The Macerich Company (MAC) 10-Q 5 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 04, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MACERICH CO
Entity Central Index Key	912,242
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		158,327,709
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS:
Property, net	$ 11,031,476	$ 11,067,890
Cash and cash equivalents	93,009	84,907
Restricted cash	11,564	13,530
Tenant and other receivables, net	123,067	132,026
Deferred charges and other assets, net	734,373	759,061
Due from affiliates	78,476	80,232
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,278,216	984,132
Total assets	13,350,181	13,121,778
Mortgage notes payable:
Related parties	282,413	289,039
Others	5,407,170	5,115,482
Total	5,689,583	5,404,521
Bank and other notes payable	1,136,575	887,879
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	92,207	115,406
Other accrued liabilities	524,055	568,716
Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	24,856	29,957
Co-venture obligation	68,689	75,450
Total liabilities	$ 7,535,965	$ 7,081,929
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 158,518,091 and 158,201,996 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	$ 1,585	$ 1,582
Additional paid-in capital	5,087,698	5,041,797
Retained earnings	338,693	596,741
Total stockholders' equity	5,427,976	5,640,120
Noncontrolling interests	386,240	399,729
Total equity	5,814,216	6,039,849
Total liabilities and equity	$ 13,350,181	$ 13,121,778

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 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)	158,518,091	158,201,996
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	158,518,091	158,201,996

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$ 194,183	$ 150,395	$ 578,075	$ 451,248
Percentage rents	5,992	4,072	11,816	9,295
Tenant recoveries	106,339	90,059	317,629	264,909
Other	14,477	10,614	42,801	31,638
Management Companies	5,271	8,352	17,070	25,248
Total revenues	326,262	263,492	967,391	782,338
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	94,950	85,352	290,491	257,583
Management Companies' operating expenses	21,012	21,508	67,719	65,185
REIT general and administrative expenses	6,688	5,339	22,660	17,339
Costs related to unsolicited takeover offer	209	0	25,204	0
Depreciation and amortization	117,486	89,741	357,437	266,199
Total expenses before interest	240,345	201,940	763,511	606,306
Interest expense:
Related parties	2,690	3,671	8,128	11,069
Other	52,266	44,132	155,010	128,872
Total interest expense	54,956	47,803	163,138	139,941
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net	27	46	(609)	405
Total expenses	295,328	249,789	926,040	746,652
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	10,817	16,935	28,185	44,607
Co-venture expense	(2,954)	(2,144)	(7,897)	(6,175)
Income tax benefit	859	689	2,077	3,759
(Loss) gain on sale or write down of assets, net	(3,342)	9,561	(7,078)	(1,504)
Gain on remeasurement of assets	0	0	22,089	0
Net income	36,314	38,744	78,727	76,373
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,717	2,830	6,124	6,552
Net income attributable to the Company	$ 33,597	$ 35,914	$ 72,603	$ 69,821
Earnings per common share—net income attributable to common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.25	$ 0.46	$ 0.49
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.25	$ 0.45	$ 0.49
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	158,517	140,916	158,452	140,859
Diluted (in shares)	158,634	141,060	158,603	140,975

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Total Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	158,201,996		158,201,996
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 6,039,849	$ 5,640,120	$ 1,582	$ 5,041,797	$ 596,741	$ 399,729
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	78,727	72,603			72,603	6,124
Amortization of share and unit-based plans (in shares)			225,190
Amortization of share and unit-based plans	29,088	29,088	$ 2	29,086
Employee stock purchases (in shares)			11,349
Employee stock purchases	745	745		745
Distributions paid ($1.95) per share	(330,651)	(330,651)			(330,651)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1,751)					(1,751)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	23					23
Other	(1,593)	(1,593)		(1,593)		0
Conversion of noncontrolling interests to common shares (in shares)			79,556
Conversion of noncontrolling interests to common shares		1,559	$ 1	1,558		(1,559)
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	$ (221)	(170)		(170)		(51)
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership		16,275		16,275		(16,275)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015	158,518,091		158,518,091
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 5,814,216	$ 5,427,976	$ 1,585	$ 5,087,698	$ 338,693	$ 386,240

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUI6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Parenthetical)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015$ / shares
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Distributions paid, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.95

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 78,727	$ 76,373
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net	(609)	405
Loss on sale or write down of assets, net	7,078	1,504
Gain on remeasurement of assets	(22,089)	0
Depreciation and amortization	362,681	273,765
Amortization of net premium on mortgage notes payable	(17,891)	(4,056)
Amortization of share and unit-based plans	23,629	25,217
Straight-line rent adjustment	(4,512)	(4,440)
Amortization of above and below-market leases	(13,905)	(5,730)
Provision for doubtful accounts	3,766	3,452
Income tax benefit	(2,077)	(3,759)
Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures	(28,185)	(44,607)
Distributions of income from unconsolidated joint ventures	2,700	886
Co-venture expense	7,897	6,175
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Tenant and other receivables	7,379	(1,416)
Other assets	5,232	(7,011)
Due from affiliates	1,756	(1,290)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,770	780
Other accrued liabilities	(696)	(19,342)
Net cash provided by operating activities	413,651	296,906
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of property	(26,250)	(15,233)
Development, redevelopment, expansion and renovation of properties	(208,485)	(129,750)
Property improvements	(34,541)	(32,375)
Proceeds from notes receivable	1,368	3,169
Deferred leasing costs	(24,797)	(19,402)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	66,643	55,688
Contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures	(336,806)	(257,963)
Loans to unconsolidated joint ventures, net	0	(605)
Proceeds from sale of assets	11,655	51,350
Restricted cash	(546)	2,722
Net cash used in investing activities	(551,759)	(342,399)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from mortgages, bank and other notes payable	1,800,671	580,967
Payments on mortgages, bank and other notes payable	(1,262,628)	(229,099)
Deferred financing costs	(5,160)	(1,126)
Payment of finance deposits	(38,567)	0
Proceeds from share and unit-based plans	745	645
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	(221)	(236)
Contribution from noncontrolling interests	23	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(1,593)	0
Payment of contingent consideration	0	(18,667)
Dividends and distributions	(332,402)	(286,206)
Distributions to co-venture partner	(14,658)	(12,021)
Net cash provided by financing activities	146,210	34,257
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8,102	(11,236)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	84,907	69,715
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	93,009	58,479
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized	178,263	136,233
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Accrued development costs included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other accrued liabilities	39,717	50,817
Assumption of mortgage note payable from unconsolidated joint venture	50,000	0
Mortgage note payable settled by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure	34,149	0
Acquisition of property in exchange for investment in unconsolidated joint venture	76,250	15,767
Notes receivable issued in connection with sale of property	0	9,603
Conversion of Operating Partnership Units to common stock	$ 1,559	$ 984

Organization_

Organization:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 an independent registered public accounting firm. 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 May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers,” which outlines a comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 states that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” While ASU 2014-09 specifically references contracts with customers, it may apply to certain other transactions such as the sale of real estate or equipment. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued 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. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments," which requires adjustments to provisional amounts used in business combinations during the measurement period to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. It also requires the disclosure of the impact on changes in estimates on earnings, depreciation, amortization and other income effects. ASU 2015-16 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016. 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"):	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (shares in thousands): For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator Net income $ 36,314 $ 38,744 $ 78,727 $ 76,373 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2,717 ) (2,830 ) (6,124 ) (6,552 ) Net income attributable to the Company 33,597 35,914 72,603 69,821 Allocation of earnings to participating securities (147 ) (122 ) (442 ) (373 ) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders $ 33,450 $ 35,792 $ 72,161 $ 69,448 Denominator Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding 158,517 140,916 158,452 140,859 Effect of dilutive securities:(1) Share and unit-based compensation plans 117 144 151 116 Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding 158,634 141,060 158,603 140,975 Earnings per common share—net income attributable to common stockholders: Basic $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.46 $ 0.49 Diluted $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.45 $ 0.49 (1) Diluted EPS excludes 138,759 and 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and 139,330 and 184,304 convertible preferred units for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, as their impact was antidilutive. Diluted EPS excludes 10,576,632 and 10,110,716 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and 10,557,254 and 10,072,321 OP Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

