The Macerich Company (MAC) 10-Q 7 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	6-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MACERICH CO
Entity Central Index Key	912242
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		158,262,276
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:
Property, net	$11,110,841	$11,067,890
Cash and cash equivalents	118,161	84,907
Restricted cash	15,224	13,530
Tenant and other receivables, net	113,505	132,026
Deferred charges and other assets, net	752,702	759,061
Due from affiliates	79,582	80,232
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,006,652	984,132
Total assets	13,196,667	13,121,778
Mortgage notes payable:
Related parties	286,849	289,039
Others	5,200,053	5,115,482
Total	5,486,902	5,404,521
Bank and other notes payable	987,452	887,879
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	114,991	115,406
Other accrued liabilities	532,170	568,716
Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	28,723	29,957
Co-venture obligation	72,864	75,450
Total liabilities	7,223,102	7,081,929
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 158,492,995 and 158,201,996 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	1,585	1,582
Additional paid-in capital	5,064,446	5,041,797
Retained earnings	510,506	596,741
Total stockholders' equity	5,576,537	5,640,120
Noncontrolling interests	397,028	399,729
Total equity	5,973,565	6,039,849
Total liabilities and equity	$13,196,667	$13,121,778

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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)	158,492,995	158,201,996
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	158,492,995	158,201,996

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$190,761	$151,633
Percentage rents	3,248	2,853
Tenant recoveries	105,698	91,475
Management Companies	5,625	8,121
Other	13,003	10,430
Total revenues	318,335	264,512
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	101,664	90,376
Management Companies' operating expenses	26,468	22,772
REIT general and administrative expenses	8,422	6,877
Costs related to unsolicited takeover offer	13,572	0
Depreciation and amortization	120,618	88,657
Total expenses before interest	270,744	208,682
Interest expense:
Related parties	2,729	3,708
Other	50,557	42,630
Total interest expense	53,286	46,338
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	-2,245	358
Total expenses	321,785	255,378
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	8,274	13,769
Co-venture expense	-2,130	-1,820
Income tax benefit	935	172
(Gain) loss on sale or write down of assets, net	935	-1,611
Gain on remeasurement of assets	22,103	0
Net income	26,667	19,644
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,056	1,825
Net income attributable to the Company	$24,611	$17,819
Earnings per common sharebnet income attributable to common stockholders: (in dollars per share)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.13
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.13
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: (in shares)
Basic (in shares)	158,336	140,767
Diluted (in shares)	158,544	140,817

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Total Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$6,039,849	$5,640,120	$1,582	$5,041,797	$596,741	$399,729
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	158,201,996		158,201,996
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	26,667	24,611			24,611	2,056
Amortization of share and unit-based plans (in shares)			211,743
Amortization of share and unit-based plans	18,815	18,815	2	18,813
Distributions paid ($0.65) per share	-110,846	-110,846			-110,846
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-616					-616
Other	-304	-304		-304		0
Conversion of noncontrolling interests to common shares (in shares)			79,256
Conversion of noncontrolling interests to common shares		1,553	1	1,552		-1,553
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership		2,588		2,588		-2,588
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$5,973,565	$5,576,537	$1,585	$5,064,446	$510,506	$397,028
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015	158,492,995		158,492,995

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_EQUI1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Distributions paid, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.65

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$26,667	$19,644
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net	-2,245	358
(Gain) loss on sale or write down of assets, net	-935	1,611
Gain on remeasurement of assets	-22,103	0
Depreciation and amortization	122,418	90,569
Amortization of net premium on mortgage notes payable	-6,903	-1,352
Amortization of share and unit-based plans	14,468	16,505
Straight-line rent adjustment	-386	-1,491
Amortization of above and below-market leases	-4,666	-1,497
Provision for doubtful accounts	1,330	372
Income tax benefit	-935	-172
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	-8,274	-13,769
Co-venture expense	2,130	1,820
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Tenant and other receivables	17,836	8,817
Other assets	4,310	-1,536
Due from affiliates	650	1,573
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	18,318	8,049
Other accrued liabilities	450	-31,590
Net cash provided by operating activities	162,130	97,911
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property	-26,250	0
Development, redevelopment, expansion and renovation of properties	-90,157	-29,578
Property improvements	-3,855	-4,792
Proceeds from notes receivable	452	0
Deferred leasing costs	-9,768	-6,465
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	13,096	22,219
Contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures	-33,284	-28,566
Loans to unconsolidated joint ventures, net	0	-618
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,440	24,514
Restricted cash	-1,694	1,035
Net cash used in investing activities	-150,020	-22,251
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from mortgages, bank and other notes payable	815,671	133,982
Payments on mortgages, bank and other notes payable	-674,569	-104,225
Deferred financing costs	-3,476	-550
Payment of stock issuance costs	-304	0
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	0	-203
Payment of contingent consideration	0	-9,000
Dividends and distributions	-111,462	-95,342
Distributions to co-venture partner	-4,716	-5,111
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	21,144	-80,449
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	33,254	-4,789
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	84,907	69,715
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	118,161	64,926
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized	60,102	47,958
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Accrued development costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other accrued liabilities	31,823	37,852
Assumption of mortgage note payable from unconsolidated joint venture	50,000	0
Acquisition of property in exchange for investment in unconsolidated joint venture	76,250	0
Notes receivable issued in connection with sale of property	0	9,603
Conversion of Operating Partnership Units to common stock	$1,553	$627

Organization

Organization:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015, the Company was the sole general partner of and held a 94% 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:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014. 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, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which makes certain changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model, including changes to (1) the identification of variable interests (fees paid to a decision maker or service provider), (2) the variable interest entity characteristics for a limited partnership or similar entity and (3) the primary beneficiary determination. ASU 2015-02 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the Company will apply the new standard on a retrospective basis and adjust the balance sheet of each individual period to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new standard. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Earnings_per_Share_EPS

Earnings per Share ("EPS"):	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (shares in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income		$	26,667		$	19,644
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2,056		)	(1,825		)
	Net income attributable to the Company		24,611			17,819
	Allocation of earnings to participating securities		(148		)	(128		)
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders		$	24,463		$	17,691
	Denominator
	Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding		158,336			140,767
	Effect of dilutive securities:(1)
	Share and unit-based compensation plans		208			50
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding		158,544			140,817
	Earnings per common share—net income attributable to common stockholders:
	Basic		$	0.15		$	0.13
	Diluted		$	0.15		$	0.13
	-1	Diluted EPS excludes 140,490 and 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.
	Diluted EPS excludes 10,068 unexercised stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as their impact was antidilutive.
	Diluted EPS excludes 10,516,523 and 9,991,438 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 in its unconsolidated joint ventures:
	On June 4, 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest in Cascade Mall, a 589,000 square foot regional shopping center in Burlington, Washington, that it did not previously own for a cash payment of $15,233. The Company purchased Cascade Mall from its joint venture partner in Pacific Premier Retail LP. The cash payment was funded by borrowings under the Company's line of credit. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had accounted for its investment in Cascade Mall under the equity method of accounting. 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 to redevelop Fashion Outlets of Philadelphia at Market East, a 1,376,000 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 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.
	On November 13, 2014, the Company formed a joint venture to develop a 500,000 square foot outlet center at Candlestick Point in San Francisco, California. In connection with the formation of the joint venture, the Company issued a note receivable for $65,130 to its joint venture partner that bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.0% and matures upon the completion of certain milestones in connection with the development of Candlestick Point (See Note 16—Related Party Transactions).
	On November 14, 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest that it did not previously own in two separate joint ventures, Pacific Premier Retail LP and Queens JV LP, which together owned five Centers: Lakewood Center, a 2,066,000 square foot regional shopping center in Lakewood, California; Los Cerritos Center, a 1,284,000 square foot regional shopping center in Cerritos, California; Queens Center, a 962,000 square foot regional shopping center in Queens, New York; Stonewood Center, a 932,000 square foot regional shopping center in Downey, California; and Washington Square, a 1,444,000 square foot regional shopping center in Portland, Oregon (collectively referred to herein as the "PPRLP Queens Portfolio"). The total consideration of $1,838,886 was funded by the direct issuance of $1,166,777 of common stock of the Company (See Note 12—Stockholders' Equity) and the assumption of the third party's pro rata share of the mortgage notes payable on the properties of $672,109. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had accounted for its investment in these joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included the PPRLP Queens Portfolio in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 13—Acquisitions).
	On November 20, 2014, the Company purchased a 45% interest in 443 North Wabash Avenue, a 65,000 square foot undeveloped site adjacent to the Company's joint venture in The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago, Illinois, for a cash payment of $18,900. The cash payment was funded by borrowings under the Company's line of credit.
	On February 17, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 50% ownership interest in Inland Center, a 933,000 square foot regional shopping center in San Bernardino, California, that it did not previously own for $51,250. The purchase price was funded by a cash payment of $26,250 and the assumption of the third party's share of the mortgage note payable on the property of $25,000. Concurrent with the purchase of the joint venture interest, the Company paid off the $50,000 mortgage note payable on the property. The cash payment was funded by borrowings under the Company's line of credit. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had accounted for its investment in Inland Center under the equity method of accounting. Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included Inland Center in its consolidated financial statements (See Note 13—Acquisitions).
	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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Assets(1):
	Properties, net	$	2,939,033		$	2,967,878
	Other assets	210,689			208,726
	Total assets	$	3,149,722		$	3,176,604
	Liabilities and partners' capital(1):
	Mortgage notes payable(2)	$	1,972,066		$	2,038,379
	Other liabilities	188,704			195,766
	Company's capital	513,153			489,349
	Outside partners' capital	475,799			453,110
	Total liabilities and partners' capital	$	3,149,722		$	3,176,604
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Company's capital	$	513,153		$	489,349
	Basis adjustment(3)	464,776			464,826
		$	977,929		$	954,175
	Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	1,006,652		$	984,132
	Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	(28,723		)	(29,957		)
		$	977,929		$	954,175
	-1	These amounts include the assets of Tysons Corner Center of $338,546 and $341,931 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and liabilities of Tysons Corner Center of $866,832 and $871,933 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, a total of $6,500 and $33,540, respectively, could become recourse debt to the Company. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had an indemnity agreement from a joint venture partner for $3,250 and $16,770, respectively, of the guaranteed amount.
	Included in mortgage notes payable are amounts due to an affiliate of Northwestern Mutual Life ("NML") of $603,651 and $606,263 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 $8,508 and $9,724 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 $420 and $1,424 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 March 31, 2015
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	—		$	17,028		$	50,494		$	67,522
	Percentage rents	—			329			1,294			1,623
	Tenant recoveries	—			12,262			20,101			32,363
	Other	—			593			6,997			7,590
	Total revenues	—			30,212			78,886			109,098
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	—			9,948			32,230			42,178
	Interest expense	—			8,129			12,254			20,383
	Depreciation and amortization	—			5,450			24,220			29,670
	Total operating expenses	—			23,527			68,704			92,231
	Net income	$	—		$	6,685		$	10,182		$	16,867
	Company's equity in net income	$	—		$	3,006		$	5,268		$	8,274
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	26,080		$	16,278		$	55,899		$	98,257
	Percentage rents	659			424			968			2,051
	Tenant recoveries	11,740			11,894			25,111			48,745
	Other	1,077			687			7,855			9,619
	Total revenues	39,556			29,283			89,833			158,672
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	11,131			10,159			33,880			55,170
	Interest expense	10,098			7,830			19,571			37,499
	Depreciation and amortization	8,798			4,602			21,523			34,923
	Total operating expenses	30,027			22,591			74,974			127,592
Loss on sale or write down of assets, net	(86		)	—			(18		)	(104		)
Net income	$	9,443		$	6,692		$	14,841		$	30,976
Company's equity in net income	$	4,268		$	1,758		$	7,743		$	13,769
Significant accounting policies used by the unconsolidated joint ventures are similar to those used by the Company.

