| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 10, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | ACADIA REALTY TRUST |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000899629 |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 10, 2021 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 1-12002 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-2715194 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 411 Theodore Fremd Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Rye |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10580 |
| City Area Code | 914 |
| Local Phone Number | 288-8100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AKR |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