Investments in Unconsolidated J

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 LLC . 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 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 LLC and Queens JV LP, which together owned five Centers: Lakewood Center , a 2,075,000 square foot regional shopping center in Lakewood , California ; Los Cerritos Center , a 1,294,000 square foot regional shopping center in Cerritos , California ; Queens Center , a 963,000 square foot regional shopping center in Queens , New York ; Stonewood Center , a 931,000 square foot regional shopping center in Downey , California ; and Washington Square , a 1,441,000 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 ). On April 30, 2015 , the Company entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Sears to own nine freestanding stores located at 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 Company invested $150,000 for a 50% interest in the joint venture, which was funded by borrowings under the Company's line of credit. On September 30, 2015, the Company reached an agreement with GIC to form a joint venture, whereby the Company would sell a 40% ownership interest in five centers for a total sales price of approximately $1,534,000 , including cash payments and the assumption of a pro rata share of mortgage and other notes payable on the properties. On October 30, 2015 , the Company completed the sale of a 40% ownership interest in Lakewood Center , a 2,075,000 square foot regional shopping center in Lakewood , California ; Los Cerritos Center , a 1,294,000 square foot regional shopping center in Cerritos , California ; South Plains Mall , a 1,127,000 square foot regional shopping center in Lubbock , Texas ; and Washington Square , a 1,441,000 square foot regional shopping center in Portland , Oregon (See Note 19 — Subsequent Events ). The Company expects the sale of a 40% ownership interest in Arrowhead Towne Center , a 1,196,000 square foot regional shopping center in Glendale , Arizona ; which is subject to usual and customary closing conditions, will be completed in the first quarter of 2016. This joint venture is referred to herein as the " MAC GIC JV ". On September 30, 2015, the Company reached an agreement with Heitman LLC to form a joint venture, whereby the Company would sell a 49% ownership interest in Deptford Mall , a 1,040,000 square foot regional shopping center in Deptford , New Jersey ; FlatIron Crossing , a 1,430,000 square foot regional shopping center in Broomfield , Colorado ; and Twenty Ninth Street , an 847,000 square foot regional shopping center in Boulder , Colorado . The sales price of approximately $770,000 will include a cash payment and the assumption of a pro rata share of the mortgage notes payable on the properties. The joint venture is referred to herein as the "MAC Heitman JV". The completion of the MAC Heitman JV transaction, which is subject to usual and customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. Combined and condensed balance sheets and statements of operations are presented below for all unconsolidated joint ventures. Combined and Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures: September 30, December 31, Assets(1): Properties, net $ 3,288,060 $ 2,967,878 Other assets 253,070 208,726 Total assets $ 3,541,130 $ 3,176,604 Liabilities and partners' capital(1): Mortgage notes payable(2) $ 1,818,390 $ 2,038,379 Other liabilities 180,809 195,766 Company's capital 786,825 489,349 Outside partners' capital 755,106 453,110 Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 3,541,130 $ 3,176,604 Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures: Company's capital $ 786,825 $ 489,349 Basis adjustment(3) 466,535 464,826 $ 1,253,360 $ 954,175 Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures $ 1,278,216 $ 984,132 Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (24,856 ) (29,957 ) $ 1,253,360 $ 954,175 (1) These amounts include the assets of Tysons Corner LLC of $278,100 and $341,931 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and liabilities of Tysons Corner LLC of $836,659 and $871,933 as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , a total of $5,000 and $33,540 , respectively, could become recourse debt to the Company. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had an indemnity agreement from a joint venture partner for $2,500 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 $463,821 and $606,263 as of September 30, 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 $6,385 and $9,645 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $22,976 and $28,992 for the nine months ended September 30, 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 $3,348 and $948 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $3,188 and $3,227 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Combined and Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures: Pacific Premier Retail LLC Tysons Corner LLC Other Joint Ventures Total Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Revenues: Minimum rents $ — $ 17,667 $ 58,186 $ 75,853 Percentage rents — 7 3,554 3,561 Tenant recoveries — 12,305 19,955 32,260 Other — 869 7,819 8,688 Total revenues — 30,848 89,514 120,362 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses — 10,010 33,340 43,350 Interest expense — 8,466 10,559 19,025 Depreciation and amortization — 5,600 29,053 34,653 Total operating expenses — 24,076 72,952 97,028 Gain on sale or write down of assets, net — — 3,573 3,573 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — — (3 ) (3 ) Net income $ — $ 6,772 $ 20,132 $ 26,904 Company's equity in net income $ — $ 452 $ 10,365 $ 10,817 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Revenues: Minimum rents $ 25,095 $ 15,542 $ 61,522 $ 102,159 Percentage rents 653 115 3,683 4,451 Tenant recoveries 11,495 11,757 26,235 49,487 Other 962 678 9,523 11,163 Total revenues 38,205 28,092 100,963 167,260 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses 9,959 9,694 37,384 57,037 Interest expense 9,643 8,107 17,651 35,401 Depreciation and amortization 8,199 5,162 24,006 37,367 Total operating expenses 27,801 22,963 79,041 129,805 Loss on sale or write down of assets, net (732 ) — (6 ) (738 ) Net income $ 9,672 $ 5,129 $ 21,916 $ 36,717 Company's equity in net income $ 4,379 $ 988 $ 11,568 $ 16,935 Pacific Premier Retail LLC Tysons Corner LLC Other Joint Ventures Total Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Revenues: Minimum rents $ — $ 51,824 $ 162,854 $ 214,678 Percentage rents — 426 7,565 7,991 Tenant recoveries — 36,776 59,187 95,963 Other — 2,260 20,861 23,121 Total revenues — 91,286 250,467 341,753 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses — 29,527 93,482 123,009 Interest expense — 24,968 33,837 58,805 Depreciation and amortization — 16,626 80,796 97,422 Total operating expenses — 71,121 208,115 279,236 Gain on sale or write down of assets, net — — 3,996 3,996 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — — (3 ) (3 ) Net income $ — $ 20,165 $ 46,345 $ 66,510 Company's equity in net income $ — $ 5,286 $ 22,899 $ 28,185 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Revenues: Minimum rents $ 76,829 $ 47,516 $ 173,710 $ 298,055 Percentage rents 1,862 719 7,915 10,496 Tenant recoveries 34,614 35,140 75,606 145,360 Other 3,652 2,294 25,821 31,767 Total revenues 116,957 85,669 283,052 485,678 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses 31,772 29,374 101,522 162,668 Interest expense 29,572 23,590 56,717 109,879 Depreciation and amortization 25,747 14,520 66,768 107,035 Total operating expenses 87,091 67,484 225,007 379,582 Loss on sale or write down of assets, net (7,044 ) — (66 ) (7,110 ) Net income $ 22,822 $ 18,185 $ 57,979 $ 98,986 Company's equity in net income $ 9,865 $ 4,357 $ 30,385 $ 44,607 Significant accounting policies used by the unconsolidated joint ventures are similar to those used by the Company.

Property, net_

Property, net:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, net:	Property, net: Property, net consists of the following: September 30, December 31, Land $ 2,238,048 $ 2,242,291 Buildings and improvements 9,524,581 9,479,337 Tenant improvements 628,014 600,436 Equipment and furnishings 166,632 152,554 Construction in progress 409,631 303,264 12,966,906 12,777,882 Less accumulated depreciation (1,935,430 ) (1,709,992 ) $ 11,031,476 $ 11,067,890 Depreciation expense was $90,540 and $68,663 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $271,861 and $205,158 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The (loss) gain on sale or write down of assets, net includes an impairment loss of $4,318 and $238 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $10,234 and $8,754 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The impairment losses were due to the reduction of the estimated holding periods of Flagstaff Mall , a regional shopping center in Flagstaff , Arizona and a freestanding store in 2015 and three freestanding stores in 2014. The (loss) gain on sale or write down of assets, net includes the gain on the sale of assets of $1,080 and $8,872 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $2,402 and $7,187 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The gain on sale of assets, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes the $9,033 gain on the sale of the Company's 30% ownership interest in Wilshire Boulevard (See Note 4 — Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures ). The gain on the sale of assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 also includes the loss from the sales of Rotterdam Square , Somersville Towne Center and Lake Square Mall in 2014 (See Note 14 — Dispositions ). The (loss) gain on sale or write down of assets, net includes the gain on the sale of land of $1,056 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , and $927 and $1,165 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. The (loss) gain on sale or write down of assets, net also includes the write off of development costs of $104 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 , and $302 and $1,102 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Tenant and Other Receivables, n

Tenant and Other Receivables, net:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $3,273 and $3,234 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Also included in tenant and other receivables, net, are accrued percentage rents of $3,480 and $13,436 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and a deferred rent receivable due to straight-line rent adjustments of $60,516 and $57,278 at September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , LSM Note A had a balance of $6,371 and $6,436 , respectively.

Deferred Charges and Other Asse

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, December 31, Leasing $ 246,144 $ 239,955 Financing 49,020 47,171 Intangible assets: In-place lease values 274,407 298,825 Leasing commissions and legal costs 69,680 72,432 Above-market leases 257,869 250,810 Deferred tax assets 37,727 35,625 Deferred compensation plan assets 35,419 35,194 Other assets 93,405 66,246 1,063,671 1,046,258 Less accumulated amortization(1) (329,298 ) (287,197 ) $ 734,373 $ 759,061 (1) Accumulated amortization includes $120,754 and $103,361 relating to in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Amortization expense of in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs was $16,864 and $11,850 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $57,208 and $35,948 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The allocated values of above-market leases and below-market leases consist of the following: September 30, December 31, Above-Market Leases Original allocated value $ 257,869 $ 250,810 Less accumulated amortization (76,292 ) (59,696 ) $ 181,577 $ 191,114 Below-Market Leases(1) Original allocated value $ 364,577 $ 375,033 Less accumulated amortization (111,374 ) (93,511 ) $ 253,203 $ 281,522 (1) Below-market leases are included in other accrued liabilities.