Property

Property:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property:	Property:
	Property consists of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	2,259,288		$	2,242,291
	Buildings and improvements	9,545,712			9,479,337
	Tenant improvements	612,411			600,436
	Equipment and furnishings	155,285			152,554
	Construction in progress	328,905			303,264
		12,901,601			12,777,882
	Less accumulated depreciation	(1,790,760		)	(1,709,992		)
		$	11,110,841		$	11,067,890
	Depreciation expense was $90,197 and $68,478 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The gain on sale or write down of assets, net for the three months ended March 31, 2015 includes a gain of $1,056 on the sale of land offset in part by a loss of $121 on the sale of assets.
	The loss on the sale or write down of assets, net for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is due to the loss of $1,611 from the sales of Rotterdam Square, Somersville Towne Center and Lake Square Mall (See Note 14—Dispositions).

Tenant_and_Other_Receivables_n

Tenant and Other Receivables, net:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 $3,529 and $3,234 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Also included in tenant and other receivables, net, are accrued percentage rents of $2,839 and $13,436 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and a deferred rent receivable due to straight-line rent adjustments of $57,666 and $57,278 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	On March 17, 2014, in connection with the sale of Lake Square Mall (See Note 14—Dispositions), 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. LSM Note A is collateralized by a trust deed on Lake Square Mall. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, LSM Note A had a balance of $6,411 and $6,436, respectively.

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Leasing	$	238,647		$	239,955
	Financing	50,054			47,171
	Intangible assets:
	In-place lease values	287,215			298,825
	Leasing commissions and legal costs	72,619			72,432
	Above-market leases	260,930			250,810
	Deferred tax assets	36,560			35,625
	Deferred compensation plan assets	35,946			35,194
	Other assets	54,605			66,246
		1,036,576			1,046,258
	Less accumulated amortization(1)	(283,874		)	(287,197		)
		$	752,702		$	759,061
	-1	Accumulated amortization includes $100,224 and $103,361 relating to in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Amortization expense of in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs was $21,678 and $12,739 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The allocated values of above-market leases and below-market leases consist of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Above-Market Leases
	Original allocated value	$	260,930		$	250,810
	Less accumulated amortization	(65,107		)	(59,696		)
		$	195,823		$	191,114
	Below-Market Leases(1)
	Original allocated value	$	372,253		$	375,033
	Less accumulated amortization	(96,176		)	(93,511		)
		$	276,077		$	281,522
	-1	Below-market leases are included in other accrued liabilities.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable

Mortgage Notes Payable:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage Notes Payable:	Mortgage Notes Payable:
	Mortgage notes payable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following:
			Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes(1)
			March 31, 2015					December 31, 2014
	Property Pledged as Collateral		Related Party			Other		Related Party		Other		Effective Interest		Monthly		Maturity
												Rate(2)		Debt		Date(4)
														Service(3)
	Arrowhead Towne Center		$	—		$	226,844	$	—	$	228,703	2.76	%	$	1,131	2018
	Chandler Fashion Center(5)		—			200,000		—		200,000		3.77	%	625		2019
	Danbury Fair Mall		113,526			113,526		114,265		114,264		5.53	%	1,538		2020
	Deptford Mall		—			196,815		—		197,815		3.76	%	947		2023
	Deptford Mall		—			14,212		—		14,285		6.46	%	101		2016
	Eastland Mall		—			168,000		—		168,000		5.79	%	811		2016
	Fashion Outlets of Chicago(6)		—			200,000		—		119,329		1.83	%	278		2020
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA		—			120,672		—		121,376		4.89	%	727		2020
	Flagstaff Mall		—			37,000		—		37,000		5.03	%	151		2015
	FlatIron Crossing		—			259,828		—		261,494		3.9	%	1,393		2021
	Freehold Raceway Mall(5)		—			228,222		—		229,244		4.2	%	1,132		2018
	Great Northern Mall(7)		—			34,232		—		34,494		6.54	%	234		2015
	Green Acres Mall		—			311,859		—		313,514		3.61	%	1,447		2021
	Kings Plaza Shopping Center		—			478,204		—		480,761		3.67	%	2,229		2019
	Lakewood Center(8)		—			—		—		253,708		—		—		—
	Los Cerritos Center		102,175			102,176		103,274		103,274		1.65	%	1,009		2018
	Northgate Mall(9)		—			64,000		—		64,000		3.06	%	130		2017
	Oaks, The		—			209,161		—		210,197		4.14	%	1,064		2022
	Pacific View		—			132,525		—		133,200		4.08	%	668		2022
	Queens Center		—			600,000		—		600,000		3.49	%	1,744		2025
	Santa Monica Place		—			229,022		—		230,344		2.99	%	1,004		2018
	SanTan Village Regional Center		—			133,073		—		133,807		3.14	%	589		2019
	Stonewood Center		—			109,869		—		111,297		1.8	%	640		2017
	Superstition Springs Center(10)		—			68,000		—		68,079		2	%	139		2016
	Towne Mall		—			22,504		—		22,607		4.48	%	117		2022
	Tucson La Encantada		71,148			—		71,500		—		4.23	%	368		2022
	Valley Mall		—			41,155		—		41,368		5.85	%	280		2016
	Valley River Center		—			120,000		—		120,000		5.59	%	558		2016
	Victor Valley, Mall of		—			115,000		—		115,000		4	%	380		2024
	Vintage Faire Mall(11)		—			280,000		—		—		3.55	%	1,256		2026
	Washington Square		—			235,206		—		238,696		1.65	%	1,499		2016
	Westside Pavilion		—			148,948		—		149,626		4.49	%	783		2022
			$	286,849		$	5,200,053	$	289,039	$	5,115,482
	-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	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Arrowhead Towne Center	$	10,800		$	11,568
	Deptford Mall	(7		)	(8		)
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	5,182			5,414
	Lakewood Center	—			3,708
	Los Cerritos Center	16,695			17,965
	Stonewood Center	7,287			7,980
	Superstition Springs Center	500			579
	Valley Mall	(110		)	(132		)
	Washington Square	7,426			9,847
		$	47,773		$	56,921
	-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	On March 3, 2015, the Company amended the loan on the property. The amended $200,000 loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% and matures on March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total interest rate was 1.83% and 2.97%, respectively.
	-7	On January 1, 2015, this nonrecourse loan went into maturity default. As a result, the Company has accrued additional default interest at a rate of 4% since the default date. The Company is working with the loan servicer, which is expected to result in a transition of the property to the loan servicer or a receiver.
	-8	On February 25, 2015, the Company paid off in full the loan on the property, which resulted in a gain of $2,245 on the early extinguishment of debt as a result of writing off the related debt premium.
	-9	The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total interest rate was 3.06% and 3.05%, respectively.
	-10	The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.30% and matures on October 28, 2016. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total interest rate was 2.00% and 1.98%, respectively.
	-11	On February 19, 2015, the Company placed a $280,000 loan on the property that bears interest at an effective rate of 3.55% and matures on March 6, 2026.
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, a total of $13,500 and $73,165, respectively, of the mortgage notes payable could become recourse to the Company.
The Company expects that all loan maturities during the next twelve months, except Great Northern Mall, will be refinanced, restructured, extended and/or paid-off from the Company's line of credit or with cash on hand. The mortgage note payable on Great Northern Mall, which went into maturity default on January 1, 2015, is a non-recourse loan. The Company is working with the loan servicer and expects the property will be transferred to the loan servicer or a receiver.
Total interest expense capitalized was $2,629 and $2,485 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $5,538,879 and $5,455,453, respectively, based on current interest rates for comparable loans. 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:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 bears interest at 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 March 31, 2015, the borrowing rate on the facility was LIBOR plus 1.50%. In addition, the line of credit can be expanded, depending on certain conditions, up to a total facility of $2,000,000.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, borrowings under the line of credit were $852,000 and $752,000, respectively, at an average interest rate of 1.85% and 1.89%, respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the line of credit at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $819,238 and $713,989, 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 March 31, 2015, the borrowing rate was LIBOR plus 2.20%. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total interest rate was 2.53% and 2.25%, respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the term loan at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $122,683 and $119,780, 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the note had a balance of $10,452 and $10,879, respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the note at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $10,684 and $11,178, respectively, based on current interest rates for comparable notes. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all applicable financial loan covenants.

