| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | TANGER FACTORY OUTLET CENTERS, INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NC |
| Entity File Number | 1-11986 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000899715 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-1815473 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3200 Northline Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 360 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Greensboro |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 27408 |
| City Area Code | 336 |
| Local Phone Number | 292-3010 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | SKT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
