The Macerich Company (MAC) 10-Q 3 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MACERICH CO	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000912242	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	140,715,832
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'		'
Property, net	$7,570,636		$7,621,766
Cash and cash equivalents	58,479		69,715
Restricted cash	14,121		16,843
Tenant and other receivables, net	107,968		99,497
Deferred charges and other assets, net	492,697		533,058
Loans to unconsolidated joint ventures	3,361		2,756
Due from affiliates	31,422		30,132
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	927,424		701,483
Total assets	9,206,108		9,075,250
Mortgage notes payable:	'		'
Related parties	265,269	[1]	269,381	[1]
Others	4,118,969	[1]	4,145,809	[1]
Total	4,384,238		4,415,190
Bank and other notes payable	546,301		167,537
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	89,659		76,941
Other accrued liabilities	317,515		363,158
Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	253,673		252,192
Co-venture obligation	75,669		81,515
Total liabilities	5,667,055		5,356,533
Commitments and contingencies	'		'
Stockholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 140,920,484 and 140,733,683 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,409		1,407
Additional paid-in capital	3,930,317		3,906,148
Accumulated deficit	-740,906		-548,806
Total stockholders' equity	3,190,820		3,358,749
Noncontrolling interests	348,233		359,968
Total equity	3,539,053		3,718,717
Total liabilities and equity	$9,206,108		$9,075,250
[1]	The mortgage notes payable balances include the unamortized debt premiums (discounts). Debt premiums (discounts) represent the excess (deficiency) of the fair value of debt over (under) the principal value of debt assumed in various acquisitions and are amortized into interest expense over the remaining term of the related debt in a manner that approximates the effective interest method.Debt premiums (discounts) consist of the following:Property Pledged as CollateralSeptember 30, 2014 December 31, 2013Arrowhead Towne Center$12,337 $14,642Camelback Colonnade1,233 2,120Deptford Mall(10) (14)Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA5,646 6,342Superstition Springs Center658 895Valley Mall(154) (219) $19,710 $23,766

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	140,920,484	140,733,683
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	140,920,484	140,733,683

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Minimum rents	$150,395		$145,259		$451,248		$422,492
Percentage rents	4,072		4,111		9,295		10,609
Tenant recoveries	90,059		87,218		264,909		247,857
Management Companies	8,352		10,742		25,248		31,193
Other	10,614		10,824		31,638		35,184
Total revenues	263,492		258,154		782,338		747,335
Expenses:	'		'		'		'
Shopping center and operating expenses	85,352		83,349		257,583		240,635
Management Companies' operating expenses	21,508		23,036		65,185		69,003
REIT general and administrative expenses	5,339		5,955		17,339		18,672
Depreciation and amortization	89,741		88,436		266,199		264,032
Total expenses before interest	201,940		200,776		606,306		592,342
Interest expense:	'		'		'		'
Related parties	3,671		3,745		11,069		11,289
Other	44,132		45,858		128,872		138,371
Total interest expense	47,803		49,603		139,941		149,660
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	46		6		405		-1,938
Total expenses	249,789		250,385		746,652		740,064
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	16,935		35,161		44,607		145,477
Co-venture expense	-2,144		-2,053		-6,175		-6,232
Income tax benefit	689		543		3,759		2,263
Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	9,561		8,249		-1,504		12,279
Income from continuing operations	38,744		49,669		76,373		161,058
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'		'
(Loss) gain on the disposition of assets, net	0		-7,767		0		134,145
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	0		-1,077		0		2,967
Total (loss) income from discontinued operations	0		-8,844		0		137,112
Net income	38,744		40,825		76,373		298,170
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,830		2,702		6,552		22,958
Net income attributable to the Company	$35,914		$38,123		$69,821		$275,212
Earnings per common share attributable to Company—basic: (in dollars per share)	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	$0.25		$0.33		$0.49		$1.05
Discontinued operations	$0		($0.06)		$0		$0.92
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$0.25		$0.27		$0.49		$1.97
Earnings per common share attributable to Company—diluted: (in dollars per share)	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	$0.25		$0.33		$0.49		$1.05
Discontinued operations	$0		($0.06)		$0		$0.92
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$0.25		$0.27		$0.49		$1.97
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: (in shares)	'		'		'		'
Basic	140,916		140,712		140,859		139,219
Diluted	141,060	[1]	140,773	[1]	140,975	[1]	139,320	[1]
[1]	Diluted EPS excludes 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as their impact was antidilutive.Diluted EPS excludes 10,110,716 and 9,621,313 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 10,072,321 and 9,920,197 OP Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Total Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$3,718,717	$3,358,749	$1,407	$3,906,148	($548,806)	$359,968
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	140,733,683	'	140,733,683	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	76,373	69,821	'	'	69,821	6,552
Amortization of share and unit-based compensation plans (in shares)	'	'	101,511	'	'	'
Amortization of share and unit-based compensation plans	30,103	30,103	1	30,102	'	'
Employee stock purchases (in shares)	'	'	13,957	'	'	'
Employee stock purchases	645	645	'	645	'	'
Distributions paid ($1.86) per share	-261,921	-261,921	'	'	-261,921	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-24,285	'	'	'	'	-24,285
Other	-343	-343	'	-343	'	'
Conversion of noncontrolling interests to common shares (in shares)	'	'	71,333	'	'	'
Conversion of noncontrolling interests to common shares	'	984	1	983	'	-984
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	-236	-157	'	-157	'	-79
Adjustment of noncontrolling interest in Operating Partnership	'	-7,061	'	-7,061	'	7,061
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$3,539,053	$3,190,820	$1,409	$3,930,317	($740,906)	$348,233
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	140,920,484	'	140,920,484	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_EQUI1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Distributions paid, per share (in dollars per share)	$1.86

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$76,373	$298,170
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt	405	-1,938
Loss (gain) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	1,504	-12,279
Gain on the disposition of assets, net from discontinued operations	0	-134,145
Depreciation and amortization	273,765	285,933
Amortization of net premium on mortgage notes payable	-4,056	-5,502
Amortization of share and unit-based plans	25,217	13,913
Straight-line rent adjustment	-4,440	-6,201
Amortization of above and below-market leases	-5,730	-4,745
Provision for doubtful accounts	3,452	3,231
Income tax benefit	-3,759	-2,263
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-44,607	-145,477
Distributions of income from unconsolidated joint ventures	886	8,538
Co-venture expense	6,175	6,232
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:	'	'
Tenant and other receivables	-1,416	4,314
Other assets	-7,011	7,088
Due from affiliates	-1,290	-1,901
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	780	10,355
Other accrued liabilities	-19,342	5,533
Net cash provided by operating activities	296,906	328,856
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions of property	-15,233	-492,577
Development, redevelopment, expansion and renovation of properties	-129,750	-158,682
Property improvements	-32,375	-21,752
Issuance of notes receivable	0	-13,330
Collections on notes receivable	3,169	8,347
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities	0	23,769
Deferred leasing costs	-19,402	-21,774
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	55,688	596,669
Contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures	-257,963	-66,772
Collection of/loans to unconsolidated joint ventures, net	-605	609
Proceeds from sale of assets	51,350	327,059
Restricted cash	2,722	52,892
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-342,399	234,458
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from mortgages, bank and other notes payable	580,967	2,239,853
Payments on mortgages, bank and other notes payable	-229,099	-2,694,945
Deferred financing costs	-1,126	-11,053
Net proceeds from stock offerings	0	171,121
Proceeds from share and unit-based plans	645	558
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	-236	-1,022
Contribution from noncontrolling interests	0	4,127
Contingent consideration paid	-18,667	0
Dividends and distributions	-286,206	-261,142
Distributions to co-venture partner	-12,021	-14,496
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	34,257	-566,999
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-11,236	-3,685
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	69,715	65,793
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	58,479	62,108
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized	136,233	156,446
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:	'	'
Accrued development costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other accrued liabilities	50,817	23,666
Acquisition of properties by assumption of mortgage note payable and other accrued liabilities	0	109,858
Assumption of mortgage note payable and other liabilities from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	54,271
Mortgage notes payable settled by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure	0	84,000
Acquisition of property in exchange for investment in unconsolidated joint venture	15,767	0
Notes receivable issued in connection with sale of property	9,603	0
Application of deposit to acquire property	0	30,000
Conversion of noncontrolling interests to common shares	$984	$12,984

Organization

Organization:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization:	'
	Organization:
	The Macerich Company (the "Company") is involved in the acquisition, ownership, development, redevelopment, management and leasing of regional and community/power shopping centers (the "Centers") located throughout the United States.
	The Company commenced operations effective with the completion of its initial public offering on March 16, 1994. As of September 30, 2014, the Company was the sole general partner of, and held a 93% ownership interest in, The Macerich Partnership, L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"). The Company was organized to qualify as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
	The property management, leasing and redevelopment of the Company's portfolio is provided by the Company's management companies, Macerich Property Management Company, LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company, Macerich Management Company, a California corporation, Macerich Arizona Partners LLC, a single member Arizona limited liability company, Macerich Arizona Management LLC, a single member Delaware limited liability company, Macerich Partners of Colorado LLC, a single member Colorado limited liability company, MACW Mall Management, Inc., a New York corporation, and MACW Property Management, LLC, a single member New York limited liability company. All seven of the management companies are collectively referred to herein as the "Management Companies."
	All references to the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include the Company, those entities owned or controlled by the Company and predecessors of the Company, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
	Basis of Presentation:
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and have not been audited by independent public accountants.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Operating Partnership. Investments in entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or entities that meet the definition of a variable interest entity in which the Company has, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests, both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity are consolidated; otherwise they are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are reflected as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
	All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the interim periods have been made. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
	On April 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, which amends the definition of discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures for disposal transactions that do not meet the revised discontinued operations criteria. ASU 2014-08 is required to be adopted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company's early adoption of this pronouncement on January 1, 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Earnings_per_Share_EPS