CoVenture_Arrangement

Co-Venture Arrangement:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, a 1,668,000 square foot regional shopping center in Freehold, New Jersey, and Chandler Fashion Center, a 1,320,000 square foot regional shopping center in Chandler, Arizona.
	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 $72,864 and $75,450 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 94% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The remaining 6% limited partnership interest as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the aggregate redemption value of the then-outstanding OP Units not owned by the Company was $931,630 and $877,184, 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:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity:	Stockholders' Equity:
	At-The-Market Stock Offering Program ("ATM Program"):
	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.
	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 "ATM Shares"). The terms of the 2014 ATM Program are substantially the same as the 2012 ATM Program. The unsold 2012 ATM Shares are no longer available for issuance.
	The Company did not sell any shares under the 2014 ATM Program during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	As of March 31, 2015, $500,000 of the ATM Shares were available to be sold under the 2014 ATM Program. Actual future sales of the ATM 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 ATM Shares under the 2014 ATM Program.
	Stock Issued to Acquire Property:
	On November 14, 2014, the Company issued 17,140,845 shares of common stock in connection with the acquisition of the PPRLP Queens Portfolio (See Note 13—Acquisitions) for a value of $1,166,777, based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of the transaction.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions:
		Acquisitions:
	Cascade Mall:
	On June 4, 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest in Cascade Mall that it did not previously 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
	Distributions in excess 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.
	Fashion Outlets of Chicago:
	On October 31, 2014, the Company purchased AWE/Talisman's ownership interest in its consolidated joint venture in Fashion Outlets of Chicago for $69,987. The purchase price was funded by a cash payment of $55,867 and the settlement of the balance on the Talisman Notes of $14,120 (See Note 16—Related Party Transactions). The cash payment was funded by borrowings under the Company's line of credit. The purchase agreement includes contingent consideration based on the financial performance of Fashion Outlets of Chicago at an agreed upon date in 2016. The Company estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration as of March 31, 2015 to be $10,336, which has been included in other accrued liabilities. As a result of this acquisition, the noncontrolling interest of $76,141 was reversed.
	PPRLP Queens Portfolio:
	On November 14, 2014, the Company acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest in the PPRLP Queens Portfolio that it did not previously own for $1,838,886. The acquisition was completed in order to gain 100% ownership and control over this portfolio of prominent shopping centers. The purchase price was funded by the assumption of the third party's pro rata share of the mortgage notes payable on the properties of $672,109 and the issuance of $1,166,777 in common stock of the Company. 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 the PPRLP Queens Portfolio.
	The following is a summary of the preliminary allocation of the estimated fair value of the PPRLP Queens Portfolio:
	Property	$	3,711,819
	Deferred charges	155,892
	Cash and cash equivalents	28,890
	Restricted cash	5,113
	Tenant receivables	5,438
	Other assets	127,244
	Total assets acquired	4,034,396
	Mortgage notes payable	1,414,659
	Accounts payable	5,669
	Due to affiliates	2,680
	Other accrued liabilities	230,210
	Total liabilities assumed	1,653,218
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	2,381,178
	The purchase price allocation for the PPRLP Queens Portfolio is based on a preliminary measurement of fair value that is subject to change. The allocation for the PPRLP Queens Portfolio represents the Company's current best estimate of fair value. The Company determined that the purchase price represented the estimated fair value of the additional ownership interest in the PPRLP Queens Portfolio that was acquired.
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 51% ownership)	$	1,214,401
	Distributions in excess of investment	208,735
	Gain on remeasurement of assets	$	1,423,136
	The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	1,838,886
	Less debt assumed	(672,109		)
	Distributions in excess of investment	(208,735		)
	Gain on remeasurement of assets	1,423,136
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	2,381,178
	Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included the PPRLP Queens Portfolio in its consolidated financial statements.
	Inland Center:
	On February 17, 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 50% ownership interest in Inland Center that it did not previously own for $51,250. The purchase price was funded by a cash payment of $26,250 and the assumption of the third party's share of the mortgage note payable on the property of $25,000. 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 Inland Center. The acquisition was completed in order to obtain 100% ownership and control over this asset.
	The following is a summary of the preliminary allocation of the estimated fair value of Inland Center:
	Property	$	91,871
	Deferred charges	9,752
	Other assets	5,782
	Total assets acquired	107,405
	Mortgage note payable	50,000
	Other accrued liabilities	4,905
	Total liabilities assumed	54,905
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	52,500
	The purchase price allocation for Inland Center is based on a preliminary measurement of fair value that is subject to change. The allocation for Inland Center represents the Company's current best estimate of fair value. The Company determined that the purchase price represented the estimated fair value of the additional ownership interest in Inland Center that was acquired.
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 50% ownership)	$	26,250
	Carrying value of investment	(4,147		)
	Gain on remeasurement of assets	$	22,103
	The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	51,250
Less debt assumed	(25,000		)
Carrying value of investment	4,147
Gain on remeasurement of assets	22,103
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	52,500
Since the date of acquisition, the Company has included Inland Center in its consolidated financial statements. The property has generated incremental revenue of $1,735 and incremental net loss of $231 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Pro Forma Results of Operations:
The following pro forma financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 assumes all of the above transactions took place on January 1, 2014:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
Supplemental pro forma revenue(1)		$	320,022	$	329,271
Supplemental pro forma income from continuing operations(1)		$	5,762	$	19,523
-1	This 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, 2014, 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.

