2.4.0.840601 - Disclosure - Restricted Cash (Details)truefalseIn Thousands, unless otherwise specifiedfalse1false USDfalsefalse$As_Of_6_30_2013http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000924901instant2013-06-30T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2false USDfalsefalse$As_Of_12_31_2012http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000924901instant2012-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$1true 1us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsAbstractus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringfalse0Restricted Cash [Abstract]2false 2us-gaap_SecurityDepositus-gaap_truedebitinstantfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse77740007774USD$falsetruefalse2truefalsefalse71650007165USD$falsetruefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of an asset, typically cash, provided to a counterparty to provide certain assurance of performance by the entity pursuant to the terms of a written or oral agreement, such as a lease.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8,17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 false2Security deposits3false 2us-gaap_EscrowDepositus-gaap_truedebitinstantfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse1186500011865falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1217400012174falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe designation of funds furnished by a borrower to a lender to assure future payments of the borrower's real estate taxes and insurance obligations with respect to a mortgaged property. Escrow deposits may be made for a variety of other purposes such as earnest money and contingent payments. This element excludes replacement reserves which are an escrow separately provided for within the US GAAP taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 false2Escrow and other reserve funds4false 2us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsus-gaap_truedebitinstantfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotalLabel1truefalsefalse1963900019639USD$falsetruefalse2truefalsefalse1933900019339USD$falsetruefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG) -Number AAG-BRD -Paragraph 80 -Subparagraph Exhibit 4-8, 3 -IssueDate 2006-05-01 -Chapter 4 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 true2Total restricted cashfalseRestricted Cash (Details) (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnowntruefalsefalseSheethttp://www.mack-cali.com/role/DisclosureRestrictedCashDetails24