Earnings per Share ("EPS"):	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share ("EPS"):	'
	Earnings per Share ("EPS"):
	The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator used in the computation of earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (shares in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator
	Income from continuing operations	$	38,744		$	49,669		$	76,373		$	161,058
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations	—			(8,844		)	—			137,112
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,830		)	(2,702		)	(6,552		)	(22,958		)
	Net income attributable to the Company	35,914			38,123			69,821			275,212
	Allocation of earnings to participating securities	(122		)	(80		)	(373		)	(257		)
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders	$	35,792		$	38,043		$	69,448		$	274,955
	Denominator
	Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding	140,916			140,712			140,859			139,219
	Effect of dilutive securities:(1)
	Share and unit-based compensation plans	144			61			116			101
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding	141,060			140,773			140,975			139,320
	Earnings per common share—basic:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.49		$	1.05
	Discontinued operations	—			(0.06		)	—			0.92
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.27		$	0.49		$	1.97
	Earnings per common share—diluted:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.49		$	1.05
	Discontinued operations	—			(0.06		)	—			0.92
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.27		$	0.49		$	1.97
	-1	Diluted EPS excludes 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as their impact was antidilutive.
	Diluted EPS excludes 10,110,716 and 9,621,313 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 10,072,321 and 9,920,197 OP Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
	The Company has made the following recent investments and dispositions relating to its unconsolidated joint ventures:
	On May 29, 2013, the Company's joint venture in Pacific Premier Retail LP sold Redmond Town Center Office, a 582,000 square foot office building in Redmond, Washington, for $185,000, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $89,157 to the joint venture. The Company's share of the gain was $44,424, which was included in equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures. The Company used its share of the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On June 12, 2013, the Company's joint venture in Pacific Premier Retail LP sold Kitsap Mall, an 846,000 square foot regional shopping center in Silverdale, Washington, for $127,000, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $55,150 to the joint venture. The Company's share of the gain was $28,127, which was included in equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures. The Company used its share of the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On August 1, 2013, the Company's joint venture in Pacific Premier Retail LP sold Redmond Town Center, a 695,000 square foot community center in Redmond, Washington, for $127,000, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $38,447 to the joint venture. The Company's share of the gain was $18,251, which was included in equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures. The Company used its share of the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On September 17, 2013, the Company’s joint venture in Camelback Colonnade, a 619,000 square foot community center in Phoenix, Arizona, was restructured. As a result of the restructuring, the Company’s ownership interest in Camelback Colonnade decreased from 73.2% to 67.5%. Prior to the restructuring, the Company had accounted for its investment in Camelback Colonnade under the equity method of accounting due to substantive participation rights held by the outside partners. Upon completion of the restructuring, these substantive participation rights were terminated and the Company obtained voting control of the joint venture. This transaction is referred to herein as the "Camelback Colonnade Restructuring." Since the date of the restructuring, the Company has included Camelback Colonnade in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 13—Acquisitions).
	On October 8, 2013, the Company's joint venture in Ridgmar Mall, a 1,273,000 square foot regional shopping center in Fort Worth, Texas, sold the property for $60,900, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $6,243 to the joint venture. The Company's share of the gain was $3,121, which was included in equity in income from joint ventures. The cash proceeds from the sale were used to pay off the $51,657 mortgage loan on the property and the remaining $9,243, net of closing costs, was distributed to the partners. The Company used its share of the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On October 24, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 33.3% ownership interest in Superstition Springs Center, a 1,082,000 square foot regional shopping center in Mesa, Arizona, that it did not own for $46,162. The purchase price was funded by a cash payment of $23,662 and the assumption of the third party's pro rata share of the mortgage note payable on the property of $22,500. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had accounted for its investment in Superstition Springs Center under the equity method. Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included Superstition Springs Center in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 13—Acquisitions).
	On June 4, 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 49.0% ownership interest in Cascade Mall, a 593,000 square foot regional shopping center in Burlington, Washington, that it did not own for a cash payment of $15,233. The Company purchased Cascade Mall from its joint venture in Pacific Premier Retail LP. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had accounted for its investment in Cascade Mall under the equity method. Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included Cascade Mall in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 13—Acquisitions).
	On July 30, 2014, the Company formed a joint venture with Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust to redevelop The Gallery, a 1,405,000 square foot regional shopping center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Company invested $106,800 for a 50% interest in the joint venture, which was funded by borrowings under its line of credit.
	On August 28, 2014, the Company sold its 30% ownership interest in Wilshire Boulevard, a 40,000 square foot freestanding store in Santa Monica, California, for a total sales price of $17,100, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $9,033, which was included in gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net. The sales price was funded by a cash payment of $15,386 and the assumption of the Company's share of the mortgage note payable on the property of $1,714. The Company used the cash proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	Combined and condensed balance sheets and statements of operations are presented below for all unconsolidated joint ventures.
	Combined and Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets(1):
	Properties, net	$	3,798,082		$	3,435,737
	Other assets	305,649			295,719
	Total assets	$	4,103,731		$	3,731,456
	Liabilities and partners' capital(1):
	Mortgage notes payable(2)	$	3,420,951		$	3,518,215
	Other liabilities	242,861			202,444
	Company's capital (deficit)	200,943			(25,367		)
	Outside partners' capital	238,976			36,164
	Total liabilities and partners' capital	$	4,103,731		$	3,731,456
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Company's capital (deficit)	$	200,943		$	(25,367	)
	Basis adjustment(3)	472,808			474,658
		$	673,751		$	449,291
	Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	927,424		$	701,483
	Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	(253,673		)	(252,192		)
		$	673,751		$	449,291
	-1	These amounts include the assets and liabilities of the following joint ventures as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Pacific			Tysons
		Premier			Corner LLC
		Retail LP
	As of September 30, 2014:
	Total Assets	$	736,872		$	340,973
	Total Liabilities	$	813,400		$	873,896
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Total Assets	$	775,012		$	356,871
	Total Liabilities	$	812,725		$	887,413
	-2	Certain mortgage notes payable could become recourse debt to the Company should the joint venture be unable to discharge the obligations of the related debt. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a total of $33,540 could become recourse debt to the Company. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had an indemnity agreement from a joint venture partner for $16,770 of the guaranteed amount.
	Included in mortgage notes payable are amounts due to affiliates of Northwestern Mutual Life ("NML") of $703,589 and $712,455 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. NML is considered a related party because it is a joint venture partner with the Company in Macerich Northwestern Associates—Broadway Plaza. Interest expense on these borrowings was $9,645 and $7,920 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $28,992 and $21,717 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	-3	The Company amortizes the difference between the cost of its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. The amortization of this difference was $948 and $3,860 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3,227 and $9,753 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Combined and Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
		Pacific			Tysons			Other			Total
		Premier			Corner			Joint
		Retail LP			LLC			Ventures
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	25,095		$	15,542		$	61,522		$	102,159
	Percentage rents	653			115			3,683			4,451
	Tenant recoveries	11,495			11,757			26,235			49,487
	Other	962			678			9,523			11,163
	Total revenues	38,205			28,092			100,963			167,260
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	9,959			9,694			37,384			57,037
	Interest expense	9,643			8,107			17,651			35,401
	Depreciation and amortization	8,199			5,162			24,006			37,367
	Total operating expenses	27,801			22,963			79,041			129,805
	Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	(732		)	—			(6		)	(738		)
	Net income	$	9,672		$	5,129		$	21,916		$	36,717
Company's equity in net income	$	4,379		$	988		$	11,568		$	16,935
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$	27,426		$	15,344		$	59,940		$	102,710
Percentage rents	572			(12		)	2,938			3,498
Tenant recoveries	12,115			11,304			28,361			51,780
Other	1,086			510			8,143			9,739
Total revenues	41,199			27,146			99,382			167,727
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	12,231			9,818			35,926			57,975
Interest expense	10,251			3,801			21,062			35,114
Depreciation and amortization	9,067			4,568			22,688			36,323
Total operating expenses	31,549			18,187			79,676			129,412
Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	38,432			—			(328		)	38,104
Gain on extinguishment of debt	—			14			—			14
Net income	$	48,082		$	8,973		$	19,378		$	76,433
Company's equity in net income	$	21,567		$	2,919		$	10,675		$	35,161
	Pacific			Tysons			Other			Total
	Premier			Corner			Joint
	Retail LP			LLC			Ventures
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$	76,829		$	47,516		$	173,710		$	298,055
Percentage rents	1,862			719			7,915			10,496
Tenant recoveries	34,614			35,140			75,606			145,360
Other	3,652			2,294			25,821			31,767
Total revenues	116,957			85,669			283,052			485,678
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	31,772			29,374			101,522			162,668
Interest expense	29,572			23,590			56,717			109,879
Depreciation and amortization	25,747			14,520			66,768			107,035
Total operating expenses	87,091			67,484			225,007			379,582
Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	(7,044		)	—			(66		)	(7,110		)
Net income	$	22,822		$	18,185		$	57,979		$	98,986
Company's equity in net income	$	9,865		$	4,357		$	30,385		$	44,607
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$	91,779		$	46,526		$	180,870		$	319,175
Percentage rents	2,155			734			7,176			10,065
Tenant recoveries	40,555			34,025			82,261			156,841
Other	3,980			2,080			26,923			32,983
Total revenues	138,469			83,365			297,230			519,064
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	40,948			26,819			106,887			174,654
Interest expense	33,118			7,825			66,108			107,051
Depreciation and amortization	30,697			13,499			67,808			112,004
Total operating expenses	104,763			48,143			240,803			393,709
Gain on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	182,781			—			373			183,154
Gain on extinguishment of debt	—			14			—			14
Net income	$	216,487		$	35,236		$	56,800		$	308,523
Company's equity in net income	$	105,684		$	12,957		$	26,836		$	145,477
Significant accounting policies used by the unconsolidated joint ventures are similar to those used by the Company.

Property

Property:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property:	'
	Property:
	Property consists of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	1,713,298		$	1,707,005
	Buildings and improvements	6,508,764			6,555,212
	Tenant improvements	545,336			537,754
	Equipment and furnishings	144,950			152,198
	Construction in progress	346,914			229,169
		9,259,262			9,181,338
	Less accumulated depreciation	(1,688,626		)	(1,559,572		)
		$	7,570,636		$	7,621,766
	Depreciation expense was $68,663 and $68,589 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $205,158 and $200,222 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net, was $9,561 and $8,249 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(1,504) and $12,279 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes the remeaurement gain of $36,341 on the Camelback Colonnade Restructuring (See Note 13—Acquisitions).
	The gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes the $9,033 gain on the sale of the Company's 30% ownership interest in Wilshire Boulevard, a 40,000 square foot freestanding store in Santa Monica, California (See Note 4—Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures). In addition, the gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes the loss of $1,602 on the sales of Rotterdam Square, a 585,000 square foot regional shopping center in Schenectady, New York; Somersville Towne Center, a 348,000 square foot regional shopping center in Antioch, California; and Lake Square Mall, a 559,000 square foot regional shopping center in Leesburg, Florida.
	The gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net, includes the impairment losses of $238 and $27,972 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $8,754 and $27,972 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The impairment losses were due to the reduction of the estimated holding periods of former Mervyn's stores and Great Northern Mall.
	The remaining gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net, of $766 and $(120) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $(181) and $3,910 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are primarily due to the sale of other assets and the write-off of development costs.

Tenant_and_Other_Receivables_n

Tenant and Other Receivables, net:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Loans and Leases Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Tenant and Other Receivables, net:	'
	Tenant and Other Receivables, net:
	Included in tenant and other receivables, net, is an allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,224 and $2,878 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Also included in tenant and other receivables, net, are accrued percentage rents of $3,130 and $9,824 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and a deferred rent receivable due to straight-line rent adjustments of $56,943 and $53,380 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	On March 17, 2014, in connection with the sale of Lake Square Mall (See Note 5—Property), the Company issued a note receivable for $6,500 that bears interest at an effective rate of 6.5% and matures on March 17, 2018 ("LSM Note A") and a note receivable for $3,103 that bore interest at 5.0% and was to mature on December 31, 2014 ("LSM Note B"). On September 2, 2014, the balance of LSM Note B was paid in full. The balance of LSM Note A at September 30, 2014 was $6,461 and is collateralized by a trust deed on Lake Square Mall.

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net:	'
	Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net:
	Deferred charges and other assets, net, consist of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Leasing	$	227,151		$	223,038
	Financing	50,896			51,695
	Intangible assets:
	In-place lease values	185,832			205,651
	Leasing commissions and legal costs	46,982			50,594
	Above-market leases	111,941			118,770
	Deferred tax assets	35,115			31,356
	Deferred compensation plan assets	33,784			30,932
	Other assets	69,598			65,793
		761,299			777,829
	Less accumulated amortization(1)	(268,602		)	(244,771		)
		$	492,697		$	533,058
	-1	Accumulated amortization includes $95,529 and $89,141 relating to in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Amortization expense of in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs was $11,850 and $12,173 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $35,948 and $40,263 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The allocated values of above-market leases and below-market leases consist of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Above-Market Leases
	Original allocated value	$	111,941		$	118,770
	Less accumulated amortization	(53,781		)	(46,912		)
		$	58,160		$	71,858
	Below-Market Leases(1)
	Original allocated value	$	182,593		$	187,537
	Less accumulated amortization	(88,838		)	(79,271		)
		$	93,755		$	108,266
	-1	Below-market leases are included in other accrued liabilities.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable

Mortgage Notes Payable:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Notes Payable:	'
	Mortgage Notes Payable:
	Mortgage notes payable at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consist of the following:
			Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes(1)
			September 30, 2014					December 31, 2013
	Property Pledged as Collateral		Related Party			Other		Related Party		Other		Effective Interest		Monthly		Maturity
												Rate(2)		Debt		Date(4)
														Service(3)
	Arrowhead Towne Center		$	—		$	230,552	$	—	$	236,028	2.76	%	$	1,131	2018
	Camelback Colonnade		—			48,233		—		49,120		2.16	%	178		2015
	Chandler Fashion Center(5)		—			200,000		—		200,000		3.77	%	625		2019
	Danbury Fair Mall		114,994			114,993		117,120		117,120		5.53	%	1,538		2020
	Deptford Mall		—			198,785		—		201,622		3.76	%	947		2023
	Deptford Mall		—			14,354		—		14,551		6.46	%	101		2016
	Eastland Mall		—			168,000		—		168,000		5.79	%	811		2016
	Fashion Outlets of Chicago(6)		—			117,350		—		91,383		2.95	%	259		2017
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA		—			122,053		—		124,030		4.89	%	727		2020
	Flagstaff Mall		—			37,000		—		37,000		5.03	%	151		2015
	FlatIron Crossing		—			263,144		—		268,000		3.9	%	1,393		2021
	Freehold Raceway Mall(5)		—			230,255		—		232,900		4.2	%	1,132		2018
	Fresno Fashion Fair		78,427			78,427		79,391		79,390		6.76	%	1,104		2015
	Great Northern Mall(7)		—			34,747		—		35,484		6.54	%	234		2015
	Green Acres Mall		—			315,126		—		319,850		3.61	%	1,447		2021
	Kings Plaza Shopping Center		—			483,251		—		490,548		3.67	%	2,229		2019
	Northgate Mall(8)		—			64,000		—		64,000		3.03	%	128		2017
	Oaks, The		—			211,224		—		214,239		4.14	%	1,064		2022
	Pacific View		—			133,869		—		135,835		4.08	%	668		2022
	Santa Monica Place		—			231,638		—		235,445		2.99	%	1,004		2018
	SanTan Village Regional Center		—			134,523		—		136,629		3.14	%	589		2019
	South Plains Mall(9)		—			71,725		—		99,833		4.78	%	383		2015
	Superstition Springs Center		—			68,158		—		68,395		1.98	%	138		2016
	Towne Mall		—			22,707		—		22,996		4.48	%	117		2022
	Tucson La Encantada		71,848			—		72,870		—		4.23	%	368		2022
	Valley Mall		—			41,571		—		42,155		5.85	%	280		2016
	Valley River Center		—			120,000		—		120,000		5.59	%	558		2016
	Victor Valley, Mall of(10)		—			115,000		—		90,000		4	%	380		2024
	Vintage Faire Mall		—			98,006		—		99,083		5.81	%	586		2015
	Westside Pavilion		—			150,278		—		152,173		4.49	%	783		2022
			$	265,269		$	4,118,969	$	269,381	$	4,145,809
	-1	The mortgage notes payable balances include the unamortized debt premiums (discounts). Debt premiums (discounts) represent the excess (deficiency) of the fair value of debt over (under) the principal value of debt assumed in various acquisitions and are amortized into interest expense over the remaining term of the related debt in a manner that approximates the effective interest method.
	Debt premiums (discounts) consist of the following:
	Property Pledged as Collateral	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Arrowhead Towne Center	$	12,337		$	14,642
	Camelback Colonnade	1,233			2,120
	Deptford Mall	(10		)	(14		)
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	5,646			6,342
	Superstition Springs Center	658			895
	Valley Mall	(154		)	(219		)
		$	19,710		$	23,766
	-2	The interest rate disclosed represents the effective interest rate, including the debt premiums (discounts) and deferred finance costs.
	-3	The monthly debt service represents the payment of principal and interest.
	-4	The maturity date assumes that all extension options are fully exercised and that the Company does not opt to refinance the debt prior to these dates. These extension options are at the Company's discretion, subject to certain conditions, which the Company believes will be met.
	-5	A 49.9% interest in the loan has been assumed by a third party in connection with a co-venture arrangement (See Note 10—Co-Venture Arrangement).
	-6	The construction loan on the property allows for borrowings of up to $140,000, bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% and matures on March 5, 2017, including extension options. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 2.95% and 2.96%, respectively.
	-7	On March 24, 2014, the loan was extended to January 1, 2015.
	-8	The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 3.03% and 3.04%, respectively.
	-9	On February 7, 2014, the Company paid off in full one of the two loans on the property, which resulted in a loss of $359 on the early extinguishment of debt.
	-10	On August 28, 2014, the Company replaced the existing loan on the property with a new loan that bears interest at an effective interest rate of 4.00% and matures on September 1, 2024. The replacement of the existing loan resulted in a loss of $46 on the early extinguishment of debt.
	Most of the mortgage loan agreements contain a prepayment penalty provision for the early extinguishment of the debt.
	Most of the Company's mortgage notes payable are secured by the properties on which they are placed and are non-recourse to the Company. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a total of $72,175 and $77,192, respectively, of the mortgage notes payable could become recourse to the Company.
	The Company expects that all loan maturities, except Great Northern Mall, will be refinanced, restructured, extended and/or paid-off during the next twelve months from the Company's line of credit or with cash on hand.
	Total interest expense capitalized was $3,930 and $2,887 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $9,513 and $8,227 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Related party mortgage notes payable are amounts due to affiliates of NML. See Note 16—Related Party Transactions for interest expense associated with loans from NML.
The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of mortgage notes payable at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $4,452,658 and $4,500,177, respectively, based on current interest rates for comparable loans. The method for computing fair value was determined using a present value model and an interest rate that included a credit value adjustment based on the estimated value of the property that serves as collateral for the underlying debt.

