled in cash based on a twenty day average of the market value of the Company's common stock. The liability for the eventual payout of these awards is marked to market quarterly based on the twenty day average of the Company's stock price. The Company recorded compensation costs related to the plan of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, $0.1 million in 2013, and $0.3 million in 2012. In 2012, $0.7 million was paid out under this plan. No awards under this plan were paid out during 2014 or 2013.
The Company has a voluntary retirement savings plan established in 1983 and amended and restated effective January 1, 2012 (the Plan). The Company believes the Plan is qualified in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). The Company contributes an amount equal to 2% of the qualified wages of all qualified employees and matches employee contributions in excess of 2% up to 7% of qualified wages. In addition, the Company may make discretionary contributions within the limits prescribed by the Plan and imposed in the Code. The Company’s contributions and costs relating to the Plan were $3.3 million in 2014, $3.2 million in 2013, and $3.0 million in 2012.

Common_and_Preferred_Stock_and

Common and Preferred Stock and Equity of TRG	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common and Preferred Stock and Equity of TRG [Text Block]	Common and Preferred Stock and Equity of TRG
	Common Stock
	In August 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may repurchase up to $200 million of its outstanding common stock. The Company plans to repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, depending on market prices and other conditions. As of December 31, 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 August 2012, the Company sold 2,875,000 of its common shares. The proceeds were used by the Company to acquire an equal number of Operating Partnership units. The Operating Partnership paid all offering costs. The Operating Partnership used the net proceeds, after offering costs, of $208.9 million to reduce outstanding borrowings under its revolving lines of credit. No common shares were sold in 2014 or 2013.
	Preferred Stock
	The Company is obligated to issue to the noncontrolling partners of TRG, upon subscription, one share of Series B Non-Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (Series B Preferred Stock) for each of the Operating Partnership units held by the noncontrolling partners. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to the Company's shareowners. The holders of Series B Preferred Stock, voting as a class, have the right to designate up to four nominees for election as directors of the Company. On all other matters, including the election of directors, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will vote with the holders of common stock. The holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to dividends or earnings of the Company. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock at a ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, 35,500 shares, 176,630 shares, and 1,132,359 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, were converted to one share, 10 shares, and 65 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, as a result of tenders of units under the Continuing Offer (Note 15).
	In March 2013, the Company issued 6,800,000 shares of 6.25% Series K Preferred Stock. Net proceeds from the offering were $164.4 million, net of offering costs of $5.6 million. The Series K Preferred Stock has no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements and generally is not convertible into any other security of the Company. The Series K Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $170.0 million ($25 per share). Dividends are cumulative and are paid in arrears on the last day of each calendar quarter. The Series K Preferred Stock will be redeemable by the Company at par, $25 per share, plus accrued dividends, generally beginning in March 2018. The Company owns corresponding Series K Preferred Equity interests in the Operating Partnership that entitle the Company to income and distributions (in the form of guaranteed payments) in amounts equal to the dividends payable on the Company's Series K Preferred Stock. The Series K Preferred Stock is generally non-voting. The Company's Series K Preferred Stock ranks on parity with its Series J Preferred Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of its affairs.
	In September 2012, the Company redeemed the 8% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series G Preferred Stock) and 7.625% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series H Preferred Stock) at prices per share of $25.35 and $25.33, respectively, which include accrued and unpaid dividends. The Company previously had 4,000,000 shares (par value $100 million) of its Series G Preferred Stock outstanding and 3,480,000 shares (par value $87 million) of its Series H Preferred Stock outstanding. As a result of the redemptions in 2012, the Company recognized charges of $3.3 million and $3.1 million, representing the difference between the carrying values and the redemption prices of its Series G Preferred Stock and Series H Preferred Stock, respectively. These charges are included within Preferred Stock Dividends on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Series G Preferred Stock had no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements. Dividends were cumulative and payable on the last day of each calendar quarter. The Series H Preferred Stock had no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements. Dividends were cumulative and payable in arrears on or before the last day of each calendar quarter.
	The Series G Preferred Stock and Series H Preferred Stock were redeemed with the net proceeds of $186.2 million from the issuance of 7,700,000 shares of 6.5% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series J Preferred Stock) in August 2012. Offering costs of $6.3 million were incurred in connection with this issuance. The Series J Preferred Stock has no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements and generally is not convertible into any other security of the Company. The Series J Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $192.5 million ($25 per share). Dividends are cumulative and are paid on the last business day of each calendar quarter. All accrued dividends have been paid. The Series J Preferred Stock will be redeemable by the Company at par, $25 per share, plus accrued dividends, generally beginning in August 2017. The Company owns corresponding Series J 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 Preferred Stock. The Series J Preferred Stock is generally non-voting.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [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 December 31, 2014 of $76.42 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 December 31, 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 December 2014, the Company settled a previously ongoing litigation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Case No. 09-CV-01619 and Case No. 11-CV-05676) related to The Pier Shops. No material losses were incurred as a result of the settlement.
	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. However, there are 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 8 for the Operating Partnership's guarantees of certain notes payable, including guarantees relating to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, Note 9 for contingent features relating to certain joint venture agreements, Note 10 for contingent features relating to derivative instruments, and Note 13 for obligations under existing share-based compensation plans.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [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 15), 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 13). 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.
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
	Basic	$	863,857		$	109,908		$	83,511
	Impact of additional ownership of TRG	10,933			497			672
	Diluted	$	874,790		$	110,405		$	84,183
	Shares (Denominator) – basic	63,267,800			63,591,523			59,884,455
	Effect of dilutive securities	1,653,264			983,889			1,491,989
	Shares (Denominator) – diluted	64,921,064			64,575,412			61,376,444
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	13.65		$	1.73		$	1.39
	Earnings per common share - diluted	$	13.47		$	1.71		$	1.37
	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.
		Year Ended December 31
		2014		2013			2012
	Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding	4,351,727		4,428,624			5,063.74
	Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections			871,262			871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [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 December 31, 2014 Using							Fair Value Measurements as of 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		$	13,059						$	12,225
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 10)												$	1,543
	Total assets		$	13,059		$	—			$	12,225		$	1,543
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 10)					$	(4,044	)					$	(3,418	)
	Total liabilities					$	(4,044	)					$	(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 December 31, 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 $105.2 million at December 31, 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 and 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2014 or 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014							2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Notes payable	$	2,025,505		$	2,056,474			$	3,058,053		$	3,107,119
	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 December 31, 2014 by $29.6 million or 1.4%.
	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 5 regarding the fair value of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ notes payable, and Note 10 regarding additional information on derivatives.

Cash_Flow_Disclosures_NonCash_

Cash Flow Disclosures & Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flow Disclosures and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activties [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	Cash Flow Disclosures and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
	Interest paid in 2014, 2013, and 2012, net of amounts capitalized of $27.3 million, $16.4 million, and $3.6 million, respectively, was $88.5 million, $128.2 million, and $142.0 million, respectively. In 2014, $11.9 million of income taxes were paid. Income tax payments in 2013 and 2012 were immaterial. The following non-cash investing and financing activities occurred during 2014, 2013, and 2012. This table excludes any non-cash adjustments of noncontrolling interests as a result of equity transactions (Note 9).
		2014		2013		2012
	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)	$	77,711
	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
	Issuance of note and other receivable in connection with the sale of Taubman TCBL's assets (Note 2)					$	9,353
	Receipt of escrow in connection with the sale of Taubman TCBL (Note 2)					3,550
	Relinquishment of redeemable equity in connection with disposition of Taubman TCBL (Note 2)					8,855
	Other non-cash additions to properties	24,315		14,030		19,952
	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).

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
		Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI										Noncontrolling Interests AOCI
		Cumulative translation adjustment				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total			Cumulative translation adjustment			Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total
	1-Jan-12					$	(27,613	)	$	(27,613	)				$	9,113		$	9,113
	Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	$	1,888			(2,551		)	(663		)	$	756		(1,162		)	(406		)
	Amounts due to changes in ownership					6,212			6,212						(6,212		)	(6,212		)
	31-Dec-12	$	1,888			$	(23,952	)	$	(22,064	)	$	756		$	1,739		$	2,495
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	3,150				6,117			9,267			1,257			2,700			3,957
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					3,875			3,875						1,708			1,708
	Net current period other comprehensive income	3,150				9,992			13,142			1,257			4,408			5,665
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	2				6			8			(2		)	(6		)	(8		)
	31-Dec-13	$	5,040			$	(13,954	)	$	(8,914	)	$	2,011		$	6,141		$	8,152
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(5,148		)		(12,783		)	(17,931		)	(2,045		)	(5,221		)	(7,266		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					11,747			11,747						4,982			4,982
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(5,148		)		(1,036		)	(6,184		)	(2,045		)	(239		)	(2,284		)
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	7				23			30			(7		)	(23		)	(30		)
	31-Dec-14	$	(101	)		$	(14,967	)	$	(15,068	)	$	(41	)	$	5,879		$	5,838
	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the year ended December 31, 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		8,663				Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		3,186				Equity in Income in UJVs
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	16,729
	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the year ended December 31, 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		$	3,826			Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		3,080				Equity in Income of UJVs
	Realized gain on sale of securities		(1,323		)		Nonoperating Income
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	5,583

New_Accounting_Pronouncements_

New Accounting Pronouncements (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Note 21 - 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.