Dispositions

Dispositions:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions:	Dispositions:
	The following recent dispositions have been included in gain (loss) on sale or write down of assets, net:
	On January 15, 2014, the Company sold Rotterdam Square, a 585,000 square foot regional shopping center in Schenectady, New York, for $8,500, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $472. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On February 14, 2014, the Company sold Somersville Towne Center, a 348,000 square foot regional shopping center in Antioch, California, for $12,337, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $263. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On March 17, 2014, the Company sold Lake Square Mall, a 559,000 square foot regional shopping center in Leesburg, Florida, for $13,280, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $876. The sales price was funded by a cash payment of $3,677 and the issuance of two notes receivable totaling $9,603 (See Note 6—Tenant and Other Receivables). The Company used the cash proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On July 7, 2014, the Company sold a former Mervyn's store in El Paso, Texas for $3,560, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $158. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On August 28, 2014, the Company sold a former Mervyn's store in Thousand Oaks, California for $3,500, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $80. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On September 11, 2014, the Company sold a leasehold interest in a former Mervyn's store in Laredo, Texas for $1,200, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $315. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On October 10, 2014, the Company sold a former Mervyn's store in Marysville, California for $1,900, resulting in a loss on the sale of assets of $3. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	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, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $121,873. The Company used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes.
	On December 29, 2014, the Company sold its 67.5% ownership interest in its consolidated joint venture in Camelback Colonnade, a 619,000 square foot community center in Phoenix, Arizona, for $92,898, resulting in a gain on the sale of assets of $24,554. The sales price was funded by a cash payment of $61,173 and the assumption of the Company's share of the mortgage note payable on the property of $31,725. The Company used the cash proceeds from the sale to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes. As a result of the sale, the $47,946 mortgage note payable on the property was discharged and the noncontrolling interest of $17,217 was reversed.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 lease. Certain leases provide for contingent rent payments based on a percentage of base rental income, as defined in the lease. Ground lease rent expense was $2,945 and $2,668 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. No contingent rent was incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company was contingently liable for $18,388 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 March 31, 2015, the Company had $36,825 in outstanding obligations which it believes will be settled in the next twelve months.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31,
		2015		2014
	Management fees	$	2,701	$	4,825
	Development and leasing fees	2,072		2,496
		$	4,773	$	7,321
	Certain mortgage notes on the properties are held by NML (See Note 8—Mortgage Notes Payable). Interest expense in connection with these notes was $2,729 and $3,708 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses is interest payable on these notes of $1,119 and $1,125 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	The Company had loans to unconsolidated joint ventures during the three months ended March 31, 2014. There were no loans outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Interest income associated with these notes was $31 for the three months ended March 31, 2014. These loans represented initial funds advanced to development stage projects prior to construction loan funding. Accordingly, loan payables in the same amount were accrued as an obligation by the various joint ventures.
	Due from affiliates includes $3,222 and $3,869 of unreimbursed costs and fees due from unconsolidated joint ventures under management agreements at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	Due from affiliates at March 31, 2014 also included two notes receivable from principals of AWE/Talisman ("Talisman Notes") that bore interest at 5.0% and were to mature based on the refinancing or sale of Fashion Outlets of Chicago, a 528,000 square foot outlet center in Rosemont, Illinois, or certain other specified events. AWE/Talisman was considered a related party because it had a 40% noncontrolling ownership interest in Fashion Outlets of Chicago. On October 31, 2014, in connection with the Company's acquisition of AWE/Talisman's ownership interest in Fashion Outlets of Chicago, the balance of the Talisman Notes was settled (See Note 13—Acquisitions). Interest income earned on these notes was $154 for the three months ended March 31, 2014.
	In addition, due from affiliates at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 includes a note receivable from RED/303 LLC ("RED") that bears interest at 5.25% and matures on March 29, 2016. Interest income earned on this note was $137 and $160 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The balance on this note was $10,591 and $11,027 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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.
	Also included in due from affiliates is a note receivable from Lennar Corporation that bears interest at LIBOR plus 2% and matures upon the completion of certain milestones in connection with the development of Candlestick Point (See Note 4—Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures). Interest income earned on this note was $433 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The balance on this note was $65,769 and $65,336 at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Lennar Corporation is considered a related party because it has an ownership interest in Candlestick Point.

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans

Share and Unit-Based Plans:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 dividends based on the dividend amount paid on the common stock of the Company. The LTIP may include both market-indexed awards and service-based awards.
	On January 1, 2015, the Company granted 49,451 LTIP Units with a grant date fair value of $83.41 per LTIP Unit that will vest in equal annual installments over a service period ending December 31, 2017. Concurrently, the Company granted 186,450 market-indexed LTIP Units ("2015 LTIP Units") at a grant date fair value of $66.37 per LTIP Unit that vest over a service period ending December 31, 2015. The 2015 LTIP Units were equally divided between two types of awards. The terms of both types of awards were the same, except one award has an additional 3% absolute total stockholder return requirement, which if it is not met, then such LTIP Units will not vest.
	On March 6, 2015, the Company granted 132,607 LTIP Units at a fair value of $86.72 per LTIP Unit that were fully vested on the grant date.
	The fair value of the market-indexed LTIP Units are 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 (for market-indexed awards), is assumed to follow the Multivariate Geometric Brownian Motion Process. Multivariate Geometric Brownian Motion is a common assumption when modeling in financial markets, as it allows the modeled quantity (in this case, the stock price) to vary randomly from its current value and take any value greater than zero. The volatilities of the returns on the share price of the Company and the peer group REITs were estimated based on a look-back period. The expected growth rate of the stock prices over the "derived service period" is determined with consideration of the risk free rate as of the grant date. The following summarizes the compensation cost under the share and unit-based plans:
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	LTIP Units		$	15,228			$	18,240
	Stock awards		75				114
	Stock units		3,197				1,682
	Stock options		4				4
	Phantom stock units		311				306
			$	18,815			$	20,346
	The Company capitalized share and unit-based compensation costs of $4,347 and $3,841 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Unrecognized compensation costs of share and unit-based plans at March 31, 2015 consisted of $15,522 from LTIP Units, $174 from stock awards, $6,107 from stock units, $39 from stock options and $500 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, 2015	46,695			$	58.89			9,189		$	59.25	9,269		$	58.35	144,374		$	59.94
	Granted	368,508			75.98				—		—		3,185		84.97		75,171		86.72
	Vested	(132,607	)		86.72				(6,201	)	58		(4,350	)	71.53		(80,334	)	59.06
	Forfeited	—			—				—		—		—		—		—		—
	Balance at March 31, 2015	282,596			$	68.12			2,988		$	61.84	8,104		$	61.73	139,211		$	74.94
	-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, 2015	772,639			$	56.67			10,068		$	59.57
	Granted	—			—				—		—
	Exercised	(342,981	)		56.88				—		—
	Forfeited	—			—				—		—
	Balance at March 31, 2015	429,658			$	56.5			10,068		$	59.57
	-1	Value represents the weighted average exercise price.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 of the TRSs are as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Current	$	—	$	—
	Deferred	935		172
	Income tax benefit	$	935	$	172
	The net operating loss carryforwards are currently scheduled to expire through 2034, beginning in 2024. Net deferred tax assets of $36,560 and $35,625 were included in deferred charges and other assets, net, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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:	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events:	Subsequent Events:
	On April 17, 2015, the Company received a commitment from a lender for a $410,000 mortgage note payable on Lakewood Center that will bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.43% with an 11-year term.
	On April 24, 2015, the Company announced a dividend/distribution of $0.65 per share for common stockholders and OP Unit holders of record on May 8, 2015. All dividends/distributions will be paid 100% in cash on June 5, 2015.
	On April 30, 2015, the Company entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Sears to own nine Sears locations: Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Danbury Fair Mall, Deptford Mall, Freehold Raceway Mall, Los Cerritos Center, South Plains Mall, Vintage Faire Mall and Washington Square. The total purchase price for the Company’s 50% interest was $150,000. The purchase price was funded by borrowings under the Company's line of credit.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014. 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, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Tables

Earnings per Share ("EPS"): (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (shares in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
	Numerator
	Net income		$	26,667		$	19,644
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(2,056		)	(1,825		)
	Net income attributable to the Company		24,611			17,819
	Allocation of earnings to participating securities		(148		)	(128		)
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders		$	24,463		$	17,691
	Denominator
	Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding		158,336			140,767
	Effect of dilutive securities:(1)
	Share and unit-based compensation plans		208			50
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding		158,544			140,817
	Earnings per common share—net income attributable to common stockholders:
	Basic		$	0.15		$	0.13
	Diluted		$	0.15		$	0.13
	-1	Diluted EPS excludes 140,490 and 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.
	Diluted EPS excludes 10,068 unexercised stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as their impact was antidilutive.
	Diluted EPS excludes 10,516,523 and 9,991,438 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Assets(1):
	Properties, net	$	2,939,033		$	2,967,878
	Other assets	210,689			208,726
	Total assets	$	3,149,722		$	3,176,604
	Liabilities and partners' capital(1):
	Mortgage notes payable(2)	$	1,972,066		$	2,038,379
	Other liabilities	188,704			195,766
	Company's capital	513,153			489,349
	Outside partners' capital	475,799			453,110
	Total liabilities and partners' capital	$	3,149,722		$	3,176,604
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
	Company's capital	$	513,153		$	489,349
	Basis adjustment(3)	464,776			464,826
		$	977,929		$	954,175
	Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$	1,006,652		$	984,132
	Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	(28,723		)	(29,957		)
		$	977,929		$	954,175
	-1	These amounts include the assets of Tysons Corner Center of $338,546 and $341,931 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and liabilities of Tysons Corner Center of $866,832 and $871,933 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
	-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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, a total of $6,500 and $33,540, respectively, could become recourse debt to the Company. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had an indemnity agreement from a joint venture partner for $3,250 and $16,770, respectively, of the guaranteed amount.
	Included in mortgage notes payable are amounts due to an affiliate of Northwestern Mutual Life ("NML") of $603,651 and $606,263 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 $8,508 and $9,724 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 $420 and $1,424 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 March 31, 2015
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	—		$	17,028		$	50,494		$	67,522
	Percentage rents	—			329			1,294			1,623
	Tenant recoveries	—			12,262			20,101			32,363
	Other	—			593			6,997			7,590
	Total revenues	—			30,212			78,886			109,098
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	—			9,948			32,230			42,178
	Interest expense	—			8,129			12,254			20,383
	Depreciation and amortization	—			5,450			24,220			29,670
	Total operating expenses	—			23,527			68,704			92,231
	Net income	$	—		$	6,685		$	10,182		$	16,867
	Company's equity in net income	$	—		$	3,006		$	5,268		$	8,274
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Revenues:
	Minimum rents	$	26,080		$	16,278		$	55,899		$	98,257
	Percentage rents	659			424			968			2,051
	Tenant recoveries	11,740			11,894			25,111			48,745
	Other	1,077			687			7,855			9,619
	Total revenues	39,556			29,283			89,833			158,672
	Expenses:
	Shopping center and operating expenses	11,131			10,159			33,880			55,170
	Interest expense	10,098			7,830			19,571			37,499
	Depreciation and amortization	8,798			4,602			21,523			34,923
	Total operating expenses	30,027			22,591			74,974			127,592
	Loss on sale or write down of assets, net	(86		)	—			(18		)	(104		)
	Net income	$	9,443		$	6,692		$	14,841		$	30,976
	Company's equity in net income	$	4,268		$	1,758		$	7,743		$	13,769
Equity Method Investments, Summarized Financial Information Balance Sheet Significant Subsidiaries	These amounts include the assets of Tysons Corner Center of $338,546 and $341,931 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and liabilities of Tysons Corner Center of $866,832 and $871,933 as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Property_Tables

