Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Equity Based Compensation of the Company (Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details)

v2.4.0.8
Equity Based Compensation of the Company (Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc [Member], USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation $ 2,964 $ 2,434 $ 8,363 $ 8,231
Fully Vested [Member]
       
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Number of restricted common shares granted to Company CEO (in shares)       45,000
Restricted Shares [Member]
       
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation 2,141 1,886 6,162 [1] 6,600
Restricted Shares [Member] | Fully Vested [Member]
       
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation       1,300
Notional Unit Performance Awards [Member]
       
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation 778 495 2,069 1,475
Options [Member]
       
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Share-based compensation $ 45 $ 53 $ 132 $ 156
[1] For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, includes approximately $1.3 million of compensation expense related to 45,000 common shares that vested immediately upon grant under the terms of the amended and restated Employment Agreement (the "Employment Agreement") for Steven B. Tanger, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.