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for 2014 and 2013:
		2014
		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	Revenues	$	174,778	$	169,985	$	176,044	$	158,322
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	12,068		14,675		14,479		20,780
	Net income	526,157		39,054		56,637		656,274
	Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners	369,125		21,344		33,682		439,706
	Earnings per common share – basic	$	5.84	$	0.34	$	0.53	$	6.94
	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	5.74	$	0.33	$	0.53	$	6.86
		2013
		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	Revenues	$	183,257	$	178,187	$	193,938	$	211,772
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	10,346		11,481		12,220		18,418
	Net income	46,356		33,603		43,243		66,166
	Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners	27,744		17,842		24,488		39,834
	Earnings per common share – basic	$	0.44	$	0.28	$	0.38	$	0.63
	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.43	$	0.28	$	0.38	$	0.62
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company recognized a $476.9 million gain, net of tax, from the dispositions of interests in International Plaza, Arizona Mills, and land in Syosset, New York related to the former Oyster Bay project. Subsequent to the disposition, International Plaza was accounted for as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture and included in Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company recognized a $629.7 million gain on the dispositions of the seven centers to Starwood. Also in the fourth quarter as a result of the Starwood disposition, the Company recognized an expense charge of $36.4 million related to the loss on extinguishment of debt at MacArthur Center, Northlake Mall, The Mall at Partridge Creek, and The Mall at Wellington Green.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
	(in thousands)
				Additions
		Balance at beginning of year		Charged to costs and expenses		Charged to other accounts	Write-offs			Transfers, net				Balance at  end of year
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful receivables	$	1,934	$	2,900		$	(1,145	)	$	(762	)	(1)	$	2,927
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful receivables	$	3,424	$	489		$	(1,979	)					$	1,934
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful receivables	$	3,303	$	1,397		$	(1,276	)					$	3,424
	-1	Amount represents balances associated with portfolio of seven centers sold to Starwood that were sold in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014																														Dec. 31, 2013
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation																															Schedule III
																															TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
		Initial Cost to Company									Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period																				REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
		Land			Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment			Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Land		BI&E			Total				Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)			Total Cost Net of A/D		Encumbrances			Year Opened / Expanded	Year Acquired	Depreciable Life	December 31, 2014
	Shopping Centers:																														(in thousands)
	Beverly Center				$	209,093		$	93,915				$	303,008		$	303,008			$	169,849		$	133,159				1982		40 years
	Los Angeles, CA
	Cherry Creek Shopping Center				99,087			140,160					239,247			239,247				141,297			97,950		$	280,000		1990 / 1998		40 years		Initial Cost to Company									Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period
	Denver, CO																															Land			Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment			Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Land		BI&E			Total				Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)			Total Cost Net of A/D		Encumbrances			Year Opened / Expanded	Year Acquired	Depreciable Life
	City Creek Shopping Center				75,229			873					76,102			76,102				7,569			68,533		83,189			2012		30 years	Shopping Centers:
	Salt Lake City, UT																														Beverly Center				$	209,093		$	93,915				$	303,008		$	303,008			$	169,849		$	133,159				1982		40 years
	Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL	$	34,881		222,301			68,401			$	34,881	290,702			325,583				103,066			222,517					2001 / 2007		50 years	Los Angeles, CA
																															Cherry Creek Shopping Center				99,087			140,160					239,247			239,247				141,297			97,950		$	280,000		1990 / 1998		40 years
	The Gardens on El Paseo/	23,500			131,858			6,073			23,500		137,931			161,431				11,793			149,638		83,059 / 15,932		(1)	1998 / 2010	2011	40 Years / 48 Years	Denver, CO
	El Paseo Village																														City Creek Shopping Center				75,229			873					76,102			76,102				7,569			68,533		83,189			2012		30 years
	Palm Desert, CA																														Salt Lake City, UT
	Great Lakes Crossing Outlets	15,506			188,773			46,465			15,506		235,238			250,744				122,375			128,369		217,281			1998		50 years	Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL	$	34,881		222,301			68,401			$	34,881	290,702			325,583				103,066			222,517					2001 / 2007		50 years
	Auburn Hills, MI
	The Mall at Green Hills	48,551			332,261			13,506			48,551		345,767			394,318				31,358			362,960		150,000			1955 / 2011	2011	40 years	The Gardens on El Paseo/	23,500			131,858			6,073			23,500		137,931			161,431				11,793			149,638		83,059 / 15,932		(1)	1998 / 2010	2011	40 Years / 48 Years
	Nashville, TN																														El Paseo Village
	The Mall at Short Hills	25,114			167,595			166,243			25,114		333,838			358,952				175,565			183,387		540,000			1980 / 1994 / 1995		40 years	Palm Desert, CA
	Short Hills, NJ																														Great Lakes Crossing Outlets	15,506			188,773			46,465			15,506		235,238			250,744				122,375			128,369		217,281			1998		50 years
	Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield	16,079			108,934			757			16,079		109,691			125,770				7,075			118,695					2013		50 years	Auburn Hills, MI
	Chesterfield, MO																														The Mall at Green Hills	48,551			332,261			13,506			48,551		345,767			394,318				31,358			362,960		150,000			1955 / 2011	2011	40 years
	Twelve Oaks Mall	25,410			190,455			89,471			25,410		279,926			305,336				144,332			161,004					1977 / 1978 / 2007 / 2008		50 years	Nashville, TN
	Novi, MI																														The Mall at Short Hills	25,114			167,595			166,243			25,114		333,838			358,952				175,565			183,387		540,000			1980 / 1994 / 1995		40 years
	Other:																														Short Hills, NJ
																															Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield	16,079			108,934			757			16,079		109,691			125,770				7,075			118,695					2013		50 years
																															Chesterfield, MO
	Office Facilities	5,123			12,519			34,058			5,123		46,577			51,700				27,440			24,260		17,265		(2)		2014	35 years	Twelve Oaks Mall	25,410			190,455			89,471			25,410		279,926			305,336				144,332			161,004					1977 / 1978 / 2007 / 2008		50 years
																															Novi, MI
	Peripheral Land	28,120									28,120					28,120							28,120								Other:
	Construction in Process and Development - pre-construction costs	33,382			466,601			78,610			33,382		545,211			578,593							578,593		163,779
																															Office Facilities	5,123			12,519			34,058			5,123		46,577			51,700				27,440			24,260		17,265		(2)		2014	35 years
	Assets under CDD Obligations	3,969			58,512						3,969		58,512			62,481				27,583			34,898
																															Peripheral Land	28,120									28,120					28,120							28,120
	Other				1,120								1,120			1,120				743			377
																															Construction in Process and Development - pre-construction costs	33,382			466,601			78,610			33,382		545,211			578,593							578,593		163,779
	Total	$	259,635		$	2,264,338		$	738,532		$	259,635	$	3,002,870		$	3,262,505		(3)	$	970,045		$	2,292,460
																															Assets under CDD Obligations	3,969			58,512						3,969		58,512			62,481				27,583			34,898
																															Other				1,120								1,120			1,120				743			377
																															Total	$	259,635		$	2,264,338		$	738,532		$	259,635	$	3,002,870		$	3,262,505		(3)	$	970,045		$	2,292,460
	Schedule III
	The changes in total real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
	TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.																														Schedule III
	REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
	December 31, 2014																														The changes in total real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
	(in thousands)
																															TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
		Total Real Estate Assets												Accumulated Depreciation																	REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
																															December 31, 2014
		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013				2012									(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of year	$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000			$	4,020,954		Balance, beginning of year	$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)		$	(1,271,943	)
																																Total Real Estate Assets												Accumulated Depreciation
	Acquisitions	17,642			(4)								Depreciation	(110,129		)		(142,458		)		(134,858		)
																																2014				2013				2012				2014				2013				2012
	New development and improvements	448,462				280,972				237,877			Disposals/Write-offs	530,916			(5)	21,352				10,925
																															Balance, beginning of year	$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000			$	4,020,954		Balance, beginning of year	$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)		$	(1,271,943	)
	Disposals/Write-offs	(1,308,529		)	(5)	(35,964		)		(11,972		)	Transfers (In)/Out	126,150			(6)
																															Acquisitions	17,642			(4)								Depreciation	(110,129		)		(142,458		)		(134,858		)
	Transfers In/(Out)	(380,160		)	(6)	(5,918		)		(859		)	Balance, end of year	$	(970,045	)		$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)
																															New development and improvements	448,462				280,972				237,877			Disposals/Write-offs	530,916			(5)	21,352				10,925
	Balance, end of year	$	3,262,505			$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000
																															Disposals/Write-offs	(1,308,529		)	(5)	(35,964		)		(11,972		)	Transfers (In)/Out	126,150			(6)
																														Transfers In/(Out)	(380,160		)	(6)	(5,918		)		(859		)	Balance, end of year	$	(970,045	)		$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)
-1	Balances represent the two different mortgage notes held separately on The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village for $83.1 million and $15.9 million, respectively, which include $1.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of purchase accounting premiums.
																														Balance, end of year	$	3,262,505			$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000
-2	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.2 million.
-3	The unaudited aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2014 was $3.513 billion.
																														-1	Balances represent the two different mortgage notes held separately on The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village for $83.1 million and $15.9 million, respectively, which include $1.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of purchase accounting premiums.
-4	Primarily represents the book value of the Company's acquisition of the U.S. Headquarters building in February 2014 (Note 2).
																														-2	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.2 million.
-5	Primarily represents the book balances of the Sale Centers that were sold to Starwood in the fourth quarter of 2014 (Note 2).
																														-3	The unaudited aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2014 was $3.513 billion.
-6	Primarily represents the book balances of International Plaza. 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. Subsequent to the disposition, International Plaza is accounted for as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.
																														-4	Primarily represents the book value of the Company's acquisition of the U.S. Headquarters building in February 2014 (Note 2).
																														-5	Primarily represents the book balances of the Sale Centers that were sold to Starwood in the fourth quarter of 2014 (Note 2).
																														-6	Primarily represents the book balances of International Plaza. 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. Subsequent to the disposition, International Plaza is accounted for as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.
																														See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, policy	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 participating rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, refinancing, or sale of the property.
Operating Partnership Ownership [Table Text Block]	The Operating Partnership
	At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Operating Partnership’s equity included two classes of preferred equity (Series J and K Preferred Equity) and the net equity of the partnership unitholders (Note 14). 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 K Preferred Equity are owned by the Company and are eliminated in consolidation.
	The partnership equity of the Operating Partnership and the Company's ownership therein are shown below:
	Year		TRG units outstanding at December 31	TRG units owned by TCO at December 31(1)	TRG units owned by noncontrolling interests at December 31	TCO's % interest in TRG at December 31	TCO's average interest % in TRG
	2014		88,459,859	63,324,409	25,135,450	72%	72%
	2013		88,271,133	63,101,614	25,169,519	71	72
	2012		88,656,297	63,310,148	25,346,149	71	69
	-1	There is a one-for-one relationship between TRG units owned by TCO and TCO common shares outstanding; amounts in this column are equal to TCO’s common shares outstanding as of the specified dates.
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Organization and Basis of Presentation
	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 December 31, 2014 included 18 urban and suburban shopping centers operating in 10 states.
	Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia), which is the platform for the Company’s operations and developments in China and South Korea, is headquartered in Hong Kong.
	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 participating rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, refinancing, or sale of the property.
	The Operating Partnership
	At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Operating Partnership’s equity included two classes of preferred equity (Series J and K Preferred Equity) and the net equity of the partnership unitholders (Note 14). 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 K Preferred Equity are owned by the Company and are eliminated in consolidation.
	The partnership equity of the Operating Partnership and the Company's ownership therein are shown below:
	Year		TRG units outstanding at December 31	TRG units owned by TCO at December 31(1)	TRG units owned by noncontrolling interests at December 31	TCO's % interest in TRG at December 31	TCO's average interest % in TRG
	2014		88,459,859	63,324,409	25,135,450	72%	72%
	2013		88,271,133	63,101,614	25,169,519	71	72
	2012		88,656,297	63,310,148	25,346,149	71	69
	-1	There is a one-for-one relationship between TRG units owned by TCO and TCO common shares outstanding; amounts in this column are equal to TCO’s common shares outstanding as of the specified dates.
	Outstanding voting securities of the Company at December 31, 2014 consisted of 25,117,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (Note 14) and 63,324,409 shares of Common Stock.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition
	Shopping center space is generally leased to tenants under short and intermediate term leases that are accounted for as operating leases. Minimum rents are recognized on the straight-line method. Percentage rent is accrued when lessees' specified sales targets have been met. For traditional net leases, where tenants reimburse the landlord for an allocation of reimbursable costs incurred, the Company recognizes revenue in the period the applicable costs are chargeable to tenants. For tenants paying a fixed common area maintenance charge (which typically includes fixed increases over the lease term), the Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. Management, leasing, and development revenue is recognized as services are rendered, when fees due are determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Fees for management, leasing, and development services are established under contracts and are generally based on negotiated rates, percentages of cash receipts, and/or actual costs incurred. Fixed-fee development services contracts are generally accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, using cost to cost measurements of progress. Profits on real estate sales are recognized whenever (1) a sale is consummated, (2) the buyer has demonstrated an adequate commitment to pay for the property, (3) the Company’s receivable is not subject to future subordination, and (4) the Company has transferred to the buyer the risks and rewards of ownership. Other revenues, including fees paid by tenants to terminate their leases, are recognized when fees due are determinable, no further actions or services are required to be performed by the Company, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Taxes assessed by government authorities on revenue-producing transactions, such as sales, use, and value-added taxes, are primarily accounted for on a net basis on the Company’s income statement.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes
	The Company records a provision for losses on accounts receivable to reduce them to the amount estimated to be collectible. The Company records a provision for losses on notes receivable to reduce them to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loans’ effective interest rates or the fair value of the collateral if the loans are collateral dependent.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Depreciation and Amortization
	Buildings, improvements, and equipment are primarily depreciated on straight-line bases over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 3 to 50 years. Capital expenditures that are recoverable from tenants are generally depreciated over the estimated recovery period. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Tenant allowances are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the lease term. Deferred leasing costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. In the event of early termination of such leases, the unrecoverable net book values of the assets are recognized as depreciation and amortization expense in the period of termination.
	Capitalization
	Direct and indirect costs that are clearly related to the acquisition, development, construction, and improvement of properties are capitalized. Compensation costs are allocated based on actual time spent on a project. Costs incurred on real estate for ground leases, property taxes, insurance, and interest costs for qualifying assets are capitalized during periods in which activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress.
	The viability of all projects under construction or development, including those owned by Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, are regularly evaluated on an individual basis under the accounting for abandonment of assets or changes in use. To the extent a project, or individual components of the project, are no longer considered to have value, the related capitalized costs are charged against operations. Additionally, all properties are reviewed for impairment on an individual basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment of a shopping center owned by consolidated entities is recognized when the sum of expected cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the property. Other than temporary impairment of an investment in an Unconsolidated Joint Venture is recognized when the carrying value of the investment is not considered recoverable based on evaluation of the severity and duration of the decline in value, including the results of discounted cash flow and other valuation techniques. To the extent impairment has occurred, the excess carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value is charged to income.
	In leasing a shopping center space, the Company may provide funding to the lessee through a tenant allowance. In accounting for a tenant allowance, the Company determines whether the allowance represents funding for the construction of leasehold improvements and evaluates the ownership, for accounting purposes, of such improvements. If the Company is considered the owner of the leasehold improvements for accounting purposes, the Company capitalizes the amount of the tenant allowance and depreciates it over the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the lease term. If the tenant allowance represents a payment for a purpose other than funding leasehold improvements, or in the event the Company is not considered the owner of the improvements for accounting purposes, the allowance is considered to be a lease incentive and is recognized over the lease term as a reduction of rental revenue. Factors considered during this evaluation usually include (1) who holds legal title to the improvements, (2) evidentiary requirements concerning the spending of the tenant allowance, and (3) other controlling rights provided by the lease agreement (e.g. unilateral control of the tenant space during the build-out process). Determination of the accounting for a tenant allowance is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the facts and circumstances of the individual tenant lease. Substantially all of the Company’s tenant allowances have been determined to be leasehold improvements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase. The Company deposits cash and cash equivalents with institutions with high credit quality. From time to time, cash and cash equivalents may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. Included in cash equivalents at December 31, 2014 was $251.0 million that is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. The majority of the $251.0 million was investe
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Acquisitions
	The Company recognizes the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The cost of acquiring a controlling ownership interest or an additional ownership interest (if not already consolidated) is allocated to the tangible assets acquired (such as land and building) and to any identifiable intangible assets based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair value of a property is determined on an “as-if-vacant” basis. Management considers various factors in estimating the "as-if-vacant" value including an estimated lease up period, lost rents, and carrying costs. The identifiable intangible assets would include the estimated value of “in-place” leases, above and below market “in-place” leases, and tenant relationships. The portion of the purchase price that management determines should be allocated to identifiable intangible assets is amortized in depreciation and amortization or as an adjustment to rental revenue, as appropriate, over the estimated life of the associated intangible asset (for instance, the remaining life of the associated tenant lease). The Company records goodwill when the cost of an acquired entity exceeds the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs related to the acquisition of a controlling interest, including due diligence costs, professional fees, and other costs to effect an acquisition, are expensed as incurred
Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Charges and Other Assets
	Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method, over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense. Direct costs related to successful leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. Cash expenditures for leasing costs are recognized in the Statement of Cash Flows as operating activities. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the agreements to which they relate.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	The cost of share-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized over the requisite employee service period which is generally the vesting period of the grant. The Company recognizes compensation costs for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards.
Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block]	Interest Rate Hedging Agreements
	All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects income. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of a cash flow hedge are recognized in the Company’s income generally as interest expense (Note 10).
	The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	The Company operates in such a manner as to qualify as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains, to its shareowners and meet certain other requirements. As a REIT, the Company is entitled to a dividends paid deduction for the dividends it pays to its shareowners. Therefore, the Company will generally not be subject to federal income taxes as long as it currently distributes to its shareowners an amount equal to or in excess of its taxable income. REIT qualification reduces but does not eliminate the amount of state and local taxes paid by the Company. In addition, a REIT may be subject to certain excise taxes if it engages in certain activities.
	No provision for federal income taxes for consolidated partnerships has been made, as such taxes are the responsibility of the individual partners. There are certain state income taxes incurred which are provided for in the Company’s financial statements.
	The Company has made Taxable REIT Subsidiary (TRS) elections for all of its corporate subsidiaries pursuant to section 856 (I) of the Internal Revenue Code. The TRSs are subject to corporate level income taxes, including federal, state, and certain foreign income taxes for foreign operations, which are provided for in the Company’s financial statements.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the bases of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the amount where realization is more likely than not assured after considering all available evidence, including expected taxable earnings. The Company’s temporary differences primarily relate to deferred compensation, depreciation, and net operating loss carryforwards
Noncontrolling Interests [Policy Text Block]	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests in the Company are comprised of the ownership interests of (1) noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and (2) the noncontrolling interests in joint ventures controlled by the Company through ownership or contractual arrangements. Consolidated net income and comprehensive income includes amounts attributable to the Company and the noncontrolling interests. Transactions that change the Company's ownership interest in a subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions if the Company retains its controlling financial interest in the subsidiary.
	The Company evaluates whether noncontrolling interests are subject to any redemption features outside of the Company's control that would result in presentation outside of permanent equity pursuant to general accounting standards regarding the classification and measurement of redeemable equity instruments. Certain noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and consolidated ventures of the Company qualify as redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 9). To the extent such noncontrolling interests are currently redeemable or it is probable that they will eventually become redeemable, these interests are adjusted to the greater of their redemption value or their carrying value at each balance sheet date
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation
	The Company has certain entities in Asia for which the functional currency is the local currency. The assets and liabilities of the entities are translated from their functional currency into U.S. Dollars at the rate of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date. Income statement accounts are generally translated using the average exchange rate for the period. Income statement amounts of significant transactions are translated at the rate in effect as of the date of the transaction. The Company's share of unrealized gains and losses resulting from the translation of the entities' financial statements are reflected in shareholders' equity as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Note 19).
Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Discontinued Operations
	Prior to 2014, the Company reclassified to discontinued operations any material operations and gains or losses on disposal related to properties that are held for sale or disposed of during the period in accordance with the applicable accounting standards. In 2014 the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). 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. The Company applied the revised definition to all disposals on a prospective basis beginning January 1, 2014.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segments and Related Disclosures
	The Company has one reportable operating segment: it owns, develops, and manages regional shopping centers. The Company has aggregated its shopping centers into this one reportable segment, as the shopping centers share similar economic characteristics and other similarities. The shopping centers are located in major metropolitan areas, have similar tenants (most of which are national chains), are operated using consistent business strategies, and are expected to exhibit similar long-term financial performance. Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is often used by the Company's chief operating decision makers in assessing segment operating performance. EBITDA is believed to be a useful indicator of operating performance as it is customary in the real estate and shopping center business to evaluate the performance of properties on a basis unaffected by capital structure.
	No single retail company represents 10% or more of the Company's revenues. Although the Company does business in China and South Korea, there are not yet any material revenues from customers or long-lived assets attributable to a country other than the United States of America. At December 31, 2014, the Company's investments in Asia are in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and accounted for under the equity method

