Mack-Cali Realty Corporation Stockholders' Equity (Restricted Stock Awards And TSR-Based Awards) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 0 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
item
Sep. 12, 2012
Mar. 31, 2014
Sep. 11, 2012
Dec. 31, 2013
May 11, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Number of executive officers who departed 2            
Shares vested 37,392            
Unvested restricted stock outstanding 313,337           346,946
Awards issued 3,786            
Restricted Stock [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Unvested restricted stock outstanding 103,337   414,483        
Restricted stock awards unvested shares outstanding, performance contingent 210,000            
Awards issued   319,667          
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Stock compensation vesting period 1 year            
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Stock compensation vesting period 7 years            
Ratified Restricted Stock Awards [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Shares vested     109,667        
Ratified Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Stock compensation vesting period 5 years            
Ratified Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Stock compensation vesting period 7 years            
Total Stockholder Return Based Awards [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Stock compensation vesting period 4 years            
Shares vested 357            
Shares granted and vested 528            
Awards issued       5,160 1,032    
Value of common stock received upon vesting of awards 1,000            
Shares issued 45,062            
Total unrecognized compensation cost 1.2            
Total unrecognized compensation cost, period of recognition 1 year 3 months 18 days            
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Ratified Restricted Stock Awards [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Shares vested           84,000  
Shares granted and vested           126,000  
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Total Stockholder Return Based Awards [Member]              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]              
Shares vested           675  
Shares issued           41,811