Alexandria Real Estate Equities (ARE) 10-Q 29 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 15, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ALEXANDRIA REAL ESTATE EQUITIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	1035443
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		72,040,192
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Investments in real estate, net	$7,388,059	$7,226,016
Cash and cash equivalents	90,641	86,011
Restricted cash	56,704	26,884
Tenant receivables	10,627	10,548
Deferred rent	243,459	234,124
Deferred leasing and financing costs, net	199,576	201,798
Investments	283,062	236,389
Other assets	133,093	114,266
Total assets	8,405,221	8,136,036
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	760,476	652,209
Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,450	1,747,370
Unsecured senior line of credit	421,000	304,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	975,000	975,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	645,619	489,085
Dividends payable	58,824	58,814
Total liabilities	4,608,369	4,226,478
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	14,282	14,315
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock	237,163	237,163
Series E cumulative redeemable preferred stock	130,000	130,000
Common stock	716	715
Additional paid-in capital	3,383,456	3,461,189
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	29,213	-628
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	3,780,548	3,828,439
Noncontrolling interests	2,022	66,804
Total equity	3,782,570	3,895,243
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$8,405,221	$8,136,036

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental	$143,608	$130,570
Tenant recoveries	48,394	41,682
Other Income	4,751	3,934
Total revenues	196,753	176,186
Expenses:
Rental operations	61,223	52,507
General and administrative	14,387	13,224
Interest	23,236	19,123
Depreciation and amortization	58,920	50,421
Impairment of Real Estate	14,510	0
Total expenses	172,276	135,275
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	574	0
Income from continuing operations	25,051	40,911
Loss from discontinued operations	-43	-162
Net income	25,008	40,749
Dividends on preferred stock	-6,247	-6,471
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-492	-1,195
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	-483	-374
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$17,786	$32,709
Earnings per share attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted:
Continuing operations	$0.25	$0.46
Discontinued operations	$0	$0
Earnings per share – basic and diluted	$0.25	$0.46
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.74	$0.70

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$25,008	$40,749
Unrealized gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	28,435	18,779
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income	1,103	0
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net	29,538	18,779
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap (losses) gains arising during the period	-3,013	5,592
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	505	-3,490
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements, net	-2,508	2,102
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-6,271	-3,106
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	9,236	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses arising during the period	2,965	-3,106
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	29,995	17,775
Comprehensive income	55,003	58,524
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-646	-1,195
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$54,357	$57,329

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total		Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Series D Preferred Stock	Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified									Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$14,315							$14,315
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	3,895,243		715	3,461,189	0	-628	66,804		237,163	130,000
Beginning balance, common shares at Dec. 31, 2014			71,463,876
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Issuances pursuant to stock plan (in shares)			81,260
Net Income	24,744				24,516		228
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	29,995					29,841	154
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance	340						340
Issuances pursuant to stock plan	5,768		1	5,767
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-113,967	[1]		-48,463			-65,504
Dividends declared on common stock	-53,306				-53,306
Dividends on preferred stock	-6,247				-6,247
Distributions in excess of earnings				-35,037	35,037
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income								264
Distributions to noncontrolling interests								-297
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	14,282							14,282
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$3,782,570		$716	$3,383,456	$0	$29,213	$2,022		$237,163	$130,000
Ending balance, common shares at Mar. 31, 2015			71,545,136
[1]	For additional information, refer to Note 11 – “Noncontrolling Interests” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$25,008	$40,749
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	58,920	50,421
Impairment of Real Estate	14,510	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-574	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	491	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	2,834	2,561
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	-82	205
Amortization of above and below Market Leases	-933	-816
Deferred rent	-9,901	-11,882
Stock compensation expense	3,690	3,228
Investment gains	-5,937	-4,040
Investment losses	2,225	1,694
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	-51	0
Tenant receivables	-102	-690
Deferred leasing costs	-7,131	-7,572
Other assets	-3,247	-17,315
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	27,121	16,716
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	106,841	73,259
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of properties	67,616	0
Additions to real estate	-104,632	-111,587
Purchase of real estate	-93,938	-42,338
Deposits for investing activities	-28,000	0
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects	0	-140
Contributions to unconsolidated real estate entity	-2,539	-747
Additions to investments	-15,118	-11,905
Sales of investments	2,345	3,998
Repayment of notes receivable	4,214	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-170,052	-162,719
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	29,585	51,030
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	-7,934	-210,844
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	167,000	360,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	-50,000	-58,000
Change in restricted cash related to financings	-1,369	1,059
Deferred financing costs paid	-563	-8
Dividends paid on common stock	-53,295	-48,714
Dividends paid on preferred stock	-6,247	-6,471
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	340	19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-9,846	-988
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	67,671	106,474
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	170	260
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,630	17,274
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	86,011	57,696
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	90,641	74,970
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	15,514	6,093
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	7,249	6,028
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	-82,000	-48,329
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	($113,967)	$0

Background

Background	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background	Background
	As used in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, references to the “Company,” “Alexandria,” “ARE,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), is a self-administered and self-managed investment-grade REIT, and is the largest and leading REIT focused on unique collaborative campuses in urban innovation clusters located in key coastal science and technology gateway cities, with a total market capitalization of $11.3 billion as of March 31, 2015, and an asset base of 30.7 million square feet, including 18.5 million RSF of operating and current value-creation projects, as well as an additional 2.2 million square feet of near-term value-creation development projects and 10.0 million square feet of future ground-up development projects. Alexandria pioneered this niche in 1994 and has since established a dominant market presence in AAA locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle Park. Alexandria is known for its high-quality and diverse client tenant base, with approximately 52% of its total annualized base rent (“ABR”) (as of March 31, 2015) generated from investment-grade client tenants. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A assets clustered in urban science and technology campuses that provide its innovative client tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. We believe these advantages result in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value. For additional information on Alexandria, please visit our website at www.are.com.
	Our asset base consisted of the following, as of March 31, 2015:
			Square Feet
	Operating properties		16,620,690
	Development properties (includes unconsolidated joint ventures)		1,763,531
	Redevelopment properties		143,777
	Total operating and current value-creation projects		18,527,998
	Near-term value-creation projects (CIP)		2,164,780
	Future value-creation projects		9,961,508
			12,126,288
	Total		30,654,286
	•	Investment-grade client tenants represented approximately 52% of our total annualized base rent;
	•	Approximately 94% of our leases (on an RSF basis) contained effective annual rent escalations that were either fixed (generally ranging from 3% to 3.5%) or indexed based on a consumer price index or other indexes;
	•	Approximately 95% of our leases (on an RSF basis) were triple net leases, requiring client tenants to pay substantially all real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, common area, and other operating expenses (including increases thereto) in addition to base rent; and
	•	Approximately 93% of our leases (on an RSF basis) provided for the recapture of certain capital expenditures (such as HVAC systems maintenance and/or replacement, roof replacement, and parking lot resurfacing) that we believe would typically be borne by the landlord in traditional office leases.
	Any references to the number of buildings, square footage, number of leases, occupancy, and any amounts derived from these values in the notes to the consolidated financial statements are unaudited and outside the scope of our independent registered public accounting firm’s review of our interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