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Operating Partnership Ownership [Table Text Block]	The Operating Partnership
	At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Operating Partnership’s equity included two classes of preferred equity (Series J and K Preferred Equity) and the net equity of the partnership unitholders (Note 14). 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 K Preferred Equity are owned by the Company and are eliminated in consolidation.
	The partnership equity of the Operating Partnership and the Company's ownership therein are shown below:
	Year		TRG units outstanding at December 31	TRG units owned by TCO at December 31(1)	TRG units owned by noncontrolling interests at December 31	TCO's % interest in TRG at December 31	TCO's average interest % in TRG
	2014		88,459,859	63,324,409	25,135,450	72%	72%
	2013		88,271,133	63,101,614	25,169,519	71	72
	2012		88,656,297	63,310,148	25,346,149	71	69
	-1	There is a one-for-one relationship between TRG units owned by TCO and TCO common shares outstanding; amounts in this column are equal to TCO’s common shares outstanding as of the specified dates.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	The Company’s income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 consisted of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	State current	$	1,361		$	230		$	205
	State deferred	(3		)	(77		)	(13		)
	Federal current	8,036			547			1,011
	Federal deferred	1,354			632			257
	Foreign current	1,300			2,193			3,324			(1)
	Foreign deferred	(48		)	(116		)	180			(1)
		$	12,000		$	3,409		$	4,964
	Less income tax expense allocated to Gain on Dispositions (2)	9,733
	Total income tax expense	$	2,267		$	3,409		$	4,964
	-1	The Company recognized $3.2 million of income tax expense related to the sale of Taubman TCBL's assets (Note 2), of which $2.8 million is included in foreign current tax expense and $0.4 million is included in foreign deferred tax expense.
	-2	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 December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Federal	$	1,382		$	2,746
	Foreign	1,806			1,821
	State	471			527
	Total deferred tax assets	$	3,659		$	5,094
	Valuation allowances	(1,703		)	(1,831		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	1,956		$	3,263
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Federal	$	592		$	602
	Foreign	473			449
	State	89			107
	Total deferred tax liabilities	$	1,154		$	1,158
Tax Status of Dividends, Common Stock [Table Text Block]
	Year		Dividends per common share declared			Return of capital			Ordinary income				Long term capital gain			Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2014		$	4.75	(1)	$	0.7057		$	0			$	1.8748	(2)	$	2.1695	(2)
	2014		2.16			0.3208			1.7773				0.0287		(2)	0.0332		(2)
	2013		2			0.2636			1.7364				0			0
	2012		1.85			0.5429			1.3071				0			0
	-1	Includes a special dividend of $4.75 per share of common stock declared and paid during December 2014, which was declared as a result of the Company's disposition of a portfolio of seven centers to Starwood in October 2014 (Note 2).
	-2	The portion of the per share common dividends paid on December 31, 2014 designated as capital gain (long term and unrecaptured Sec. 1250) dividends for tax purposes is $0.0619 per share of the $0.54 dividend and $4.0443 per share of the $4.75 dividend).
Tax Status of Dividends, Series G Preferred [Table Text Block]
	Year		Dividends per Series G Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2012		$	1.35		$	1.35		$	0			$	0
Tax Status of Dividends, Series H Preferred [Table Text Block]
	Year		Dividends per Series H Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2012		$	1.28672		$	1.28672		$	0			$	0
Tax Status of Dividends, Series J [Table Text Block]
	Year		Dividends per Series J Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2014		$	1.625		$	0.49072		$	0.5258		(1)	$	0.60848	(1)
	2013		1.625			1.625			0				0
	2012		0.6184			0.6184			0				0
	-1	The portion of the per share Series J preferred dividends designated as capital gain (long term and unrecaptured Sec. 1250) for tax purposes is as follows; $0.32178 per share of the $0.40625 paid on June 30, 2014, 0.40625 per share of the $0.40625 paid on September 30, 2014, and $0.40625 per share of the $0.40625 paid on December 31, 2014.
Tax Status of Dividends, Series K [Table Text Block]
	Year		Dividends per Series K Preferred share declared			Ordinary income			Long term capital gain				Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 capital gain
	2014		$	1.5625		$	0.47185		$	0.50558		(1)	$	0.58507	(1)
	2013		1.24132			1.24132			0				0
	-1	The portion of the per share Series K preferred dividends designated as capital gain (long term and unrecaptured Sec. 1250) for tax purposes is as follows; $0.30939 per share of the $0.39063 paid on June 30, 2014, $0.39063 per share of the $0.39063 paid on September 30, 2014, and $0.39063 per share of the $0.39063 paid on December 31, 2014.

Properties_Tables

Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block]	Properties at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Land	$	226,252		$	336,360
	Buildings, improvements, and equipment	2,457,660			3,896,401
	Construction in process and pre-development costs	578,593			252,329
		$	3,262,505		$	4,485,090
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(970,045		)	(1,516,982		)
		$	2,292,460		$	2,968,108

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Beneficial Interests In Joint Ventures
	Shopping Center	Ownership as of
		December 31, 2014 and 2013
	Arizona Mills (Note 2)	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 (Note 2)	50.1/100
	The Mall at Millenia	50
	Stamford Town Center	50
	Sunvalley	50
	The Mall at University Town Center (Note 2)	50
	Waterside Shops	50
	Westfarms	79
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Text Block
		December 31 2014			December 31 2013
	Assets:
	Properties	$	1,580,926		$	1,305,658
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(548,646		)	(478,820		)
		$	1,032,280		$	826,838
	Cash and cash equivalents	49,765			28,782
	Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,590 and $977 in 2014 and 2013	38,788			33,626
	Deferred charges and other assets	33,200			28,095
		$	1,154,033		$	917,341
	Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
	Mortgage notes payable	$	1,989,546		$	1,551,161
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	103,161			70,226
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	(525,759		)	(412,204		)
	Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	(412,915		)	(291,842		)
		$	1,154,033		$	917,341
	TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)	$	(525,759	)	$	(412,204	)
	TRG's investment in projects under development (Note 2)	232,091			193,306
	TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	132,058			118,132
	TCO's additional basis	54,963			56,909
	Net Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	(106,647	)	$	(43,857	)
	Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	476,651			371,549
	Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	370,004		$	327,692
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	338,017		$	294,720		$	282,136
	Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	106,249		$	92,901		$	91,094
	Interest expense	74,806			68,998			68,760
	Depreciation and amortization	47,377			36,644			37,342
	Total operating costs	$	228,432		$	198,543		$	197,196
	Nonoperating income (expense)	(22		)				18
	Net income	$	109,563		$	96,177		$	84,958
	Net income attributable to TRG	$	60,690		$	53,166		$	47,763
	Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s basis adjustments	3,258			1,245			2,677
	Depreciation of TCO's additional basis	(1,946		)	(1,946		)	(1,946		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	62,002		$	52,465		$	48,494
	Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ operations:
	Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses	$	132,652		$	114,939		$	107,044
	Interest expense	(40,416		)	(37,554		)	(35,862		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(30,234		)	(24,920		)	(22,688		)
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$	62,002		$	52,465		$	48,494

Accounts_and_Notes_Receivable_

Accounts and Notes Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	Accounts and notes receivable at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Trade	$	24,757		$	32,162
	Notes	2,037			9,407
	Straight-line rent and recoveries	25,378			33,558
		$	52,172		$	75,127
	Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,927		)	(1,934		)
		$	49,245		$	73,193

Deferred_Charges_Other_Assets_

Deferred Charges Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Abstract]
Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Table Text Block]	Deferred charges and other assets at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Leasing costs	$	27,454		$	39,529
	Accumulated amortization	(10,659		)	(16,807		)
		$	16,795		$	22,722
	In-place leases, net	11,765			16,651
	Investment in SPG partnership units (Notes 2 and 17)	77,711
	Deferred financing costs, net	15,815			16,319
	Insurance deposit (Note 17)	13,059			12,225
	Deposits	40,257			4,320
	Prepaid expenses	5,496			4,952
	Deferred tax asset, net	1,956			3,263
	Other, net	5,581			8,934
		$	188,435		$	89,386