Mortgage Notes Payable_

Mortgage Notes Payable:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage Notes Payable:	Mortgage Notes Payable: Mortgage notes payable at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following: Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes(1) September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Property Pledged as Collateral Related Party Other Related Party Other Effective Interest Rate(2) Monthly Debt Service(3) Maturity Date(4) Arrowhead Towne Center $ — $ 223,089 $ — $ 228,703 2.76 % $ 1,131 2018 Chandler Fashion Center(5) — 200,000 — 200,000 3.77 % 625 2019 Danbury Fair Mall 112,018 112,018 114,265 114,264 5.53 % 1,538 2020 Deptford Mall — 194,869 — 197,815 3.76 % 947 2023 Deptford Mall — 14,074 — 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 1.84 % 278 2020 Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA — 119,320 — 121,376 4.89 % 727 2020 Flagstaff Mall(7) — 37,000 — 37,000 5.03 % 153 2015 FlatIron Crossing — 256,448 — 261,494 3.90 % 1,393 2021 Freehold Raceway Mall(5) — 226,147 — 229,244 4.20 % 1,132 2018 Great Northern Mall(8) — — — 34,494 — — — Green Acres Mall — 308,623 — 313,514 3.61 % 1,447 2021 Kings Plaza Shopping Center — 473,205 — 480,761 3.67 % 2,229 2019 Lakewood Center(9) — 408,114 — 253,708 3.46 % 1,825 2026 Los Cerritos Center(10) 99,962 99,963 103,274 103,274 1.65 % 1,009 2018 Northgate Mall(11) — 64,000 — 64,000 3.07 % 130 2017 Oaks, The — 207,055 — 210,197 4.14 % 1,064 2022 Pacific View — 131,154 — 133,200 4.08 % 668 2022 Queens Center — 600,000 — 600,000 3.49 % 1,744 2025 Santa Monica Place — 226,422 — 230,344 2.99 % 1,004 2018 SanTan Village Regional Center — 131,636 — 133,807 3.14 % 589 2019 Stonewood Center — 106,963 — 111,297 1.80 % 640 2017 Superstition Springs Center(12) — 67,842 — 68,079 2.03 % 139 2016 Towne Mall — 22,304 — 22,607 4.48 % 117 2022 Tucson La Encantada 70,433 — 71,500 — 4.23 % 368 2022 Valley Mall — 40,745 — 41,368 5.85 % 280 2016 Valley River Center(13) — — — 120,000 — — — Victor Valley, Mall of — 115,000 — 115,000 4.00 % 380 2024 Vintage Faire Mall(14) — 277,441 — — 3.55 % 1,256 2026 Washington Square(15) — 228,095 — 238,696 1.65 % 1,499 2016 Westside Pavilion — 147,643 — 149,626 4.49 % 783 2022 $ 282,413 $ 5,407,170 $ 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 September 30, December 31, Arrowhead Towne Center $ 9,263 $ 11,568 Deptford Mall (4 ) (8 ) Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA 4,718 5,414 Lakewood Center — 3,708 Los Cerritos Center 14,153 17,965 Stonewood Center 5,877 7,980 Superstition Springs Center 342 579 Valley Mall (66 ) (132 ) Washington Square 2,502 9,847 $ 36,785 $ 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the total interest rate was 1.84% and 2.97% , respectively. (7) The Company is negotiating with the loan servicer, which will likely result in a transition of the property to the loan servicer or a receiver. (8) On June 30, 2015 , the Company conveyed the property to the mortgage lender by a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, which resulted in a loss of $1,627 on the extinguishment of debt (See Note 14 — Dispositions ). (9) 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. On May 12, 2015 , the Company placed a new $410,000 loan on the property that bears interest at an effective rate of 3.46% and matures on June 1, 2026 . On October 30, 2015, in connection with the MAC GIC JV transaction, a 40% interest in the loan was assumed by a third party (See Note 19 — Subsequent Events ). (10) On October 30, 2015 , the Company replaced the existing loan on the property with a new $525,000 loan that bears interest at 4.00% and matures on November 1, 2027 . Concurrently, in connection with the MAC GIC JV transaction, a 40% interest in the loan was assumed by a third party (See Note 19 — Subsequent Events ). (11) The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017 . At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the total interest rate was 3.07% and 3.05% , respectively. (12) The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.30% and matures on October 28, 2016 . At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the total interest rate was 2.03% and 1.98% , respectively. (13) On July 31, 2015 , the Company paid off in full the loan on the property, which resulted in a loss of $9 on the early extinguishment of debt. (14) 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 . (15) On October 5, 2015, the Company paid off in full the existing loan on the property. On October 29, 2015 , the Company placed a new $550,000 loan on the property that bears interest at 3.65% and matures on November 1, 2022 . On October 30, 2015, in connection with the MAC GIC JV transaction, a 40% interest in the loan was assumed by a third party (See Note 19 — Subsequent Events ). Most of the mortgage loan agreements contain a prepayment penalty provision for the early extinguishment of the debt. Most of the Company's mortgage notes payable are secured by the properties on which they are placed and are non-recourse to the Company. As of September 30, 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 for the loan on Flagstaff Mall , will be refinanced, restructured, extended and/or paid-off from the Company's line of credit or with cash on hand. Total interest expense capitalized was $3,629 and $3,930 during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $10,095 and $9,513 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Related party mortgage notes payable are amounts due to an affiliate of NML. See Note 16 — Related Party Transactions for interest expense associated with loans from NML. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of mortgage notes payable at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $5,662,080 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:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , borrowings under the line of credit were $1,002,000 and $752,000 , respectively, at an average interest rate of 1.88% and 1.89% , respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the line of credit at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $996,765 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 bore interest at LIBOR plus a spread of 1.95% to 3.20% , depending on the Company's overall leverage level, and was to mature on December 8, 2018. Based on the Company's leverage level as of September 30, 2015 , the borrowing rate was LIBOR plus 2.20% . As of September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $125,438 and $119,780 , respectively, based on a present value model using a credit interest rate spread offered to the Company for comparable debt. On October 23, 2015 , the Company paid off the term loan in full. Prasada Note: On March 29, 2013, the Company issued a $13,330 note payable that bears interest at 5.25% and matures on March 29, 2016. The note payable is collateralized by a portion of a development reimbursement agreement with the City of Surprise, Arizona. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the note had a balance of $9,575 and $10,879 , respectively. The estimated fair value (Level 2 measurement) of the note at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $9,680 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company was in compliance with all applicable financial loan covenants.

Co-Venture Arrangement_

Co-Venture Arrangement:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 1,669,000 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 $68,689 and $75,450 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.

Noncontrolling Interests_

Noncontrolling Interests:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The remaining 6% limited partnership interest as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the aggregate redemption value of the then-outstanding OP Units not owned by the Company was $815,341 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:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity:	Stockholders' Equity: Stock Buyback Program: On September 30, 2015 , the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,200,000 of the Company's outstanding common shares over the period ending September 30, 2017 , as market conditions warrant. Repurchases may be made through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, structured or derivative transactions, including accelerated stock repurchase transactions, or other methods of acquiring shares and pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, from time to time as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 . As of September 30, 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:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2015 to be $10,743 , 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 allocation of the 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 Company determined that the purchase price represented the 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 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 allocation of the 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 Company determined that the purchase price represented the 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 (4,161 ) Gain on remeasurement of assets $ 22,089 The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets: Purchase price $ 51,250 Less debt assumed (25,000 ) Carrying value of investment 4,161 Gain on remeasurement of assets 22,089 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 $9,175 and incremental net income of $910 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Pro Forma Results of Operations: The following pro forma financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 assumes all of the above transactions took place on January 1, 2014: For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Supplemental pro forma revenue(1) $ 326,262 $ 332,656 $ 968,482 $ 983,402 Supplemental pro forma income from continuing operations(1) $ 36,360 $ 38,989 $ 58,808 $ 81,106 (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:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions:	Dispositions: The following are recent dispositions of properties: 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, net ). 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. On June 30, 2015 , the Company conveyed Great Northern Mall , an 895,000 square foot regional shopping center in Clay , New York , to the mortgage lender by a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. The loan was nonrecourse to the Company. As a result, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $1,627 (See Note 8 — Mortgage Notes Payable ).

Commitments and Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $2,968 and $2,667 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $8,879 and $8,044 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. No contingent rent was incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 . As of September 30, 2015 , the Company was contingently liable for $2,788 in letters of credit guaranteeing performance by the Company of certain obligations relating to the Centers. The Company does not believe that these letters of credit will result in a liability to the Company. The Company has entered into a number of construction agreements related to its redevelopment and development activities. Obligations under these agreements are contingent upon the completion of the services within the guidelines specified in the agreements. At September 30, 2015 , the Company had $79,960 in outstanding obligations which it believes will be settled in the next twelve months.

Related Party Transactions_

Related Party Transactions:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Management fees $ 1,346 $ 4,613 $ 6,993 $ 14,328 Development and leasing fees 1,342 3,046 5,201 8,424 $ 2,688 $ 7,659 $ 12,194 $ 22,752 Certain mortgage notes on the properties are held by NML (See Note 8 — Mortgage Notes Payable ). Interest expense in connection with these notes was $2,690 and $3,671 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $8,128 and $11,069 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses is interest payable on these notes of $1,106 and $1,125 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The Company had loans to unconsolidated joint ventures during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 . There were no loans outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . Interest income associated with these notes was $53 and $162 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. 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 included $2,084 and $3,869 of unreimbursed costs and fees due from unconsolidated joint ventures under management agreements at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Due from affiliates at September 30, 2014 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 538,000 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 $156 and $467 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively. In addition, due from affiliates at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included 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 $128 and $154 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $397 and $468 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The balance on this note was $9,705 and $11,027 at September 30, 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 $468 and $1,351 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. The balance on this note was $66,687 and $65,336 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Lennar Corporation is considered a related party because it has an ownership interest in Candlestick Point .