Basis_of_presentation

Basis of presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies
	We have prepared the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP and in conformity with the rules and regulations of the SEC.  In our opinion, the interim consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect all adjustments that are necessary to fairly present the interim consolidated financial statements.  The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.  These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	In certain circumstances, we may enter into joint venture arrangements with outside partners. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate each joint venture arrangement under the VIE model, and if the entity is determined not to be a VIE, then we evaluate the entity under the voting model to determine if the entity should be consolidated.
	Under the VIE model, an entity is determined to be a VIE if it has any of the following characteristics:
	•	The entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support;
	•	The equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest; or
	•	The legal entity is established with non-substantive voting rights.
	If an entity is determined to be a VIE, we evaluate whether or not we are the primary beneficiary using qualitative analyses. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, the purpose and design of the VIE, risks that the VIE was designed to create and pass through, the form of our ownership interest, our representation on the entity’s governing body, the size and seniority of our investment, our ability to participate in policy-making decisions, and the rights of the other investors to participate in the decision-making process and/or liquidate the venture, if applicable. We consolidate VIEs whenever we determine that we are the primary beneficiary.
	If an entity is determined not to be a VIE, we then evaluate such entity under the voting model. Under the voting model, if we are the general partner or managing member, or have a similar role that can direct the operations of the entity, we have a presumption that we control the entity and we should consolidate regardless of our ownership percentage. If we determine that the other equity holders have any one of the following rights, it is assumed that we do not control the entity and therefore should not consolidate the entity: (i) the substantive ability to dissolve the entity or remove us from the lead role of the entity, or (ii) substantive rights that allow them to participate in the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.
	As of March 31, 2015, we had two joint ventures that did not meet the requirements for consolidation and were accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate,” appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, for further information on our unconsolidated joint ventures.
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and equity; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
	Investments in real estate and properties classified as “held for sale”
	We recognize real estate acquired (including the intangible value of above or below market leases, acquired in-place leases, client tenant relationships, and other intangible assets or liabilities), liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquired entity at their fair value as of the acquisition date.  If there is a bargain fixed-rate renewal option for the period beyond the non-cancelable lease term of an in-place lease, we evaluate factors such as the business conditions in the industry in which the lessee operates, the economic conditions in the area in which the property is located, and the ability of the lessee to sublease the property during the renewal term, in order to determine the likelihood that the lessee will renew.  When we determine there is reasonable assurance that such bargain purchase option will be exercised, we consider its impact in determining the intangible value of such lease and its related amortization period.  The value of tangible assets acquired is based upon our estimation of value on an “as if vacant” basis.  The value of acquired in-place leases includes the estimated costs during the hypothetical lease-up period and other costs that would have been incurred in the execution of similar leases, considering market conditions at the acquisition date of the acquired in-place lease.  We assess the fair value of tangible and intangible assets based on numerous factors, including estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information.  Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors, including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property.  We also recognize the fair values of assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in acquisitions of less than a 100% interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity.  Acquisition-related costs related to the acquisition of businesses, including real estate acquired with in-place leases, are expensed as incurred.
	The values allocated to buildings and building improvements, land improvements, tenant improvements, and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis using the shorter of the term of the respective ground lease and up to 40 years for buildings and building improvements, an estimated life of 20 years for land improvements, the respective lease term for tenant improvements, and the estimated useful life for equipment. The values of acquired above and below market leases are amortized over the terms of the related leases and recognized as either an increase (for below market leases) or a decrease (for above market leases) to rental income. The values of acquired in-place leases are classified in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and amortized over the remaining terms of the related leases.
	We are required to capitalize project costs, including predevelopment costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, and other costs directly related and essential to the acquisition, development, redevelopment, predevelopment, or construction of a project.  Capitalization of development, redevelopment, predevelopment, and construction costs is required while activities are ongoing to prepare an asset for its intended use.  Fluctuations in our development, redevelopment, predevelopment, and construction activities could result in significant changes to total expenses and net income.  Costs incurred after a project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use are expensed as incurred.  Should development, redevelopment, predevelopment, or construction activity cease, interest, property taxes, insurance, and certain other costs would no longer be eligible for capitalization and would be expensed as incurred.  Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
	A property is classified as “held for sale” when all of the following criteria for a plan of sale have been met: (i) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the property; (ii) the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell have been initiated; (iv) the sale of the property is probable and is expected to be completed within one year; (v) the property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (vi) actions necessary to complete the plan of sale indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Depreciation of assets ceases upon designation of a property as “held for sale.” Prior to our adoption of the new discontinued operations standard on October 1, 2014, the operations of properties “held for sale” were classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income, and amounts for all prior periods presented were reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations.
	Subsequent to the adoption of the new standard, if the disposal of the property represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations or financial results, such as (i) a major line of business, (ii) a major geographical area, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity, then the operations of the property “held for sale,” including any interest expense directly attributable to it, are classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income, and amounts for all prior periods presented are reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations. The disposal of an individual property generally will not represent a strategic shift and therefore will typically not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations.
	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets to be held and used, including our rental properties, CIP, land held for development, and intangibles, are individually evaluated for impairment when conditions exist that may indicate that the amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable.  The amount of a long-lived asset to be held and used is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  Impairment indicators or triggering events for long-lived assets to be held and used, including our rental properties, CIP, and land held for development, are assessed by project and include significant fluctuations in estimated rental revenues less rental operating expenses, occupancy changes, significant near-term lease expirations, current and historical operating and/or cash flow losses, construction costs, estimated completion dates, rental rates, and other market factors.  We assess the expected undiscounted cash flows based upon numerous factors, including, but not limited to, construction costs, available market information, current and historical operating results, known trends, current market/economic conditions that may affect the property, and our assumptions about the use of the asset, including, if necessary, a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration.  Upon determination that an impairment has occurred, a write-down is recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its estimated fair value.  If an impairment loss is not required to be recognized, the recognition of depreciation is adjusted prospectively, as necessary, to reduce the carrying amount of the real estate to its estimated disposition value over the remaining period that the real estate is expected to be held and used.  We may adjust depreciation of properties that are expected to be disposed of or redeveloped prior to the end of their useful lives.
	We use the “held for sale” impairment model for our properties classified as “held for sale.”  The “held for sale” impairment model is different from the held and used impairment model.  Under the “held for sale” impairment model, an impairment loss is recognized if the amount of the long-lived asset classified as “held for sale” exceeds its fair value less cost to sell.  Because of these two different models, it is possible for a long-lived asset previously classified as held and used to require the recognition of an impairment charge upon classification as “held for sale.”
	Investments
	We hold equity investments in certain publicly traded companies and investments in certain privately held entities primarily involved in the science industry.  All of our investments in actively traded public companies are considered “available for sale” and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value.  Fair value has been determined based upon the closing price as of each balance sheet date, with unrealized gains and losses shown as a separate component of comprehensive income.  The classification of each investment is determined at the time each investment is made, and such determination is reevaluated at each balance sheet date.  The cost of each investment sold is determined by the specific identification method, with realized gains or losses classified in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  Investments in privately held entities are generally accounted for under the cost method when our interest in the entity is so minor that we have virtually no influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies. Certain investments in privately held entities are accounted for under the equity method unless our interest in the entity is deemed to be so minor that we have virtually no influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize our investment initially at cost and adjust the amount of the investment to recognize our share of the earnings or losses of the investee subsequent to the date of our investment.  Additionally, we limit our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity to less than 10%.  As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity was less than 10%.
	We monitor each of our equity investments throughout the year for new developments, including operating results, results of clinical trials, capital-raising events, and merger and acquisition activities. Individual investments are evaluated for impairment when changes in conditions may indicate an impairment exists.  The factors that we consider in making these assessments include, but are not limited to, market prices, market conditions, available financing, prospects for favorable or unfavorable clinical trial results, new product initiatives, and new collaborative agreements.  If there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that might have an adverse effect on our cost method investments, we do not estimate the investment’s fair value.  For all of our investments, if a decline in the fair value of an investment below the carrying value is determined to be other than temporary, such investment is written down to its estimated fair value with a charge to current earnings.
	Recognition of rental income and tenant recoveries
	Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms.  We classify amounts currently recognized as income, and expected to be received in later years, as deferred rent in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Amounts received currently, but recognized as income in future years, are classified in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  We commence recognition of rental income at the date the property is ready for its intended use and the client tenant takes possession of or controls the physical use of the property.
	Tenant recoveries related to reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, common area expenses, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenue in the period during which the applicable expenses are incurred.
	Tenant receivables consist primarily of amounts due for contractual lease payments, reimbursements of common area maintenance expenses, property taxes, and other expenses recoverable from client tenants.  Tenant receivables are expected to be collected within one year.  We may maintain an allowance for estimated losses that may result from the inability of our client tenants to make payments required under the terms of the lease and for tenant recoveries due.  If a client tenant fails to make contractual payments beyond any allowance, we may recognize additional bad debt expense in future periods equal to the amount of uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent arising from the straight-lining of rent.  As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we had no allowance for uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent.
	Monitoring client tenant credit quality
	During the term of each lease, we monitor the credit quality of our client tenants by (i) reviewing the credit rating of client tenants that are rated by a nationally recognized credit rating agency, (ii) reviewing financial statements of the client tenants that are publicly available or that are required to be delivered to us pursuant to the applicable lease, (iii) monitoring news reports regarding our client tenants and their respective businesses, and (iv) monitoring the timeliness of lease payments. We have a team of employees who, among them, have graduate and undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, and industrial biotechnology and experience in the science and technology industries, as well as in finance. Our research team is responsible for assessing and monitoring the credit quality of our client tenants and any material changes in credit quality.
	Interest and other income
	Interest and other income was $485 thousand and $862 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	Income taxes
	We are organized and qualify as a REIT pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Under the Code, a REIT that distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders annually and meets certain other conditions is not subject to federal income taxes, but could be subject to certain state and local taxes. We distribute 100% of our taxable income annually; therefore, a provision for federal income taxes is not required. In addition to our REIT returns, we file federal, state, and local tax returns for our subsidiaries. We file with jurisdictions located in the U.S., Canada, India, China, and other international locations. Our tax returns are subject to routine examination in various jurisdictions for the calendar years 2010 through 2013.
	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In February 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that requires reporting entities to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The Accounting Standards Update modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities and eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. This Accounting Standards Update affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The Accounting Standards Update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in the Accounting Standards Update using: (i) a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption; or (ii) by applying the amendments retrospectively. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of the Accounting Standards Update will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that requires reporting entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the face amount of that note payable presented in the balance sheet. The Accounting Standards Update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. A reporting entity is required to apply the amendments in the Accounting Standards Update retrospectively to all prior periods. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of the Accounting Standards Update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Investments_in_real_estate_net