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an1

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	Notes payable at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consist of the following:
		2014			2013			Stated Interest Rate		Maturity Date		Balance Due on Maturity		Facility Amount
	Cherry Creek Shopping Center	$	280,000		$	280,000		5.24%		6/8/16		$280,000
	City Creek Center	83,189		(1)	84,560		(1)	4.37%		8/1/23		68,575
	El Paseo Village	15,932		(2)	16,322		(2)	4.42%		12/6/15		15,565
	The Gardens on El Paseo	83,059		(3)	84,197		(3)	6.10%		6/11/16		81,480
	Great Lakes Crossing Outlets	217,281			221,541			3.60%		1/6/23		177,038
	The Mall at Green Hills	150,000			150,000			LIBOR+1.60%		12/1/18	(4)	150,000
	International Plaza				325,000		(5)	4.85%
	MacArthur Center				129,205		(6)	LIBOR + 2.35%
	Northlake Mall				215,500		(6)	5.41%
	The Mall at Partridge Creek				79,162		(6)	6.15%
	The Mall of San Juan	163,779		(7)				LIBOR + 2.00%		4/2/17	(7)	163,779		$	320,000
	The Mall at Short Hills	540,000			540,000			5.47%		12/14/15		540,000
	Stony Point Fashion Park				99,526		(8)	6.24%
	The Mall at Wellington Green				200,000		(6)	5.44%
	U.S. Headquarters Building	17,265		(9)				5.90%		4/1/15		16,974
	$65M Revolving Credit Facility							LIBOR + 1.40%		4/30/16				65,000		(10)
	$65M Revolving Credit Facility				33,040			LIBOR + 1.40%		4/30/14	(10)	33,040		65,000
	$1.1B Revolving Credit Facility			(11) (12)				LIBOR + 1.15%	(11)	2/28/19	(11)			1,100,000		(11)
	$1.1B Revolving Credit Facility				125,000		(11)	LIBOR + 1.45%	(11)	3/29/17		125,000		1,100,000
	$475M Unsecured Term Loan	475,000		(12) (13)	475,000		(13)	LIBOR + 1.35%	(13)	2/28/19		475,000
		$	2,025,505		$	3,058,053
	-1	The Operating Partnership has provided a limited guarantee of the repayment of the City Creek loan, which could be triggered only upon a decline in center occupancy to a level that the Company believes is remote.
	-2	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.1 million and $0.2 million premium in 2014 and 2013, respectively, for an above market interest rate upon acquisition of the center in December 2011.
	-3	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $1.6 million and $2.7 million premium in 2014 and 2013, respectively, for an above market interest rate upon acquisition of the center in December 2011.
	-4	Has a one-year extension option.
	-5	In January 2014, the Company sold a total of 49.9% of its interests in the entity that owns International Plaza (Note 2).
	-6	In October 2014, the remaining debt on the center was prepaid or defeased in connection with the Company's disposition of a portfolio of seven centers to Starwood (Note 2).
	-7	The Operating Partnership has provided an unconditional guaranty of the principal balance and all accrued but unpaid interest during the term of the loan. Loan has two one-year extension options.
	-8	In January 2014, the Company paid off the mortgage note payable on Stony Point Fashion Park.
	-9	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.2 million for an above market interest rate upon acquisition of the building in February 2014 (Note 2).
	-10	In March 2014, the maturity date on the Company's $65 million secondary revolving line of credit was extended through April 2016. The unused borrowing capacity at December 31, 2014 was $60.8 million, after considering $4.2 million of letters of credit outstanding on the facility.
	-11	TRG is the borrower under the $1.1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility with an accordion feature to increase the borrowing capacity to $1.5 billion, subject to certain conditions including having the borrowing capacity based on the unencumbered asset pool EBITDA and obtaining lender commitments. As of December 31, 2014, the Company cannot fully utilize the accordion feature unless additional assets are added to the unencumbered asset pool. The facility bears interest at a range of LIBOR plus 1.15% to LIBOR plus 1.70% and a facility fee of 0.20% to 0.30% based on the Company's total leverage ratio. Prior to the amendment of the facility in November 2014, the interest rate was at a range of LIBOR plus 1.45% to LIBOR plus 1.85%. The facility has a one-year extension option. The unused borrowing capacity at December 31, 2014 was $1.1 billion.
	-12	As of December 31, 2014, the entities that own Beverly Center, Dolphin Mall, and Twelve Oaks Mall are guarantors under the $475 million unsecured term loan and the $1.1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility.
	-13	TRG is the borrower under the $475 million unsecured term loan with an accordion feature to increase the borrowing capacity to $600 million, subject to certain conditions including having the borrowing capacity based on the unencumbered asset pool EBITDA and obtaining lender commitments. As of December 31, 2014, the Company cannot fully utilize the accordion feature unless additional assets are added to the unencumbered asset pool. The loan bears interest at a range of LIBOR plus 1.35% to LIBOR plus 1.90% based on the Company's total leverage ratio. From January 2014 until maturity, the LIBOR rate is swapped to a fixed rate of 1.65%, resulting in an effective rate in the range of 3.00% to 3.55% (Note 10).
Schedule of Future Minimum Principal Payments for Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	The following table presents scheduled principal payments on notes payable as of December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	578,790
	2016	367,527
	2017	170,095		(1)
	2018	156,563		(2)
	2019	481,820
	Thereafter	268,874
	Total principal maturities	$	2,023,669
	Net unamortized debt premiums	1,836
	Total notes payable	$	2,025,505
	-1	Includes 163.8 million with two one-year extension options.
	-2	Includes $150.0 million with one-year extension option.
Operating Partnership's beneficial interest
		At 100%						At Beneficial Interest
		Consolidated Subsidiaries			Unconsolidated Joint Ventures			Consolidated Subsidiaries				Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	Debt as of:
	December 31, 2014	$	2,025,505		$	1,989,546		$	1,852,749			$	1,085,991
	December 31, 2013	3,058,053			1,551,161			2,891,592				868,942
	Capitalized interest:
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	27,255	(1)	$	3,121		$	26,227			$	1,578
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	16,385		(1)	587			15,839				320
	Interest expense:
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	90,803		$	74,806		$	82,702			$	40,416
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	130,023			68,998			121,353				37,554
	-1	The Company capitalizes interest costs incurred in funding its equity contributions to development projects accounted for as UJVs. The capitalized interest cost is included in the Company's basis in its investment in UJVs. Such capitalized interest reduces interest expense in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income and in the table above is included within Consolidated Subsidiaries.

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interests	Reconciliation of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
		2012
	Balance January 1	$	84,235
	Contributions	231
	Distributions	(2,456		)
	Allocation of net income (loss)	(976		)
	Allocation of other comprehensive income (loss)	(49		)
	Capital relinquished in connection with TCBL disposition (Note 2)	(8,855		)
	Transfer to nonredeemable equity	(72,035		)
	Adjustments of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(95		)
	Balance December 31	$	—
	There was no significant activity regarding redeemable noncontrolling interests during the years ended December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
Net equity balance of noncontrolling interests	Equity Balances of Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	The net equity balance of the nonredeemable noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 includes the following:
		2014			2013
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	$	(14,796	)	$	(37,191	)
	Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	116,376			(58,342		)
		$	101,580		$	(95,533	)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	Income Allocable to Noncontrolling Interests
	Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 includes the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:
	Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
	Noncontrolling share of income of consolidated joint ventures	$	34,239		$	10,344		$	14,867
	Noncontrolling share of income of TRG	350,870			46,434			37,752
		$	385,109		$	56,778		$	52,619
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests							(976		)
		$	385,109		$	56,778		$	51,643
Effects of changes in ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on equity	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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners	$	863,857		$	109,908		$	83,511
	Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest:
	Increase (Decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital for the adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)	83			15,129			14,903
	Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interest in International Plaza							(339,170		)
	Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.’s paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interest in an outlet joint venture				(1,050		)
	Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	83			14,079			(324,267		)
	Change from net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests	$	863,940		$	123,987		$	(240,756	)
	-1	In 2014, 2013, and 2012, adjustments of the noncontrolling interest 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 13), issuances of stock pursuant to the continuing offer (Note 15), issuances of common stock in 2012 (Note 14), the acquisition of additional ownership interest in International Plaza in 2012, redemption of the outlet joint venture partner's interest in 2013, 2013 stock repurchases (Note 14), issuances of Operating Partnership units in connection with the acquisition of centers (Note 2), and redemptions of certain redeemable Operating Partnership Units

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit1

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	As of December 31, 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	%		136,706				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (2)		50	%		136,706				2.4	%		1.7	%		4.1	%		Apr-18
	Receive variable (LIBOR) /pay-fixed swap (3)		50.1	%		175,000				1.83	%		1.75	%		3.58	%		Dec-21
	-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 Mall.
	-3	The notional amount on this swap is equal to the outstanding principal balance of the floating rate loan on International Plaza, which begins amortizing in February 2015 (Note 5).
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income	During the year ended December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012 the Company did not have any hedge ineffectiveness or amounts that were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness recorded in earnings.
		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)												Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)
		2014				2013				2012						2014				2013			2012
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)													Nonoperating Expense (1)		$	(4,880	)
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries (1)	$	(7,362	)		$	9,990			$	(2,821	)		Interest Expense (1)		$	(8,663	)		$	(3,221	)	$	(3,190	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	893				5,083				(1,976		)		Equity in Income of UJVs		(3,186		)		(3,080		)	(3,600		)
	Total derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships	$	(6,469	)		$	15,073			$	(4,797	)				$	(16,729	)		$	(6,301	)	$	(6,790	)
	Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries													Interest Expense						$	(605	)	$	(605	)
	Interest rate contract – UJVs													Equity in Income of UJVs									(188		)
	Total realized losses on settled cash flow hedges															$	—			$	(605	)	$	(793	)
	(1) Includes the MacArthur Center swap for the period that it was effective as a hedge until June 2014, when hedge accounting was discontinued.
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 December 31, 2014 and 2013.
				Fair Value
		Consolidated Balance Sheet Location		December 31 2014				December 31
								2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Asset derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	Deferred Charges and Other Assets						$	1,543
	Interest rate contracts - UJVs	Investment in UJVs		$	109
	Total assets designated as hedging instruments			$	109			$	1,543
	Liability derivatives:
	Interest rate contracts – consolidated subsidiaries	Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		$	(4,044	)		$	(3,418	)
	Interest rate contracts – UJVs	Investment in UJVs		(5,154		)		(5,938		)
	Total liabilities designated as hedging instruments			$	(9,198	)		$	(9,356	)

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Future minimum rent under operating leases in effect at December 31, 2014 for operating centers assuming no new or renegotiated leases or option extensions on anchor agreements, is summarized as follows:
	2015	$	282,484
	2016	260,605
	2017	233,552
	2018	207,722
	2019	182,095
	Thereafter	535,127
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases:
	2015	$	9,935
	2016	12,834
	2017	13,240
	2018	13,200
	2019	12,737
	Thereafter	755,342

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is presented below:
		Number of Options		Weighted Average				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Range of Exercise Prices
				Exercise Price
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	1,321,990		$	37.13			4.8	$	13.83	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	-632,188		31.28
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	689,802		$	42.5			3.8	$	24.74	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	-126,366		36.67
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	563,436		$	43.81			2.6	$	31.31	-	$	55.9
	Exercised	-42,143		42.16
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	521,293		$	39.2			1.6	$	26.56	-	$	51.15	(1)
	Fully vested options at December 31, 2014	521,293		$	39.2			1.6
	(1) Range of exercise prices as of December 31, 2014 reflects adjustments to the exercise price as a result of the grant modification in December 2014.
Schedule of Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
		Grant Dates
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	0.70%		0.30% to 0.40%		0.35% to 0.45%
	Measurement period	3 years		3 years		3 years
	Weighted average grant-date fair value	$93.07		$103.37		$107.45
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of PSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is presented below:
		Number of Performance Stock Units				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	$	326,151			$	38.2
	Granted (three-year vesting)	50,041				107.45
	Granted (five-year vesting)	108,224				189.23
	Forfeited	(24,733		)		123.41
	Vested	(196,943		)	(1)	15.6
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	$	262,740			$	122.52
	Granted (three-year vesting)	42,178				103.37
	Granted (four-year vesting)	15,444				171.05
	Forfeited	(12,240		)		140.49
	Vested	(73,259		)	(1)	65.29
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	$	234,863			$	139.18
	Granted	49,157				93.07
	Forfeited	(771		)		160.09
	Vested	(43,858		)	(1)	85.4
	Special dividend adjustment (2)	15,260				57
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	$	254,651			$	132.86
	(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 year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 equaled 172%, 300%, and 240%, respectively, of the number of PSU awards vested in the table above.
	(2) Represents an adjustment made to the PSU as a result of the grant modification in December 2014.
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is presented below:
		Number of Restricted Stock Units				Weighted average Grant Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012	$	605,927			$	22.06
	Granted	107,653				65.14
	Forfeited	(26,665		)		46.48
	Vested	(364,610		)		9.9
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	$	322,305			$	48.19
	Granted (three-year vesting)	92,103				71.67
	Granted (staggered vesting)	5,197				81.38
	Forfeited	(11,678		)		57.6
	Vested	(138,028		)		37.03
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	$	269,899			$	62
	Granted (three-year vesting)	106,540				63.95
	Granted (staggered vesting)	8,505				66.19
	Forfeited	(4,843		)		65.44
	Vested	(104,302		)		51.96
	Special dividend adjustment (1)	17,852				72.27
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	$	293,651			$	67
	.
	(1) Represents an adjustment made to the RSU as a result of the grant modification in December 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and diluted earnings per share
		Year Ended December 31
		2014			2013			2012
	Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
	Basic	$	863,857		$	109,908		$	83,511
	Impact of additional ownership of TRG	10,933			497			672
	Diluted	$	874,790		$	110,405		$	84,183
	Shares (Denominator) – basic	63,267,800			63,591,523			59,884,455
	Effect of dilutive securities	1,653,264			983,889			1,491,989
	Shares (Denominator) – diluted	64,921,064			64,575,412			61,376,444
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	13.65		$	1.73		$	1.39
	Earnings per common share - diluted	$	13.47		$	1.71		$	1.37
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31
		2014		2013			2012
	Weighted average noncontrolling partnership units outstanding	4,351,727		4,428,624			5,063.74
	Unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections			871,262			871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [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 December 31, 2014 Using							Fair Value Measurements as of 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		$	13,059						$	12,225
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 10)												$	1,543
	Total assets		$	13,059		$	—			$	12,225		$	1,543
	Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 10)					$	(4,044	)					$	(3,418	)
	Total liabilities					$	(4,044	)					$	(3,418	)
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]	The estimated fair values of notes payable at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		2014							2013
		Carrying Value			Fair Value				Carrying Value			Fair Value
	Notes payable	$	2,025,505		$	2,056,474			$	3,058,053		$	3,107,119

Cash_Flow_Disclosures_NonCash_1

Cash Flow Disclosures & Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flow Disclosures and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activties [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following non-cash investing and financing activities occurred during 2014, 2013, and 2012. This table excludes any non-cash adjustments of noncontrolling interests as a result of equity transactions (Note 9).
		2014		2013		2012
	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)	$	77,711
	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
	Issuance of note and other receivable in connection with the sale of Taubman TCBL's assets (Note 2)					$	9,353
	Receipt of escrow in connection with the sale of Taubman TCBL (Note 2)					3,550
	Relinquishment of redeemable equity in connection with disposition of Taubman TCBL (Note 2)					8,855
	Other non-cash additions to properties	24,315		14,030		19,952