Property: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of property	Property consists of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	2,259,288		$	2,242,291
	Buildings and improvements	9,545,712			9,479,337
	Tenant improvements	612,411			600,436
	Equipment and furnishings	155,285			152,554
	Construction in progress	328,905			303,264
		12,901,601			12,777,882
	Less accumulated depreciation	(1,790,760		)	(1,709,992		)
		$	11,110,841		$	11,067,890

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass1

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Leasing	$	238,647		$	239,955
	Financing	50,054			47,171
	Intangible assets:
	In-place lease values	287,215			298,825
	Leasing commissions and legal costs	72,619			72,432
	Above-market leases	260,930			250,810
	Deferred tax assets	36,560			35,625
	Deferred compensation plan assets	35,946			35,194
	Other assets	54,605			66,246
		1,036,576			1,046,258
	Less accumulated amortization(1)	(283,874		)	(287,197		)
		$	752,702		$	759,061
	-1	Accumulated amortization includes $100,224 and $103,361 relating to in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Amortization expense of in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs was $21,678 and $12,739 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Above-Market Leases
	Original allocated value	$	260,930		$	250,810
	Less accumulated amortization	(65,107		)	(59,696		)
		$	195,823		$	191,114
	Below-Market Leases(1)
	Original allocated value	$	372,253		$	375,033
	Less accumulated amortization	(96,176		)	(93,511		)
		$	276,077		$	281,522
	-1	Below-market leases are included in other accrued liabilities.

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Tables

Mortgage Notes Payable: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage notes payable	Mortgage notes payable at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following:
			Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes(1)
			March 31, 2015					December 31, 2014
	Property Pledged as Collateral		Related Party			Other		Related Party		Other		Effective Interest		Monthly		Maturity
												Rate(2)		Debt		Date(4)
														Service(3)
	Arrowhead Towne Center		$	—		$	226,844	$	—	$	228,703	2.76	%	$	1,131	2018
	Chandler Fashion Center(5)		—			200,000		—		200,000		3.77	%	625		2019
	Danbury Fair Mall		113,526			113,526		114,265		114,264		5.53	%	1,538		2020
	Deptford Mall		—			196,815		—		197,815		3.76	%	947		2023
	Deptford Mall		—			14,212		—		14,285		6.46	%	101		2016
	Eastland Mall		—			168,000		—		168,000		5.79	%	811		2016
	Fashion Outlets of Chicago(6)		—			200,000		—		119,329		1.83	%	278		2020
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA		—			120,672		—		121,376		4.89	%	727		2020
	Flagstaff Mall		—			37,000		—		37,000		5.03	%	151		2015
	FlatIron Crossing		—			259,828		—		261,494		3.9	%	1,393		2021
	Freehold Raceway Mall(5)		—			228,222		—		229,244		4.2	%	1,132		2018
	Great Northern Mall(7)		—			34,232		—		34,494		6.54	%	234		2015
	Green Acres Mall		—			311,859		—		313,514		3.61	%	1,447		2021
	Kings Plaza Shopping Center		—			478,204		—		480,761		3.67	%	2,229		2019
	Lakewood Center(8)		—			—		—		253,708		—		—		—
	Los Cerritos Center		102,175			102,176		103,274		103,274		1.65	%	1,009		2018
	Northgate Mall(9)		—			64,000		—		64,000		3.06	%	130		2017
	Oaks, The		—			209,161		—		210,197		4.14	%	1,064		2022
	Pacific View		—			132,525		—		133,200		4.08	%	668		2022
	Queens Center		—			600,000		—		600,000		3.49	%	1,744		2025
	Santa Monica Place		—			229,022		—		230,344		2.99	%	1,004		2018
	SanTan Village Regional Center		—			133,073		—		133,807		3.14	%	589		2019
	Stonewood Center		—			109,869		—		111,297		1.8	%	640		2017
	Superstition Springs Center(10)		—			68,000		—		68,079		2	%	139		2016
	Towne Mall		—			22,504		—		22,607		4.48	%	117		2022
	Tucson La Encantada		71,148			—		71,500		—		4.23	%	368		2022
	Valley Mall		—			41,155		—		41,368		5.85	%	280		2016
	Valley River Center		—			120,000		—		120,000		5.59	%	558		2016
	Victor Valley, Mall of		—			115,000		—		115,000		4	%	380		2024
	Vintage Faire Mall(11)		—			280,000		—		—		3.55	%	1,256		2026
	Washington Square		—			235,206		—		238,696		1.65	%	1,499		2016
	Westside Pavilion		—			148,948		—		149,626		4.49	%	783		2022
			$	286,849		$	5,200,053	$	289,039	$	5,115,482
	-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	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Arrowhead Towne Center	$	10,800		$	11,568
	Deptford Mall	(7		)	(8		)
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	5,182			5,414
	Lakewood Center	—			3,708
	Los Cerritos Center	16,695			17,965
	Stonewood Center	7,287			7,980
	Superstition Springs Center	500			579
	Valley Mall	(110		)	(132		)
	Washington Square	7,426			9,847
		$	47,773		$	56,921
	-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	On March 3, 2015, the Company amended the loan on the property. The amended $200,000 loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.50% and matures on March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total interest rate was 1.83% and 2.97%, respectively.
	-7	On January 1, 2015, this nonrecourse loan went into maturity default. As a result, the Company has accrued additional default interest at a rate of 4% since the default date. The Company is working with the loan servicer, which is expected to result in a transition of the property to the loan servicer or a receiver.
	-8	On February 25, 2015, the Company paid off in full the loan on the property, which resulted in a gain of $2,245 on the early extinguishment of debt as a result of writing off the related debt premium.
	-9	The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total interest rate was 3.06% and 3.05%, respectively.
	-10	The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.30% and matures on October 28, 2016. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the total interest rate was 2.00% and 1.98%, respectively.
	-11	On February 19, 2015, the Company placed a $280,000 loan on the property that bears interest at an effective rate of 3.55% and matures on March 6, 2026.
Debt premiums (discounts) on mortgage notes payable	Debt premiums (discounts) consist of the following:
	Property Pledged as Collateral	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Arrowhead Towne Center	$	10,800		$	11,568
	Deptford Mall	(7		)	(8		)
	Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA	5,182			5,414
	Lakewood Center	—			3,708
	Los Cerritos Center	16,695			17,965
	Stonewood Center	7,287			7,980
	Superstition Springs Center	500			579
	Valley Mall	(110		)	(132		)
	Washington Square	7,426			9,847
		$	47,773		$	56,921

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following is a summary of the preliminary allocation of the estimated fair value of Inland Center:
	Property	$	91,871
	Deferred charges	9,752
	Other assets	5,782
	Total assets acquired	107,405
	Mortgage note payable	50,000
	Other accrued liabilities	4,905
	Total liabilities assumed	54,905
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	52,500
	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 preliminary allocation of the estimated fair value of the PPRLP Queens Portfolio:
	Property	$	3,711,819
	Deferred charges	155,892
	Cash and cash equivalents	28,890
	Restricted cash	5,113
	Tenant receivables	5,438
	Other assets	127,244
	Total assets acquired	4,034,396
	Mortgage notes payable	1,414,659
	Accounts payable	5,669
	Due to affiliates	2,680
	Other accrued liabilities	230,210
	Total liabilities assumed	1,653,218
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	2,381,178
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 estimated fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	51,250
	Less debt assumed	(25,000		)
	Carrying value of investment	4,147
	Gain on remeasurement of assets	22,103
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	52,500
	The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	15,233
	Distributions in excess of investment	15,767
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	31,000
	The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the acquired net assets:
	Purchase price	$	1,838,886
	Less debt assumed	(672,109		)
	Distributions in excess of investment	(208,735		)
	Gain on remeasurement of assets	1,423,136
	Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$	2,381,178
Summary of gain on remeasurement of existing investment
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 51% ownership)	$	1,214,401
	Distributions in excess of investment	208,735
	Gain on remeasurement of assets	$	1,423,136
	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 50% ownership)	$	26,250
	Carrying value of investment	(4,147		)
	Gain on remeasurement of assets	$	22,103
Schedule of pro forma total revenue and income from continuing operations	The following pro forma financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 assumes all of the above transactions took place on January 1, 2014:
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015		2014
	Supplemental pro forma revenue(1)		$	320,022	$	329,271
	Supplemental pro forma income from continuing operations(1)		$	5,762	$	19,523
	-1	This 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, 2014, 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.