Investments in real estate, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Investments in real estate, net	Investments in real estate
	Our investments in real estate consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Land (related to rental properties)		$	679,070		$	624,681
	Buildings and building improvements		6,609,158			6,171,504
	Other improvements		221,535			192,128
	Rental properties		7,509,763			6,988,313
	Current value-creation projects (CIP):
	Current development in North America		361,182			500,894
	Current redevelopment in North America		52,927			42,482
	Current development in Asia		—			14,065
			414,109			557,441
	Rental properties and current value-creation projects		7,923,872			7,545,754
	Near-term value-creation projects in North America (CIP):
	Alexandria Center® at Kendall Square – Binney Street (1)		130,475			321,907
	Other projects		97,169			107,471
			227,644			429,378
	Future value-creation projects:
	North America		190,407			175,175
	Asia		79,938			78,548
			270,345			253,723
	Near-term and future value-creation projects		497,989			683,101
	Current, near-term, and future value-creation projects		912,098			1,240,542
	Gross investments in real estate		8,421,861			8,228,855
	Equity method of accounting – unconsolidated joint ventures		120,028			117,406
	Gross investments in real estate – including unconsolidated joint ventures		8,541,889			8,346,261
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(1,153,830		)	(1,120,245		)
	Investments in real estate		$	7,388,059		$	7,226,016
	-1	Includes amounts related to 100 Binney Street as of March 31, 2015, and 50, 60, and 100 Binney Street as of December 31, 2014.
	Acquisitions
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we acquired 640 Memorial Drive located in our Cambridge submarket, for $176.5 million. This property is a 225,504 RSF Class A, LEED® Gold certified, office/laboratory building located in mid-Cambridge, near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, and is 100% leased to two high-quality life science client tenants pursuant to long-term leases. In connection with the acquisition, we assumed a secured note payable of $82.0 million with a contractual interest rate of 3.93% and a maturity date in 2023. The property is also subject to a long-term ground lease.
	Sales of real estate assets and related impairment charges
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we completed the sale of our land and land improvements at 661 University Avenue in Toronto, Canada, for $54.1 million. Also, during the three months ended March 31, 2015, we sold a 21,859 RSF rental property located in Pennsylvania for $1.9 million. The sales price less cost to sell for each of the dispositions approximated their carrying value at December 31, 2014, and resulted in no gain or loss on sale.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014, we completed the development of the core and shell for a 175,000 RSF building in Hyderabad, India. Also during this time, we evaluated an offer from an Indian multispecialty healthcare provider to acquire the building in its current condition, subject to a successful permitting to allow for hospital or patient-care use. This entity intended to operate the asset as a hospital or a patient-care facility, requiring additional government permits to complete the building construction, which significantly limited the likelihood that this entity would acquire the building. We intended to complete the development and lease the building if we failed to reach reasonable sale terms with this entity. As a result, we completed a probability-weighted cash flow analysis for this building, inclusive of the estimated costs to complete, and determined that the estimated undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying amount of the building as of December 31, 2014.
	In March 2015, we determined that the building in Hyderabad, India met the criteria for classification as “held for sale” including, among others, the following: (i) management committed to sell the real estate and executed a purchase and sale agreement on March 23, 2015, and (ii) management determined that the sale was probable within one year. Upon classification as “held for sale,” we recognized an impairment charge of $14.5 million to lower the carrying costs of the real estate to its estimated fair value less cost to sell, including an estimated $4.2 million foreign exchange loss. On March 26, 2015, we completed the sale of the building to the Indian multi-specialty healthcare provider for $12.4 million.
	As a result of our sales in Canada and India discussed above, we realized an aggregate $9.2 million of losses related to foreign currency translation that were previously classified in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	On a quarterly basis, we review current activities and changes in the business conditions of all of our properties prior to and subsequent to the end of each quarter to determine the existence of any triggering events requiring an impairment analysis. If triggering events are identified, we review an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows for the properties, including a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration.
	Current value-creation development and redevelopment projects
	As of March 31, 2015, we had seven ground-up development projects in process in North America aggregating 1.8 million RSF, including two unconsolidated joint venture development projects. We also had two projects undergoing redevelopment in North America aggregating 143,777 RSF.
	Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
	Refer to our consolidation policy described in Note 2 – “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
	360 Longwood Avenue
	We are currently developing a building aggregating 413,536 RSF in the Longwood Medical Area of the Greater Boston market through an unconsolidated joint venture. The cost at completion for this unconsolidated joint venture real estate project is approximately $350.0 million. As of March 31, 2015, the project was 38% occupied, primarily by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. We currently have an additional 103,752 RSF, or 25% of the property, under lease negotiation and expect to reach stabilized occupancy at this property by 2016. The joint venture has a secured construction loan with commitments aggregating $213.2 million, with $166.5 million outstanding as of March 31, 2015. The remaining cost to complete the development is expected to be funded primarily from the remaining commitments of $46.7 million under the secured construction loan. The secured construction loan bears interest at LIBOR+3.75%, with a floor of 5.25%. The maturity date of of the loan is April 1, 2017, with two one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to April 1, 2019, subject to certain conditions.
	We have a 27.5% interest in this unconsolidated joint venture that we account for under the equity method of accounting. Our investment under the equity method of accounting was $49.2 million as of March 31, 2015, and is classified in investments in real estate in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	1455/1515 Third Street
	In September 2014, Alexandria and Uber Technologies, Inc. (“Uber”) entered into a joint venture agreement and acquired two land parcels supporting the development of two buildings aggregating 422,980 RSF at 1455/1515 Third Street in the Mission Bay submarket of the San Francisco Bay Area market for a total purchase price of $125.0 million. We have a 51% interest and Uber has a 49% interest in this unconsolidated joint venture. The purchase price was funded by contributions into the joint venture by Uber and us. We account for our investment in this joint venture under the equity method of accounting. Our investment under the equity method of accounting was $70.8 million as of March 31, 2015, and is classified in investments in real estate in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The project is expected to be funded by equity contributions from Uber and us. We may also fund a portion of the project with proceeds from a secured construction loan. The project is 100% leased to Uber for a 15-year term, commencing upon completion of development.
	Near-term value-creation projects in North America (CIP)
	Land undergoing predevelopment activities is classified as CIP and is undergoing activities prior to commencement of construction of aboveground building improvements.  We generally will not commence ground-up development of any parcels without first securing pre-leasing for such space, except when there is solid market demand.  If aboveground construction is not initiated at completion of predevelopment activities, the land parcel will be classified as future value-creation projects.  Our objective with predevelopment is to reduce the time it takes to deliver projects to prospective client tenants.  Additionally, during predevelopment, we focus on the design of cost-effective buildings with generic and reusable infrastructure to accommodate single tenancy and multi-tenancy. As of March 31, 2015, we had $227.6 million of land undergoing predevelopment activities in North America aggregating 2.2 million square feet.
	Predevelopment costs generally include the following activities prior to commencement of vertical construction:
	•	Traditional predevelopment costs, including entitlement, design, construction drawings, BIM (3-D virtual modeling), budgeting, sustainability and energy optimization reviews, permitting, and planning for all aspects of the project; and
	•	Site and infrastructure construction costs, including belowground site work, utility connections, land grading, drainage, egress and regress access points, foundation, and other costs to prepare the site for construction of aboveground building improvements.
	Future value-creation projects
	Future value-creation projects represent land that we plan to develop in the future, but for which, as of each period presented, no construction or predevelopment activities were ongoing. As a result, interest, property taxes, insurance, and other costs are expensed as incurred. As of March 31, 2015, we had $270.3 million of land held for future development supporting an aggregate of 10.0 million square feet of ground-up development.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
	We hold investments in certain publicly traded companies and privately held entities involved primarily in the science industry.  Our investments in privately held entities are primarily accounted for under the cost method. Our investments in publicly traded companies are principally marketable equity securities which are accounted for as “available for sale” securities that are carried at their fair values.  Investments in “available for sale” securities with gross unrealized losses as of March 31, 2015, had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. We have the ability and intent to hold these investments for a reasonable period of time sufficient for the recovery of our investment. We believe that these unrealized losses are temporary and accordingly there are no other-than-temporary impairments in accumulated other comprehensive income related to “available for sale” securities as of March 31, 2015, or December 31, 2014.
	The following table summarizes our investments as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities, cost basis	$	33,851		$	21,898
	Unrealized gains	83,513			53,625
	Unrealized losses	(1,608		)	(1,258		)
	“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities, at fair value	115,756			74,265
	Investments accounted for under cost method	167,306			162,124
	Total investments	$	283,062		$	236,389
	The following table outlines our investment income, which is classified in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Investment gains	$	5,937		$	4,040
	Investment losses	(2,225		)	(1,694		)
	Investment income	$	3,712		$	2,346

