| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 06, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | MACERICH CO |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000912242 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 6, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-12504 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-4448705 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 401 Wilshire Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 700 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Monica |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 90401 |
| City Area Code | (310) |
| Local Phone Number | 394-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock of The Macerich Company, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | MAC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