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
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 years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
		Taubman Centers, Inc. AOCI										Noncontrolling Interests AOCI
		Cumulative translation adjustment				Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total			Cumulative translation adjustment			Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate instruments and other			Total
	1-Jan-12					$	(27,613	)	$	(27,613	)				$	9,113		$	9,113
	Current Period Other Comprehensive Income	$	1,888			(2,551		)	(663		)	$	756		(1,162		)	(406		)
	Amounts due to changes in ownership					6,212			6,212						(6,212		)	(6,212		)
	31-Dec-12	$	1,888			$	(23,952	)	$	(22,064	)	$	756		$	1,739		$	2,495
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	3,150				6,117			9,267			1,257			2,700			3,957
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					3,875			3,875						1,708			1,708
	Net current period other comprehensive income	3,150				9,992			13,142			1,257			4,408			5,665
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	2				6			8			(2		)	(6		)	(8		)
	31-Dec-13	$	5,040			$	(13,954	)	$	(8,914	)	$	2,011		$	6,141		$	8,152
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(5,148		)		(12,783		)	(17,931		)	(2,045		)	(5,221		)	(7,266		)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI					11,747			11,747						4,982			4,982
	Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)	(5,148		)		(1,036		)	(6,184		)	(2,045		)	(239		)	(2,284		)
	Adjustments due to changes in ownership	7				23			30			(7		)	(23		)	(30		)
	31-Dec-14	$	(101	)		$	(14,967	)	$	(15,068	)	$	(41	)	$	5,879		$	5,838
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the year ended December 31, 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		8,663				Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		3,186				Equity in Income in UJVs
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	16,729
	The following table presents reclassifications out of AOCI for the year ended December 31, 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		$	3,826			Interest Expense
	Realized loss on interest rate contracts - UJVs		3,080				Equity in Income of UJVs
	Realized gain on sale of securities		(1,323		)		Nonoperating Income
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	5,583

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014									Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
		2014									2013
		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter			First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
	Revenues	$	174,778	$	169,985	$	176,044	$	158,322	Revenues	$	183,257	$	178,187	$	193,938	$	211,772
	Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	12,068		14,675		14,479		20,780		Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	10,346		11,481		12,220		18,418
	Net income	526,157		39,054		56,637		656,274		Net income	46,356		33,603		43,243		66,166
	Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners	369,125		21,344		33,682		439,706		Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners	27,744		17,842		24,488		39,834
	Earnings per common share – basic	$	5.84	$	0.34	$	0.53	$	6.94	Earnings per common share – basic	$	0.44	$	0.28	$	0.38	$	0.63
	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	5.74	$	0.33	$	0.53	$	6.86	Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.43	$	0.28	$	0.38	$	0.62

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De1

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014																														Dec. 31, 2013
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block]																															Schedule III
																															TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
		Initial Cost to Company									Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period																				REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
		Land			Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment			Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Land		BI&E			Total				Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)			Total Cost Net of A/D		Encumbrances			Year Opened / Expanded	Year Acquired	Depreciable Life	December 31, 2014
	Shopping Centers:																														(in thousands)
	Beverly Center				$	209,093		$	93,915				$	303,008		$	303,008			$	169,849		$	133,159				1982		40 years
	Los Angeles, CA
	Cherry Creek Shopping Center				99,087			140,160					239,247			239,247				141,297			97,950		$	280,000		1990 / 1998		40 years		Initial Cost to Company									Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period
	Denver, CO																															Land			Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment			Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Land		BI&E			Total				Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)			Total Cost Net of A/D		Encumbrances			Year Opened / Expanded	Year Acquired	Depreciable Life
	City Creek Shopping Center				75,229			873					76,102			76,102				7,569			68,533		83,189			2012		30 years	Shopping Centers:
	Salt Lake City, UT																														Beverly Center				$	209,093		$	93,915				$	303,008		$	303,008			$	169,849		$	133,159				1982		40 years
	Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL	$	34,881		222,301			68,401			$	34,881	290,702			325,583				103,066			222,517					2001 / 2007		50 years	Los Angeles, CA
																															Cherry Creek Shopping Center				99,087			140,160					239,247			239,247				141,297			97,950		$	280,000		1990 / 1998		40 years
	The Gardens on El Paseo/	23,500			131,858			6,073			23,500		137,931			161,431				11,793			149,638		83,059 / 15,932		(1)	1998 / 2010	2011	40 Years / 48 Years	Denver, CO
	El Paseo Village																														City Creek Shopping Center				75,229			873					76,102			76,102				7,569			68,533		83,189			2012		30 years
	Palm Desert, CA																														Salt Lake City, UT
	Great Lakes Crossing Outlets	15,506			188,773			46,465			15,506		235,238			250,744				122,375			128,369		217,281			1998		50 years	Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL	$	34,881		222,301			68,401			$	34,881	290,702			325,583				103,066			222,517					2001 / 2007		50 years
	Auburn Hills, MI
	The Mall at Green Hills	48,551			332,261			13,506			48,551		345,767			394,318				31,358			362,960		150,000			1955 / 2011	2011	40 years	The Gardens on El Paseo/	23,500			131,858			6,073			23,500		137,931			161,431				11,793			149,638		83,059 / 15,932		(1)	1998 / 2010	2011	40 Years / 48 Years
	Nashville, TN																														El Paseo Village
	The Mall at Short Hills	25,114			167,595			166,243			25,114		333,838			358,952				175,565			183,387		540,000			1980 / 1994 / 1995		40 years	Palm Desert, CA
	Short Hills, NJ																														Great Lakes Crossing Outlets	15,506			188,773			46,465			15,506		235,238			250,744				122,375			128,369		217,281			1998		50 years
	Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield	16,079			108,934			757			16,079		109,691			125,770				7,075			118,695					2013		50 years	Auburn Hills, MI
	Chesterfield, MO																														The Mall at Green Hills	48,551			332,261			13,506			48,551		345,767			394,318				31,358			362,960		150,000			1955 / 2011	2011	40 years
	Twelve Oaks Mall	25,410			190,455			89,471			25,410		279,926			305,336				144,332			161,004					1977 / 1978 / 2007 / 2008		50 years	Nashville, TN
	Novi, MI																														The Mall at Short Hills	25,114			167,595			166,243			25,114		333,838			358,952				175,565			183,387		540,000			1980 / 1994 / 1995		40 years
	Other:																														Short Hills, NJ
																															Taubman Prestige Outlets Chesterfield	16,079			108,934			757			16,079		109,691			125,770				7,075			118,695					2013		50 years
																															Chesterfield, MO
	Office Facilities	5,123			12,519			34,058			5,123		46,577			51,700				27,440			24,260		17,265		(2)		2014	35 years	Twelve Oaks Mall	25,410			190,455			89,471			25,410		279,926			305,336				144,332			161,004					1977 / 1978 / 2007 / 2008		50 years
																															Novi, MI
	Peripheral Land	28,120									28,120					28,120							28,120								Other:
	Construction in Process and Development - pre-construction costs	33,382			466,601			78,610			33,382		545,211			578,593							578,593		163,779
																															Office Facilities	5,123			12,519			34,058			5,123		46,577			51,700				27,440			24,260		17,265		(2)		2014	35 years
	Assets under CDD Obligations	3,969			58,512						3,969		58,512			62,481				27,583			34,898
																															Peripheral Land	28,120									28,120					28,120							28,120
	Other				1,120								1,120			1,120				743			377
																															Construction in Process and Development - pre-construction costs	33,382			466,601			78,610			33,382		545,211			578,593							578,593		163,779
	Total	$	259,635		$	2,264,338		$	738,532		$	259,635	$	3,002,870		$	3,262,505		(3)	$	970,045		$	2,292,460
																															Assets under CDD Obligations	3,969			58,512						3,969		58,512			62,481				27,583			34,898
																															Other				1,120								1,120			1,120				743			377
																															Total	$	259,635		$	2,264,338		$	738,532		$	259,635	$	3,002,870		$	3,262,505		(3)	$	970,045		$	2,292,460
	Schedule III
	The changes in total real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
	TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.																														Schedule III
	REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
	December 31, 2014																														The changes in total real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are as follows:
	(in thousands)
																															TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
		Total Real Estate Assets												Accumulated Depreciation																	REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
																															December 31, 2014
		2014				2013				2012				2014				2013				2012									(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of year	$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000			$	4,020,954		Balance, beginning of year	$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)		$	(1,271,943	)
																																Total Real Estate Assets												Accumulated Depreciation
	Acquisitions	17,642			(4)								Depreciation	(110,129		)		(142,458		)		(134,858		)
																																2014				2013				2012				2014				2013				2012
	New development and improvements	448,462				280,972				237,877			Disposals/Write-offs	530,916			(5)	21,352				10,925
																															Balance, beginning of year	$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000			$	4,020,954		Balance, beginning of year	$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)		$	(1,271,943	)
	Disposals/Write-offs	(1,308,529		)	(5)	(35,964		)		(11,972		)	Transfers (In)/Out	126,150			(6)
																															Acquisitions	17,642			(4)								Depreciation	(110,129		)		(142,458		)		(134,858		)
	Transfers In/(Out)	(380,160		)	(6)	(5,918		)		(859		)	Balance, end of year	$	(970,045	)		$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)
																															New development and improvements	448,462				280,972				237,877			Disposals/Write-offs	530,916			(5)	21,352				10,925
	Balance, end of year	$	3,262,505			$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000
																															Disposals/Write-offs	(1,308,529		)	(5)	(35,964		)		(11,972		)	Transfers (In)/Out	126,150			(6)
																														Transfers In/(Out)	(380,160		)	(6)	(5,918		)		(859		)	Balance, end of year	$	(970,045	)		$	(1,516,982	)		$	(1,395,876	)
-1	Balances represent the two different mortgage notes held separately on The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village for $83.1 million and $15.9 million, respectively, which include $1.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of purchase accounting premiums.
																														Balance, end of year	$	3,262,505			$	4,485,090			$	4,246,000
-2	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.2 million.
-3	The unaudited aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2014 was $3.513 billion.
																														-1	Balances represent the two different mortgage notes held separately on The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village for $83.1 million and $15.9 million, respectively, which include $1.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of purchase accounting premiums.
-4	Primarily represents the book value of the Company's acquisition of the U.S. Headquarters building in February 2014 (Note 2).
																														-2	Balance includes purchase accounting adjustment of $0.2 million.
-5	Primarily represents the book balances of the Sale Centers that were sold to Starwood in the fourth quarter of 2014 (Note 2).
																														-3	The unaudited aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2014 was $3.513 billion.
-6	Primarily represents the book balances of International Plaza. 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. Subsequent to the disposition, International Plaza is accounted for as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.
																														-4	Primarily represents the book value of the Company's acquisition of the U.S. Headquarters building in February 2014 (Note 2).
																														-5	Primarily represents the book balances of the Sale Centers that were sold to Starwood in the fourth quarter of 2014 (Note 2).
																														-6	Primarily represents the book balances of International Plaza. 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. Subsequent to the disposition, International Plaza is accounted for as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture.
																														See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	one
Number of urban and suburban shopping centers in the Company's owned portfolio	18
Number of states in which the Company has shopping centers	10
Number Of Classes Of Preferred Equity	two	two
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation, Range, Low	3
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation, Range, High	50
Number of days, or less, to maturity for a highly liquid investment to be considered a cash equivalent	90
Cash, Uninsured Amount	$251,000,000
Cash in escrow related to construction projects	33,600,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	37,502,000	5,046,000
Restricted Cash, Uninsured Amount	$36,100,000
Real Estate Investment Trust, required distribution	90.00%
Percentage of revenues of which no single retail company exceeds	10.00%
Westfarms [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	79.00%	79.00%
International Plaza [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.10%
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	25,117,000	25,151,069

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Operating Partnership) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares outstanding	63,324,409	63,101,614
The Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Number of Operating Partnership units outstanding (in shares)	88,459,859	88,271,133	88,656,297
Number Of Operating Partnership Units Outstanding Owned By Company	63,324,409	63,101,614	63,310,148
Number of Operating Partnership units outstanding owned by noncontrolling interests	25,135,450	25,169,519	25,346,149
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	72.00%	71.00%	71.00%
Average ownership percentage of the Company in the Operating Partnership (in hundredths)	72.00%	72.00%	69.00%
Relationship between TRG units owned by TCO and TCO common shares outstanding	one-for-one