Bank_and_Other_Notes_Payable

Bank and Other Notes Payable:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Bank and Other Notes Payable:	'
	Bank and Other Notes Payable:
	Bank and other notes payable consist of the following:
	Line of Credit:
	The Company has a $1,500,000 revolving line of credit that initially bore interest at LIBOR plus a spread of 1.75% to 3.0%, depending on the Company's overall leverage levels, and was to mature on May 2, 2015 with a one-year extension option. The line of credit had the ability to be expanded, depending on certain conditions, up to a total facility of $2,000,000 less the outstanding balance of the $125,000 unsecured term loan as described below.
	On August 6, 2013, the Company's line of credit was amended and extended. The amended facility provides for an interest rate of LIBOR plus a spread of 1.38% to 2.0%, depending on the Company's overall leverage level, and matures on August 6, 2018. Based on the Company's leverage level as of September 30, 2014, the borrowing rate on the facility was LIBOR plus 1.38%. In addition, the line of credit can be expanded, depending on certain conditions, up to a total facility of $2,000,000 (without giving effect to the $125,000 unsecured term loan described below).
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, borrowings under the line of credit were $410,000 and $30,000, respectively, at an average interest rate of 1.81% and 1.85%, respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the line of credit at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $387,244 and $28,214, respectively, based on a present value model using a credit interest rate spread offered to the Company for comparable debt.
	Term Loan:
	On December 8, 2011, the Company obtained a $125,000 unsecured term loan under the line of credit that bears interest at LIBOR plus a spread of 1.95% to 3.20%, depending on the Company's overall leverage level, and matures on December 8, 2018. Based on the Company's current leverage level as of September 30, 2014, the borrowing rate was LIBOR plus 1.95%. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 2.25% and 2.51%, respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the term loan at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $119,636 and $120,802, respectively, based on a present value model using a credit interest rate spread offered to the Company for comparable debt.
	Prasada Note:
	On March 29, 2013, the Company issued a $13,330 note payable that bears interest at 5.25% and matures on March 29, 2016. The note payable is collateralized by a portion of a development reimbursement agreement with the City of Surprise, Arizona. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the note had a balance of $11,301 and $12,537, respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the note at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $11,699 and $13,114, respectively, based on current interest rates for comparable notes. The method for computing fair value was determined using a present value model and an interest rate that included a credit value adjustment based on the estimated value of the collateral for the underlying debt.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all applicable financial loan covenants.

CoVenture_Arrangement

Co-Venture Arrangement:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Co-Venture Arrangement:	'
Co-Venture Arrangement:	'
	Co-Venture Arrangement:
	On September 30, 2009, the Company formed a joint venture, whereby a third party acquired a 49.9% interest in Freehold Raceway Mall and Chandler Fashion Center.
	As a result of the Company having certain rights under the agreement to repurchase the assets after the seventh year of the venture formation, the transaction did not qualify for sale treatment. The Company, however, is not obligated to repurchase the assets. The transaction has been accounted for as a profit-sharing arrangement, and accordingly the assets, liabilities and operations of the properties remain on the books of the Company and a co-venture obligation was established for the amount of $168,154, representing the net cash proceeds received from the third party. The co-venture obligation is increased for the allocation of income to the co-venture partner and decreased for distributions to the co-venture partner. The co-venture obligation was $75,669 and $81,515 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests:	'
	Noncontrolling Interests:
	The Company allocates net income of the Operating Partnership based on the weighted average ownership interest during the period. The net income of the Operating Partnership that is not attributable to the Company is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as noncontrolling interests. The Company adjusts the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership at the end of each period to reflect its ownership interest in the Company. The Company had a 93% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The remaining 7% limited partnership interest as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was owned by certain of the Company's executive officers and directors, certain of their affiliates, and other third party investors in the form of OP Units. The OP Units may be redeemed for shares of stock or cash, at the Company's option. The redemption value for each OP Unit as of any balance sheet date is the amount equal to the average of the closing price per share of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the 10 trading days ending on the respective balance sheet date. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the aggregate redemption value of the then-outstanding OP Units not owned by the Company was $647,988 and $587,917, respectively.
	The Company issued common and preferred units of MACWH, LP in April 2005 in connection with the acquisition of the Wilmorite portfolio. The common and preferred units of MACWH, LP are redeemable at the election of the holder, the Company may redeem them for cash or shares of the Company's stock at the Company's option and they are classified as permanent equity.
	Included in permanent equity are outside ownership interests in various consolidated joint ventures. The joint ventures do not have rights that require the Company to redeem the ownership interests in either cash or stock.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'
	Stockholders' Equity:
	On August 17, 2012, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement ("2012 Distribution Agreement") with a number of sales agents (the "2012 ATM Program") to issue and sell, from time to time, shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $500,000 (the “2012 ATM Shares”). Sales of the 2012 ATM Shares, could have been made in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an “at the market” offering, which includes sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. The Company agreed to pay each sales agent a commission that was not to exceed, but could have been lower than, 2% of the gross proceeds of the 2012 ATM Shares sold through such sales agent under the 2012 Distribution Agreement.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold 2,961,903 shares of common stock under the 2012 ATM Program in exchange for aggregate gross proceeds of $177,896 and net proceeds of $175,649 after commissions and other transaction costs. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold 2,456,956 shares of common stock under the 2012 ATM Program in exchange for aggregate gross proceeds of $173,011 and net proceeds of $171,102 after commissions and other transaction costs. The proceeds from the sales were used to pay down the Company's line of credit.
	On August 20, 2014, the Company terminated and replaced the 2012 ATM Program with a new ATM Program (the "2014 ATM Program") to sell, from time to time, shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $500,000 (the "Shares"). The terms of the 2014 ATM Program are substantially the same as the 2012 ATM Program.
	The Company did not sell any shares under the ATM Programs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	As of September 30, 2014, $500,000 of the Shares were available to be sold under the 2014 ATM Program. The unsold 2012 ATM Shares are no longer available for issuance. Actual future sales of the Shares under the 2014 ATM Program will depend upon a variety of factors including but not limited to market conditions, the trading price of the Company's common stock and the Company's capital needs. The Company has no obligation to sell the Shares under the 2014 ATM Program.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions:	'
		Acquisitions:
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA:
	On July 22, 2011, the Company acquired the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA, a 517,000 square foot outlet center in Niagara Falls, New York. The purchase and sale agreement included contingent consideration payable to AWE/Talisman, the former owner of the property and a related party (See Note 16—Related Party Transactions), based on the performance of the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA from the acquisition date through July 21, 2014 that increased the purchase price above the initial $200,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company paid $18,667 in full settlement of the contingent consideration liability.
	Green Acres Mall:
	On January 24, 2013, the Company acquired Green Acres Mall, a 1,791,000 square foot regional shopping center in Valley Stream, New York, for a purchase price of $500,000. A purchase deposit of $30,000 was funded during the year ended December 31, 2012, and the remaining $470,000 was funded upon closing of the acquisition. The cash payment made at the time of closing was provided by the placement of a mortgage note payable on the property that allowed for borrowings of up to $325,000 and from borrowings under the Company's line of credit. Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company borrowed $100,000 on the loan. On January 31, 2013, the Company exercised its option to borrow the remaining $225,000 on the loan. The acquisition was completed to acquire another prominent shopping center in the New York metropolitan area.
	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Green Acres Mall:
	Property	$	477,673
	Deferred charges	45,130
	Other assets	19,125
	Total assets acquired	541,928
	Other accrued liabilities	41,928
	Total liabilities assumed	41,928
	Fair value of acquired net assets	$	500,000
	The Company determined that the purchase price represented the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
	Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included Green Acres Mall in its consolidated financial statements.
	Green Acres Adjacent:
	On April 25, 2013, the Company acquired a 19 acre parcel of land adjacent to Green Acres Mall for $22,577. The payment was provided by borrowings from the Company's line of credit. The acquisition was completed to allow for future expansion of Green Acres Mall.
	Camelback Colonnade Restructuring:
	On September 17, 2013, the Company’s joint venture in Camelback Colonnade was restructured. As a result of the restructuring, the Company’s ownership interest in Camelback Colonnade decreased from 73.2% to 67.5%. Prior to the restructuring, the Company had accounted for its investment in Camelback Colonnade under the equity method of accounting due to substantive participation rights held by the outside partners. Upon completion of the restructuring, these substantive participation rights were terminated and the Company obtained voting control of the joint venture (See Note 4—Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures).
	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Camelback Colonnade:
	Property	$	98,160
	Deferred charges	8,284
	Cash and cash equivalents	1,280
	Restricted cash	1,139
	Tenant receivables	615
	Other assets	380
	Total assets acquired	109,858
	Mortgage note payable	49,465
	Accounts payable	54
	Other accrued liabilities	4,752
	Total liabilities assumed	54,271
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	55,587
	The Company recognized the following remeasurement gain on the Camelback Colonnade Restructuring:
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 73.2% ownership)	$	41,690
	Carrying value of investment	(5,349		)
	Gain on remeasurement	$	36,341
	Since the date of the restructuring, the Company has included Camelback Colonnade in its consolidated financial statements.
	Superstition Springs Center:
	On October 24, 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 33.3% ownership interest in Superstition Springs Center that it did not own for $46,162. The purchase price was funded by a cash payment of $23,662 and the assumption of the third party's pro rata share of the mortgage note payable on the property of $22,500. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had accounted for its investment under the equity method of accounting (See Note 4—Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures). As a result of this transaction, the Company obtained 100% ownership of Superstition Springs Center. The acquisition was completed in order to gain 100% ownership and control over this asset.
	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Superstition Springs Center:
	Property	$	114,373
	Deferred charges	12,353
	Cash and cash equivalents	8,894
	Tenant receivables	51
	Other assets	11,535
	Total assets acquired	147,206
	Mortgage note payable	68,448
	Accounts payable	119
	Other accrued liabilities	7,637
	Total liabilities assumed	76,204
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	71,002
	The Company determined that the purchase price represented the fair value of the additional ownership interest in Superstition Springs Center that was acquired.
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 66.7% ownership)	$	47,340
	Carrying value of investment	(32,476		)
	Gain on remeasurement	$	14,864
	The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	46,162
	Less debt assumed	(22,500		)
	Carrying value of investment	32,476
	Remeasurement gain	14,864
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	71,002
	Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included Superstition Springs Center in its consolidated financial statements.
	Cascade Mall:
On June 4, 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 49.0% ownership interest in Cascade Mall that it did not own for $15,233. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had accounted for its investment under the equity method of accounting (See Note 4—Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures). As a result of this transaction, the Company obtained 100% ownership of Cascade Mall. The acquisition was completed in order to obtain 100% ownership and control over this asset.
The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Cascade Mall:
Property	$	28,924
Deferred charges	6,660
Other assets	202
Total assets acquired	35,786
Other accrued liabilities	4,786
Total liabilities assumed	4,786
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	31,000
The Company determined that the purchase price represented the fair value of the additional ownership interest in Cascade Mall that was acquired.
The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets:
Purchase price	$	15,233
Carrying value of investment	15,767
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	31,000
Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included Cascade Mall in its consolidated financial statements. The property has generated incremental revenue of $2,337 and incremental earnings of $667 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Pro Forma Results of Operations:
The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 assumes all of the above transactions took place on January 1, 2013:
	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
Pro forma revenue (1)	$	263,492		$	267,091	$	785,038	$	773,343
Pro forma income from continuing operations (1)	$	38,744		$	13,492	$	73,847	$	122,976
-1	This unaudited pro forma supplemental information does not purport to be indicative of what the Company's operating results would have been had these transactions occurred on January 1, 2013, and may not be indicative of future operating results. The Company has excluded remeasurement gains and acquisition costs from these pro forma results as they are considered significant non-recurring adjustments directly attributable to these transactions.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations:	'
	Discontinued Operations:
	On May 31, 2013, the Company sold Green Tree Mall, a 793,000 square foot regional shopping center in Clarksville, Indiana, for $79,000, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $59,767. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On June 4, 2013, the Company sold Northridge Mall, an 890,000 square foot regional shopping center in Salinas, California, and Rimrock Mall, a 603,000 square foot regional shopping center in Billings, Montana. The properties were sold in a combined transaction for $230,000, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $82,151. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On September 11, 2013, the Company sold a former Mervyn's store in Milpitas, California for $12,000, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $2,633. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On September 30, 2013, the Company conveyed Fiesta Mall, a 933,000 square foot regional shopping center in Mesa, Arizona, to the mortgage note lender by a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. As a result of the conveyance, the Company recognized a gain on the extinguishment of debt of $1,401, which is included in (loss) gain on the disposition of assets, net.
	On October 15, 2013, the Company sold a former Mervyn's store in Midland, Texas for $5,700, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $2,031. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On October 23, 2013, the Company sold a former Mervyn's store in Grand Junction, Colorado for $5,430, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $1,695. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On December 4, 2013, the Company sold a former Mervyn's store in Livermore, California for $10,475, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $5,257. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On December 11, 2013, the Company sold Chesterfield Towne Center, a 1,016,000 square foot regional shopping center in Richmond, Virginia, and Centre at Salisbury, an 862,000 square foot regional shopping center in Salisbury, Maryland, in a combined transaction for $292,500, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $151,467. The sales price was funded by a cash payment of $67,763, the assumption of the $109,737 mortgage note payable on Chesterfield Towne Center and the assumption of the $115,000 mortgage note payable on Centre at Salisbury. The Company used the cash proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	The Company has classified the results of operations and the gain or loss on all of the above dispositions as discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Revenues from discontinued operations were $10,926 and $47,427 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. Total (loss) income from discontinued operations was $(8,844) and $137,112 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies:	'
	Commitments and Contingencies:
	The Company has certain properties that are subject to non-cancelable operating ground leases. The leases expire at various times through 2098, subject in some cases to options to extend the terms of the leases. Certain leases provide for contingent rent payments based on a percentage of base rental income, as defined in the lease. Ground rent expense was $2,667 and $2,580 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $8,044 and $7,881 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No contingent rent was incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company was contingently liable for $18,388 and $18,862, respectively, in letters of credit guaranteeing performance by the Company of certain obligations relating to the Centers. The Company does not believe that these letters of credit will result in a liability to the Company.
	The Company has entered into a number of construction agreements related to its redevelopment and development activities. Obligations under these agreements are contingent upon the completion of the services within the guidelines specified in the agreements. At September 30, 2014, the Company had $39,522 in outstanding obligations which it believes will be settled in the next twelve months.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related-Party Transactions:	'
	Related Party Transactions:
	Certain unconsolidated joint ventures and third-parties have engaged the Management Companies to manage the operations of the Centers. Under these arrangements, the Management Companies are reimbursed for compensation paid to on-site employees, leasing agents and project managers at the Centers, as well as insurance costs and other administrative expenses.
	The following are fees charged to unconsolidated joint ventures:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Management Fees	$	4,613	$	5,286	$	14,328	$	16,286
	Development and Leasing Fees	3,046		3,810		8,424		8,284
		$	7,659	$	9,096	$	22,752	$	24,570
	Certain mortgage notes on the properties are held by NML (See Note 8—Mortgage Notes Payable). Interest expense in connection with these notes was $3,671 and $3,745 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $11,069 and $11,289 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses is interest payable on these notes of $1,322 and $1,240 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had loans to unconsolidated joint ventures of $3,361 and $2,756, respectively. Interest income associated with these notes was $53 and $58 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $162 and $178 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These loans represent initial funds advanced to development stage projects prior to construction loan funding. Accordingly, loan payables in the same amount have been accrued as an obligation by the various joint ventures.
	Due from affiliates includes $5,897 and $3,822 of unreimbursed costs and fees due from unconsolidated joint ventures under management agreements at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Due from affiliates at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 also includes two notes receivable from principals of AWE/Talisman that bear interest at 5.0% and mature based on the refinancing or sale of Fashion Outlets of Chicago, or certain other specified events. The notes are collateralized by the principals' interests in Fashion Outlets of Chicago. AWE/Talisman is considered a related party because it has an ownership interest in Fashion Outlets of Chicago. The combined balance on these notes was $14,071 and $13,603 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The combined interest income earned on these notes was $156 and $157 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $467 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	In addition, due from affiliates at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 includes a note receivable of $11,454 and $12,707, respectively, from RED/303 LLC ("RED") that bears interest at 5.25% and matures on March 29, 2016. Interest income earned on this note was $154 and $176 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $468 and $356 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. RED is considered a related party because it is a partner in a joint venture development project. The note is collateralized by RED's membership interest in a development agreement.