Share and Unit-Based Plans_

Share and Unit-Based Plans:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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. The market-indexed LTIP Units vest over the service period of the award based on the percentile ranking of the Company in terms of total return to the stockholders (the "Total Return") per common stock share relative to the Total Return of a group of peer REITs, as measured at the end of the measurement period. 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. The fair value of the 2015 LTIP Units was estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo Simulation model that assumed a risk free interest rate of 0.25% and an expected volatility of 16.81% . 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 following summarizes the compensation cost under the share and unit-based plans: For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 LTIP Units $ 3,812 $ 3,465 $ 22,810 $ 25,133 Stock awards 28 84 225 281 Stock units 881 1,134 5,214 3,775 Stock options 4 4 12 12 Phantom stock units 248 296 827 902 $ 4,973 $ 4,983 $ 29,088 $ 30,103 The Company capitalized share and unit-based compensation costs of $551 and $525 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $5,459 and $4,886 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Unrecognized compensation costs of share and unit-based plans at September 30, 2015 consisted of $7,940 from LTIP Units, $48 from stock awards, $4,251 from stock units, $31 from stock options and $135 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 — — 7,056 80.68 76,531 86.61 Vested (132,607 ) 86.72 (7,410 ) 58.65 (11,839 ) 70.82 (84,498 ) 61.14 Forfeited — — — — (2,458 ) 55.62 — — Balance at September 30, 2015 282,596 $ 68.12 1,779 $ 61.72 2,028 $ 66.52 136,407 $ 74.66 (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 (344,981 ) 56.88 — — Forfeited — — — — Balance at September 30, 2015 427,658 $ 56.50 10,068 $ 59.57 (1) Value represents the weighted average exercise price.

Income Taxes_

Income Taxes:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Current $ — $ — $ — $ — Deferred 859 689 2,077 3,759 Income tax benefit $ 859 $ 689 $ 2,077 $ 3,759 The net operating loss carryforwards are currently scheduled to expire through 2034 , beginning in 2024 . Net deferred tax assets of $37,727 and $35,625 were included in deferred charges and other assets, net at September 30, 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:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events:	Subsequent Events: On October 5, 2015 , the Company paid off the existing $225,593 mortgage note payable on Washington Square . The Company funded the payoff from borrowings on its line of credit. On October 23, 2015 , the Company placed a $200,000 mortgage note payable on South Plains Mall that bears interest at 4.22% and matures on November 6, 2025 . The Company used the cash proceeds to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes. Concurrently, the Company paid off in full its $125,000 term loan. On October 23, 2015 , the Company announced a dividend/distribution of $0.68 per share for common stockholders and OP Unit holders of record on November 12, 2015 . All dividends/distributions will be paid 100% in cash on December 4, 2015 . On October 29, 2015 , the Company placed a $550,000 loan on Washington Square that bears interest at 3.65% and matures on November 1, 2022 . The Company used the cash proceeds to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes. On October 30, 2015 , the Company replaced the existing loan on Los Cerritos Center (See Note 8 — Mortgage Notes Payable ) with a new $525,000 loan that bears interest at 4.00% and matures on November 1, 2027 . The Company used the cash proceeds to pay down its line of credit and for general corporate purposes. On October 30, 2015 , in connection with the MAC GIC JV transaction, the Company sold a 40% ownership interest in Pacific Premier Retail LLC , which owns Lakewood Center , Los Cerritos Center , South Plains Mall and Washington Square . The sales price of approximately $1,250,000 was funded by the assumption of the pro rata share of mortgage notes payable on the properties of approximately $713,000 and a cash payment of approximately $537,000 . Included in the debt assumed was the pro rata share of a $100,000 term loan that bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.20% and matures on October 31, 2022 that was placed on the joint venture concurrently with the completion of the sale. The Company intends to use these cash proceeds to pay down its line of credit, fund the special dividends as discussed below and for other general corporate purposes, which may include any repurchases of the Company's common stock under the recently authorized stock buyback program (See Note 12 — Stockholders' Equity ). On October 30, 2015, the Company declared two special dividends/distributions, each of $2.00 per share of common stock and per OP Unit. The first dividend/distribution is payable on December 8, 2015 to stockholders and OP Unit holders of record on November 12, 2015. The second dividend/distribution is payable on January 6, 2016 to common stockholders and OP Unit holders of record on November 12, 2015.

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 an independent registered public accounting firm. 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	Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers,” which outlines a comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 states that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” While ASU 2014-09 specifically references contracts with customers, it may apply to certain other transactions such as the sale of real estate or equipment. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. Accordingly, ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued 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. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments," which requires adjustments to provisional amounts used in business combinations during the measurement period to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. It also requires the disclosure of the impact on changes in estimates on earnings, depreciation, amortization and other income effects. ASU 2015-16 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Earnings per Share ("EPS")_ (Ta

Earnings per Share ("EPS"): (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (shares in thousands): For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator Net income $ 36,314 $ 38,744 $ 78,727 $ 76,373 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2,717 ) (2,830 ) (6,124 ) (6,552 ) Net income attributable to the Company 33,597 35,914 72,603 69,821 Allocation of earnings to participating securities (147 ) (122 ) (442 ) (373 ) Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders $ 33,450 $ 35,792 $ 72,161 $ 69,448 Denominator Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding 158,517 140,916 158,452 140,859 Effect of dilutive securities:(1) Share and unit-based compensation plans 117 144 151 116 Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding 158,634 141,060 158,603 140,975 Earnings per common share—net income attributable to common stockholders: Basic $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.46 $ 0.49 Diluted $ 0.21 $ 0.25 $ 0.45 $ 0.49 (1) Diluted EPS excludes 138,759 and 184,304 convertible preferred units for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and 139,330 and 184,304 convertible preferred units for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, as their impact was antidilutive. Diluted EPS excludes 10,576,632 and 10,110,716 Operating Partnership units ("OP Units") for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and 10,557,254 and 10,072,321 OP Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, as their impact was antidilutive.

Investments in Unconsolidated29

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, December 31, Assets(1): Properties, net $ 3,288,060 $ 2,967,878 Other assets 253,070 208,726 Total assets $ 3,541,130 $ 3,176,604 Liabilities and partners' capital(1): Mortgage notes payable(2) $ 1,818,390 $ 2,038,379 Other liabilities 180,809 195,766 Company's capital 786,825 489,349 Outside partners' capital 755,106 453,110 Total liabilities and partners' capital $ 3,541,130 $ 3,176,604 Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures: Company's capital $ 786,825 $ 489,349 Basis adjustment(3) 466,535 464,826 $ 1,253,360 $ 954,175 Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures $ 1,278,216 $ 984,132 Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (24,856 ) (29,957 ) $ 1,253,360 $ 954,175 (1) These amounts include the assets of Tysons Corner LLC of $278,100 and $341,931 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, and liabilities of Tysons Corner LLC of $836,659 and $871,933 as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , a total of $5,000 and $33,540 , respectively, could become recourse debt to the Company. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had an indemnity agreement from a joint venture partner for $2,500 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 $463,821 and $606,263 as of September 30, 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 $6,385 and $9,645 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $22,976 and $28,992 for the nine months ended September 30, 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 $3,348 and $948 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $3,188 and $3,227 for the nine months ended September 30, 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 Premier Retail LLC Tysons Corner LLC Other Joint Ventures Total Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Revenues: Minimum rents $ — $ 17,667 $ 58,186 $ 75,853 Percentage rents — 7 3,554 3,561 Tenant recoveries — 12,305 19,955 32,260 Other — 869 7,819 8,688 Total revenues — 30,848 89,514 120,362 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses — 10,010 33,340 43,350 Interest expense — 8,466 10,559 19,025 Depreciation and amortization — 5,600 29,053 34,653 Total operating expenses — 24,076 72,952 97,028 Gain on sale or write down of assets, net — — 3,573 3,573 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — — (3 ) (3 ) Net income $ — $ 6,772 $ 20,132 $ 26,904 Company's equity in net income $ — $ 452 $ 10,365 $ 10,817 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Revenues: Minimum rents $ 25,095 $ 15,542 $ 61,522 $ 102,159 Percentage rents 653 115 3,683 4,451 Tenant recoveries 11,495 11,757 26,235 49,487 Other 962 678 9,523 11,163 Total revenues 38,205 28,092 100,963 167,260 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses 9,959 9,694 37,384 57,037 Interest expense 9,643 8,107 17,651 35,401 Depreciation and amortization 8,199 5,162 24,006 37,367 Total operating expenses 27,801 22,963 79,041 129,805 Loss on sale or write down of assets, net (732 ) — (6 ) (738 ) Net income $ 9,672 $ 5,129 $ 21,916 $ 36,717 Company's equity in net income $ 4,379 $ 988 $ 11,568 $ 16,935 Pacific Premier Retail LLC Tysons Corner LLC Other Joint Ventures Total Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Revenues: Minimum rents $ — $ 51,824 $ 162,854 $ 214,678 Percentage rents — 426 7,565 7,991 Tenant recoveries — 36,776 59,187 95,963 Other — 2,260 20,861 23,121 Total revenues — 91,286 250,467 341,753 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses — 29,527 93,482 123,009 Interest expense — 24,968 33,837 58,805 Depreciation and amortization — 16,626 80,796 97,422 Total operating expenses — 71,121 208,115 279,236 Gain on sale or write down of assets, net — — 3,996 3,996 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — — (3 ) (3 ) Net income $ — $ 20,165 $ 46,345 $ 66,510 Company's equity in net income $ — $ 5,286 $ 22,899 $ 28,185 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Revenues: Minimum rents $ 76,829 $ 47,516 $ 173,710 $ 298,055 Percentage rents 1,862 719 7,915 10,496 Tenant recoveries 34,614 35,140 75,606 145,360 Other 3,652 2,294 25,821 31,767 Total revenues 116,957 85,669 283,052 485,678 Expenses: Shopping center and operating expenses 31,772 29,374 101,522 162,668 Interest expense 29,572 23,590 56,717 109,879 Depreciation and amortization 25,747 14,520 66,768 107,035 Total operating expenses 87,091 67,484 225,007 379,582 Loss on sale or write down of assets, net (7,044 ) — (66 ) (7,110 ) Net income $ 22,822 $ 18,185 $ 57,979 $ 98,986 Company's equity in net income $ 9,865 $ 4,357 $ 30,385 $ 44,607