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements
	We are required to disclose fair value information about all financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value.  We measure and disclose the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities utilizing a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions.  This hierarchy consists of three broad levels, as follows: (i) quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, (ii) “significant other observable inputs,” and (iii) “significant unobservable inputs.”  “Significant other observable inputs” can include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.  “Significant unobservable inputs” are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, since there is little, if any, related market activity.  In instances in which the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.  There were no transfers between the levels in the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	The following tables set forth the assets and liabilities that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
						31-Mar-15
	Description		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets			Other			Unobservable
						for Identical			Observable			Inputs
						Assets			Inputs
	Assets:
	“Available-for-sale” securities		$	115,756		$	115,756		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements		$	3,417		$	—		$	3,417		$	—
						31-Dec-14
	Description		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets			Other			Unobservable
						for Identical			Observable			Inputs
						Assets			Inputs
	Assets:
	“Available-for-sale” securities		$	74,265		$	74,265		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements		$	909		$	—		$	909		$	—
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, tenant receivables, other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits approximate fair value.  Our “available-for-sale” marketable equity securities and our interest rate swap agreements, respectively, have been recognized at fair value.  Refer to Note 7 – “Interest Rate Swap Agreements,” for further details on our interest rate swap agreements. The fair values of our secured notes payable, unsecured senior notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, and unsecured senior bank term loans were estimated using widely-accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analyses of “significant other observable inputs” such as available market information on discount and borrowing rates with similar terms, maturities, and credit ratings.  Because the valuations of our financial instruments are based on these types of estimates, the actual fair value of our financial instruments may differ materially if our estimates do not prove to be accurate.  Additionally, the use of different market assumptions or estimation methods may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
	As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the book and estimated fair values of our marketable equity securities, interest rate swap agreements, secured notes payable, unsecured senior notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, and unsecured senior bank term loans were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Book Value			Fair Value			Book Value			Fair Value
	Assets:
	“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities	$	115,756		$	115,756		$	74,265		$	74,265
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	3,417		$	3,417		$	909		$	909
	Secured notes payable	$	760,476		$	794,432		$	652,209		$	693,338
	Unsecured senior notes payable	$	1,747,450		$	1,823,090		$	1,747,370		$	1,793,255
	Unsecured senior line of credit	$	421,000		$	421,279		$	304,000		$	304,369
	Unsecured senior bank term loans	$	975,000		$	977,194		$	975,000		$	976,010
	Fair value measurements for other than on a non-recurring basis
	Refer to discussion at Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” and Note 11 – “Noncontrolling Interests.”