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans

Share and Unit-Based Plans:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share and Unit-Based Plans:	'
	Share and Unit-Based Plans:
	Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"), each award recipient is issued a form of operating partnership units ("LTIP Units") in the Operating Partnership. Upon the occurrence of specified events and subject to the satisfaction of applicable vesting conditions, LTIP Units (after conversion into OP Units) are ultimately redeemable for common stock of the Company, or cash at the Company's option, on a one-unit for one-share basis. LTIP Units receive cash distributions based on the dividend amount paid on the common stock of the Company to the extent distributions are required. The LTIP may include market-indexed awards, service-based awards and fully-vested awards.
	On January 1, 2014, the Company granted 272,930 market-indexed LTIP Units to seven executive officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $45.34 per LTIP Unit. The new grants vest over a service period ending December 31, 2014. The market-indexed LTIP Units vest over the service period of the award based on the percentile ranking of the Company in terms of total return to stockholders (the "Total Return") per common stock share relative to the Total Return of a group of peer REITs, as measured at the end of the measurement period. The market-indexed LTIP Units are equally divided between two types of awards. The terms of both types of awards are the same, except one award has an additional 3% absolute Total Return requirement, which if it is not met, then the LTIP Units will not vest.
	The fair value of the market-indexed LTIP Units was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. The stock price of the Company, along with the stock prices of the group of peer REITs, was assumed to follow the Multivariate Geometric Brownian Motion Process. Multivariate Geometric Brownian Motion Process modeling is commonly used in financial markets, as it allows the modeled quantity (in this case, the stock price) to vary randomly from its current value based on the stock price's expected volatility and current market interest rates. The volatilities of the returns on the stock price of the Company and the peer group REITs were estimated based on a one-year look-back period. The expected growth rate of the stock prices over the derived service period was determined with consideration of the risk free rate as of the grant date.
	On January 1, 2014, the Company also granted 70,042 service-based LTIP Units to the seven executive officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $58.89 per LTIP Unit. The service-based LTIP Units will vest in equal annual installments over a service period ending December 31, 2016.
	On March 7, 2014, the Company granted 246,471 fully-vested LTIP Units to the seven executive officers at a weighted average grant date price of $60.25 as their 2013 performance bonus.
	The following summarizes the compensation cost under the share and unit-based plans:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	LTIP Units	$	3,465		$	4,743		$	25,133			$	12,393
	Stock awards	84			121			281				353
	Stock units	1,134			674			3,775				3,165
	Stock options	4			4			12				12
	Phantom stock units	296			248			902				735
		$	4,983		$	5,790		$	30,103			$	16,658
	The Company capitalized share and unit-based compensation costs of $525 and $657 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $4,886 and $2,745 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Unrecognized compensation costs of share and unit-based plans at September 30, 2014 consisted of $6,216 from LTIP Units, $332 from stock awards, $2,870 from stock units, $47 from stock options and $697 from phantom stock units.
	The following table summarizes the activity of the non-vested LTIP Units, stock awards, phantom stock units and stock units:
		LTIP Units					Stock Awards							Phantom Stock Units				Stock Units
		Units		Value(1)			Shares			Value(1)				Units		Value(1)		Units		Value(1)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	—		$	—		19,001			$	56.77			17,575		$	58.66	137,318		$	57.24
	Granted	589,443		53.18			—			—				8,916		62.53		70,505		60.24
	Vested	(246,471	)	60.25			(9,812	)		54.45				(14,548	)	61.27		(68,151	)	55.1
	Forfeited	—		—			—			—				—		—		—		—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	342,972		$	48.11		9,189			$	59.25			11,943		$	58.36	139,672		$	59.8
	-1	Value represents the weighted average grant date fair value.
	The following table summarizes the activity of the stock appreciations rights ("SARs") and stock options outstanding:
		SARs					Stock Options
		Shares		Value(1)			Shares			Value(1)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	1,070,991		$	56.66		10,068			$	59.57
	Granted	—		—			—			—
	Exercised	(54,082	)	56.63			—			—
	Forfeited	—		—			—			—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	1,016,909		$	56.66		10,068			$	59.57
	-1	Value represents the weighted average exercise price.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes:	'
	Income Taxes:
	The Company has made Taxable REIT Subsidiary elections for all of its corporate subsidiaries other than its Qualified REIT Subsidiaries. The elections, effective for the year beginning January 1, 2001 and future years, were made pursuant to Section 856(l) of the Code. The Company's Taxable REIT Subsidiaries ("TRSs") are subject to corporate level income taxes which are provided for in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company's primary TRSs include Macerich Management Company and Macerich Arizona Partners LLC.
	The income tax benefit (provision) of the TRSs are as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Current	$	—	$	(79	)	$	—	$	(235	)
	Deferred	689		622			3,759		2,498
	Income tax benefit	$	689	$	543		$	3,759	$	2,263
	The net operating loss carryforwards are currently scheduled to expire through 2033, beginning in 2024. Net deferred tax assets of $35,115 and $31,356 were included in deferred charges and other assets, net, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The tax years 2010 through 2014 remain open to examination by the taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. The Company does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will materially change within the next twelve months.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events:	'
	Subsequent Events:
	On October 23, 2014, the Company announced a dividend/distribution of $0.65 per share for common stockholders and OP Unit holders of record on November 12, 2014. All dividends/distributions will be paid 100% in cash on December 5, 2014.
	On October 31, 2014, the Company sold South Towne Center, a 1,278,000 square foot regional shopping center in Sandy, Utah, for $205,000. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation:
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and have not been audited by independent public accountants.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Operating Partnership. Investments in entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or entities that meet the definition of a variable interest entity in which the Company has, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests, both the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity are consolidated; otherwise they are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are reflected as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures.
	All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements for the interim periods have been made. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
	On April 10, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, which amends the definition of discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures for disposal transactions that do not meet the revised discontinued operations criteria. ASU 2014-08 is required to be adopted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company's early adoption of this pronouncement on January 1, 2014 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings per Share ("EPS"): (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of numerator and denominator used in computation of earnings per share	'
	The following table reconciles the numerator and denominator used in the computation of earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (shares in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator
	Income from continuing operations	$	38,744		$	49,669		$	76,373		$	161,058
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations	—			(8,844		)	—			137,112
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,830		)	(2,702		)	(6,552		)	(22,958		)
	Net income attributable to the Company	35,914			38,123			69,821			275,212
	Allocation of earnings to participating securities	(122		)	(80		)	(373		)	(257		)
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders	$	35,792		$	38,043		$	69,448		$	274,955
	Denominator
	Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding	140,916			140,712			140,859			139,219
	Effect of dilutive securities:(1)
	Share and unit-based compensation plans	144			61			116			101
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding	141,060			140,773			140,975			139,320
	Earnings per common share—basic:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.49		$	1.05
	Discontinued operations	—			(0.06		)	—			0.92
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.27		$	0.49		$	1.97
	Earnings per common share—diluted:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.49		$	1.05
	Discontinued operations	—			(0.06		)	—			0.92
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.27		$	0.49		$	1.97
	-1	Diluted EPS excludes 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as their impact was antidilutive.
	Diluted EPS excludes 10,110,716 and 9,621,313 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 10,072,321 and 9,920,197 OP Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Combined and Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Other Related Information	'
	Combined and Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets(1):
	Properties, net	$	3,798,082		$	3,435,737
	Other assets	305,649			295,719
	Total assets	$	4,103,731		$	3,731,456
	Liabilities and partners' capital(1):
	Mortgage notes payable(2)	$	3,420,951		$	3,518,215
	Other liabilities	242,861			202,444
	Company's capital (deficit)	200,943			(25,367		)
	Outside partners' capital	238,976			36,164
	Total liabilities and partners' capital	$	4,103,731		$	3,731,456
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Company's capital (deficit)	$	200,943		$	(25,367	)
	Basis adjustment(3)	472,808			474,658
		$	673,751		$	449,291
	Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	927,424		$	701,483
	Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	(253,673		)	(252,192		)
		$	673,751		$	449,291
	-1	These amounts include the assets and liabilities of the following joint ventures as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Pacific			Tysons
		Premier			Corner LLC
		Retail LP
	As of September 30, 2014:
	Total Assets	$	736,872		$	340,973
	Total Liabilities	$	813,400		$	873,896
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Total Assets	$	775,012		$	356,871
	Total Liabilities	$	812,725		$	887,413
	-2	Certain mortgage notes payable could become recourse debt to the Company should the joint venture be unable to discharge the obligations of the related debt. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a total of $33,540 could become recourse debt to the Company. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had an indemnity agreement from a joint venture partner for $16,770 of the guaranteed amount.
	Included in mortgage notes payable are amounts due to affiliates of Northwestern Mutual Life ("NML") of $703,589 and $712,455 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. NML is considered a related party because it is a joint venture partner with the Company in Macerich Northwestern Associates—Broadway Plaza. Interest expense on these borrowings was $9,645 and $7,920 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $28,992 and $21,717 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	-3	The Company amortizes the difference between the cost of its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. The amortization of this difference was $948 and $3,860 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3,227 and $9,753 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Combined and Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'
	Combined and Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
		Pacific			Tysons			Other			Total
		Premier			Corner			Joint
		Retail LP			LLC			Ventures
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	25,095		$	15,542		$	61,522		$	102,159
	Percentage rents	653			115			3,683			4,451
	Tenant recoveries	11,495			11,757			26,235			49,487
	Other	962			678			9,523			11,163
	Total revenues	38,205			28,092			100,963			167,260
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	9,959			9,694			37,384			57,037
	Interest expense	9,643			8,107			17,651			35,401
	Depreciation and amortization	8,199			5,162			24,006			37,367
	Total operating expenses	27,801			22,963			79,041			129,805
	Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	(732		)	—			(6		)	(738		)
	Net income	$	9,672		$	5,129		$	21,916		$	36,717
	Company's equity in net income	$	4,379		$	988		$	11,568		$	16,935
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	27,426		$	15,344		$	59,940		$	102,710
	Percentage rents	572			(12		)	2,938			3,498
	Tenant recoveries	12,115			11,304			28,361			51,780
	Other	1,086			510			8,143			9,739
	Total revenues	41,199			27,146			99,382			167,727
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	12,231			9,818			35,926			57,975
	Interest expense	10,251			3,801			21,062			35,114
	Depreciation and amortization	9,067			4,568			22,688			36,323
	Total operating expenses	31,549			18,187			79,676			129,412
	Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	38,432			—			(328		)	38,104
	Gain on extinguishment of debt	—			14			—			14
	Net income	$	48,082		$	8,973		$	19,378		$	76,433
	Company's equity in net income	$	21,567		$	2,919		$	10,675		$	35,161
		Pacific			Tysons			Other			Total
		Premier			Corner			Joint
		Retail LP			LLC			Ventures
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	76,829		$	47,516		$	173,710		$	298,055
	Percentage rents	1,862			719			7,915			10,496
	Tenant recoveries	34,614			35,140			75,606			145,360
	Other	3,652			2,294			25,821			31,767
	Total revenues	116,957			85,669			283,052			485,678
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	31,772			29,374			101,522			162,668
	Interest expense	29,572			23,590			56,717			109,879
	Depreciation and amortization	25,747			14,520			66,768			107,035
	Total operating expenses	87,091			67,484			225,007			379,582
	Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	(7,044		)	—			(66		)	(7,110		)
	Net income	$	22,822		$	18,185		$	57,979		$	98,986
	Company's equity in net income	$	9,865		$	4,357		$	30,385		$	44,607
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	91,779		$	46,526		$	180,870		$	319,175
	Percentage rents	2,155			734			7,176			10,065
	Tenant recoveries	40,555			34,025			82,261			156,841
	Other	3,980			2,080			26,923			32,983
	Total revenues	138,469			83,365			297,230			519,064
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	40,948			26,819			106,887			174,654
	Interest expense	33,118			7,825			66,108			107,051
Depreciation and amortization	30,697			13,499			67,808			112,004
Total operating expenses	104,763			48,143			240,803			393,709
Gain on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	182,781			—			373			183,154
Gain on extinguishment of debt	—			14			—			14
Net income	$	216,487		$	35,236		$	56,800		$	308,523
Company's equity in net income	$	105,684		$	12,957		$	26,836		$	145,477