Property, net_ (Tables)

Property, net: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Components of property	Property, net consists of the following: September 30, December 31, Land $ 2,238,048 $ 2,242,291 Buildings and improvements 9,524,581 9,479,337 Tenant improvements 628,014 600,436 Equipment and furnishings 166,632 152,554 Construction in progress 409,631 303,264 12,966,906 12,777,882 Less accumulated depreciation (1,935,430 ) (1,709,992 ) $ 11,031,476 $ 11,067,890

Deferred Charges and Other As31

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, December 31, Leasing $ 246,144 $ 239,955 Financing 49,020 47,171 Intangible assets: In-place lease values 274,407 298,825 Leasing commissions and legal costs 69,680 72,432 Above-market leases 257,869 250,810 Deferred tax assets 37,727 35,625 Deferred compensation plan assets 35,419 35,194 Other assets 93,405 66,246 1,063,671 1,046,258 Less accumulated amortization(1) (329,298 ) (287,197 ) $ 734,373 $ 759,061 (1) Accumulated amortization includes $120,754 and $103,361 relating to in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Amortization expense of in-place lease values, leasing commissions and legal costs was $16,864 and $11,850 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $57,208 and $35,948 for the nine months ended September 30, 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: September 30, December 31, Above-Market Leases Original allocated value $ 257,869 $ 250,810 Less accumulated amortization (76,292 ) (59,696 ) $ 181,577 $ 191,114 Below-Market Leases(1) Original allocated value $ 364,577 $ 375,033 Less accumulated amortization (111,374 ) (93,511 ) $ 253,203 $ 281,522 (1) Below-market leases are included in other accrued liabilities.

Mortgage Notes Payable_ (Tables

Mortgage Notes Payable: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgage notes payable	Mortgage notes payable at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consist of the following: Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes(1) September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Property Pledged as Collateral Related Party Other Related Party Other Effective Interest Rate(2) Monthly Debt Service(3) Maturity Date(4) Arrowhead Towne Center $ — $ 223,089 $ — $ 228,703 2.76 % $ 1,131 2018 Chandler Fashion Center(5) — 200,000 — 200,000 3.77 % 625 2019 Danbury Fair Mall 112,018 112,018 114,265 114,264 5.53 % 1,538 2020 Deptford Mall — 194,869 — 197,815 3.76 % 947 2023 Deptford Mall — 14,074 — 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 1.84 % 278 2020 Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA — 119,320 — 121,376 4.89 % 727 2020 Flagstaff Mall(7) — 37,000 — 37,000 5.03 % 153 2015 FlatIron Crossing — 256,448 — 261,494 3.90 % 1,393 2021 Freehold Raceway Mall(5) — 226,147 — 229,244 4.20 % 1,132 2018 Great Northern Mall(8) — — — 34,494 — — — Green Acres Mall — 308,623 — 313,514 3.61 % 1,447 2021 Kings Plaza Shopping Center — 473,205 — 480,761 3.67 % 2,229 2019 Lakewood Center(9) — 408,114 — 253,708 3.46 % 1,825 2026 Los Cerritos Center(10) 99,962 99,963 103,274 103,274 1.65 % 1,009 2018 Northgate Mall(11) — 64,000 — 64,000 3.07 % 130 2017 Oaks, The — 207,055 — 210,197 4.14 % 1,064 2022 Pacific View — 131,154 — 133,200 4.08 % 668 2022 Queens Center — 600,000 — 600,000 3.49 % 1,744 2025 Santa Monica Place — 226,422 — 230,344 2.99 % 1,004 2018 SanTan Village Regional Center — 131,636 — 133,807 3.14 % 589 2019 Stonewood Center — 106,963 — 111,297 1.80 % 640 2017 Superstition Springs Center(12) — 67,842 — 68,079 2.03 % 139 2016 Towne Mall — 22,304 — 22,607 4.48 % 117 2022 Tucson La Encantada 70,433 — 71,500 — 4.23 % 368 2022 Valley Mall — 40,745 — 41,368 5.85 % 280 2016 Valley River Center(13) — — — 120,000 — — — Victor Valley, Mall of — 115,000 — 115,000 4.00 % 380 2024 Vintage Faire Mall(14) — 277,441 — — 3.55 % 1,256 2026 Washington Square(15) — 228,095 — 238,696 1.65 % 1,499 2016 Westside Pavilion — 147,643 — 149,626 4.49 % 783 2022 $ 282,413 $ 5,407,170 $ 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 September 30, December 31, Arrowhead Towne Center $ 9,263 $ 11,568 Deptford Mall (4 ) (8 ) Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA 4,718 5,414 Lakewood Center — 3,708 Los Cerritos Center 14,153 17,965 Stonewood Center 5,877 7,980 Superstition Springs Center 342 579 Valley Mall (66 ) (132 ) Washington Square 2,502 9,847 $ 36,785 $ 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 September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the total interest rate was 1.84% and 2.97% , respectively. (7) The Company is negotiating with the loan servicer, which will likely result in a transition of the property to the loan servicer or a receiver. (8) On June 30, 2015 , the Company conveyed the property to the mortgage lender by a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, which resulted in a loss of $1,627 on the extinguishment of debt (See Note 14 — Dispositions ). (9) 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. On May 12, 2015 , the Company placed a new $410,000 loan on the property that bears interest at an effective rate of 3.46% and matures on June 1, 2026 . On October 30, 2015, in connection with the MAC GIC JV transaction, a 40% interest in the loan was assumed by a third party (See Note 19 — Subsequent Events ). (10) On October 30, 2015 , the Company replaced the existing loan on the property with a new $525,000 loan that bears interest at 4.00% and matures on November 1, 2027 . Concurrently, in connection with the MAC GIC JV transaction, a 40% interest in the loan was assumed by a third party (See Note 19 — Subsequent Events ). (11) The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% and matures on March 1, 2017 . At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the total interest rate was 3.07% and 3.05% , respectively. (12) The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.30% and matures on October 28, 2016 . At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the total interest rate was 2.03% and 1.98% , respectively. (13) On July 31, 2015 , the Company paid off in full the loan on the property, which resulted in a loss of $9 on the early extinguishment of debt. (14) 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 . (15) On October 5, 2015, the Company paid off in full the existing loan on the property. On October 29, 2015 , the Company placed a new $550,000 loan on the property that bears interest at 3.65% and matures on November 1, 2022 . On October 30, 2015, in connection with the MAC GIC JV transaction, a 40% interest in the loan was assumed by a third party (See Note 19 — Subsequent Events ).
Debt premiums (discounts) on mortgage notes payable	Debt premiums (discounts) consist of the following: Property Pledged as Collateral September 30, December 31, Arrowhead Towne Center $ 9,263 $ 11,568 Deptford Mall (4 ) (8 ) Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA 4,718 5,414 Lakewood Center — 3,708 Los Cerritos Center 14,153 17,965 Stonewood Center 5,877 7,980 Superstition Springs Center 342 579 Valley Mall (66 ) (132 ) Washington Square 2,502 9,847 $ 36,785 $ 56,921

Acquisitions_ (Tables)

Acquisitions: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of recognized identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of Cascade Mall : Property $ 28,924 Deferred charges 6,660 Other assets 202 Total assets acquired 35,786 Other accrued liabilities 4,786 Total liabilities assumed 4,786 Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership) $ 31,000 The following is a summary of the allocation of the fair value of 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 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 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 The following is the reconciliation of the purchase price to the fair value of the acquired net assets: Purchase price $ 51,250 Less debt assumed (25,000 ) Carrying value of investment 4,161 Gain on remeasurement of assets 22,089 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
Summary of gain on remeasurement of existing investment	Fair value of existing ownership interest (at 50% ownership) $ 26,250 Carrying value of investment (4,161 ) Gain on remeasurement of assets $ 22,089 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
Schedule of pro forma total revenue and income from continuing operations	The following pro forma financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 assumes all of the above transactions took place on January 1, 2014: For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Supplemental pro forma revenue(1) $ 326,262 $ 332,656 $ 968,482 $ 983,402 Supplemental pro forma income from continuing operations(1) $ 36,360 $ 38,989 $ 58,808 $ 81,106 (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_ (Ta

Related Party Transactions: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Management fees $ 1,346 $ 4,613 $ 6,993 $ 14,328 Development and leasing fees 1,342 3,046 5,201 8,424 $ 2,688 $ 7,659 $ 12,194 $ 22,752

Share and Unit-Based Plans_ (Ta

Share and Unit-Based Plans: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 LTIP Units $ 3,812 $ 3,465 $ 22,810 $ 25,133 Stock awards 28 84 225 281 Stock units 881 1,134 5,214 3,775 Stock options 4 4 12 12 Phantom stock units 248 296 827 902 $ 4,973 $ 4,983 $ 29,088 $ 30,103
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 — — 7,056 80.68 76,531 86.61 Vested (132,607 ) 86.72 (7,410 ) 58.65 (11,839 ) 70.82 (84,498 ) 61.14 Forfeited — — — — (2,458 ) 55.62 — — Balance at September 30, 2015 282,596 $ 68.12 1,779 $ 61.72 2,028 $ 66.52 136,407 $ 74.66 (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 (344,981 ) 56.88 — — Forfeited — — — — Balance at September 30, 2015 427,658 $ 56.50 10,068 $ 59.57 (1) Value represents the weighted average exercise price.