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d

Secured and unsecured senior debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Secured and unsecured senior debt	Secured and unsecured senior debt
	The following table summarizes our secured and unsecured senior debt as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
		Fixed-Rate/Hedged				Unhedged				Total				Percentage of Total Debt			Weighted Average			Weighted Average
		Variable Rate				Variable Rate				Consolidated							Interest Rate at			Remaining Term
																	End of Period (1)			(in years)
	Secured notes payable	$	482,663			$	277,813			$	760,476			19.5	%		4.3	%		3.1
	Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,450				—				1,747,450				44.7			3.98			8.1
	$1.5 billion unsecured senior line of credit	—				421,000				421,000				10.8			1.22			3.8
	2016 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan	350,000				25,000				375,000				9.6			1.6			1.3
	2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan	600,000				—				600,000				15.4			1.71			3.8
	Total/weighted average	$	3,180,113			$	723,813			$	3,903,926			100	%		3.17	%		5.3
	Percentage of total debt	81		%		19		%		100		%
	-1	Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.
	The following table summarizes our outstanding indebtedness and respective principal maturities as of
	March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
			Stated			Weighted Average			Maturity Date(2)		Principal Payments Remaining for the Period Ending December 31,
	Debt		Rate			Interest Rate(1)					2015				2016				2017			2018			2019			Thereafter			Total
	Secured notes payable
	San Francisco Bay Area		L+1.50	%		1.68	%		7/1/15	(3)	$	46,983			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	46,983
	Greater Boston, San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego		5.73			5.73			1/1/16		1,356				75,501				—			—			—			—			76,857
	Greater Boston, San Diego, and New York City		5.82			5.82			4/1/16		741				29,389				—			—			—			—			30,130
	San Diego		5.74			3			4/15/16		132				6,916				—			—			—			—			7,048
	San Francisco Bay Area		L+1.40			1.58			6/1/16		—				20,550				—			—			—			—			20,550
	San Francisco Bay Area		6.35			6.35			8/1/16		1,976				126,715				—			—			—			—			128,691
	Maryland		2.17			2.17			1/20/17		—				—				76,000			—			—			—			76,000
	Greater Boston		L+1.35			1.53			8/23/17		—				—				134,280			—			—			—			134,280
	San Diego, Maryland, and Seattle		7.75			7.75			4/1/20		1,189				1,696				1,832			1,979			2,138			104,352			113,186
	San Diego		4.66			4.66			1/1/23		1,053				1,464				1,540			1,614			1,692			31,674			39,037
	Greater Boston		3.93			3.1			3/10/23		—				—				—			1,091			1,505			79,404			82,000
	San Francisco Bay Area		6.5			6.5			6/1/37		18				19				20			22			23			728			830
	Unamortized premiums										547				610				573			588			595			1,971			4,884
	Secured notes payable weighted average/subtotal		4.42	%		4.3					53,995				262,860				214,245			5,294			5,953			218,129			760,476
	2016 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan		L+1.20	%		1.6			7/31/16	(4)	—				375,000				—			—			—			—			375,000
	2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan		L+1.20	%		1.71			1/3/19		—				—				—			—			600,000			—			600,000
	$1.5 billion unsecured senior line of credit		L+1.10	%	(5)	1.22			1/3/19		—				—				—			—			421,000			—			421,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		2.75	%		2.79			1/15/20		—				—				—			—			—			400,000			400,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		4.6	%		4.61			4/1/22		—				—				—			—			—			550,000			550,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		3.9	%		3.94			6/15/23		—				—				—			—			—			500,000			500,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		4.5	%		4.51			7/30/29		—				—				—			—			—			300,000			300,000
	Unamortized discounts										(246		)		(337		)		(350		)	(362		)	(375		)	(880		)	(2,550		)
	Unsecured debt weighted average/subtotal					2.93					(246		)		374,663				(350		)	(362		)	1,020,625			1,749,120			3,143,450
	Weighted average/total					3.17	%				$	53,749			$	637,523			$	213,895		$	4,932		$	1,026,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,903,926
	Balloon payments										$	46,983			$	632,449			$	210,280		$	—		$	1,021,000		$	1,954,466		$	3,865,178
	Principal amortization										6,766				5,074				3,615			4,932			5,578			12,783			38,748
	Total consolidated debt										$	53,749			$	637,523			$	213,895		$	4,932		$	1,026,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,903,926
	Fixed-rate/hedged variable-rate debt										$	6,766			$	591,973			$	3,615		$	4,932		$	605,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,180,113
	Unhedged variable-rate debt										46,983				45,550				210,280			—			421,000			—			723,813
	Total consolidated debt										$	53,749			$	637,523			$	213,895		$	4,932		$	1,026,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,903,926
	-1	Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.
	-2	Includes any extension options that we control.
	-3	We have two, one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to July 1, 2017, subject to certain conditions. We expect to exercise our option to extend the maturity date from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2016.
	-4	We expect to partially repay a portion of this loan and extend the maturity date to 2021.
	-5	Our unsecured senior line of credit contains a feature that allows lenders to competitively bid on the interest rate for borrowings under the facility. This may result in an interest rate that is below the stated rate of L+1.10%. In addition to the cost of borrowing, the facility is subject to an annual facility fee of 0.20%, based on the aggregate commitments outstanding.
	Interest expense
	The following table summarizes interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Gross interest	$	34,207			$	31,136
	Capitalized interest	(10,971		)		(12,013		)
	Interest expense	$	23,236			$	19,123
	Repayment of secured note payable
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we repaid a $5.8 million secured note payable related to a Maryland property that bore interest at a rate of 4.50%.
	Secured construction loans
	The following table summarizes our secured construction loans as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
Market		Stated Rate				Maturity Date				Outstanding Balance				Remaining Commitments				Total Commitments
San Francisco Bay Area			L+1.50	%		7/1/15		(1)		$	46,983			$	8,017			$	55,000
San Francisco Bay Area			L+1.40	%		6/1/16		(2)		20,550				15,450				36,000
Greater Boston			L+1.35	%		8/23/17		(3)		134,280				116,120				250,400
										$	201,813			$	139,587			$	341,400
-1	We have two, one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to July 1, 2017, subject to certain conditions. We are in the process of exercising the first of two options to extend the maturity date from July 1, 2015 to July 1, 2016.
-2	We have two, one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to June 1, 2018, subject to certain conditions.
-3	We have a one-year option to extend the stated maturity date to August 23, 2018, subject to certain conditions.