Property_Tables

Property: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Components of property	'
	Property consists of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	1,713,298		$	1,707,005
	Buildings and improvements	6,508,764			6,555,212
	Tenant improvements	545,336			537,754
	Equipment and furnishings	144,950			152,198
	Construction in progress	346,914			229,169
		9,259,262			9,181,338
	Less accumulated depreciation	(1,688,626		)	(1,559,572		)
		$	7,570,636		$	7,621,766

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass1

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of deferred charges and other assets, net	'
	Deferred charges and other assets, net, consist of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Leasing	$	227,151		$	223,038
	Financing	50,896			51,695
	Intangible assets:
	In-place lease values	185,832			205,651
	Leasing commissions and legal costs	46,982			50,594
	Above-market leases	111,941			118,770
	Deferred tax assets	35,115			31,356
	Deferred compensation plan assets	33,784			30,932
	Other assets	69,598			65,793
		761,299			777,829
	Less accumulated amortization(1)	(268,602		)	(244,771		)
		$	492,697		$	533,058
	-1	Accumulated amortization includes $95,529 and $89,141 relating to in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Amortization expense of in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs was $11,850 and $12,173 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $35,948 and $40,263 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Allocated values of above-market leases and below-market leases	'
	The allocated values of above-market leases and below-market leases consist of the following:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Above-Market Leases
	Original allocated value	$	111,941		$	118,770
	Less accumulated amortization	(53,781		)	(46,912		)
		$	58,160		$	71,858
	Below-Market Leases(1)
	Original allocated value	$	182,593		$	187,537
	Less accumulated amortization	(88,838		)	(79,271		)
		$	93,755		$	108,266
	-1	Below-market leases are included in other accrued liabilities.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Tables

Mortgage Notes Payable: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Mortgage notes payable	'
	Mortgage notes payable at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consist of the following:
			Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes(1)
			September 30, 2014					December 31, 2013
	Property Pledged as Collateral		Related Party			Other		Related Party		Other		Effective Interest		Monthly		Maturity
												Rate(2)		Debt		Date(4)
														Service(3)
	Arrowhead Towne Center		$	—		$	230,552	$	—	$	236,028	2.76	%	$	1,131	2018
	Camelback Colonnade		—			48,233		—		49,120		2.16	%	178		2015
	Chandler Fashion Center(5)		—			200,000		—		200,000		3.77	%	625		2019
	Danbury Fair Mall		114,994			114,993		117,120		117,120		5.53	%	1,538		2020
	Deptford Mall		—			198,785		—		201,622		3.76	%	947		2023
	Deptford Mall		—			14,354		—		14,551		6.46	%	101		2016
	Eastland Mall		—			168,000		—		168,000		5.79	%	811		2016
	Fashion Outlets of Chicago(6)		—			117,350		—		91,383		2.95	%	259		2017
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA		—			122,053		—		124,030		4.89	%	727		2020
	Flagstaff Mall		—			37,000		—		37,000		5.03	%	151		2015
	FlatIron Crossing		—			263,144		—		268,000		3.9	%	1,393		2021
	Freehold Raceway Mall(5)		—			230,255		—		232,900		4.2	%	1,132		2018
	Fresno Fashion Fair		78,427			78,427		79,391		79,390		6.76	%	1,104		2015
	Great Northern Mall(7)		—			34,747		—		35,484		6.54	%	234		2015
	Green Acres Mall		—			315,126		—		319,850		3.61	%	1,447		2021
	Kings Plaza Shopping Center		—			483,251		—		490,548		3.67	%	2,229		2019
	Northgate Mall(8)		—			64,000		—		64,000		3.03	%	128		2017
	Oaks, The		—			211,224		—		214,239		4.14	%	1,064		2022
	Pacific View		—			133,869		—		135,835		4.08	%	668		2022
	Santa Monica Place		—			231,638		—		235,445		2.99	%	1,004		2018
	SanTan Village Regional Center		—			134,523		—		136,629		3.14	%	589		2019
	South Plains Mall(9)		—			71,725		—		99,833		4.78	%	383		2015
	Superstition Springs Center		—			68,158		—		68,395		1.98	%	138		2016
	Towne Mall		—			22,707		—		22,996		4.48	%	117		2022
	Tucson La Encantada		71,848			—		72,870		—		4.23	%	368		2022
	Valley Mall		—			41,571		—		42,155		5.85	%	280		2016
	Valley River Center		—			120,000		—		120,000		5.59	%	558		2016
	Victor Valley, Mall of(10)		—			115,000		—		90,000		4	%	380		2024
	Vintage Faire Mall		—			98,006		—		99,083		5.81	%	586		2015
	Westside Pavilion		—			150,278		—		152,173		4.49	%	783		2022
			$	265,269		$	4,118,969	$	269,381	$	4,145,809
	-1	The mortgage notes payable balances include the unamortized debt premiums (discounts). Debt premiums (discounts) represent the excess (deficiency) of the fair value of debt over (under) the principal value of debt assumed in various acquisitions and are amortized into interest expense over the remaining term of the related debt in a manner that approximates the effective interest method.
	Debt premiums (discounts) consist of the following:
	Property Pledged as Collateral	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Arrowhead Towne Center	$	12,337		$	14,642
	Camelback Colonnade	1,233			2,120
	Deptford Mall	(10		)	(14		)
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	5,646			6,342
	Superstition Springs Center	658			895
	Valley Mall	(154		)	(219		)
		$	19,710		$	23,766
	-2	The interest rate disclosed represents the effective interest rate, including the debt premiums (discounts) and deferred finance costs.
	-3	The monthly debt service represents the payment of principal and interest.
	-4	The maturity date assumes that all extension options are fully exercised and that the Company does not opt to refinance the debt prior to these dates. These extension options are at the Company's discretion, subject to certain conditions, which the Company believes will be met.
	-5	A 49.9% interest in the loan has been assumed by a third party in connection with a co-venture arrangement (See Note 10—Co-Venture Arrangement).
	-6	The construction loan on the property allows for borrowings of up to $140,000, bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% and matures on March 5, 2017, including extension options. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 2.95% and 2.96%, respectively.
	-7	On March 24, 2014, the loan was extended to January 1, 2015.
	-8	The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 3.03% and 3.04%, respectively.
	-9	On February 7, 2014, the Company paid off in full one of the two loans on the property, which resulted in a loss of $359 on the early extinguishment of debt.
	-10	On August 28, 2014, the Company replaced the existing loan on the property with a new loan that bears interest at an effective interest rate of 4.00% and matures on September 1, 2024. The replacement of the existing loan resulted in a loss of $46 on the early extinguishment of debt.
Debt premiums (discounts) on mortgage notes payable	'
	Debt premiums (discounts) consist of the following:
	Property Pledged as Collateral	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Arrowhead Towne Center	$	12,337		$	14,642
	Camelback Colonnade	1,233			2,120
	Deptford Mall	(10		)	(14		)
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	5,646			6,342
	Superstition Springs Center	658			895
	Valley Mall	(154		)	(219		)
		$	19,710		$	23,766

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed	'
	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Camelback Colonnade:
	Property	$	98,160
	Deferred charges	8,284
	Cash and cash equivalents	1,280
	Restricted cash	1,139
	Tenant receivables	615
	Other assets	380
	Total assets acquired	109,858
	Mortgage note payable	49,465
	Accounts payable	54
	Other accrued liabilities	4,752
	Total liabilities assumed	54,271
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	55,587
	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Superstition Springs Center:
	Property	$	114,373
	Deferred charges	12,353
	Cash and cash equivalents	8,894
	Tenant receivables	51
	Other assets	11,535
	Total assets acquired	147,206
	Mortgage note payable	68,448
	Accounts payable	119
	Other accrued liabilities	7,637
	Total liabilities assumed	76,204
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	71,002
	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Cascade Mall:
	Property	$	28,924
	Deferred charges	6,660
	Other assets	202
	Total assets acquired	35,786
	Other accrued liabilities	4,786
	Total liabilities assumed	4,786
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	31,000
	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Green Acres Mall:
	Property	$	477,673
	Deferred charges	45,130
	Other assets	19,125
	Total assets acquired	541,928
	Other accrued liabilities	41,928
	Total liabilities assumed	41,928
	Fair value of acquired net assets	$	500,000
Schedule of reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets	'
	The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	46,162
	Less debt assumed	(22,500		)
	Carrying value of investment	32,476
	Remeasurement gain	14,864
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	71,002
Summary of gain on remeasurement of existing investment	'
	The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	15,233
	Carrying value of investment	15,767
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	31,000
	The Company determined that the purchase price represented the fair value of the additional ownership interest in Superstition Springs Center that was acquired.
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 66.7% ownership)	$	47,340
	Carrying value of investment	(32,476		)
	Gain on remeasurement	$	14,864
	The Company recognized the following remeasurement gain on the Camelback Colonnade Restructuring:
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 73.2% ownership)	$	41,690
	Carrying value of investment	(5,349		)
	Gain on remeasurement	$	36,341
Schedule of pro forma total revenue and income from continuing operations	'
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 assumes all of the above transactions took place on January 1, 2013:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Pro forma revenue (1)	$	263,492		$	267,091	$	785,038	$	773,343
	Pro forma income from continuing operations (1)	$	38,744		$	13,492	$	73,847	$	122,976
	-1	This unaudited pro forma supplemental information does not purport to be indicative of what the Company's operating results would have been had these transactions occurred on January 1, 2013, and may not be indicative of future operating results. The Company has excluded remeasurement gains and acquisition costs from these pro forma results as they are considered significant non-recurring adjustments directly attributable to these transactions.