Income Taxes_ (Tables)

Income Taxes: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Current $ — $ — $ — $ — Deferred 859 689 2,077 3,759 Income tax benefit $ 859 $ 689 $ 2,077 $ 3,759

Organization_ (Details)

Organization: (Details) - entity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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")_ (De

Earnings per Share ("EPS"): (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Numerator
Net income	$ 36,314	$ 38,744	$ 78,727	$ 76,373
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,717)	(2,830)	(6,124)	(6,552)
Net income attributable to the Company	33,597	35,914	72,603	69,821
Allocation of earnings to participating securities	(147)	(122)	(442)	(373)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share—net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 33,450	$ 35,792	$ 72,161	$ 69,448
Denominator
Denominator for basic earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	158,517	140,916	158,452	140,859
Effect of dilutive securities:
Share and unit-based compensation plans (in shares)	117	144	151	116
Denominator for diluted earnings per share—weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	158,634	141,060	158,603	140,975
Earnings per common share—net income attributable to common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.25	$ 0.46	$ 0.49
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.21	$ 0.25	$ 0.45	$ 0.49

Earnings per Share ("EPS") - Na

Earnings per Share ("EPS") - Narrative (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Convertible non-participating preferred units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from Diluted EPS (in shares)	138,759	184,304	139,330	184,304
Partnership unit
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Securities excluded from Diluted EPS (in shares)	10,576,632	10,110,716	10,557,254	10,072,321

Investments in Unconsolidated40

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Narrative (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands

Oct. 30, 2015ft²

Oct. 23, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)ft²

Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)store

Feb. 17, 2015USD ($)ft²

Nov. 20, 2014USD ($)ft²

Nov. 14, 2014USD ($)ft²mall

Aug. 28, 2014USD ($)ft²

Jul. 30, 2014USD ($)ft²

Jun. 04, 2014USD ($)ft²

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)ft²

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)ft²

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Nov. 13, 2014USD ($)ft²

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Gain on remeasurement, sale or write down of assets, net

$ 3,573

$ (738)

$ 3,996

$ (7,110)

Subsequent event

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Debt repaid

$ 125,000

The Gallery

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

1,376

Purchase price

$ 106,800

Ownership percentage acquired

50.00%

Candlestick Point

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

500

Deptford Mall

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

1,040

1,040

1,040

Proceeds from sale

$ 770,000

Ownership interest sold (as a percent)

49.00%

Wilshire Boulevard

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

40

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%

Twenty Ninth Street [Member]

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

847

847

847

Cascade Mall

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)

49.00%

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

589

Purchase price

$ 15,233

PPRLP Queens Portfolio

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)

49.00%

Purchase price

$ 1,838,886

Number of regional shopping centers owned by investee | mall

5

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 | Subsequent event

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

2,075

PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Los Cerritos Center

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Proceeds from sale

$ 1,534,000

Ownership interest sold (as a percent)

40.00%

PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Los Cerritos Center | Subsequent event

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

1,294

Ownership interest sold (as a percent)

40.00%

PPRLP Queens Portfolio | South Plains Mall | Subsequent event

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

1,127

PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Queens Center

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

963

PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Stonewood Center

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

931

PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Washington Square | Subsequent event

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

1,441

443 Wabash MAB LLC

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

65

Purchase price

$ 18,900

Ownership percentage acquired

45.00%

Inland Center

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)

50.00%

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

933

Purchase price

$ 51,250

Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition

26,250

Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company

25,000

Debt repaid

$ 50,000

Sears Locations

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Purchase price

$ 150,000

Ownership percentage acquired

50.00%

Number of stores | store

9

Arrowhead Towne Center

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

1,196

1,196

1,196

FlatIron Crossing

Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

1,430

1,430

1,430

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 Unconsolidated41

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Balance Sheets of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Properties, net	$ 3,288,060	$ 2,967,878
Other assets	253,070	208,726
Total assets	3,541,130	3,176,604
Liabilities and partners' capital:
Mortgage notes payable	1,818,390	2,038,379
Other liabilities	180,809	195,766
Company's capital	786,825	489,349
Outside partners' capital	755,106	453,110
Total liabilities and partners' capital	3,541,130	3,176,604
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Company's capital	786,825	489,349
Basis adjustment	466,535	464,826
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,253,360	954,175
Assets—Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	1,278,216	984,132
Liabilities—Distributions in excess of investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	$ (24,856)	$ (29,957)

Investments in Unconsolidated42

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Balance Sheet Footnotes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Total assets	$ 3,541,130		$ 3,541,130		$ 3,176,604
Mortgage notes payable that could become recourse debt to the Company	5,000		5,000		33,540
Indemnity of guaranteed amount	2,500		2,500		16,770
Amortization of difference between cost of investments and book value of underlying equity	3,348	$ 948	3,188	$ 3,227
Northwestern Mutual Life (NML)
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Mortgage notes payable to affiliate	463,821		463,821		606,263
Interest expense on borrowings from related party	6,385	$ 9,645	22,976	$ 28,992
Tysons Corner LLC
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures:
Total assets	278,100		278,100		341,931
Total liabilities	$ 836,659		$ 836,659		$ 871,933

Investments in Unconsolidated43

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Combined Condensed Statements of Operations of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Minimum rents	$ 75,853	$ 102,159	$ 214,678	$ 298,055
Percentage rents	3,561	4,451	7,991	10,496
Tenant recoveries	32,260	49,487	95,963	145,360
Other	8,688	11,163	23,121	31,767
Total revenues	120,362	167,260	341,753	485,678
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	43,350	57,037	123,009	162,668
Interest expense	19,025	35,401	58,805	109,879
Depreciation and amortization	34,653	37,367	97,422	107,035
Total operating expenses	97,028	129,805	279,236	379,582
Gain on sale or write down of assets, net	3,573	(738)	3,996	(7,110)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(3)		(3)
Net income	26,904	36,717	66,510	98,986
Company's equity in net income	10,817	16,935	28,185	44,607
Pacific Premier Retail LLC
Revenues:
Minimum rents	0	25,095	0	76,829
Percentage rents	0	653	0	1,862
Tenant recoveries	0	11,495	0	34,614
Other	0	962	0	3,652
Total revenues	0	38,205	0	116,957
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	0	9,959	0	31,772
Interest expense	0	9,643	0	29,572
Depreciation and amortization	0	8,199	0	25,747
Total operating expenses	0	27,801	0	87,091
Gain on sale or write down of assets, net	0	(732)	0	(7,044)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0		0
Net income	0	9,672	0	22,822
Company's equity in net income	0	4,379	0	9,865
Tysons Corner LLC
Revenues:
Minimum rents	17,667	15,542	51,824	47,516
Percentage rents	7	115	426	719
Tenant recoveries	12,305	11,757	36,776	35,140
Other	869	678	2,260	2,294
Total revenues	30,848	28,092	91,286	85,669
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	10,010	9,694	29,527	29,374
Interest expense	8,466	8,107	24,968	23,590
Depreciation and amortization	5,600	5,162	16,626	14,520
Total operating expenses	24,076	22,963	71,121	67,484
Gain on sale or write down of assets, net	0	0	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0		0
Net income	6,772	5,129	20,165	18,185
Company's equity in net income	452	988	5,286	4,357
Other Joint Ventures
Revenues:
Minimum rents	58,186	61,522	162,854	173,710
Percentage rents	3,554	3,683	7,565	7,915
Tenant recoveries	19,955	26,235	59,187	75,606
Other	7,819	9,523	20,861	25,821
Total revenues	89,514	100,963	250,467	283,052
Expenses:
Shopping center and operating expenses	33,340	37,384	93,482	101,522
Interest expense	10,559	17,651	33,837	56,717
Depreciation and amortization	29,053	24,006	80,796	66,768
Total operating expenses	72,952	79,041	208,115	225,007
Gain on sale or write down of assets, net	3,573	(6)	3,996	(66)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(3)		(3)
Net income	20,132	21,916	46,345	57,979
Company's equity in net income	$ 10,365	$ 11,568	$ 22,899	$ 30,385

Property, net_ (Details)

Property, net: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$ 2,238,048	$ 2,242,291
Buildings and improvements	9,524,581	9,479,337
Tenant improvements	628,014	600,436
Equipment and furnishings	166,632	152,554
Construction in progress	409,631	303,264
Total	12,966,906	12,777,882
Less accumulated depreciation	(1,935,430)	(1,709,992)
Property, net	$ 11,031,476	$ 11,067,890

Property, net - Narrative (Deta

Property, net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expenses		$ 90,540	$ 68,663	$ 271,861	$ 205,158
Impairment loss		4,318	238	10,234	8,754
Gain loss on sale of properties		1,080	8,872	2,402	7,187
Development cost		104	302		1,102
Gain on sale or write down of assets, net		$ 3,573	(738)	3,996	(7,110)
Land sales			$ 927	$ 1,056	$ 1,165
Wilshire Boulevard
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gain on sale or write down of assets, net	$ 9,033
Ownership interest sold (as a percent)	30.00%

Tenant and Other Receivables,46

Tenant and Other Receivables, net: (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3,273,000	$ 3,234,000
Deferred rent receivable due to straight-line rent adjustments	60,516,000	57,278,000
Accrued percentage rents
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Accounts receivable	3,480,000	13,436,000
6.5% Note Receivable
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Notes receivable	$ 6,371,000	$ 6,436,000	$ 6,500,000
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)			6.46%
5.0% Note Receivable
Components of tenant and other receivables, net
Notes receivable			$ 3,103,000
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)			5.00%