Acquisitions_Dispositions_and_1

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Development (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes	$476,900,000	$1,106,554,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt		36,372,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date		3,706,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Applicable Income Taxes		-9,733,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		72.00%	71.00%	71.00%
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Acquisition Date		77,711,000
Notes Payable		2,025,505,000	3,058,053,000
Notes		2,037,000	9,407,000
Other Tax Expense (Benefit)		2,267,000	3,409,000	4,964,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium		1,836,000
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests				275,000,000
Construction in process		578,593,000	252,329,000
Increase (Decrease) in Company's Share of Project Costs due to the Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
International Plaza [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent				100.00%
The Mall at Green Hills, The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares					1,300,000
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial or Equity Instrument Consideration, Installment note					281,500,000
International Plaza [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Total Consideration Received	499,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes	368,000,000
Noncash or Part Noncash Disposition, Interest Sold		49.90%		49.90%
Proceeds from Divestiture of Real Estate Partnership, net of Transaction Costs	337,000,000
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received	162,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Applicable Income Taxes	-9,700,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		50.10%
Notes Payable			325,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.85%
Value of additional interest in subsidiary acquired from noncontrolling owner				437,000,000
Payments to Noncontrolling Interests				275,000,000
Value of additional interest in subsidiary debt acquired from noncontrolling owner				162,000,000
Equity used for acquisition of additional ownership interest in center				339,200,000
Arizona Mills Member
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Noncash or Part Noncash Disposition, Interest Sold	50.00%
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received	84,000,000
Notes Payable	167,000,000
SPG Units [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
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
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
Waterside Shops [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				50.00%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium		1,800,000		3,900,000
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Interest Acquired				25.00%
Outside Partner, Ownership Percentage				50.00%
Acquisition of additional interest in equity method joint venture				155,000,000
Acquisition of additional interest in equity method joint venture, cash portion of consideration				72,500,000
Acquisition of additional interest in equity method joint venture, beneficial interest assumed portion of consideration				82,500,000
Beneficial share of acquisition of additional interest in equity method joint venture				77,500,000
Beneficial share of acquisition of additional interest in equity method joint venture, cash portion of consideration				36,300,000
Beneficial share of acquisition of additional interest in equity method joint venture, beneficial interest assumed portion of consideration				41,300,000
Difference between consideration paid and the net book value of the additional interest acquired in an equity method joint venture				52,700,000
International Market Place [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		93.50%
Area of Real Estate Property		400,000
Construction in process		107,600,000
Construction in Progress, Gross, Company's Share		100,800,000
The Mall of San Juan [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent		80.00%
Notes Payable		163,779,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		2-Apr-17
Area of Real Estate Property		700,000
Construction in process		384,400,000
Construction in Progress, Gross, Company's Share		309,500,000
The Mall at University Town Center [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		50.00%
Companybs Share of Project Costs in Equity Method Investments		161,400,000
Area of Real Estate Property		900,000
Zhengzhou Vancouver Times Square [Member] [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		32.00%
Companybs Share of Project Costs in Equity Method Investments		41,200,000
Area of Real Estate Property		1,000,000
Xi'an Saigao City Plaza [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		30.00%
Companybs Share of Project Costs in Equity Method Investments		75,100,000
Area of Real Estate Property		1,000,000
Joint Venture, Ownership Percentage		60.00%
Increase (Decrease) in Company's Share of Project Costs due to the Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax		600,000
Hanam Union Square [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		34.30%				30.00%
Companybs Share of Project Costs in Equity Method Investments		132,300,000
Outside Partner, Ownership Percentage		14.70%
Area of Real Estate Property		1,700,000
Joint Venture Cash Acquisition, Interest Acquired		19.00%
Joint Venture, Ownership Percentage		49.00%
Increase (Decrease) in Company's Share of Project Costs due to the Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax		-1,000,000
Arizona Mills and Oyster Bay [Domain]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Total Consideration Received	60,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes	109,000,000
Value of Partnership Unit Received in Connection with Disposition	$154.91
Office Building [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Notes Payable		17,265,000
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%	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
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	700,000	200,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Apr-15	1-Apr-15
Starwood Transaction [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Number of centers disposed		seven
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate		1,400,000,000
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt		623,000,000
Transaction Costs Incurred		51,200,000
Number of Loans to be Defeased or Assumed		four
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes		629,700,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes, At Beneficial Interest		606,200,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt		36,372,000
Gain (Loss) on Debt Extinguishment, At Beneficial Interest		36,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Inclusive of the Adjustment to Fair Value		7,800,000
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Inclusive of Adjustments to Fair Value, At Beneficial Interest		7,400,000
Disposition Costs Incurred		3,300,000
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date		3,706,000
Restructuring Reserve		1,700,000
Taubman TCBL [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds				15,500,000
Proceeds from disposition of Taubman TCBL (Note 2)				4,400,000
TCBL disposition escrow (Note 2)				3,600,000
Notes				8,500,000
Other Receivables				800,000
Other Tax Expense (Benefit)				3,200,000
Special Dividend [Member] | Starwood Transaction [Member]
Business Disposition [Line Items]
Dividends, Cash		$424,300,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
State current				$1,361,000	$230,000	$205,000
State deferred				-3,000	-77,000	-13,000
Federal current				8,036,000	547,000	1,011,000
Federal deferred				1,354,000	632,000	257,000
Foreign current				1,300,000	2,193,000	3,324,000
Foreign deferred				-48,000	-116,000	180,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Gross of Tax on Gain				12,000,000	3,409,000	4,964,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Applicable Income Taxes				9,733,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				2,267,000	3,409,000	4,964,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	700,000			700,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Dates				10
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration	4,400,000			4,400,000
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	3,659,000			3,659,000	5,094,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-1,703,000			-1,703,000	-1,831,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	1,956,000			1,956,000	3,263,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	1,154,000			1,154,000	1,158,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.54			$2.16	$2	$1.85
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Capital Gain	$0.06
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Return of Capital				$0.32	$0.26	$0.54
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Ordinary Income				$1.78	$1.74	$1.31
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Long Term Capital Gain				$0.03	$0	$0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Capital Gain				$0.03	$0	$0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation				87,000	472,000	1,020,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	1,382,000			1,382,000	2,746,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	592,000			592,000	602,000
Foreign Country [Member]
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	5,100,000			5,100,000
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	1,806,000			1,806,000	1,821,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	473,000			473,000	449,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	471,000			471,000	527,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	89,000			89,000	107,000
Taubman TCBL [Member]
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Foreign current						2,800,000
Foreign deferred						400,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)						$3,200,000
Series G Preferred Stock [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared						$1.35
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Ordinary Income						$1.35
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Long Term Capital Gain						$0
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Capital Gain						$0
Series H Preferred Stock [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared						$1.29
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Ordinary Income						$1.29
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Long Term Capital Gain						$0
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Capital Gain						$0
Series J Preferred Stock [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared	$0.41	$0.41	$0.41	$1.63	$1.63	$0.62
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Ordinary Income				$0.49	$1.63	$0.62
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Long Term Capital Gain	$0.41	$0.41	$0.32	$0.53	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Capital Gain				$0.61	$0	$0
Series K Preferred Stock [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared	$0.39	$0.39	$0.39	$1.56	$1.24
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Ordinary Income				$0.47	$1.24
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Long Term Capital Gain	$0.39	$0.39	$0.31	$0.51	$0
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Designated as Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Capital Gain				$0.59	$0
Special Dividend [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared				$4.75
Common Stock, Special Dividend, Per Share, Designated as Capital Gain	$4.04
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Return of Capital				$0.71
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Ordinary Income				$0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Long Term Capital Gain				$1.87
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Designated as Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Capital Gain				$2.17

Properties_Details

Properties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$226,252,000	$336,360,000
Buildings, improvements, and equipment	2,457,660,000	3,896,401,000
Construction in process	578,593,000	252,329,000
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	3,262,505,000	4,485,090,000
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-970,045,000	-1,516,982,000
Properties, net	2,292,460,000	2,968,108,000
Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense	110,129,000	142,458,000	134,858,000
Pre-development activities expense	$4,200,000	$10,600,000	$19,800,000

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable basis (in years) of Company's additional basis	40 years
Equity of certain joint ventures	less than zero
Equity Method Investment, Provision for Loan and Lease Losses	$1,700,000	$600,000	$300,000
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Deferred Charges Other Assets	33,200,000	28,095,000
Deferred Costs, Leasing, Gross	37,200,000	34,000,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Deferred Costs, Leasing, Accumulated Amortization	-16,600,000	-17,700,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Deferred Finance Costs, Net	9,600,000	9,000,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Deferred Costs, Net	3,000,000	2,800,000
Notes Payable	2,025,505,000	3,058,053,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation Expense	40,900,000	35,600,000	31,100,000
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	2,056,474,000	3,107,119,000
Arizona Mills [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	0.00%	50.00%
Fair Oaks [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	50.00%
International Plaza [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.10%
Debt Instrument, Term	seven
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR plus 1.75%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	3.58%
Notes Payable	175,000,000
Company's Percentage Share of Debt Guarantee	50.10%
The Mall at Millenia [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	50.00%
Stamford Town Center [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	50.00%
Sunvalley [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	50.00%
The Mall at University Town Center [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
Waterside Shops [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%	50.00%
Westfarms [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	79.00%	79.00%
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$2,000,000,000	$1,500,000,000

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Combined Financial Information Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	$1,590	$977
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Properties	1,580,926	1,305,658
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Accumulated Depreciation Amortization	-548,646	-478,820
Assets:
Properties, net	1,032,280	826,838
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Cash Cash Equivalents	49,765	28,782
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Accounts Notes Receivable Net	38,788	33,626
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Deferred Charges Other Assets	33,200	28,095
Total Assets	1,154,033	917,341
Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
Mortgage notes payable	1,989,546	1,551,161
Accounts payable and other liabilities	103,161	70,226
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets	-525,759	-412,204
Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency in assets	-412,915	-291,842
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	1,154,033	917,341
TRG's investment in projects under development (Note 2)	232,091	193,306
TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit	132,058	118,132
TCO's additional basis	54,963	56,909
Equity Method Investment Difference Between Carrying Amount And Underlying Equity Net Investment	-106,647	-43,857
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	476,651	371,549
Equity Method Investments	$370,004	$327,692

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Combined Financial Information Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity method investment, summarized financial information, income statement [Abstract]
Revenues									$338,017	$294,720	$282,136
Maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses									106,249	92,901	91,094
Interest expense									74,806	68,998	68,760
Depreciation and amortization									47,377	36,644	37,342
Total operating costs									228,432	198,543	197,196
Nonoperating income (expense)									-22		18
Net income									109,563	96,177	84,958
Net income attributable to TRG									60,690	53,166	47,763
Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRGbs basis adjustments									3,258	1,245	2,677
Depreciation of TCO's additional basis									-1,946	-1,946	-1,946
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	20,780	14,479	14,675	12,068	18,418	12,220	11,481	10,346	62,002	52,465	48,494
Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Venturesb operations:
Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, promotion, and other operating expenses									132,652	114,939	107,044
Interest expense									-40,416	-37,554	-35,862
Depreciation and amortization									($30,234)	($24,920)	($22,688)

Accounts_and_Notes_Receivable_1

Accounts and Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade	$24,757	$32,162
Notes	2,037	9,407
Straight-line rent and recoveries	25,378	33,558
Total Receivables, Gross	52,172	75,127
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	-2,927	-1,934
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	49,245	73,193
Land [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes		$7,411

Deferred_Charges_Other_Assets_1

Deferred Charges Other Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leasing costs	$27,454,000	$39,529,000
Accumulated amortization	-10,659,000	-16,807,000
Deferred Costs, Leasing, Net	16,795,000	22,722,000
In-place leases, net	11,765,000	16,651,000
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Acquisition Date	77,711,000
Deferred financing costs, net	15,815,000	16,319,000
Prepaid Insurance	13,059,000	12,225,000
Deposit Assets	40,257,000	4,320,000
Prepaid expenses	5,496,000	4,952,000
Deferred tax asset, net	1,956,000	3,263,000
Other, net	5,581,000	8,934,000
Total deferred charges and other assets	188,435,000	89,386,000
Deposit Assets, Foreign	$37,000,000

Beneficial_Interest_in_Debt_an2

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$2,025,505,000	$3,058,053,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	1,836,000
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount	1,400,000,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	578,790,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	367,527,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	170,095,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	156,563,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	481,820,000
Thereafter	268,874,000
Total principal maturities	2,023,669,000
Debt covenants and guarantees [Abstract]
Other Restrictions on Payment of Dividends	0.95
At 100% [Abstract]
Mortgage notes payable	1,989,546,000	1,551,161,000
Capitalized interest, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	27,255,000	16,385,000
Capitalized interest, unconsolidated joint ventures at 100%	3,121,000	587,000
Interest expense, consolidated subsidiaries at 100%	90,803,000	130,023,000	142,616,000
Interest Expense, unconsolidated joint ventures, at 100%	74,806,000	68,998,000
At beneficial interest [Abstract]
Debt, consoldiated subsidiaries at beneficial interest	1,852,749,000	2,891,592,000
Debt, unconsolidated joint ventures at beneficial interest	1,085,991,000	868,942,000
Capitalized interest, consolidated subsidiaries at beneficial interest	26,227,000	15,839,000
Capitalized interest, unconsolidated joint ventures at beneficial interest	1,578,000	320,000
Interest expense, consolidated subsidiaries at beneficial interest	82,702,000	121,353,000
Interest expense, unconsolidated joint ventures at beneficial interest	40,416,000	37,554,000	35,862,000
Cash in escrow related to construction projects	33,600,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	37,502,000	5,046,000
Secondary Line of Credit [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR + 1.40%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	30-Apr-16	30-Apr-14
Balance Due on Maturity		33,040,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	65,000,000	65,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit		33,040,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	65,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	60,800,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	4,200,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR + 1.15%	LIBOR + 1.45%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	28-Feb-19	29-Mar-17
Balance Due on Maturity		125,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	1,100,000,000	1,100,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit		125,000,000
Length Of Extension Option	one-year
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	1,100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	1,100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Including Accordion Feature	1,500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR + 1.35%
Unsecured Debt	475,000,000	475,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	28-Feb-19
Balance Due on Maturity	475,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Including Accordion Feature	600,000,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	1.65%
The Mall at University Town Center [Member]
Debt covenants and guarantees [Abstract]
Unconditional Guaranty Liability, Principal Balance, Percent	25.00%
Unconditional Guaranty Liability, Interest, Percent	50.00%
Construction Loan	187,800,000
Unconditional Guaranty Liability Upon Achievement of Performance Inventives, Principal Balance, Percent,	12.50%
Interest Payable	300,000
Cherry Creek Shopping Center [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	280,000,000	280,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	8-Jun-16
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.24%
Balance Due on Maturity	280,000,000
Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense [Abstract]
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	50.00%
City Creek Center [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	83,189,000	84,560,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Aug-23
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.37%
Balance Due on Maturity	68,575,000
El Paseo Village [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	15,932,000	16,322,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	6-Dec-15
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.42%
Balance Due on Maturity	15,565,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	100,000	200,000
The Gardens on El Paseo [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	83,059,000	84,197,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	11-Jun-16
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.10%
Balance Due on Maturity	81,480,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	1,600,000	2,700,000
Great Lakes Crossing [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	217,281,000	221,541,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	6-Jan-23
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.60%
Balance Due on Maturity	177,038,000
International Plaza [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable		325,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.85%
Noncash or Part Noncash Disposition, Interest Sold	49.90%		49.90%
MacArthur Center Member
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable		129,205,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms		LIBOR + 2.35%
Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense [Abstract]
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)		5.00%
Northlake [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable		215,500,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.41%
Mall At Partridge Creek Member
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable		79,162,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.15%
The Mall of San Juan [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	163,779,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR + 2.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	2-Apr-17
Balance Due on Maturity	163,779,000
Construction Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	320,000,000
Length Of Extension Option	one-year
Number of Extension Options	two
Debt covenants and guarantees [Abstract]
Construction Loan	163,800,000
Interest Payable	200,000
The Mall at Green Hills [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	150,000,000	150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR+1.60%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Dec-18
Balance Due on Maturity	150,000,000
Length Of Extension Option	one-year
Short Hills [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	540,000,000	540,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	14-Dec-15
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.47%
Balance Due on Maturity	540,000,000
Stony Point [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable		99,526,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.24%
Mall At Wellington Green [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable		200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		5.44%
Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense [Abstract]
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)		10.00%
Minimum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.20%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.15%	1.45%
Minimum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.35%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	3.00%
Maximum [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.30%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.70%	1.85%
Maximum [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.90%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	3.55%
Maximum [Member] | The Mall at University Town Center [Member]
Debt covenants and guarantees [Abstract]
Construction Loan	225,000,000
Office Building [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	17,265,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	1-Apr-15			1-Apr-15
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.90%			5.90%
Balance Due on Maturity	16,974,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	200,000			700,000
International Plaza [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Notes Payable	175,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR plus 1.75%
Total Swapped Rate On Loan	3.58%
Debt covenants and guarantees [Abstract]
Company's Percentage Share of Debt Guarantee	50.10%
Interest Payable	$100,000