RelatedParty_Transactions_Tabl

Related-Party Transactions: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of fees charged to unconsolidated joint ventures	'
	The following are fees charged to unconsolidated joint ventures:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Management Fees	$	4,613	$	5,286	$	14,328	$	16,286
	Development and Leasing Fees	3,046		3,810		8,424		8,284
		$	7,659	$	9,096	$	22,752	$	24,570

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Tabl

Share and Unit-Based Plans: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Compensation cost under the share and unit-based plans	'
	The following summarizes the compensation cost under the share and unit-based plans:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,						For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	LTIP Units	$	3,465		$	4,743		$	25,133			$	12,393
	Stock awards	84			121			281				353
	Stock units	1,134			674			3,775				3,165
	Stock options	4			4			12				12
	Phantom stock units	296			248			902				735
		$	4,983		$	5,790		$	30,103			$	16,658
Summary of activity of non-vested LTIP Units, stock awards, phantom stock and stock units	'
	The following table summarizes the activity of the non-vested LTIP Units, stock awards, phantom stock units and stock units:
		LTIP Units					Stock Awards							Phantom Stock Units				Stock Units
		Units		Value(1)			Shares			Value(1)				Units		Value(1)		Units		Value(1)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	—		$	—		19,001			$	56.77			17,575		$	58.66	137,318		$	57.24
	Granted	589,443		53.18			—			—				8,916		62.53		70,505		60.24
	Vested	(246,471	)	60.25			(9,812	)		54.45				(14,548	)	61.27		(68,151	)	55.1
	Forfeited	—		—			—			—				—		—		—		—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	342,972		$	48.11		9,189			$	59.25			11,943		$	58.36	139,672		$	59.8
	-1	Value represents the weighted average grant date fair value.
Summary of activity of SARs and stock options outstanding	'
	The following table summarizes the activity of the stock appreciations rights ("SARs") and stock options outstanding:
		SARs					Stock Options
		Shares		Value(1)			Shares			Value(1)
	Balance at January 1, 2014	1,070,991		$	56.66		10,068			$	59.57
	Granted	—		—			—			—
	Exercised	(54,082	)	56.63			—			—
	Forfeited	—		—			—			—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	1,016,909		$	56.66		10,068			$	59.57
	-1	Value represents the weighted average exercise price.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of income tax benefit of TRSs	'
	The income tax benefit (provision) of the TRSs are as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Current	$	—	$	(79	)	$	—	$	(235	)
	Deferred	689		622			3,759		2,498
	Income tax benefit	$	689	$	543		$	3,759	$	2,263

Organization_Details

Organization: (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	entity	The Macerich Partnership, L.P.	The Macerich Partnership, L.P.
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ownership interest in operating partnership (as a percent)	'	93.00%	93.00%
Number of management companies (in entities)	7	'	'

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Details

Earnings per Share ("EPS"): (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	$38,744		$49,669		$76,373		$161,058
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	0		-8,844		0		137,112
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,830		-2,702		-6,552		-22,958
Net income attributable to the Company	35,914		38,123		69,821		275,212
Allocation of earnings to participating securities - basic	-122		-80		-373		-257
Allocation of earnings to participating securities - diluted	-122		-80		-373		-257
Numerator for basic earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders	35,792		38,043		69,448		274,955
Numerator for diluted earnings per share-net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$35,792		$38,043		$69,448		$274,955
Denominator (in shares)	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding	140,916		140,712		140,859		139,219
Effect of dilutive securities:	'		'		'		'
Share and unit-based compensation plans	144	[1]	61	[1]	116	[1]	101	[1]
Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding	141,060	[1]	140,773	[1]	140,975	[1]	139,320	[1]
Earnings per common share—basic: (in dollars per share)	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	$0.25		$0.33		$0.49		$1.05
Discontinued operations	$0		($0.06)		$0		$0.92
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$0.25		$0.27		$0.49		$1.97
Earnings per common share—diluted: (in dollars per share)	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	$0.25		$0.33		$0.49		$1.05
Discontinued operations	$0		($0.06)		$0		$0.92
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$0.25		$0.27		$0.49		$1.97
[1]	Diluted EPS excludes 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 as their impact was antidilutive.Diluted EPS excludes 10,110,716 and 9,621,313 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 10,072,321 and 9,920,197 OP Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Details1

Earnings per Share ("EPS"): (Details 2)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Convertible non-participating preferred units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities excluded from Diluted EPS (in shares)	184,304	184,304	184,304	197,183
Partnership unit	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities excluded from Diluted EPS (in shares)	10,110,716	9,621,313	10,072,321	9,920,197

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 11, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 17, 2013

Sep. 16, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

29-May-13

Jun. 12, 2013

Jul. 30, 2014

Jul. 30, 2014

Oct. 08, 2013

Aug. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 28, 2014

Oct. 24, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Jun. 04, 2014

Jun. 04, 2014

Pacific Premier Retail LP

Pacific Premier Retail LP

Pacific Premier Retail LP

Pacific Premier Retail LP

Camelback Colonnade

Camelback Colonnade

Redmond Town Center

Redmond Town Center

Kitsap Mall

The Gallery

The Gallery

Ridgmar Mall

Wilshire Boulevard

Wilshire Boulevard

Wilshire Boulevard

Wilshire Boulevard

Superstition Springs Land I

Superstition Springs Land I

Cascade Mall

Cascade Mall

sqft

Pacific Premier Retail LP

Pacific Premier Retail LP

Pacific Premier Retail LP

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property area (in square feet)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

619,000

'

695,000

582,000

846,000

'

1,405,000

1,273,000

'

'

'

40,000

'

1,082,000

'

593,000

Proceeds from sale

$292,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$60,900

$17,100

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

127,000

185,000

127,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net

'

-738

38,104

-7,110

183,154

-732

38,432

-7,044

182,781

'

'

38,447

89,157

55,150

'

'

6,243

'

9,033

9,033

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of property, pro rata share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,251

44,424

28,127

'

'

3,121

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

73.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

'

'

'

Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33.30%

'

49.00%

Repayments of long-term debt

'

'

'

229,099

2,694,945

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51,657

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distributions to Co-venture Partner

'

'

'

12,021

14,496

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,243

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106,800

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,162

'

'

'

Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,386

'

'

'

23,662

'

15,233

'

Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company

'

'

'

$0

$109,858

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,714

'

'

'

$22,500

'

'

'

Ownership percentage acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'
Properties, net	$3,798,082	[1]	$3,435,737	[1]
Other assets	305,649	[1]	295,719	[1]
Total assets	4,103,731	[1]	3,731,456	[1]
Liabilities and partners' capital:	'		'
Mortgage notes payable	3,420,951	[1],[2]	3,518,215	[1],[2]
Other liabilities	242,861	[1]	202,444	[1]
Company's capital (deficit)	200,943	[1]	-25,367	[1]
Outside partners' capital	238,976	[1]	36,164	[1]
Total liabilities and partners' capital	4,103,731	[1]	3,731,456	[1]
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:	'		'
Company's capital (deficit)	200,943	[1]	-25,367	[1]
Basis adjustment	472,808	[3]	474,658	[3]
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	673,751		449,291
Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	927,424		701,483
Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	($253,673)		($252,192)
[1]	These amounts include the assets and liabilities of the following joint ventures as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013: PacificPremierRetail LP TysonsCorner LLCAs of September 30, 2014: Total Assets$736,872 $340,973Total Liabilities$813,400 $873,896As of December 31, 2013: Total Assets$775,012 $356,871Total Liabilities$812,725 $887,413
[2]	Certain mortgage notes payable could become recourse debt to the Company should the joint venture be unable to discharge the obligations of the related debt. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, a total of $33,540 could become recourse debt to the Company. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had an indemnity agreement from a joint venture partner for $16,770 of the guaranteed amount.Included in mortgage notes payable are amounts due to affiliates of Northwestern Mutual Life ("NML") of $703,589 and $712,455 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. NML is considered a related party because it is a joint venture partner with the Company in Macerich Northwestern Associates—Broadway Plaza. Interest expense on these borrowings was $9,645 and $7,920 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $28,992 and $21,717 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[3]	The Company amortizes the difference between the cost of its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and the book value of the underlying equity into income on a straight-line basis consistent with the lives of the underlying assets. The amortization of this difference was $948 and $3,860 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3,227 and $9,753 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:	'		'
Total Assets	$4,103,731	[1]	$3,731,456	[1]
Pacific Premier Retail LP	'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:	'		'
Total Assets	736,872		775,012
Total Liabilities	813,400		812,725
Tysons Corner LLC	'		'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:	'		'
Total Assets	340,973		356,871
Total Liabilities	$873,896		$887,413
[1]	These amounts include the assets and liabilities of the following joint ventures as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013: PacificPremierRetail LP TysonsCorner LLCAs of September 30, 2014: Total Assets$736,872 $340,973Total Liabilities$813,400 $873,896As of December 31, 2013: Total Assets$775,012 $356,871Total Liabilities$812,725 $887,413

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_5

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Balance Sheet Footnotes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:	'	'	'	'	'
Mortgage notes payable that could become recourse debt to the Company	$33,540	'	$33,540	'	$33,540
Indemnity of guaranteed amount	16,770	'	16,770	'	16,770
Amortization of difference between cost of investments and book value of underlying equity	948	3,860	3,227	9,753	'
Northwestern Mutual Life (NML)	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:	'	'	'	'	'
Mortgage notes payable to affiliate	703,589	'	703,589	'	712,455
Interest expense on borrowings from related party	$9,645	$7,920	$28,992	$21,717	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_6

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Minimum rents	$102,159	$102,710	$298,055	$319,175
Percentage rents	4,451	3,498	10,496	10,065
Tenant recoveries	49,487	51,780	145,360	156,841
Other	11,163	9,739	31,767	32,983
Total revenues	167,260	167,727	485,678	519,064
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Shopping center and operating expenses	57,037	57,975	162,668	174,654
Interest expense	35,401	35,114	109,879	107,051
Depreciation and amortization	37,367	36,323	107,035	112,004
Total operating expenses	129,805	129,412	379,582	393,709
Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	-738	38,104	-7,110	183,154
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gain (Loss) on Early Extinguishment of Debt	'	14	'	14
Net income	36,717	76,433	98,986	308,523
Company's equity in net income	16,935	35,161	44,607	145,477
Pacific Premier Retail LP	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Minimum rents	25,095	27,426	76,829	91,779
Percentage rents	653	572	1,862	2,155
Tenant recoveries	11,495	12,115	34,614	40,555
Other	962	1,086	3,652	3,980
Total revenues	38,205	41,199	116,957	138,469
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Shopping center and operating expenses	9,959	12,231	31,772	40,948
Interest expense	9,643	10,251	29,572	33,118
Depreciation and amortization	8,199	9,067	25,747	30,697
Total operating expenses	27,801	31,549	87,091	104,763
Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	-732	38,432	-7,044	182,781
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gain (Loss) on Early Extinguishment of Debt	'	0	'	0
Net income	9,672	48,082	22,822	216,487
Company's equity in net income	4,379	21,567	9,865	105,684
Tysons Corner LLC	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Minimum rents	15,542	15,344	47,516	46,526
Percentage rents	115	-12	719	734
Tenant recoveries	11,757	11,304	35,140	34,025
Other	678	510	2,294	2,080
Total revenues	28,092	27,146	85,669	83,365
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Shopping center and operating expenses	9,694	9,818	29,374	26,819
Interest expense	8,107	3,801	23,590	7,825
Depreciation and amortization	5,162	4,568	14,520	13,499
Total operating expenses	22,963	18,187	67,484	48,143
Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	0	0	0	0
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gain (Loss) on Early Extinguishment of Debt	'	14	'	14
Net income	5,129	8,973	18,185	35,236
Company's equity in net income	988	2,919	4,357	12,957
Other Joint Ventures	'	'	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Minimum rents	61,522	59,940	173,710	180,870
Percentage rents	3,683	2,938	7,915	7,176
Tenant recoveries	26,235	28,361	75,606	82,261
Other	9,523	8,143	25,821	26,923
Total revenues	100,963	99,382	283,052	297,230
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Shopping center and operating expenses	37,384	35,926	101,522	106,887
Interest expense	17,651	21,062	56,717	66,108
Depreciation and amortization	24,006	22,688	66,768	67,808
Total operating expenses	79,041	79,676	225,007	240,803
Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	-6	-328	-66	373
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Gain (Loss) on Early Extinguishment of Debt	'	0	'	0
Net income	21,916	19,378	57,979	56,800
Company's equity in net income	$11,568	$10,675	$30,385	$26,836