Deferred Charges and Other As47

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Leasing	$ 246,144		$ 246,144		$ 239,955
Financing	49,020		49,020		47,171
Intangible assets:
In-place lease values	274,407		274,407		298,825
Leasing commissions and legal costs	69,680		69,680		72,432
Above-market leases	257,869		257,869		250,810
Deferred tax assets	37,727		37,727		35,625
Deferred compensation plan assets	35,419		35,419		35,194
Other assets	93,405		93,405		66,246
Deferred charges and other assets, gross	1,063,671		1,063,671		1,046,258
Less accumulated amortization	(329,298)		(329,298)		(287,197)
Deferred charges and other assets, net	734,373		734,373		759,061
Accumulated amortization for intangible assets	120,754		120,754		$ 103,361
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 16,864	$ 11,850	$ 57,208	$ 35,948

Deferred Charges and Other As48

Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net - Allocated Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Allocated values of leases
Less accumulated amortization	$ (120,754)	$ (103,361)
Original allocated value	364,577	375,033
Less accumulated amortization	(111,374)	(93,511)
Above-Market Leases
Allocated values of leases
Original allocated value	257,869	250,810
Less accumulated amortization	(76,292)	(59,696)
Allocated value net	181,577	191,114
Below-Market Leases
Allocated values of leases
Allocated value net	$ 253,203	$ 281,522

Mortgage Notes Payable - Schedu

Mortgage Notes Payable - Schedule of Mortgage Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	May. 12, 2015	Feb. 19, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	$ 282,413			$ 289,039
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	5,407,170			5,115,482
Arrowhead Towne Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 223,089			228,703
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.76%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,131
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			200,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.77%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 625
Danbury Fair Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	112,018			114,265
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 112,018			114,264
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.53%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,538
Deptford Mall One
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 194,869			197,815
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.76%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 947
Deptford Mall Two
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 14,074			14,285
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	6.46%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 101
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			168,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.79%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 811
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			$ 119,329
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.84%			2.97%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 278
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	$ 119,320			121,376
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.89%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 727
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			37,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.03%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 153
FlatIron Crossing
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 256,448			261,494
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.90%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,393
Freehold Raceway Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 226,147			229,244
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.20%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,132
Great Northern Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	0			34,494
Green Acres Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 308,623			313,514
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.61%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,447
Kings Plaza
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 473,205			480,761
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.67%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 2,229
Lakewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 408,114	$ 410,000		253,708
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.46%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,825
Los Cerritos Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	99,962			103,274
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 99,963			103,274
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.65%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,009
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			$ 64,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.07%			3.05%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 130
The Oaks
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			$ 0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 207,055			210,197
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.14%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,064
Pacific View
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 131,154			133,200
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.08%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 668
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			600,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.49%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,744
Santa Monica Place
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 226,422			230,344
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.99%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,004
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	$ 131,636			133,807
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.14%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 589
Stonewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 106,963			111,297
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.80%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 640
Superstition Springs Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 67,842			$ 68,079
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	2.03%			1.98%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 139
Towne Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			$ 0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 22,304			22,607
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.48%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 117
Tucson La Encantada
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	70,433			71,500
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 0			0
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.23%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 368
Valley Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 40,745			41,368
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	5.85%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 280
Valley River Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	0			120,000
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			115,000
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.00%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 380
Vintage Faire Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0		$ 280,000	0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 277,441			0
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	3.55%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,256
Washington Square Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 228,095			238,696
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	1.65%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 1,499
Westside Pavilion
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Related Party	0			0
Carrying Amount of Mortgage Notes, Other	$ 147,643			$ 149,626
Effective Interest Rate (as a percent)	4.49%
Monthly Debt Service	$ 783

Mortgage Notes Payable - Premiu

Mortgage Notes Payable - Premiums and Discounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums (discounts), net	$ 36,785	$ 56,921
Arrowhead Towne Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	9,263	11,568
Deptford Mall One
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt discounts	(4)	(8)
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	4,718	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	14,153	17,965
Stonewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	5,877	7,980
Superstition Springs Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	342	579
Valley Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt discounts	(66)	(132)
Washington Square Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Debt premiums	$ 2,502	$ 9,847

Mortgage Notes Payable - Footno

Mortgage Notes Payable - Footnotes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 03, 2015	Feb. 25, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 05, 2015	May. 12, 2015	Feb. 19, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 5,407,170					$ 5,407,170		$ 5,407,170					$ 5,115,482
Related parties		282,413					282,413		282,413					289,039
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net									(609)	$ 405
Mortgage notes payable which could become recourse		13,500					13,500		13,500					73,165
Interest expense capitalized							3,629	$ 3,930	10,095	$ 9,513
Fair value of mortgage notes payable		5,662,080					5,662,080		5,662,080					5,455,453
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 200,000					$ 200,000		$ 200,000					$ 119,329
Interest rate basis									LIBOR
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)					1.50%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		1.84%					1.84%		1.84%					2.97%
Related parties		$ 0					$ 0		$ 0					$ 0
Great Northern Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		0					0		0					34,494
Related parties		0					0		0					0
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net				$ 1,627
Lakewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 408,114					$ 408,114		$ 408,114			$ 410,000		253,708
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		3.46%					3.46%		3.46%
Related parties		$ 0					$ 0		$ 0					0
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net						$ (2,245)
Los Cerritos Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 99,963					$ 99,963		$ 99,963					103,274
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		1.65%					1.65%		1.65%
Related parties		$ 99,962					$ 99,962		$ 99,962					103,274
Los Cerritos Center Mortgage | Subsequent event
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes	$ 525,000
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)	4.00%
The Mall at Northgate
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 64,000					$ 64,000		$ 64,000					$ 64,000
Interest rate basis									LIBOR
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)									2.25%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		3.07%					3.07%		3.07%					3.05%
Related parties		$ 0					$ 0		$ 0					$ 0
Superstition Springs Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 67,842					$ 67,842		$ 67,842					$ 68,079
Interest rate basis									LIBOR
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)									2.30%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		2.03%					2.03%		2.03%					1.98%
Related parties		$ 0					$ 0		$ 0					$ 0
Valley River Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		0					0		0					120,000
Related parties		0					0		0					0
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net			$ 9
Vintage Faire Mall
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 277,441					$ 277,441		$ 277,441					0
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		3.55%					3.55%		3.55%
Related parties		$ 0					$ 0		$ 0				$ 280,000	0
Washington Square Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 228,095					$ 228,095		$ 228,095					238,696
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		1.65%					1.65%		1.65%
Related parties		$ 0					$ 0		$ 0					$ 0
Washington Square Mortgage | Subsequent event
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Carrying amount of mortgage notes											$ 550,000
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)											3.65%
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%
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Lakewood Center Mortgage
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		3.46%					3.46%		3.46%
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Los Cerritos Center
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Ownership interest sold (as a percent)		40.00%
PPRLP Queens Portfolio | Los Cerritos Center | Subsequent event
Mortgage loans payable on real estate
Ownership interest sold (as a percent)	40.00%

Bank and Other Notes Payable_ (

Bank and Other Notes Payable: (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2013	Dec. 08, 2011	Sep. 30, 2015	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			$ 1,002,000,000	$ 752,000,000
Line of credit, average interest rate (as a percent)			1.88%	1.89%
Fair value of outstanding line of credit			$ 996,765,000	$ 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
Interest rate basis			LIBOR
Amount of additional borrowing		$ 125,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)			2.53%	2.25%
Debt, fair value			$ 125,438,000	$ 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			9,575,000	10,879,000
Debt, fair value			$ 9,680,000	$ 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)			1.375%
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%

Co-Venture Arrangement_ (Detail

Co-Venture Arrangement: (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2009USD ($)ft²	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Co-Venture Arrangement:
Co-venture obligation | $		$ 68,689	$ 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)	1,669
Chandler Fashion Center
Co-Venture Arrangement:
Property area (in square feet)	1,320

Noncontrolling Interests_ (Deta

Noncontrolling Interests: (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	$ 815,341	$ 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 ($)	Nov. 14, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 20, 2014	Aug. 17, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Authorized repurchase amount		$ 1,200,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Maximum price of common stock available to be issued		$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000	$ 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 (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 17, 2015	Nov. 14, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 04, 2014	Sep. 30, 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					$ 10,743
Acquisition noncontrolling interest adjustment					76,141
Cascade Mall
Acquisition
Purchase price				$ 15,233
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)				49.00%
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)				100.00%
PPRLP Queens Portfolio
Acquisition
Purchase price		$ 1,838,886
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company		$ 672,109
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)		49.00%
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)		100.00%
Common stock issued (in shares)		$ 1,166,777
Inland Center
Acquisition
Purchase price	$ 51,250
Purchase price funded by cash payment on acquisition	26,250
Purchase price paid through assumption of debt by the Company	$ 25,000
Additional ownership interest acquired (as a percent)	50.00%
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)	100.00%
Incremental revenue					9,175
Incremental earnings					$ 910

Acquisitions - Allocation of Fa

Acquisitions - Allocation of Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 17, 2015	Nov. 14, 2014	Jun. 04, 2014
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 - Reconciliation o

Acquisitions - Reconciliation of Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 17, 2015	Nov. 14, 2014	Jun. 04, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisition
Distributions in excess of investment				$ (1,278,216)		$ (1,278,216)		$ (984,132)
Gain on remeasurement of assets				$ 0	$ 0	$ 22,089	$ 0
Cascade Mall
Acquisition
Purchase price			$ 15,233
Distributions in excess of investment			(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
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
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)		100.00%
Inland Center
Acquisition
Purchase price	$ 51,250
Less debt assumed	(25,000)
Distributions in excess of investment	(4,161)
Gain on remeasurement of assets	22,089
Fair value of acquired net assets (at 100% ownership)	$ 52,500
Ownership interest at completion of acquisition (as a percent)	100.00%

