Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Mack-Cali Realty Corporation Stockholders' Equity (Earnings Per Share) (Narrative) (Details)

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Mack-Cali Realty Corporation Stockholders' Equity (Earnings Per Share) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2008
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]                        
Unvested restricted stock outstanding 187,447       239,759       187,447 239,759 323,088 375,006
Dividends declared per common share $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 0.45 $ 1.80 $ 1.8 $ 1.8  
Stock Options [Member]
                       
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]                        
Anti-dilutive securities                 15,000 15,000 307,184  
Restricted Stock [Member]
                       
Shareholders Equity [Line Items]                        
Unvested restricted stock outstanding 187,447       239,759       187,447 239,759 323,088