Interest_rate_swap_agreements

Interest rate swap agreements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swap agreements	Interest rate swap agreements
	We use interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variable cash flows associated with certain of our existing LIBOR-based variable-rate debt, including our unsecured senior line of credit and unsecured senior bank term loans.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is required to be recognized directly in earnings.  During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, our interest rate swap agreements were 100% effective; because of this, no hedge ineffectiveness was recognized in earnings.  Changes in fair value, including accrued interest and adjustments for non-performance risk, on the effective portion of our interest rate swap agreements that are designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are classified in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Amounts classified in accumulated other comprehensive loss are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings.  During the next 12 months, we expect to reclassify approximately $1.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings as an increase to interest expense. As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the fair values of our interest rate swap agreements aggregating a liability balance of $3.4 million and $909 thousand, respectively, were classified in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits, based upon their respective fair values, without any offsetting pursuant to master netting agreements. Under our interest rate swap agreements, we have no collateral posting requirements.
	The Company has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision wherein (i) the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to the Company’s default on the indebtedness; or (ii) if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. If the Company had breached any of these provisions as of March 31, 2015, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $3.4 million.
	We had the following outstanding interest rate swap agreements that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
				Number of Contracts	Weighted Average Interest Pay Rate (1)	Fair Value as of 3/31/15				Notional Amount in Effect as of
	Effective Date		Maturity Date							3/31/15				12/31/15				12/31/16
	31-Dec-14		31-Mar-16	3	0.53%	$	(926	)		$	500,000			$	500,000			$	—
	31-Mar-15		31-Mar-16	7	0.42%	(362		)		450,000				450,000				—
	31-Mar-16		31-Mar-17	5	1.35%	(2,129		)		—				—				600,000
	Total					$	(3,417	)		$	950,000			$	950,000			$	600,000
	-1	In addition to the interest pay rate for each swap agreement, interest is payable at an applicable margin for borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2015. Borrowings under our unsecured senior bank term loans include an applicable margin of 1.20% and borrowings outstanding under our unsecured senior line of credit include an applicable margin of 1.10%.
	During April 2015, we executed additional interest rate swap agreements that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (dollars in thousands):
				Number of Contracts	Weighted Average Interest Pay Rate (1)	Fair Value as of 3/31/15		Notional Amount in Effect as of
	Effective Date		Maturity Date					3/31/15				12/31/15				12/31/16
	31-Mar-16		31-Mar-17	4	0.93%	N/A		$	—			$	—			$	200,000
	-1	In addition to the interest pay rate for each swap agreement, interest is payable at an applicable margin for borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2015. Borrowings under our unsecured senior bank term loans include an applicable margin of 1.20% and borrowings outstanding under our unsecured senior line of credit include an applicable margin of 1.10%.

Accounts_payable_accrued_expen

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and tenant security deposits (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits
	The following table summarizes the components of accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		March 31,		31-Dec
		2015		2014
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	156,269	$	127,828
	Accrued construction	85,769		91,110
	Acquired below market leases	29,198		8,810
	Conditional asset retirement obligations	8,984		9,108
	Deferred rent liabilities	26,722		36,231
	Interest rate swap liabilities	3,417		909
	Prepaid rent and tenant security deposits	204,688		193,699
	Other liabilities (1)	130,572		21,390
	Total	$	645,619	$	489,085
	-1	Our March 31, 2015, balance includes a noncontrolling interest purchase liability related to the $108.3 million acquisition of the outstanding 10% noncontrolling interest in our 1.2 million RSF, flagship campus at Alexandria Technology Square®. For additional information, refer to Note 11 – “Noncontrolling Interests” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report.