Property_Details

Property: (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 17, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Wilshire Boulevard

Wilshire Boulevard

Wilshire Boulevard

Rotterdam Square

Somersville Town Center

Lake Square Mall

Camelback Colonnade

Camelback Colonnade

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Land

$1,713,298

'

$1,713,298

'

$1,707,005

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Buildings and improvements

6,508,764

'

6,508,764

'

6,555,212

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tenant improvements

545,336

'

545,336

'

537,754

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equipment and furnishings

144,950

'

144,950

'

152,198

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Construction in progress

346,914

'

346,914

'

229,169

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total

9,259,262

'

9,259,262

'

9,181,338

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less accumulated depreciation

-1,688,626

'

-1,688,626

'

-1,559,572

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, net

7,570,636

'

7,570,636

'

7,621,766

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation expenses

68,663

68,589

205,158

200,222

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment loss

-238

-27,972

-8,754

-27,972

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net

9,561

8,249

-1,504

12,279

'

'

'

'

-1,602

'

'

'

'

Property area (in square feet)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000

585,000

348,000

559,000

'

'

Gain on the sale of assets

766

-120

-181

3,910

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remeasurement gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,341

36,341

Gain (loss) on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net

($738)

$38,104

($7,110)

$183,154

'

$9,033

$9,033

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Tenant_and_Other_Receivables_n1

Tenant and Other Receivables, net: (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Accrued percentage rents	Accrued percentage rents	6.5% Note Receivable	6.5% Note Receivable	5.0% Note Receivable
Components of tenant and other receivables, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$4,224	$2,878	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	3,130	9,824	'	'	'
Deferred rent receivable due to straight-line rent adjustments	56,943	53,380	'	'	'	'	'
Notes receivable	'	'	'	'	$6,461	$6,500	$3,103
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	6.46%	5.00%

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass2

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Leasing	$227,151		'	$227,151		'	$223,038
Financing	50,896		'	50,896		'	51,695
Intangible assets:	'		'	'		'	'
In-place lease values	185,832		'	185,832		'	205,651
Leasing commissions and legal costs	46,982		'	46,982		'	50,594
Above-market leases	111,941		'	111,941		'	118,770
Deferred tax assets	35,115		'	35,115		'	31,356
Deferred compensation plan assets	33,784		'	33,784		'	30,932
Other assets	69,598		'	69,598		'	65,793
Deferred charges and other assets, gross	761,299		'	761,299		'	777,829
Less accumulated amortization	-268,602	[1]	'	-268,602	[1]	'	-244,771	[1]
Deferred charges and other assets, net	492,697		'	492,697		'	533,058
Accumulated amortization for intangible assets	95,529		'	95,529		'	89,141
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$11,850		$12,173	$35,948		$40,263	'
[1]	Accumulated amortization includes $95,529 and $89,141 relating to in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Amortization expense of in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs was $11,850 and $12,173 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $35,948 and $40,263 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass3

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net: (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Allocated values of leases	'		'
Less accumulated amortization	($95,529)		($89,141)
Above-Market Leases	'		'
Allocated values of leases	'		'
Original allocated value	111,941		118,770
Less accumulated amortization	-53,781		-46,912
Allocated value net	58,160		71,858
Below-Market Leases	'		'
Allocated values of leases	'		'
Original allocated value	182,593	[1]	187,537	[1]
Less accumulated amortization	-88,838	[1]	-79,271	[1]
Allocated value net	$93,755	[1]	$108,266	[1]
[1]	Below-market leases are included in other accrued liabilities.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Schedul

Mortgage Notes Payable - Schedule of Mortgage Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	$265,269	[1]	$269,381	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	4,118,969	[1]	4,145,809	[1]
Arrowhead Towne Center	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	230,552	[1]	236,028	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.76%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,131	[3]	'
Camelback Colonnade	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	48,233	[1]	49,120	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.16%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	178	[3]	'
Chandler Fashion Center	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	200,000	[1],[4]	200,000	[1],[4]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.77%	[2],[4]	'
Monthly Debt Service	625	[3],[4]	'
Danbury Fair Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	114,994	[1]	117,120	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	114,993	[1]	117,120	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.53%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,538	[3]	'
Deptford Mall One	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	198,785	[1]	201,622	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.76%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	947	[3]	'
Deptford Mall Two	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	14,354	[1]	14,551	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	6.46%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	101	[3]	'
Eastland Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	168,000	[1]	168,000	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.79%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	811	[3]	'
Fashion Outlets of Chicago	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1],[5]	0	[1],[5]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	117,350	[1],[5]	91,383	[1],[5]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.95%	[2],[5]	2.96%
Monthly Debt Service	259	[3],[5]	'
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	122,053	[1]	124,030	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.89%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	727	[3]	'
Flagstaff Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	37,000	[1]	37,000	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.03%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	151	[3]	'
FlatIron Crossing	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	263,144	[1]	268,000	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.90%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,393	[3]	'
Freehold Raceway Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1],[4]	0	[1],[4]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	230,255	[1],[4]	232,900	[1],[4]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.20%	[2],[4]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,132	[3],[4]	'
Fresno Fashion Fair	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	78,427	[1]	79,391	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	78,427	[1]	79,390	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	6.76%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,104	[3]	'
Great Northern Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1],[6]	0	[1],[6]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	34,747	[1],[6]	35,484	[1],[6]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	6.54%	[2],[6]	'
Monthly Debt Service	234	[3],[6]	'
Green Acres Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	315,126	[1]	319,850	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.61%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,447	[3]	'
Kings Plaza	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	483,251	[1]	490,548	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.67%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	2,229	[3]	'
The Mall at Northgate	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1],[7]	0	[1],[7]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	64,000	[1],[7]	64,000	[1],[7]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.03%	[2],[7]	3.04%
Monthly Debt Service	128	[3],[7]	'
The Oaks	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	211,224	[1]	214,239	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.14%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,064	[3]	'
Pacific View	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	133,869	[1]	135,835	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.08%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	668	[3]	'
Santa Monica Place	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	231,638	[1]	235,445	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.99%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	1,004	[3]	'
SanTan Village Regional Center	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	134,523	[1]	136,629	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.14%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	589	[3]	'
South Plains Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1],[8]	0	[1],[8]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	71,725	[1],[8]	99,833	[1],[8]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.78%	[2],[8]	'
Monthly Debt Service	383	[3],[8]	'
Superstition Springs Center	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	68,158	[1]	68,395	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.98%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	138	[3]	'
Towne Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	22,707	[1]	22,996	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.48%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	117	[3]	'
Tucson La Encantada	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	71,848	[1]	72,870	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	0	[1]	0	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.23%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	368	[3]	'
Valley Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	41,571	[1]	42,155	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.85%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	280	[3]	'
Valley River Center	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	120,000	[1]	120,000	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.59%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	558	[3]	'
Mall of Victor Valley	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1],[9]	0	[1],[9]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	115,000	[1],[9]	90,000	[1],[9]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.00%	[2],[9]	'
Monthly Debt Service	380	[3],[9]	'
Vintage Faire Mall	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	98,006	[1]	99,083	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.81%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	586	[3]	'
Westside Pavilion	'		'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'		'
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	[1]	0	[1]
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	150,278	[1]	152,173	[1]
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.49%	[2]	'
Monthly Debt Service	$783	[3]	'
[1]	The mortgage notes payable balances include the unamortized debt premiums (discounts). Debt premiums (discounts) represent the excess (deficiency) of the fair value of debt over (under) the principal value of debt assumed in various acquisitions and are amortized into interest expense over the remaining term of the related debt in a manner that approximates the effective interest method.Debt premiums (discounts) consist of the following:Property Pledged as CollateralSeptember 30, 2014 December 31, 2013Arrowhead Towne Center$12,337 $14,642Camelback Colonnade1,233 2,120Deptford Mall(10) (14)Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA5,646 6,342Superstition Springs Center658 895Valley Mall(154) (219) $19,710 $23,766
[2]	The interest rate disclosed represents the effective interest rate, including the debt premiums (discounts) and deferred finance costs.
[3]	The monthly debt service represents the payment of principal and interest.
[4]	A 49.9% interest in the loan has been assumed by a third party in connection with a co-venture arrangement (See Note 10—Co-Venture Arrangement).
[5]	The construction loan on the property allows for borrowings of up to $140,000, bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% and matures on March 5, 2017, including extension options. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 2.95% and 2.96%, respectively.
[6]	On March 24, 2014, the loan was extended to January 1, 2015.
[7]	The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 3.03% and 3.04%, respectively.
[8]	On February 7, 2014, the Company paid off in full one of the two loans on the property, which resulted in a loss of $359 on the early extinguishment of debt.
[9]	On August 28, 2014, the Company replaced the existing loan on the property with a new loan that bears interest at an effective interest rate of 4.00% and matures on September 1, 2024. The replacement of the existing loan resulted in a loss of $46 on the early extinguishment of debt.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Premium

Mortgage Notes Payable - Premiums and Discounts (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'	'
Debt premiums (discounts), net	$19,710	$23,766
Arrowhead Towne Center	'	'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'	'
Debt premiums	12,337	14,642
Camelback Colonnade	'	'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'	'
Debt premiums	1,233	2,120
Deptford Mall One	'	'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'	'
Debt discounts	-10	-14
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	'	'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'	'
Debt premiums	5,646	6,342
Superstition Springs Center	'	'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'	'
Debt premiums	658	895
Valley Mall	'	'
Mortgage loans payable on real estate	'	'
Debt discounts	($154)	($219)

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Footnot

Mortgage Notes Payable - Footnotes (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 07, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2009

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

The Mall at Northgate

The Mall at Northgate

South Plains Mall

South Plains Mall

Mall of Victor Valley

Mall of Victor Valley

Freehold Raceway Mall and Chandler Fashion Center

Mortgage loans payable on real estate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of loan assumed by third party (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49.90%

Amount of additional borrowing

'

'

'

'

'

$140,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

2.95%

[1],[2]

2.96%

3.03%

[1],[3]

3.04%

'

4.78%

[1],[4]

'

4.00%

[1],[5]

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

-46,000

-6,000

-405,000

1,938,000

'

'

'

'

'

359,000

'

46,000

'

'

Mortgage notes payable which could become recourse

72,175,000

'

72,175,000

'

77,192,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period of loan maturities expected to be refinanced, restructured, extended or paid-off

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense capitalized

3,930,000

2,887,000

9,513,000

8,227,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of mortgage notes payable

$4,452,658,000

'

$4,452,658,000

'

$4,500,177,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The interest rate disclosed represents the effective interest rate, including the debt premiums (discounts) and deferred finance costs.

[2]

The construction loan on the property allows for borrowings of up to $140,000, bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% and matures on March 5, 2017, including extension options. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 2.95% and 2.96%, respectively.

[3]

The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total interest rate was 3.03% and 3.04%, respectively.

[4]

On February 7, 2014, the Company paid off in full one of the two loans on the property, which resulted in a loss of $359 on the early extinguishment of debt.

[5]

On August 28, 2014, the Company replaced the existing loan on the property with a new loan that bears interest at an effective interest rate of 4.00% and matures on September 1, 2024. The replacement of the existing loan resulted in a loss of $46 on the early extinguishment of debt.