Related_Party_Transactions_Tab

Related Party Transactions: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31,
		2015		2014
	Management fees	$	2,701	$	4,825
	Development and leasing fees	2,072		2,496
		$	4,773	$	7,321

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Tabl

Share and Unit-Based Plans: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31,
			2015				2014
	LTIP Units		$	15,228			$	18,240
	Stock awards		75				114
	Stock units		3,197				1,682
	Stock options		4				4
	Phantom stock units		311				306
			$	18,815			$	20,346
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, 2015	46,695			$	58.89			9,189		$	59.25	9,269		$	58.35	144,374		$	59.94
	Granted	368,508			75.98				—		—		3,185		84.97		75,171		86.72
	Vested	(132,607	)		86.72				(6,201	)	58		(4,350	)	71.53		(80,334	)	59.06
	Forfeited	—			—				—		—		—		—		—		—
	Balance at March 31, 2015	282,596			$	68.12			2,988		$	61.84	8,104		$	61.73	139,211		$	74.94
	-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, 2015	772,639			$	56.67			10,068		$	59.57
	Granted	—			—				—		—
	Exercised	(342,981	)		56.88				—		—
	Forfeited	—			—				—		—
	Balance at March 31, 2015	429,658			$	56.5			10,068		$	59.57
	-1	Value represents the weighted average exercise price.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes: (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income tax benefit of TRSs	The income tax benefit of the TRSs are as follows:
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Current	$	—	$	—
	Deferred	935		172
	Income tax benefit	$	935	$	172

Organization_Details

Organization: (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	entity
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]
Number of management companies (in entities)	7
The Macerich Partnership, L.P.
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]
Ownership interest in operating partnership (as a percent)	94.00%	94.00%

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Details

Earnings per Share ("EPS"): (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator
Net income	$26,667	$19,644
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-2,056	-1,825
Net income attributable to the Company	24,611	17,819
Allocation of earnings to participating securities	-148	-128
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per sharebnet income attributable to common stockholders	$24,463	$17,691
Denominator (in shares)
Denominator for basic earnings per sharebweighted average number of common shares outstanding	158,336	140,767
Effect of dilutive securities:
Share and unit-based compensation plans	208	50
Denominator for diluted earnings per sharebweighted average number of common shares outstanding	158,544	140,817
Earnings per common sharebnet income attributable to common stockholders: (in dollars per share)
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.13
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.15	$0.13

Earnings_per_Share_EPS_Narrati

Earnings per Share ("EPS") - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Convertible non-participating preferred units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from Diluted EPS (in shares)	140,490	184,304
Equity Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from Diluted EPS (in shares)		10,068
Partnership unit
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from Diluted EPS (in shares)	10,516,523	9,991,438

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jul. 30, 2014	Aug. 28, 2014	Jun. 04, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014	Nov. 20, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Nov. 13, 2014
					mall				sqft
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Gain on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net	($104)
The Gallery
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)		1,376,000
Purchase price		106,800
Ownership percentage acquired		50.00%
Candlestick Point
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)									500,000
Cascade Mall
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)				589,000
Wilshire Boulevard
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)			40,000
Proceeds from sale			17,100
Gain on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net			9,033
Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition			15,386
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company			1,714
Ownership interest sold (as a percent)			30.00%
Cascade Mall
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)				49.00%
Purchase price				15,233
PPRLP Queens Portfolio
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)					49.00%
Number of regional shopping centers owned by investee					5
Purchase price					1,838,886
Common stock issued (in shares)					1,166,777
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company					672,109
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Lakewood Center
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)					2,066,000
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Los Cerritos Center
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)					1,284,000
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Queens Center
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)					962,000
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Stonewood Center
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)					932,000
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Washington Square
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)					1,444,000
443 Wabash MAB LLC
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)						65,000
Purchase price						18,900
Ownership percentage acquired						45.00%
Inland Center
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Property area (in square feet)							933,000
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)							50.00%
Purchase price				51,250			51,250
Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition							26,250
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company				25,000			25,000
Debt repaid							50,000
Notes Receivable | Candlestick Point
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Note receivable									65,130
Description of variable rate basis								LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Notes Receivable | Candlestick Point
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Basis spread (as a percent)									2.00%

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Properties, net	$2,939,033	$2,967,878
Other assets	210,689	208,726
Total assets	3,149,722	3,176,604
Liabilities and partners' capital:
Mortgage notes payable	1,972,066	2,038,379
Other liabilities	188,704	195,766
Company's capital	513,153	489,349
Outside partners' capital	475,799	453,110
Total liabilities and partners' capital	3,149,722	3,176,604
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Company's capital	513,153	489,349
Basis adjustment	464,776	464,826
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	977,929	954,175
AssetsbInvestments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,006,652	984,132
LiabilitiesbDistributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	($28,723)	($29,957)

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Balance Sheet Footnotes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Total Assets	$3,149,722		$3,176,604
Mortgage notes payable that could become recourse debt to the Company	6,500		33,540
Indemnity of guaranteed amount	3,250		16,770
Amortization of difference between cost of investments and book value of underlying equity	420	1,424
Northwestern Mutual Life (NML)
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Mortgage notes payable to affiliate	603,651		606,263
Interest expense on borrowings from related party	8,508	9,724
Tysons Corner LLC
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Total Assets	338,546		341,931
Total Liabilities	$866,832		$871,933

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_5

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$67,522	$98,257
Percentage rents	1,623	2,051
Tenant recoveries	32,363	48,745
Other	7,590	9,619
Total revenues	109,098	158,672
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	42,178	55,170
Interest expense	20,383	37,499
Depreciation and amortization	29,670	34,923
Total operating expenses	92,231	127,592
Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net		-104
Net income	16,867	30,976
Company's equity in net income	8,274	13,769
Pacific Premier Retail LP
Revenues:
Minimum rents	0	26,080
Percentage rents	0	659
Tenant recoveries	0	11,740
Other	0	1,077
Total revenues	0	39,556
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	0	11,131
Interest expense	0	10,098
Depreciation and amortization	0	8,798
Total operating expenses	0	30,027
Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net		-86
Net income	0	9,443
Company's equity in net income	0	4,268
Tysons Corner LLC
Revenues:
Minimum rents	17,028	16,278
Percentage rents	329	424
Tenant recoveries	12,262	11,894
Other	593	687
Total revenues	30,212	29,283
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	9,948	10,159
Interest expense	8,129	7,830
Depreciation and amortization	5,450	4,602
Total operating expenses	23,527	22,591
Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net		0
Net income	6,685	6,692
Company's equity in net income	3,006	1,758
Other Joint Ventures
Revenues:
Minimum rents	50,494	55,899
Percentage rents	1,294	968
Tenant recoveries	20,101	25,111
Other	6,997	7,855
Total revenues	78,886	89,833
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	32,230	33,880
Interest expense	12,254	19,571
Depreciation and amortization	24,220	21,523
Total operating expenses	68,704	74,974
Loss on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net		-18
Net income	10,182	14,841
Company's equity in net income	$5,268	$7,743

Property_Details

Property: (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$2,259,288	$2,242,291
Buildings and improvements	9,545,712	9,479,337
Tenant improvements	612,411	600,436
Equipment and furnishings	155,285	152,554
Construction in progress	328,905	303,264
Total	12,901,601	12,777,882
Less accumulated depreciation	-1,790,760	-1,709,992
Property, net	$11,110,841	$11,067,890

Property_Narrative_Details

Property - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expenses	$90,197	$68,478
Gain on sale or write-down of assets	1,056
Loss on sale or write-down of assets	121
Rotterdam Square, Somersville Town Center and Lake Square Mall
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Loss on sale or write-down of assets		$1,611

Tenant_and_Other_Receivables_n1

Tenant and Other Receivables, net: (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,529	$3,234
Deferred rent receivable due to straight-line rent adjustments	57,666	57,278
Accrued percentage rents
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Accounts receivable	2,839	13,436
6.5% Note Receivable
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Notes receivable	6,411	6,436	6,500
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)			6.46%
5.0% Note Receivable
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Notes receivable			$3,103
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)			5.00%