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Ownership percentage in consolidated subsidiary (in hundredths)	72.00%				71.00%				72.00%	71.00%	71.00%
Reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interests [Roll Forward]
Balance January 1	$0								$0		$0	$84,235,000
Contributions											231,000
Distributions											-2,456,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest											-976,000
Allocation of other comprehensive loss											-49,000
Capital relinquished in connection with TCBL disposition (Note 2)											-8,855,000
Transfer to nonredeemable equity											-72,035,000
Adjustments of redeemable noncontrolling interests											-95,000
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint ventures	-14,796,000				-37,191,000				-14,796,000	-37,191,000
Noncontrolling interests in partnership equity of TRG	116,376,000				-58,342,000				116,376,000	-58,342,000
Total Noncontrolling interests	101,580,000				-95,533,000				101,580,000	-95,533,000
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Nonredeemable									34,239,000	10,344,000	14,867,000
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Nonredeemable									350,870,000	46,434,000	37,752,000
Net income (loss) attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests									385,109,000	56,778,000	52,619,000
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									385,109,000	56,778,000	51,643,000
Effects of changes in ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries on equity [Abstract]
Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners	439,706,000	33,682,000	21,344,000	369,125,000	39,834,000	24,488,000	17,842,000	27,744,000	863,857,000	109,908,000	83,511,000
Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest b
Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.bs paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interests											-275,000,000
Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc. paid in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interest in an outlet joint venture									-713,000	-1,226,000	-140,000
Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic Net Of Transfers To From Noncontrolling Interest									863,940,000	123,987,000	-240,756,000
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Reconciliation of redeemable noncontrolling interests [Roll Forward]
Transfer to nonredeemable equity											-72,035,000
Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest b
Increase (Decrease) in Taubman Centers, Inc.bs paid-in capital for the adjustments of noncontrolling interest (1)									83,000	15,129,000	14,903,000
Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc.bs paid-in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interests											-339,170,000
Decrease in Taubman Centers, Inc. paid in capital related to the acquisition of additional ownership interest in an outlet joint venture									91,000	-1,050,000
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests									83,000	14,079,000	-324,267,000
Taubman Asia Member
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of dividends to which the President is entitled (in hundredths)									10.00%
Percentage of President's dividends withheld as contributions to capital (in hundredths)									85.00%
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	10.00%								10.00%
Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage	40.00%								40.00%
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest					0					0
Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage 2014 to as Early as June 2017.									50.00%
Temporary Equity, Redemption Percentage beginning as early as June 2017									100.00%
International Market Place [Member]
Temporary Equity Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of noncontrolling interests (in hundredths)	6.50%								6.50%
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0				0				0	0
Ownership percentage in consolidated subsidiary (in hundredths)	93.50%								93.50%
Finite Life Entities [Member]
Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests:
Total Noncontrolling interests	-23,000,000								-23,000,000
Finite Life Entities [Abstract]
Terminaton date of partnership agreement									1-Jan-83
Estimated fair value of noncontrolling interests in finite life entities	$430,000,000								$430,000,000
The Mall at Green Hills, The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village [Member]
Partnership Units Issued in Connection with Acquisition [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares												1,300,000
Temporary Equity, Put Redemption Price Per Share for Davis units												$55
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer, shares	1,000,000								1,000,000

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit2

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Interest Rate Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Subject to Certain Contingencies	Two
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	72.00%	71.00%	71.00%
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap 2 [Domain]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%
Notional amount	200,000,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	1.64%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.35%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	2.99%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Feb-19
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap 3 [Domain]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%
Notional amount	175,000,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	1.65%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.35%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	3.00%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Feb-19
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap 4 [Domain]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	100.00%
Notional amount	100,000,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	1.64%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.35%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	2.99%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Feb-19
Consolidated Subsidiaries Interest Rate Swap1 - Non-Designated Derivative [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	4,880,000
Derivative, Loss on Derivative	2,900,000
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Interest Rate Swap 1 [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%
Notional amount	136,706,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	2.40%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.70%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	4.10%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Apr-18
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Interest Rate Swap2 Member
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.00%
Notional amount	136,706,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	2.40%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.70%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	4.10%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Apr-18
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Interest Rate Swap3 [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	50.10%
Notional amount	175,000,000
Swap rate (in hundredths)	1.83%
Credit spread on the loan (in hundredths)	1.75%
Total swapped rate on loan (in hundredths)	3.58%
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Dec-21
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Derivative, Description of Variable Rate Basis	one-month LIBOR
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Balance Due on Maturity	475,000,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Swap rate (in hundredths)	1.65%
Unsecured Debt	475,000,000	475,000,000
Derivative, Lower Range of Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.35%
Derivative, Higher Range of Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.90%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms	LIBOR + 1.35%

Derivative_and_Hedging_Activit3

Derivative and Hedging Activities (Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$10,500,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	-6,469,000	15,073,000	-4,797,000
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-16,729,000	-6,301,000	-6,790,000
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges	0	-605,000	-793,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-3,186,000	-3,080,000	-3,600,000
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges			-188,000
Consolidated Properties [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other comprehensive income [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	-7,362,000	9,990,000	-2,821,000
Consolidated Properties [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)	-8,663,000	-3,221,000	-3,190,000
Realized losses on settled cash flow hedges		-605,000	-605,000
Unconsolidated Properties [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other comprehensive income [Member]
Effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on derivative (effective portion)	893,000	5,083,000	-1,976,000
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	-4,880,000
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 $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Interest rate contract	$109,000	$1,543,000
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	-9,198,000	-9,356,000
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 Contract [Member] | Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member]
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Interest rate contract		1,543,000
Interest Rate Contract [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	-4,044,000	-3,418,000
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Total liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments	-5,154,000	-5,938,000
Interest Rate Contracts Ujvs Member | Investment In Ujvs Member
Location and fair value of derivative instruments as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Interest rate contract	$109,000
Credit Default Option [Member]
Contingent features [Abstract]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held	3

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current	$282,484,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years	260,605,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years	233,552,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years	207,722,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years	182,095,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter	535,127,000
Number of centers with option to extend lease term for three 10-year periods	one
Number of 10-year periods that one center has the option to extend	three
NumberofLeaseExtensionOptions	one
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	10 years
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	12,600,000	13,400,000	12,000,000
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	200,000	2,500,000	2,200,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals	1,700,000	1,400,000	900,000
Payables representing straightline rent adjustments under lease agreements	44,800,000	41,200,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	9,935,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	12,834,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	13,240,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	13,200,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	12,737,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	$755,342,000
Company's ownership in leasehold interest	100.00%

The_Manager_Details

The Manager (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction, Revenues from Transactions with Related Party	$2.90	$3.10	$3.20
Operating Partnership [Member]
Beneficial ownership percentage, Operating Partnership	99.00%

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011
	Rate	Rate
Deferred compensation arrangements [Abstract]
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		$17,100,000	$12,900,000	$11,900,000
Compensation cost capitalized as part of properties and deferred leasing costs		2,000,000	1,600,000	1,100,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.54	$2.16	$2	$1.85
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost		4,500,000
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Grant And Deferred Compensation [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized		3,300,000	3,200,000	3,000,000
Total Restricted Share Units [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeiture Assumption		2.02%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Summary of option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award		ten-year
Summary of option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding options at beginning of period (in shares)		563,436	689,802	1,321,990	563,436
Exercised, Number of Options		-42,143	-126,366	-632,188
Outstanding options at end of period (in shares)	521,293	521,293	563,436	689,802		1,321,990
Outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$43.81	$42.50	$37.13	$43.81
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)		$42.16	$36.67	$31.28
Outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$39.20	$39.20	$43.81	$42.50		$37.13
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning of Period		1.6	2.6	3.8		4.8
Fully vested options, number (in shares)	521,293	521,293
Fully vested options, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$39.20	$39.20
Fully vested options, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	1.6	1.6
Aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money options outstanding	19,400,000	19,400,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period		1,400,000	4,800,000	28,700,000
Cash received from options exercised during the period		1,800,000	4,600,000	19,800,000
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit			$31.31	$24.74	$31.31	$13.83
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit			$55.90	$55.90	$55.90	$55.90
Unissued Partnership Units Under Unit Option Deferral Election Member
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Options exercised under unit option deferral election plan (in shares)		3,000,000
The number of mature units tendered for the exercise of previously issued stock options under the unit option deferral election plan (in shares)		2,100,000
The number of units deferred under the unit option deferral election upon the exercise of previously issued stock options (in shares)		900,000
Date at which deferred partnership units begin to be issued		Dec-17
Number of Annual Installments during which Deferred Partnership Units will be issued		ten
2014 Option Modification [Domain]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit		$26.56			$26.56
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit		$51.15			$51.15
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum		13.62%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum		19.14%
Performance Shares [Member]
Summary of option activity [Roll Forward]
Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the period		5,300,000	16,900,000	32,800,000
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period		3 years	3 years	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate		0.70%
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description		Each PSU represents the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Companybs common stock ranging from 0-300% of the PSU based on the Companybs market performance relative to that of a peer group	represent the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Companybs common stock ranging from 0-400% of the PSU based on the Companybs market performance relative to that of a peer group	represent the right to receive, upon vesting, shares of the Companybs common stock ranging from 0-400% of the PSU based on the Companybs market performance relative to that of a peer group
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum			0.30%	0.35%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum			0.40%	0.45%
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$93.07	$103.37	$107.45
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	14,600,000	14,600,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		23 months 5 days
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)		234,863	262,740	326,151	234,863
Granted (in shares)		49,157
Forfeited (in shares)		-771	-12,240	24,733
Vested (in shares)		-43,858	-73,259	-196,943
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	254,651	254,651	234,863	262,740
Outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$139.18	$122.52	$38.20	$139.18
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$85.40	$65.29	$15.60
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$160.09	$140.49	$123.41
Outstanding at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$132.86	$132.86	$139.18	$122.52
Right to Receive Upon Vesting Shares of Common Stock as Percentage of PSU, Actual Vested During Period		172.00%	300.00%	240.00%
Additional Performance Share Units [Member]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period			four years	five years
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum			0.46%	0.70%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum			0.62%	0.90%
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$171.05	$189.23
Additional Restricted Share Units [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description		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, Minimum		0.70%	0.30%	0.35%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum			0.49%	0.50%
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$63.95	$71.67	$65.14
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	7,900,000	7,900,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		18 months 29 days
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)		269,899	322,305	605,927	269,899
Granted (in shares)				107,653
Forfeited (in shares)		-4,843	-11,678	-26,665
Vested (in shares)		-104,302	-138,028	-364,610
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	293,651	293,651	269,899	322,305
Outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$62	$48.19	$22.06	$62
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$51.96	$37.03	$9.90
Forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$65.44	$57.60	$46.48
Outstanding at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$67	$67	$62	$48.19
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested		7,400,000	10,600,000	25,200,000
Additional Restricted Share Units [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.13%	0.10%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum		0.71%	0.19%
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$66.19	$81.38
2008 Omnibus Plan [Member]
Deferred compensation arrangements [Abstract]
Aggregate number of Company common shares or Operating Partnership units approved for awards under the 2008 Omnibus Plan, original (in shares)	8,500,000	8,500,000
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Grant And Deferred Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity, Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding	11,106	11,106
Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost		120,000	120,000	70,000
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Grant And Deferred Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number	113,839	113,839
Other Employee Plans [Member]
Share-based compensation, allocation and classification in financial statements [Abstract]
Compensation cost charged to income for the Company's share-based compensation plans		200,000	100,000	300,000
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Grant And Deferred Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number	11,508	11,508	10,536
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Flow Effect, Cash Used to Settle Awards		$0	$0	$700,000
2014 RSU Grant Modification [Domain]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.03%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum		0.65%
2014 PSU Grant Modification [Domain]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.03%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum		0.65%
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$57
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		15,260
Minimum [Member]
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Grant And Deferred Compensation [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Contribution Percent		2.00%
Minimum [Member] | 2014 Option Modification [Domain]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate		2.70%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period			0.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate		0.07%
Minimum [Member] | 2014 RSU Grant Modification [Domain]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period			0.24
Minimum [Member] | 2014 PSU Grant Modification [Domain]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period			0.24
Maximum [Member]
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Grant And Deferred Compensation [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan, Contribution Percent		7.00%
Maximum [Member] | 2014 Option Modification [Domain]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period			3.24
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate		0.98%
Maximum [Member] | 2014 RSU Grant Modification [Domain]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period			2.25
Maximum [Member] | 2014 PSU Grant Modification [Domain]
Employee service share-based compensation, aggregate disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Vesting Period			2.25
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$103.37	$107.45
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			42,178	50,041
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] | Additional Restricted Share Units [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$63.95	$71.67
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		106,540	92,103
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$171.05	$189.23
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)			15,444	108,224
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] | Additional Restricted Share Units [Member]
Summary of non-option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$66.19	$81.38
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		8,505	5,197
2014 RSU Grant Modification [Domain] | Additional Restricted Share Units [Member]
Summary of non-option activity [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)		17,852
Special Dividend [Member]
Share-based compensation, allocation and classification in financial statements [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$4.75