Acquisitions - Remeasurement Ga

Acquisitions - Remeasurement Gain (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 17, 2015	Nov. 14, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisition
Carrying value of investment			$ (1,278,216)		$ (1,278,216)		$ (984,132)
Gain on remeasurement of assets			$ 0	$ 0	$ 22,089	$ 0
Inland Center
Acquisition
Fair value of existing ownership interest (at % ownership)	$ 26,250
Carrying value of investment	(4,161)
Gain on remeasurement of assets	$ 22,089
Ownership interest before acquisition (as a percent)	50.00%
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 - Pro Forma Result

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Results (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Supplemental pro forma revenue	$ 326,262	$ 332,656	$ 968,482	$ 983,402
Supplemental pro forma income from continuing operations	$ 36,360	$ 38,989	$ 58,808	$ 81,106

Dispositions_ (Details)

Dispositions: (Details) $ in Thousands

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)ft²

Dec. 29, 2014USD ($)ft²

Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)ft²

Oct. 10, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 11, 2014USD ($)

Aug. 28, 2014USD ($)

Jul. 07, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 17, 2014USD ($)ft²note

Feb. 14, 2014USD ($)ft²

Jan. 15, 2014USD ($)ft²

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Discontinued Operations:

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net

$ (609)

$ 405

Camelback Colonnade

Discontinued Operations:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

619,000

Proceeds from sale

$ 92,898

Gain (loss) from sale

$ 24,554

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

67.50%

Cash payment

$ 61,173

Assumption of debt

31,725

Notes payable discharged

47,946

Noncontrolling interest adjustment

$ 17,217

Great Northern Mall

Discontinued Operations:

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net

$ 1,627

Rotterdam Square

Discontinued Operations:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

585,000

Proceeds from sale

$ 8,500

Gain (loss) from sale

$ (472)

Somersville Town Center

Discontinued Operations:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

348,000

Proceeds from sale

$ 12,337

Gain (loss) from sale

$ (263)

Lake Square Mall

Discontinued Operations:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

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) | note

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) | ft²

1,278,000

Proceeds from sale

$ 205,000

Gain (loss) from sale

$ 121,873

Great Northern Mall | Great Northern Mall

Discontinued Operations:

Property area (in square feet) | ft²

895,000

(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net

$ 1,627

Commitments and Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Contingent Liabilities
Operating lease rent expense	$ 2,968	$ 2,667	$ 8,879	$ 8,044
Contingent liability under letters of credit	2,788		2,788
Outstanding obligations under construction agreements	$ 79,960		$ 79,960

Related Party Transactions_ (De

Related Party Transactions: (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)ft²	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)ft²note	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 13, 2014USD ($)ft²
Related party transactions
Interest expense, related party	$ 2,690	$ 3,671	$ 8,128	$ 11,069
Due from affiliates	$ 78,476		$ 78,476		$ 80,232
Ownership (as a percent)	6.00%		6.00%		6.00%
Related parties note receivable, RED Consolidated Holdings, LLC
Related party transactions
Interest income, related party	$ 128	154	$ 397	468
Due from affiliates	$ 9,705		$ 9,705		$ 11,027
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)	5.25%		5.25%
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and Third Party Managed Properties
Related party transactions
Management fees	$ 1,346	4,613	$ 6,993	14,328
Development and leasing fees	1,342	3,046	5,201	8,424
Fees charged to unconsolidated joint ventures and third-party managed properties	2,688	7,659	12,194	22,752
Northwestern Mutual Life (NML)
Related party transactions
Interest expense payable, related party	1,106		1,106		1,125
Unconsolidated joint ventures
Related party transactions
Interest income, related party		$ 53		$ 162
Due from affiliates	2,084		$ 2,084		3,869
Affiliated Entity
Related party transactions
Ownership (as a percent)		40.00%		40.00%
Affiliated Entity | Related parties note receivable, AWE Talisman Company
Related party transactions
Interest income, related party		$ 156		$ 467
Number of notes receivable (in notes) | note				2
Note receivable, interest rate (as a percent)		5.00%		5.00%
Fashion Outlets of Chicago | Affiliated Entity
Related party transactions
Property area (in square feet) | ft²		538		538
Candlestick Point
Related party transactions
Property area (in square feet) | ft²						500
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	468		$ 1,351
Note receivable	$ 66,687		$ 66,687		$ 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%		2.00%

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Na

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 06, 2015$ / sharesshares	Jan. 01, 2015$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Share and unit-based plans
Capitalized share and unit-based compensation costs | $			$ 551	$ 525	$ 5,459	$ 4,886
Stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Conversion rate of shares					1
Granted (in shares) | shares					76,531
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)					$ 86.61
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans | $			4,251		$ 4,251
LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Conversion rate of shares					1
Granted (in shares) | shares					368,508
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)					$ 75.98
Total stockholder return requirement (as a percent)					3.00%
Risk free rate (as a percent)					0.25%
Volatility (as a percent)					16.81%
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans | $			7,940		$ 7,940
Stock awards
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares) | shares					0
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)					$ 0
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans | $			48		$ 48
Stock options
Share and unit-based plans
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans | $			31		$ 31
Phantom stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares) | shares					7,056
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)					$ 80.68
Unrecognized compensation cost of share and unit-based plans | $			$ 135		$ 135
2015 LTIP Units Series 1 | Executive Officer | LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares) | shares		49,451
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)		$ 83.41
2015 LTIP Units Series 2 | Executive Officer | LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Granted (in shares) | 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) | shares	132,607
Average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 86.72

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Co

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Compensation Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	$ 4,973	$ 4,983	$ 29,088	$ 30,103
LTIP Units
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	3,812	3,465	22,810	25,133
Stock awards
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	28	84	225	281
Stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	881	1,134	5,214	3,775
Stock options
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	4	4	12	12
Phantom stock units
Share and unit-based plans
Compensation cost under share and unit-based plans	$ 248	$ 296	$ 827	$ 902

Share and Unit-Based Plans - No

Share and Unit-Based Plans - Nonvested Equity Awards (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares
LTIP Units
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	46,695
Granted (in shares) | shares	368,508
Vested (in shares) | shares	(132,607)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	0
Balance at end of period (in shares) | shares	282,596
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 58.89
Granted (in dollars per share)	75.98
Vested (in dollars per share)	86.72
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 68.12
Stock awards
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	9,189
Granted (in shares) | shares	0
Vested (in shares) | shares	(7,410)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	0
Balance at end of period (in shares) | shares	1,779
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 59.25
Granted (in dollars per share)	0
Vested (in dollars per share)	58.65
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 61.72
Phantom stock units
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	9,269
Granted (in shares) | shares	7,056
Vested (in shares) | shares	(11,839)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(2,458)
Balance at end of period (in shares) | shares	2,028
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 58.35
Granted (in dollars per share)	80.68
Vested (in dollars per share)	70.82
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	55.62
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 66.52
Stock units
Units (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	144,374
Granted (in shares) | shares	76,531
Vested (in shares) | shares	(84,498)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	0
Balance at end of period (in shares) | shares	136,407
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 59.94
Granted (in dollars per share)	86.61
Vested (in dollars per share)	61.14
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 74.66

Share and Unit-Based Plans - SA

Share and Unit-Based Plans - SARs (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares
SARs
SARs (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	772,639
Granted (in shares) | shares	0
Exercised (in shares) | shares	(344,981)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	0
Balance at end of period (in shares) | shares	427,658
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 56.67
Granted (in dollars per share)	0
Vested (in dollars per share)	56.88
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 56.50
Stock options
Stock Options (in shares)
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	10,068
Granted (in shares) | shares	0
Exercised (in shares) | shares	0
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	0
Balance at end of period (in shares) | shares	10,068
Value (in dollars per share)
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 59.57
Granted (in dollars per share)	0
Exercised (in dollars per share)	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 59.57

Income Taxes_ (Details)

Income Taxes: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income tax benefit
Current	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred	859	689	2,077	3,759
Income tax benefit	859	$ 689	2,077	$ 3,759
Components of net deferred tax assets
Net deferred tax assets	$ 37,727		$ 37,727		$ 35,625

Subsequent Events_ (Details)

Subsequent Events: (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Oct. 30, 2015USD ($)dividend$ / shares	Oct. 23, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Oct. 05, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Subsequent events
Payments on mortgages, bank and other notes payable				$ 1,262,628	$ 229,099
Carrying amount of mortgage notes				5,407,170		$ 5,115,482
Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.68
Debt repaid		$ 125,000
Number of dividends declared | dividend	2
Washington Square Mortgage
Subsequent events
Carrying amount of mortgage notes				228,095		238,696
Washington Square Mortgage | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Payments on mortgages, bank and other notes payable			$ 225,593
Carrying amount of mortgage notes			$ 550,000
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)			3.65%
South Plains Mall Mortgage | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Carrying amount of mortgage notes		$ 200,000
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)		4.22%
Los Cerritos Center Mortgage
Subsequent events
Carrying amount of mortgage notes				$ 99,963		$ 103,274
Los Cerritos Center Mortgage | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Carrying amount of mortgage notes	$ 525,000
Interest rate on debt (as a percent)	4.00%
Pacific Premier Retail LLC | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Ownership interest sold (as a percent)	40.00%
Proceeds from sale	$ 1,250,000
MAC GIC JV | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Interest rate spread over basis (as a percent)	1.20%
MAC GIC JV | Term Loan | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed	$ 100,000
December 8, 2015 | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2
January 6, 2016 | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Dividend declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2
Joint Venture | Pacific Premier Retail LLC | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed	$ 713,000
The Macerich Company | Pacific Premier Retail LLC | Subsequent event
Subsequent events
Proceeds from sale	$ 537,000