Earnings_per_share

Earnings per share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	arnings per share
	We use income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders as the “control number” in determining whether potential common shares are dilutive or antidilutive to EPS.  Pursuant to the presentation and disclosure literature on gains or losses on sales or disposals by REITs and EPS required by the SEC and the FASB, gains or losses on sales or disposals by a REIT that do not qualify as discontinued operations are classified below income from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income and included in the numerator for the computation of EPS for income from continuing operations.
	We account for unvested restricted stock awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities and include these securities in the computation of EPS using the two-class method.  Our 7% series D cumulative convertible preferred stock (“Series D Convertible Preferred Stock”) is not a participating security, and is not included in the computation of EPS using the two-class method.  Under the two-class method, we allocate net income after preferred stock dividends, preferred stock redemption charge, and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests to common stockholders and unvested restricted stock awards based on their respective participation rights to dividends declared (or accumulated) and undistributed earnings.  Diluted EPS is computed using the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding determined for the basic EPS computation plus the effect of any dilutive securities. We had no dilutive securities outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	The table below is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Income from continuing operations	$	25,051		$	40,911
	Dividends on preferred stock	(6,247		)	(6,471		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(492		)	(1,195		)
	Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	(483		)	(374		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted	17,829			32,871
	Loss from discontinued operations	(43		)	(162		)
	Net income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted	$	17,786		$	32,709
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding – basic and diluted	71,366			71,073
	EPS attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.25		$	0.46
	Discontinued operations	—			—
	EPS – basic and diluted	$	0.25		$	0.46

Stockholders_equity

Stockholders' equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' equity	Stockholders’ equity
	Dividends
	In March 2015, we declared cash dividends on our common stock for the first quarter of 2015, aggregating $53.3 million, or $0.74 per share.  Also in March 2015, we also declared cash dividends on our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2015, aggregating approximately $4.2 million, or $0.4375 per share.  Additionally, we declared cash dividends on our Series E cumulative redeemable preferred stock (“Series E Preferred Stock”) for the first quarter of 2015, aggregating approximately $2.1 million, or $0.403125 per share.  In April 2015, we paid the cash dividends on our common stock, Series D Preferred Stock, and Series E Preferred Stock for the first quarter of 2015.
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Alexandria, consists of the following (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities		Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap Agreements			Unrealized Loss on Foreign Currency Translation			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	52,367	$	(909	)	$	(52,086	)	$	(628	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28,435		(3,013		)	(6,271		)	19,151
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	1,103		505			9,236			10,844
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—			(154		)	(154		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	29,538		(2,508		)	2,811			29,841
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	81,905	$	(3,417	)	$	(49,275	)	$	29,213
	Preferred stock and excess stock authorizations
	Our charter authorizes the issuance of up to 100.0 million shares of preferred stock, of which 14.7 million shares were issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015.  In addition, 200.0 million shares of “excess stock” (as defined in our charter) are authorized, none of which were issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2015.

Noncontrolling_interests

Noncontrolling interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interests	Noncontrolling interests
	Noncontrolling interests represent the third-party interests in certain entities in which we have a controlling interest.  These entities owned four projects as of March 31, 2015, and are included in our consolidated financial statements.  Noncontrolling interests are adjusted for additional contributions and distributions, the proportionate share of the net earnings or losses, and other comprehensive income or loss.  Distributions, profits, and losses related to these entities are allocated in accordance with the respective operating agreements.
	The following table represents income from continuing operations and discontinued operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, excluding the amounts attributable to these noncontrolling interests:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria	$	24,559		$	39,716
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(43	)	$	(162	)
	Certain of our noncontrolling interests have the right to require us to redeem their ownership interests in the respective entities.  We classify these ownership interests in the entities as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of total equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted for additional contributions and distributions, the proportionate share of the net earnings or losses, and other comprehensive income or loss.  Distributions, profits, and losses related to these entities are allocated in accordance with the respective operating agreements.  If the amount of a redeemable noncontrolling interest is less than the maximum redemption value at the balance sheet date, such amount is adjusted to the maximum redemption value.  Subsequent declines in the redemption value are recognized only to the extent that previous increases have been recognized.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we executed an agreement to purchase the outstanding 10% noncontrolling interest in our 1.2 million RSF, flagship campus at Alexandria Technology Square® for $108.3 million. The first installment of $54.3 million was paid on April 1, 2015, and the second installment of $54.0 million is due on April 1, 2016.
	Upon execution of the purchase agreement, we recognized a liability representing the fair value of the aggregate consideration, primarily consisting of the purchase price in the accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits line of our accompanying balance sheet. We measured the fair value of the liability using significant observable inputs including a discount rate that approximates our cost of debt capital in effect during the period the liability is outstanding. The difference between the noncontrolling interest purchase liability and the noncontrolling interest balance of $48.5 million was recognized as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

Discontinued_operations

Discontinued operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued operations	On October 1, 2014, we adopted an Accounting Standards Update on the reporting of discontinued operations that raised the threshold for classification of assets “held for sale” as discontinued operations. This Accounting Standards Update is applied prospectively, and since our adoption of this Accounting Standards Update, no additional properties have met the criteria for classification as a discontinued operation in our consolidated financial statements. Prior to the adoption of this Accounting Standards Update, certain properties met the previous criteria for classification as discontinued operations and are included in the summary of income from discontinued operations below. For additional information, refer to the section titled “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 – “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report.
	The following is a summary of net assets “held for sale” as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, including the assets classified as “held for sale” subsequent to our adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Properties classified as “held for sale”	$	117,203			$	173,706
	Other assets	5,611				10,147
	Total assets	122,814				183,853
	Total liabilities	—				(6,044		)
	Net assets classified as “held for sale” (1)	$	122,814			$	177,809
	-1	As of March 31, 2015, net assets classified as “held for sale” was composed of the three properties that were classified as “held for sale,” including one property classified as “held for sale” and included in discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the Accounting Standards Update described above.
	The following is a summary of loss from discontinued operations related to each asset that met the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update on October 1, 2014, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Total revenues		$	—			$	—
	Operating expenses		(43		)		(162		)
	Loss from discontinued operations (1)		$	(43	)		$	(162	)
	-1	Loss from discontinued operations includes the results of operations (prior to disposition) of four properties classified as “held for sale” and included in discontinued operations prior to our adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update described above. One property is still classified as “held for sale” and included in discontinued operations as of March 31, 2015, and three properties were sold during the period from January 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015.
	The following is a summary of the losses included in our income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, from assets classified as “held for sale” subsequent to our adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Total revenues		$	2,330			$	2,500
	Operating expenses		(766		)		(701		)
	Total revenues less operating expenses from assets classified as “held for sale,” not qualifying for classification as discontinued operations		1,564				1,799
	Depreciation expense		(127		)		(1,891		)
	Impairment of real estate		(14,510		)		—
	Loss from assets classified as “held for sale,” not qualifying as discontinued operations (1)		$	(13,073	)		$	(92	)
	-1	Includes the results of operations of two properties with an aggregate 234,186 RSF that were classified as “held for sale” as of March 31, 2015, and three properties with an aggregate 196,859 RSF that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2015, but do not qualify for classification as discontinued operations. For additional information, refer to Note 2 – “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report.