Common_and_Preferred_Stock_and1

Common and Preferred Stock and Equity of TRG (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$200,000,000
Stock Repurchased and Retired Since Program Inception, shares		787,071
Stock Acquired and Retired Since Program Inception, Cost Per Share		$66.45
Stock Repurchased And Retired, Total Shares Repurchased, Value		52,300,000
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		2,875,000
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	208,939,000			208,939,000
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues			164,395,000	186,215,000
Conversion of Stock, Number of shares of Common Stock issued from the conversion of Series B Preferred Stock		one	10	65
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion		ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted		35,500	176,630	1,132,359
Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share		$0.00	$0.00
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,117,000	25,151,069
Series K Preferred Stock [Member]
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues			6,800,000
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			6.25%
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues			164,400,000
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs			5,600,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value		170,000,000	170,000,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share		$25
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share		$25
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,800,000	6,800,000
Series G Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage				8.00%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value					100,000,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share					$25.35
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding					4,000,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Charge				3,300,000
Series H Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage				7.63%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value					87,000,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share					$25.33
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding					3,480,000
Preferred Stock, Redemption Charge				3,100,000
Series J Preferred Stock [Member]
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs				186,200,000
Preferred Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				7,700,000
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage				6.50%
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs				6,300,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value		$192,500,000	$192,500,000
Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share		$25
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share		$25
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding		7,700,000	7,700,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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)	$76.42
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
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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
Basic	$863,857	$109,908	$83,511
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Dilutive Convertible Securities	10,933	497	672
Income from continuing operations - diluted	$874,790	$110,405	$84,183
Shares b basic	63,267,800	63,591,523	59,884,455
Effect of dilutive securities	1,653,264	983,889	1,491,989
Shares (Denominator) b diluted	64,921,064	64,575,412	61,376,444
Basic earnings per common share	$13.65	$1.73	$1.39
Diluted earnings per common share (Note 16)	$13.47	$1.71	$1.37
Outstanding partnership units exchangeable for common shares under the Continuing Offer [Member]
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
Anti-dilutive effect (in shares)	4,351,727	4,428,624	5,063,736
Unissued partnership units under a unit option deferral election [Member]
Net income attributable to Taubman Centers, Inc. common shareowners (Numerator):
Anti-dilutive effect (in shares)		871,262	871,262

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Fair_Va

Fair Value Disclosures (Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 10)	$109	$1,543
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Other Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	13,059	12,225
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Total assets	13,059	12,225
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis [Abstract]
Derivative interest rate contracts (Note 10)
Derivative Asset		1,543
Total assets	0	1,543
Derivative interest rate contract (Note 10)	-4,044	-3,418
Total liabilities	($4,044)	($3,418)

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Details

Fair Value Disclosures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Reporting Date	$105,200,000
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Acquisition Date	$77,711,000
SPG Units [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [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
Restriction Period on Sale of Partnership Units Received, years	one

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures (Estimated Fair Value of Notes Payable) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Estimated fair values of notes payable [Abstract]
Notes Payable	$2,025,505,000	$3,058,053,000
Notes payable, fair value disclosure	2,056,474,000	3,107,119,000
Additional Credit Spread Included In Discount Rate To Estimate Fair Value Of Notes Payable	0.75%	1.00%
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	$29,600,000
Impact Of Overall One Percent Increase In Interest Rates Decrease In Fair Values Of Notes Payable Percent	1.40%

Cash_Flow_Disclosures_NonCash_2

Cash Flow Disclosures & Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivable, Gross	$2,037,000	$9,407,000
Interest Paid, Capitalized	27,300,000	16,400,000	3,600,000
Interest Paid, Net	88,500,000	128,200,000	142,000,000
Income Taxes Paid, Net	11,900,000
Partnership Units Received as Part of Consideration in Connection with Sale of Equity Method Investment and Other Assets, Fair Value at Acquisition Date	77,711,000
Issuance of partnership units in connection with the purchase of the U.S. headquarters building	91,000
Assumption of debt in connection with acquisitions of The Mall at Green Hills and The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village (Note 2)	18,215,000
Other non-cash additions to properties	24,315,000	14,030,000	19,952,000
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,927 and $1,934 in 2014 and 2013 (Note 6)	49,245,000	73,193,000
Capital relinquished in connection with disposition			8,855,000
Land [Member]
Financing Receivable, Gross		7,411,000
Taubman TCBL [Member]
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,927 and $1,934 in 2014 and 2013 (Note 6)			9,353,000
Restricted Investments			3,550,000
Capital relinquished in connection with disposition			$8,855,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-15,068	-8,914
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	16,729	5,583	793
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-101	5,040	1,888
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	-14,967	-13,954	-23,952	-27,613
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-15,068	-8,914	-22,064	-27,613
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	-5,148	3,150	1,888
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	-12,783	6,117
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-17,931	9,267
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	11,747	3,875	566
Cumulative Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease)	5,148	-3,150
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-1,036	9,992	-2,551
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	-6,184	13,142	-663
OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAdjustmentForeignCurrencyAttributableToParent	7	2
Other comprehensive income (loss), adjustments, attributable to parent	23	6	6,212
Other comprehensive income (loss), total adjustments attributable to parent	30	8	6,212
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	-41	2,011	756
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	5,879	6,141	1,739	9,113
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	5,838	8,152	2,495	9,113
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax	-2,045	1,257	756
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	-5,221	2,700
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-7,266	3,957
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	4,982	1,708	227
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-2,045	1,257
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-239	4,408	-1,162
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-2,284	5,665	-406
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Adjustment Foreign Currency Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest	-7	-2
Other comprehensive income (loss), adjustments, attributable to noncontrolling interests	-23	-6	-6,212
Other comprehensive income (loss), total adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests	-30	-8	-6,212
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	4,880
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	16,729	5,583
Amount of gain/loss on interest rate contract reclassfied from AOCI for unconsolidated joint ventures	8,663	3,826
Gain on sale of marketable securities (Note 17)	3,186	3,080
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains		($1,323)

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gain on dispositions, net of tax (Note 2)				$476,900					$1,106,554
Revenues	158,322	176,044	169,985	174,778	211,772	193,938	178,187	183,257	679,129	767,154	747,974
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	20,780	14,479	14,675	12,068	18,418	12,220	11,481	10,346	62,002	52,465	48,494
Net income	656,274	56,637	39,054	526,157	66,166	43,243	33,603	46,356	1,278,122	189,368	157,817
Net income attributable to TCO common shareowners	439,706	33,682	21,344	369,125	39,834	24,488	17,842	27,744	863,857	109,908	83,511
Earnings per common share b basic	$6.94	$0.53	$0.34	$5.84	$0.63	$0.38	$0.28	$0.44
Earnings per common share b diluted	$6.86	$0.53	$0.33	$5.74	$0.62	$0.38	$0.28	$0.43
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt									-36,372
Starwood Transaction [Member]
Gain on dispositions, net of tax (Note 2)									629,700
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt									($36,372)

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (Allowance for doubtful receivables [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful receivables [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$1,934	$3,424	$3,303
Charged to costs and expenses	2,900	489	1,397
Write-offs	-1,145	-1,979	-1,276
Transfers, net	-762
Balance at end of year	$2,927	$1,934	$3,424

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De2

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2014
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	$1,836
Land, Initial Cost of Company	259,635
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	2,264,338
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	738,532
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	259,635
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	3,002,870
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	3,262,505	4,485,090	4,246,000	4,020,954
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	970,045	1,516,982	1,395,876	1,271,943
Properties, net	2,292,460	2,968,108
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Other Acquisitions	17,642
Beverly Center [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	209,093
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	93,915
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	303,008
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	303,008
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	169,849
Properties, net	133,159
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	1982
Depreciable Life	40 years
Cherry Creek Shopping Center [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	99,087
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	140,160
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	239,247
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	239,247
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	141,297
Properties, net	97,950
Encumbrances	280,000
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	1990 / 1998
Depreciable Life	40 years
City Creek Center [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	75,229
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	873
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	76,102
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	76,102
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	7,569
Properties, net	68,533
Encumbrances	83,189
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	2012
Depreciable Life	30 years
Dolphin Mall [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	34,881
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	222,301
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	68,401
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	34,881
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	290,702
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	325,583
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	103,066
Properties, net	222,517
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	2001 / 2007
Depreciable Life	50 years
The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	23,500
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	131,858
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	6,073
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	23,500
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	137,931
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	161,431
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	11,793
Properties, net	149,638
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	1998 / 2010
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date Acquired	28-Dec-11
The Gardens on El Paseo [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	83,059
Depreciable Life	40 years
El Paseo Village [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	15,932
Depreciable Life	48 years
Great Lakes Crossing [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	15,506
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	188,773
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	46,465
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	15,506
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	235,238
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	250,744
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	122,375
Properties, net	128,369
Encumbrances	217,281
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	1998
Depreciable Life	50 years
The Mall at Green Hills [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	48,551
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	332,261
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	13,506
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	48,551
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	345,767
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	394,318
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	31,358
Properties, net	362,960
Encumbrances	150,000
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	1955 / 2011
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date Acquired	28-Dec-11
Depreciable Life	40 years
Short Hills [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	25,114
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	167,595
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	166,243
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	25,114
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	333,838
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	358,952
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	175,565
Properties, net	183,387
Encumbrances	540,000
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	1980 / 1994 / 1995
Depreciable Life	40 years
Taubman Prestige Outlets of Chesterfield [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	16,079
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	108,934
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	757
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	16,079
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	109,691
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	125,770
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	7,075
Properties, net	118,695
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	2013
Depreciable Life	50 years
Twelve Oaks Mall Member
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	25,410
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	190,455
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	89,471
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	25,410
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	279,926
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	305,336
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	144,332
Properties, net	161,004
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date of Opening / Expansion(s)	1977 / 1978 / 2007 / 2008
Depreciable Life	50 years
Construction In Process And Development Pre Construction Costs [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	33,382
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	466,601
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	78,610
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	33,382
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	545,211
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	578,593
Properties, net	578,593
Encumbrances	163,779
Assets under CDD Obligations [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	3,969
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	58,512
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	3,969
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	58,512
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	62,481
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	27,583
Properties, net	34,898
Office Building [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	200				700
Land, Initial Cost of Company	5,123
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	12,519
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	34,058
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	5,123
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	46,577
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	51,700
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	27,440
Properties, net	24,260
Encumbrances	17,265
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Date Acquired	28-Feb-14
Depreciable Life	35 years
Peripheral Land [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Land, Initial Cost of Company	28,120
Land, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	28,120
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	28,120
Properties, net	28,120
Other Property [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Initial Cost to Company	1,120
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	1,120
Total, Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period	1,120
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)	743
Properties, net	$377

Real_Estate_and_Accumulated_De3

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Changes in Total Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of year	$4,485,090,000	$4,246,000,000	$4,020,954,000
Real Estate, Acquisitions	17,642,000
Real Estate, New development and improvements	448,462,000	280,972,000	237,877,000
Real Estate, Disposals / Write-offs	-1,308,529,000	-35,964,000	-11,972,000
Real Estate, Transfers In/(Out)	-380,160,000	-5,918,000	-859,000
Balance, end of year	3,262,505,000	4,485,090,000	4,246,000,000
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciations	-1,516,982,000	-1,395,876,000	-1,271,943,000
Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense	-110,129,000	-142,458,000	-134,858,000
Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deductions	530,916,000	21,352,000	10,925,000
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Period Increase (Decrease)	126,150,000
Real Estate, Accumulated Depreciations	-970,045,000	-1,516,982,000	-1,395,876,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	1,836,000
Notes Payable	2,025,505,000	3,058,053,000
Tax Basis of Investments, Cost for Income Tax Purposes	3,513,000,000
Real Estate Investment Property, Net	2,292,460,000	2,968,108,000
The Gardens on El Paseo [Member]
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	83,059,000
El Paseo Village [Member]
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances	15,932,000
International Plaza [Member]
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Noncash or Part Noncash Disposition, Interest Sold	49.90%		49.90%
Notes Payable		325,000,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.10%
El Paseo Village [Member]
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	100,000	200,000
Notes Payable	15,932,000	16,322,000
The Gardens on El Paseo [Member]
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	1,600,000	2,700,000
Notes Payable	$83,059,000	$84,197,000