Bank_and_Other_Notes_Payable_D

Bank and Other Notes Payable: (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 06, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 06, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 08, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 08, 2011

Dec. 08, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 29, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Line of Credit

Unsecured term loan

Unsecured term loan

Unsecured term loan

Unsecured term loan

Unsecured term loan

Convertible Notes Payable

Prasada Note

Prasada Note

Prasada Note

Low end of range

Low end of range

High end of range

High end of range

Low end of range

High end of range

Mortgage loans payable on real estate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving line of credit

$1,500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)

1.38%

'

1.38%

1.75%

2.00%

3.00%

'

1.95%

'

1.95%

3.20%

'

'

'

'

Term of extension (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

Expansion borrowing capacity

2,000,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of additional borrowing

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

13,330,000

'

'

Outstanding borrowings under the line of credit

410,000,000

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, average interest rate (as a percent)

1.81%

1.85%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of outstanding line of credit

387,244,000

28,214,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate basis

'LIBOR

'

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'

'

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

2.51%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on debt (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.25%

'

'

Debt, carrying value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,301,000

12,537,000

Debt, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$119,636,000

$120,802,000

'

'

'

'

$11,699,000

$13,114,000

CoVenture_Arrangement_Details

Co-Venture Arrangement: (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2009
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Freehold Raceway Mall and Chandler Fashion Center
Co-Venture Arrangement:	'	'	'
Percentage of loan assumed by third party (as a percent)	'	'	49.90%
Co-venture obligation	$75,669	$81,515	$168,154

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests: (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 20, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 17, 2012
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Limited partnership interest of the operating partnership (as a percent)	7.00%	'	7.00%	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Number of trading days used to calculate redemption value (in days)	'10 days	'	'	'
Redemption value of outstanding OP Units not owned by the Company	$647,988	'	$587,917	'
The Macerich Partnership, L.P.	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest in operating partnership (as a percent)	93.00%	'	93.00%	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 20, 2014	Aug. 17, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	'	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01
Maximum price of common stock available to be issued	'	'	'	$500,000,000	$500,000,000
Commission to sales agent (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	2.00%
Common stock sold (in shares)	2,456,956	2,961,903	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale	173,011,000	177,896,000	'	'	'
Shares issued during the period	$171,102,000	$175,649,000	'	'	'

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 22, 2011

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 25, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Jun. 04, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 04, 2014

Jun. 03, 2014

Oct. 24, 2013

Sep. 17, 2013

Sep. 16, 2013

Fashion Outlets of Niagara

Fashion Outlets of Niagara

Green Acres Mall

Green Acres Mall

Green Acres Mall

Green Acres Adjacent

Superstition Springs Land I

Superstition Springs Land I

Cascade Mall

Cascade Mall

Cascade Mall

Cascade Mall

Cascade Mall

Camelback Colonnade

Camelback Colonnade

sqft

sqft

acre

sqft

sqft

sqft

Acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property area (in square feet)

'

'

517,000

'

'

1,791,000

'

19

'

1,082,000

'

'

593,000

'

'

619,000

'

Contingent consideration

'

'

'

$18,667,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

500,000,000

'

22,577,000

46,162,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deposits paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price, balance remaining after deposit

'

'

'

'

'

470,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount of debt

'

'

'

'

'

325,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of additional borrowing

'

'

'

'

225,000,000

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

73.20%

Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33.30%

'

'

49.00%

'

'

67.50%

'

Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,662,000

'

15,233,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company

0

109,858,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

'

100.00%

Incremental revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,337,000

'

'

'

'

'

Incremental earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$667,000

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Fai

Acquisitions - Allocation of Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 24, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013	Jun. 04, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Green Acres Mall	Camelback Colonnade	Superstition Springs Land I	Cascade Mall
Acquisition	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	$1,280	$8,894	'
Restricted cash	'	1,139	'	'
Tenant receivables	'	615	51	'
Property	477,673	98,160	114,373	28,924
Deferred charges	45,130	8,284	12,353	6,660
Other assets	19,125	380	11,535	202
Total assets acquired	541,928	109,858	147,206	35,786
Accounts payable	'	54	119	'
Mortgage note payable	'	49,465	68,448	'
Other accrued liabilities	41,928	4,752	7,637	4,786
Total liabilities assumed	41,928	54,271	76,204	4,786
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$500,000	$55,587	$71,002	$31,000

Acquisitions_Remeasurement_Gai

Acquisitions - Remeasurement Gain (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013	Sep. 16, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Camelback Colonnade	Camelback Colonnade	Superstition Springs Land I	Superstition Springs Land I	Camelback Colonnade
Acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of existing ownership interest (at % ownership)	'	'	$41,690	'	$47,340	'	'
Carrying value of investment	-927,424	-701,483	-5,349	'	'	-32,476	'
Remeasurement gain	'	'	$36,341	$36,341	$14,864	'	'
Ownership interest before acquisition (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	66.70%	73.20%

Acquisitions_Reconciliation_of

Acquisitions - Reconciliation of Purchase Price (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013	Oct. 24, 2013	Jun. 04, 2014	Jun. 03, 2014	Oct. 24, 2013	Sep. 16, 2013
				Superstition Springs Land I	Superstition Springs Land I	Cascade Mall	Cascade Mall	Cascade Mall	Camelback Colonnade
Acquisition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	'	'	'	$46,162	'	'	'	'	'
Less debt assumed	0	-109,858	'	-22,500	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of investment	927,424	'	701,483	'	32,476	15,767	'	'	'
Remeasurement gain	'	'	'	14,864	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	'	'	'	'	$71,002	$31,000	'	'	'
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Ownership interest before acquisition (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	66.70%	'	'	'	73.20%

Acquisitions_Acquisition_Pro_F

Acquisitions: Acquisition - Pro Forma Results (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	$263,492	[1]	$267,091	[1]	$785,038	[1]	$773,343	[1]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$38,744	[1]	$13,492	[1]	$73,847	[1]	$122,976	[1]
[1]	This unaudited pro forma supplemental information does not purport to be indicative of what the Company's operating results would have been had these transactions occurred on January 1, 2013, and may not be indicative of future operating results. The Company has excluded remeasurement gains and acquisition costs from these pro forma results as they are considered significant non-recurring adjustments directly attributable to these transactions.

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations: (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 11, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-13

Jun. 04, 2013

Dec. 04, 2013

Oct. 23, 2013

Oct. 15, 2013

Sep. 11, 2013

Jun. 04, 2013

Jun. 04, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 11, 2013

Dec. 11, 2013

Dec. 11, 2013

Green Tree Mall

Northridge Mall

Mervyn's

Mervyn's

Mervyn's

Mervyn's

Rimrock Mall

Rimrock Mall and Nortridge Mall

Fiesta Mall

Chesterfield Towne Center

Centre at Salisbury

Chesterfield Towne Center

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

sqft

Discontinued Operations:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property area (in square feet)

'

'

'

'

'

793,000

890,000

'

'

'

'

603,000

'

933,000

1,016,000

862,000

'

Proceeds from sale

$292,500

'

'

'

'

$79,000

'

$10,475

$5,430

$5,700

$12,000

'

$230,000

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) from sale

'

0

-7,767

0

134,145

59,767

'

-5,257

1,695

-2,031

-2,633

'

82,151

'

'

'

151,467

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

'

-46

-6

-405

1,938

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,401

'

'

'

Cash payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67,763

'

'

Assumption of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

109,737

115,000

'

Revenues from discontinued operations

'

10,926

'

47,427

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Loss) income from discontinued operations

'

$0

($8,844)

$0

$137,112

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingent Liabilities	'	'	'	'	'
Operating lease rent expense	$2,667	$2,580	$8,044	$7,881	'
Contingent liability under letters of credit	18,388	'	18,388	'	18,862
Outstanding obligations under construction agreements	$39,522	'	$39,522	'	'

RelatedParty_Transactions_Deta

Related-Party Transactions: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			note		note
Related party transactions	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, related party	$3,671	$3,745	$11,069	$11,289	'
Loans to unconsolidated joint ventures	3,361	'	3,361	'	2,756
Due from affiliates	31,422	'	31,422	'	30,132
Related parties note receivable, AWE Talisman Company	'	'	'	'	'
Related party transactions	'	'	'	'	'
Interest income, related party	156	157	467	467	'
Number of notes receivable (in notes)	'	'	2	'	2
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	'	5.00%	'	'
Debt, carrying value	14,071	'	14,071	'	13,603
Related parties note receivable, RED Consolidated Holdings, LLC	'	'	'	'	'
Related party transactions	'	'	'	'	'
Interest income, related party	154	176	468	356	'
Due from affiliates	11,454	'	11,454	'	12,707
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)	5.25%	'	5.25%	'	'
Northwestern Mutual Life (NML)	'	'	'	'	'
Related party transactions	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense payable, related party	1,322	'	1,322	'	1,240
Unconsolidated joint ventures	'	'	'	'	'
Related party transactions	'	'	'	'	'
Interest income, related party	53	58	162	178	'
Due from affiliates	5,897	'	5,897	'	3,822
Unconsolidated joint ventures and third-party managed properties	'	'	'	'	'
Related party transactions	'	'	'	'	'
Management Fees	4,613	5,286	14,328	16,286	'
Development and Leasing Fees	3,046	3,810	8,424	8,284	'
Fees charged to unconsolidated joint ventures and third-party managed properties	$7,659	$9,096	$22,752	$24,570	'

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Narr

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 07, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Stock units

LTIP Units

Stock awards

Stock options

Phantom stock units

Executive Officer

Executive Officer

Executive Officer

Executive Officer

LTIP Units

LTIP Units

LTIP Units

Long Units, Market Indexed

executive_officer

executive_officer

Share and unit-based plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion rate of shares

'

'

'

'

1

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

70,505

589,443

0

'

8,916

246,471

70,042

'

272,930

Number of executives receiving grants (in executive officers)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7

7

'

'

Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$60.24

[1]

$53.18

[1]

$0

[1]

'

$62.53

[1]

$60.25

$58.89

'

$45.34

Absolute stockholder return requirement (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

Look-back period (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized share and unit-based compensation costs

$525

$657

$4,886

$2,745

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans

'

'

'

'

$2,870

$6,216

$332

$47

$697

'

'

'

'

[1]

Value represents the weighted average grant date fair value.

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Comp

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Compensation Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share and unit-based plans	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	$4,983	$5,790	$30,103	$16,658
LTIP Units	'	'	'	'
Share and unit-based plans	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	3,465	4,743	25,133	12,393
Stock awards	'	'	'	'
Share and unit-based plans	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	84	121	281	353
Stock units	'	'	'	'
Share and unit-based plans	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	1,134	674	3,775	3,165
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Share and unit-based plans	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	4	4	12	12
Phantom stock units	'	'	'	'
Share and unit-based plans	'	'	'	'
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	$296	$248	$902	$735

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Nonv

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Nonvested Equity Awards (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
LTIP Units	'
Units (in shares)	'
Balance at beginning of period	0
Granted	589,443
Vested	-246,471
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	342,972
Value (in dollars per share)	'
Balance at beginning of period	$0	[1]
Granted	$53.18	[1]
Vested	$60.25	[1]
Forfeited	$0	[1]
Balance at end of period	$48.11	[1]
Stock awards	'
Units (in shares)	'
Balance at beginning of period	19,001
Granted	0
Vested	-9,812
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	9,189
Value (in dollars per share)	'
Balance at beginning of period	$56.77	[1]
Granted	$0	[1]
Vested	$54.45	[1]
Forfeited	$0	[1]
Balance at end of period	$59.25	[1]
Phantom stock units	'
Units (in shares)	'
Balance at beginning of period	17,575
Granted	8,916
Vested	-14,548
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	11,943
Value (in dollars per share)	'
Balance at beginning of period	$58.66	[1]
Granted	$62.53	[1]
Vested	$61.27	[1]
Forfeited	$0	[1]
Balance at end of period	$58.36	[1]
Stock units	'
Units (in shares)	'
Balance at beginning of period	137,318
Granted	70,505
Vested	-68,151
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	139,672
Value (in dollars per share)	'
Balance at beginning of period	$57.24	[1]
Granted	$60.24	[1]
Vested	$55.10	[1]
Forfeited	$0	[1]
Balance at end of period	$59.80	[1]
[1]	Value represents the weighted average grant date fair value.

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_SARs

Share and Unit-Based Plans - SARs (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SARs	'
SARs (in shares)	'
Balance at beginning of period	1,070,991
Granted	0
Exercised	-54,082
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	1,016,909
Value (in dollars per share)	'
Balance at beginning of period	$56.66	[1]
Granted	$0	[1]
Exercised	$56.63	[1]
Forfeited	$0	[1]
Balance at end of period	$56.66	[1]
Stock options	'
Stock Options (in shares)	'
Balance at beginning of period	10,068
Granted	0
Exercised	0
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	10,068
Value (in dollars per share)	'
Balance at beginning of period	$59.57	[1]
Granted	$0	[1]
Exercised	$0	[1]
Forfeited	$0	[1]
Balance at end of period	$59.57	[1]
[1]	Value represents the weighted average exercise price.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'
Current	$0	($79)	$0	($235)	'
Deferred	689	622	3,759	2,498	'
Income tax benefit	689	543	3,759	2,263	'
Components of net deferred tax assets	'	'	'	'	'
Net deferred tax assets	$35,115	'	$35,115	'	$31,356

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events: (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 11, 2013	Oct. 23, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
		Subsequent event	South Towne Center	South Towne Center
			Subsequent event	Subsequent event
				sqft
Subsequent events	'	'	'	'
Dividend/distribution for common stockholders and OP Unit holders (in dollars per share)	'	$0.65	'	'
Property area (in square feet)	'	'	'	1,278,000
Proceeds from sale	$292,500	'	$205,000	'