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass2

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Leasing	$238,647		$239,955
Financing	50,054		47,171
Intangible assets:
In-place lease values	287,215		298,825
Leasing commissions and legal costs	72,619		72,432
Above-market leases	260,930		250,810
Deferred tax assets	36,560		35,625
Deferred compensation plan assets	35,946		35,194
Other assets	54,605		66,246
Deferred charges and other assets, gross	1,036,576		1,046,258
Less accumulated amortization	-283,874		-287,197
Deferred charges and other assets, net	752,702		759,061
Accumulated amortization for intangible assets	100,224		103,361
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$21,678	$12,739

Deferred_Charges_and_Other_Ass3

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net - Allocated Values (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Allocated values of leases
Less accumulated amortization	($100,224)	($103,361)
Below Market Lease, Gross	372,253	375,033
Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization	-96,176	-93,511
Above-Market Leases
Allocated values of leases
Original allocated value	260,930	250,810
Less accumulated amortization	-65,107	-59,696
Allocated value net	195,823	191,114
Below-Market Leases
Allocated values of leases
Allocated value net	$276,077	$281,522

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Schedul

Mortgage Notes Payable - Schedule of Mortgage Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014	Feb. 19, 2015
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	$286,849,000	$289,039,000
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	5,200,053,000	5,115,482,000
Arrowhead Towne Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	226,844,000	228,703,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.76%
Monthly Debt Service	1,131,000
Chandler Fashion Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	200,000,000	200,000,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.77%
Monthly Debt Service	625,000
Danbury Fair Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	113,526,000	114,265,000
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	113,526,000	114,264,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.53%
Monthly Debt Service	1,538,000
Deptford Mall One
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	196,815,000	197,815,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.76%
Monthly Debt Service	947,000
Deptford Mall Two
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	14,212,000	14,285,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	6.46%
Monthly Debt Service	101,000
Eastland Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	168,000,000	168,000,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.79%
Monthly Debt Service	811,000
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	200,000,000	119,329,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.83%	2.97%
Monthly Debt Service	278,000
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	120,672,000	121,376,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.89%
Monthly Debt Service	727,000
Flagstaff Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	37,000,000	37,000,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.03%
Monthly Debt Service	151,000
FlatIron Crossing
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	259,828,000	261,494,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.90%
Monthly Debt Service	1,393,000
Freehold Raceway Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	228,222,000	229,244,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.20%
Monthly Debt Service	1,132,000
Great Northern Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	34,232,000	34,494,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	6.54%
Monthly Debt Service	234,000
Green Acres Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	311,859,000	313,514,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.61%
Monthly Debt Service	1,447,000
Kings Plaza
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	478,204,000	480,761,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.67%
Monthly Debt Service	2,229,000
Lakewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	0	253,708,000
Monthly Debt Service	0
Los Cerritos Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	102,175,000	103,274,000
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	102,176,000	103,274,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.65%
Monthly Debt Service	1,009,000
The Mall at Northgate
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	64,000,000	64,000,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.06%	3.05%
Monthly Debt Service	130,000
The Oaks
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	209,161,000	210,197,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.14%
Monthly Debt Service	1,064,000
Pacific View
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	132,525,000	133,200,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.08%
Monthly Debt Service	668,000
Queens Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	600,000,000	600,000,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.49%
Monthly Debt Service	1,744,000
Santa Monica Place
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	229,022,000	230,344,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.99%
Monthly Debt Service	1,004,000
SanTan Village Regional Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	133,073,000	133,807,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.14%
Monthly Debt Service	589,000
Stonewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	109,869,000	111,297,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)			1.80%
Monthly Debt Service	640,000
Superstition Springs Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	68,000,000	68,079,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.00%	1.98%
Monthly Debt Service	139,000
Towne Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	22,504,000	22,607,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.48%
Monthly Debt Service	117,000
Tucson La Encantada
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	71,148,000	71,500,000
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	0	0
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.23%
Monthly Debt Service	368,000
Valley Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	41,155,000	41,368,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.85%
Monthly Debt Service	280,000
Valley River Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	120,000,000	120,000,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.59%
Monthly Debt Service	558,000
Mall of Victor Valley
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	115,000,000	115,000,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Monthly Debt Service	380,000
Vintage Faire Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0		280,000,000
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	280,000,000	0
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.55%
Monthly Debt Service	1,256,000
Washington Square Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	235,206,000	238,696,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.65%
Monthly Debt Service	1,499,000
Westside Pavilion
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	148,948,000	149,626,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.49%
Monthly Debt Service	$783,000

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Premium

Mortgage Notes Payable - Premiums and Discounts (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums (discounts), net	$47,773	$56,921
Arrowhead Towne Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	10,800	11,568
Deptford Mall One
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt discounts	-7	-8
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	5,182	5,414
Lakewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	0	3,708
Los Cerritos Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	16,695	17,965
Stonewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	7,287	7,980
Superstition Springs Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	500	579
Valley Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt discounts	-110	-132
Washington Square Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	$7,426	$9,847

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Footnot

Mortgage Notes Payable - Footnotes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 03, 2015	Feb. 25, 2015	Sep. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2015	Feb. 19, 2015
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$5,200,053,000					$5,115,482,000
Related parties	286,849,000					289,039,000
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net	2,245,000	-358,000
Mortgage notes payable which could become recourse	13,500,000					73,165,000
Interest expense capitalized	2,629,000	2,485,000
Fair value of mortgage notes payable	5,538,879,000					5,455,453,000
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	200,000,000					119,329,000
Interest rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)			1.50%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	1.83%					2.97%
Related parties	0					0
Great Northern Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	34,232,000					34,494,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	6.54%
Default interest rate (as a percent)							4.00%
Related parties	0					0
Lakewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	0					253,708,000
Related parties	0					0
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net				2,245,000
The Mall at Northgate
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	64,000,000					64,000,000
Interest rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)	2.25%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	3.06%					3.05%
Related parties	0					0
Mall of Victor Valley
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	115,000,000					115,000,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Related parties	0					0
Superstition Springs Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	68,000,000					68,079,000
Interest rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)	2.30%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	2.00%					1.98%
Related parties	0					0
Vintage Faire Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	280,000,000					0
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	3.55%
Related parties	$0					$0		$280,000,000
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%

Bank_and_Other_Notes_Payable_D

Bank and Other Notes Payable: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 08, 2011	Mar. 29, 2013	Aug. 06, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Revolving line of credit	$1,500,000,000
Expansion borrowing capacity	2,000,000,000
Outstanding borrowings under the line of credit	852,000,000					752,000,000
Line of credit, average interest rate (as a percent)	1.85%	1.89%
Fair value of outstanding line of credit	819,238,000					713,989,000
Line of Credit | Low end of range
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Interest rate basis	LIBOR
Unsecured term loan
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Amount of additional borrowing			125,000,000
Interest rate basis	LIBOR
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.53%					2.25%
Debt, fair value	122,683,000					119,780,000
Unsecured term loan | Low end of range
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)			1.95%
Unsecured term loan | High end of range
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)			3.20%
Prasada Note
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Amount of additional borrowing				13,330,000
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)				5.25%
Debt, carrying value	10,452,000					10,879,000
Debt, fair value	$10,684,000					$11,178,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Line of Credit
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)	1.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Line of Credit | Low end of range
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)					1.38%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Line of Credit | High end of range
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)					2.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Unsecured term loan
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)	2.20%

CoVenture_Arrangement_Details

Co-Venture Arrangement: (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2009	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Co-Venture Arrangement:
Co-venture obligation		$72,864	$75,450
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	$168,154
Freehold Raceway Mall
Co-Venture Arrangement:
Property area (in square feet)	1,668,000
Chandler Fashion Center
Co-Venture Arrangement:
Property area (in square feet)	1,320,000

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 20, 2014	Aug. 17, 2012
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]
Limited partnership interest of the operating partnership (as a percent)	6.00%	6.00%
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	$931,630	$877,184
The Macerich Partnership, L.P.
Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership [Line Items]
Ownership interest in operating partnership (as a percent)	94.00%	94.00%

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 14, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 20, 2014	Aug. 17, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
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		$500,000	$500,000,000
Commission to sales agent (as a percent)					2.00%
PPRLP Queens Portfolio
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock issued	$1,166,777,000
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares	17,140,845

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 04, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015
Fashion Outlets of Chicago | Affiliated Entity
Acquisition
Purchase price	$69,987
Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition	55,867
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company	14,120
Contingent consideration		10,336
Acquisition noncontrolling interest adjustment		76,141
Cascade Mall
Acquisition
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)			49.00%
Purchase price			15,233
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)			100.00%
PPRLP Queens Portfolio
Acquisition
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)				49.00%
Purchase price				1,838,886
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)				100.00%
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company				672,109
Common stock issued (in shares)				1,166,777
Inland Center
Acquisition
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)					50.00%
Purchase price			51,250		51,250
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)			100.00%
Incremental revenue		1,735
Incremental earnings		-231
Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition					26,250
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company			$25,000		$25,000

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Fai

Acquisitions - Allocation of Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 04, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cascade Mall
Acquisition
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
PPRLP Queens Portfolio
Acquisition
Cash and cash equivalents		28,890
Restricted cash		5,113
Tenant receivables		5,438
Property		3,711,819
Deferred charges		155,892
Other assets		127,244
Total assets acquired		4,034,396
Accounts payable		5,669
Due to affiliates		2,680
Mortgage note payable		1,414,659
Other accrued liabilities		230,210
Total liabilities assumed		1,653,218
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)		2,381,178
Inland Center
Acquisition
Property	91,871
Deferred charges	9,752
Other assets	5,782
Total assets acquired	107,405
Mortgage note payable	50,000
Other accrued liabilities	4,905
Total liabilities assumed	54,905
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$52,500

Acquisitions_Remeasurement_Gai

Acquisitions - Remeasurement Gain (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 04, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisition
Carrying value of investment	($1,006,652)				($984,132)
Gain on remeasurement of assets	22,103	0
Inland Center
Acquisition
Fair value of existing ownership interest (at % ownership)			26,250
Carrying value of investment			-4,147
Gain on remeasurement of assets			22,103
PPRLP Queens Portfolio
Acquisition
Fair value of existing ownership interest (at % ownership)				1,214,401
Carrying value of investment				-208,735
Gain on remeasurement of assets				$1,423,136
Ownership interest before acquisition (as a percent)				51.00%

Acquisitions_Reconciliation_of

Acquisitions - Reconciliation of Purchase Price (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 04, 2014	Nov. 14, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisition
Gain on remeasurement of assets	($1,006,652)					($984,132)
Gain on remeasurement of assets	22,103	0
Cascade Mall
Acquisition
Purchase price			15,233
Gain on remeasurement of assets			-15,767
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)			31,000
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)			100.00%
PPRLP Queens Portfolio
Acquisition
Purchase price				1,838,886
Gain on remeasurement of assets				-208,735
Less debt assumed				-672,109
Gain on remeasurement of assets				1,423,136
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)				2,381,178
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)				100.00%
Inland Center
Acquisition
Purchase price			51,250		51,250
Gain on remeasurement of assets			-4,147
Less debt assumed			-25,000		-25,000
Gain on remeasurement of assets			22,103
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)			$52,500
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)			100.00%

Acquisitions_Acquisition_Pro_F

Acquisitions: Acquisition - Pro Forma Results (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Total revenues	$320,022	$329,271
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$5,762	$19,523

Dispositions_Details

Dispositions: (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2009	Jan. 15, 2014	Feb. 14, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014	Oct. 10, 2014	Sep. 11, 2014	Aug. 28, 2014	Jul. 07, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
			sqft	sqft	sqft
Camelback Colonnade
Discontinued Operations:
Property area (in square feet)	619,000
Proceeds from sale	$92,898
Gain (loss) from sale	24,554
Cash payment	61,173
Assumption of debt	31,725
Notes payable discharged	47,946
Noncontrolling interest adjustment	17,217
Freehold Raceway Mall and Chandler Fashion Center
Discontinued Operations:
Percentage of loan assumed by third party (as a percent)		49.90%
Freehold Raceway Mall and Chandler Fashion Center | Camelback Colonnade
Discontinued Operations:
Percentage of loan assumed by third party (as a percent)	67.50%
Rotterdam Square
Discontinued Operations:
Property area (in square feet)			585,000
Proceeds from sale			8,500
Gain (loss) from sale			-472
Somersville Town Center
Discontinued Operations:
Property area (in square feet)				348,000
Proceeds from sale				12,337
Gain (loss) from sale				-263
Lake Square Mall
Discontinued Operations:
Property area (in square feet)					559,000
Proceeds from sale					13,280
Gain (loss) from sale					-876
Cash payment					3,677
Lake Square Mall | Notes Receivable
Discontinued Operations:
Number of notes receivable (in notes)					2
Notes receivable					9,603
Mervyn's
Discontinued Operations:
Proceeds from sale						1,900	1,200	3,500	3,560
Gain (loss) from sale						-3	315	-80	-158
South Towne Center
Discontinued Operations:
Property area (in square feet)										1,278,000
Proceeds from sale										205,000
Gain (loss) from sale										$121,873

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Contingent Liabilities
Operating lease rent expense	$2,945	$2,668
Contingent liability under letters of credit	18,388		18,388
Outstanding obligations under construction agreements	$36,825

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 13, 2014
			note	sqft
Related party transactions
Interest expense, related party	$2,729	$3,708
Due from affiliates	79,582		80,232
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	6.00%		6.00%
Related parties note receivable, AWE Talisman Company
Related party transactions
Number of notes receivable (in notes)			2
Related parties note receivable, RED Consolidated Holdings, LLC
Related party transactions
Interest income, related party	137	160
Due from affiliates	10,591		11,027
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)	5.25%
Unconsolidated joint ventures and third-party managed properties
Related party transactions
Management fees	2,701	4,825
Development and leasing fees	2,072	2,496
Fees charged to unconsolidated joint ventures and third-party managed properties	4,773	7,321
Northwestern Mutual Life (NML)
Related party transactions
Interest expense payable, related party	1,119		1,125
Unconsolidated joint ventures
Related party transactions
Interest income, related party		31
Due from affiliates	3,222		3,869
Affiliated Entity
Related party transactions
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners			40.00%
Affiliated Entity | Related parties note receivable, AWE Talisman Company
Related party transactions
Interest income, related party		154
Number of notes receivable (in notes)		2
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%
Fashion Outlets of Chicago | Affiliated Entity
Related party transactions
Property area (in square feet)			528,000
Candlestick Point
Related party transactions
Property area (in square feet)				500,000
Candlestick Point | Notes Receivable
Related party transactions
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Note receivable				65,130
Candlestick Point | Affiliated Entity | Notes Receivable
Related party transactions
Description of variable rate basis	LIBOR
Interest Income, Related Party	433
Note receivable	$65,769		65,336
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Candlestick Point | Affiliated Entity | Notes Receivable
Related party transactions
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)	2.00%

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Narr

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 06, 2015	Jan. 01, 2015
Share and unit-based plans
Capitalized share and unit-based compensation costs	$4,347	$3,841
Stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Conversion rate of shares	1
Granted (in shares)	75,171
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$86.72
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans	6,107
LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Conversion rate of shares	1
Granted (in shares)	368,508
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$75.98
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Equity Instruments other than Options, Absolute Return Requirement	3.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans	15,522
Stock awards
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares)	0
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$0
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans	174
Stock options
Share and unit-based plans
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans	39
Phantom stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares)	3,185
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$84.97
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans	$500
Executive Officer | LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$86.72
2016 LTIP Units Series 1 | Executive Officer | LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares)				49,451
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)				$83.41
2015 LTIP Units Series 2 [Member] | Executive Officer | LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares)				186,450
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)				$66.37
2015 LTIP Units Series 3 | Executive Officer | LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares)			132,607

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Comp

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Compensation Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	$18,815	$20,346
LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	15,228	18,240
Stock awards
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	75	114
Stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	3,197	1,682
Stock options
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	4	4
Phantom stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	$311	$306

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_Nonv

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Nonvested Equity Awards (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
LTIP Units
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period	46,695
Granted	368,508
Vested	-132,607
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	282,596
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period	$58.89
Granted	$75.98
Vested	$86.72
Forfeited	$0
Balance at end of period	$68.12
Stock awards
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period	9,189
Granted	0
Vested	-6,201
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	2,988
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period	$59.25
Granted	$0
Vested	$58
Forfeited	$0
Balance at end of period	$61.84
Phantom stock units
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period	9,269
Granted	3,185
Vested	-4,350
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	8,104
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period	$58.35
Granted	$84.97
Vested	$71.53
Forfeited	$0
Balance at end of period	$61.73
Stock units
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period	144,374
Granted	75,171
Vested	-80,334
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	139,211
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period	$59.94
Granted	$86.72
Vested	$59.06
Forfeited	$0
Balance at end of period	$74.94

Share_and_UnitBased_Plans_SARs

Share and Unit-Based Plans - SARs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
SARs
SARs (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period	772,639
Granted	0
Exercised	-342,981
Forfeited	0
Balance at end of period	429,658
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period	$56.67
Granted	$0
Vested	$56.88
Forfeited	$0
Balance at end of period	$56.50
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
Granted	$0
Exercised	$0
Forfeited	$0
Balance at end of period	$59.57

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes: (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income tax benefit
Current	$0	$0
Deferred	935	172
Income tax benefit	935	172
Components of net deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax assets	$36,560		$35,625

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events: (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Apr. 24, 2015	Apr. 17, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent events
Related parties				$286,849,000	$289,039,000
Lakewood Center Mortgage
Subsequent events
Related parties				0	0
Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)	$0.65
Subsequent event | Lakewood Center Mortgage
Subsequent events
Related parties		410,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)		3.43%
Term (in years)		11 years
Subsequent event | Sears Locations
Subsequent events
Number of stores			9
Ownership percentage acquired			50.00%
Purchase price			$150,000,000