Subsequent_events_Notes

Subsequent events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent events
	Amended employment agreement with Mr. Marcus
	In April 2015, we amended the employment agreement with Joel S. Marcus to, among other items, extend his term as our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) through March 31, 2018.
	Key leasing activity
	In April 2015, we leased 80,000 RSF to Juno Therapeutics, Inc. (“Juno”), at 400 Dexter Avenue North in our Lake Union submarket in Seattle. Juno has an expansion option for 71,000 RSF. We expect to commence ground-up development of our 287,806 RSF project in 2015, upon receipt of master use plan approval. Also in April 2015, we leased 300,000 RSF, or 100%, to Stripe, Inc. at 510 Townsend Street in our SoMa submarket of the San Francisco Bay Area. We expect to commence ground-up development of this build-to-suit project in 2015, upon receipt of Prop M entitlement allocation. In April 2015, we also leased 106,173 RSF, or 75%, to Eli Lilly and Company at our 10300 Campus Point Drive project in our University Town Center submarket in San Diego. We expect to commence ground-up development of our 142,034 RSF project in 2015, upon receipt of permits/approvals.
	Interest rate swap agreements
	We executed additional interest rate swap agreements in March and April 2015, with an aggregate notional amount of $750 million to increase notional hedged variable-rate debt to $950 million during 2015 and a minimum of $800 million during 2016.

Condensed_consolidating_financ

Condensed consolidating financial information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed consolidating financial information	Condensed consolidating financial information
	Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (the “Issuer”), has sold certain debt securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (the “LP” or the “Guarantor Subsidiary”), an indirectly 100% owned subsidiary of the Issuer. The Company’s other subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the subsidiaries that own substantially all of its real estate (collectively, the “Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”) will not provide a guarantee of such securities, including the subsidiaries that are partially or 100% owned by the LP. The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the condensed consolidating balance sheets as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, and the condensed consolidating statements of income, condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income, and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, for the Issuer, the Guarantor Subsidiary, and the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, as well as the eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., on a consolidated basis, and consolidated amounts. In presenting the condensed consolidating financial statements, the equity method of accounting has been applied to (i) the Issuer’s interests in the Guarantor Subsidiary and the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiary’s interests in the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (iii) the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries’ interests in the Guarantor Subsidiary, where applicable, even though all such subsidiaries meet the requirements to be consolidated under GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions between the Issuer, the Guarantor Subsidiary, and the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries have been eliminated, as shown in the column “Eliminations.” All assets and liabilities have been allocated to the Issuer, the Guarantor Subsidiary, and the Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries generally based on legal entity ownership.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	as of March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Issuer)			Real Estate			Non-
					Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
					(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Assets
	Investments in real estate	$	—		$	—		$	7,388,059		$	—		$	7,388,059
	Cash and cash equivalents	60,236			63			30,342			—			90,641
	Restricted cash	63			—			56,641			—			56,704
	Tenant receivables	—			—			10,627			—			10,627
	Deferred rent	—			—			243,459			—			243,459
	Deferred leasing and financing costs	33,537			—			166,039			—			199,576
	Investments	—			5,204			277,858			—			283,062
	Investments in and advances to affiliates	6,971,361			6,344,419			129,930			(13,445,710		)	—
	Other assets	21,651			—			111,442			—			133,093
	Total assets	$	7,086,848		$	6,349,686		$	8,414,397		$	(13,445,710	)	$	8,405,221
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
	Secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	760,476		$	—		$	760,476
	Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,450			—			—			—			1,747,450
	Unsecured senior line of credit	421,000			—			—			—			421,000
	Unsecured senior bank term loans	975,000			—			—			—			975,000
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	104,315			—			541,304			—			645,619
	Dividends payable	58,535			—			289			—			58,824
	Total liabilities	3,306,300			—			1,302,069			—			4,608,369
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			14,282			—			14,282
	Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	3,780,548			6,349,686			7,096,024			(13,445,710		)	3,780,548
	Noncontrolling interests	—			—			2,022			—			2,022
	Total equity	3,780,548			6,349,686			7,098,046			(13,445,710		)	3,782,570
	Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$	7,086,848		$	6,349,686		$	8,414,397		$	(13,445,710	)	$	8,405,221
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	as of December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
		Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
		(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Assets
	Investments in real estate	$	—		$	—		$	7,226,016		$	—		$	7,226,016
	Cash and cash equivalents	52,491			63			33,457			—			86,011
	Restricted cash	67			—			26,817			—			26,884
	Tenant receivables	—			—			10,548			—			10,548
	Deferred rent	—			—			234,124			—			234,124
	Deferred leasing and financing costs	35,462			—			166,336			—			201,798
	Investments	—			5,235			231,154			—			236,389
	Investments in and advances to affiliates	6,874,866			6,295,852			128,943			(13,299,661		)	—
	Other assets	19,461			—			94,805			—			114,266
	Total assets	$	6,982,347		$	6,301,150		$	8,152,200		$	(13,299,661	)	$	8,136,036
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
	Secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	652,209		$	—		$	652,209
	Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,370			—			—			—			1,747,370
	Unsecured senior line of credit	304,000			—			—			—			304,000
	Unsecured senior bank term loans	975,000			—			—			—			975,000
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	69,013			—			420,072			—			489,085
	Dividends payable	58,525			—			289			—			58,814
	Total liabilities	3,153,908			—			1,072,570			—			4,226,478
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			14,315			—			14,315
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	3,828,439			6,301,150			6,998,511			(13,299,661		)	3,828,439
Noncontrolling interests	—			—			66,804			—			66,804
Total equity	3,828,439			6,301,150			7,065,315			(13,299,661		)	3,895,243
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$	6,982,347		$	6,301,150		$	8,152,200		$	(13,299,661	)	$	8,136,036
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
	Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
	(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Revenues:
Rental	$	—		$	—		$	143,608		$	—		$	143,608
Tenant recoveries	—			—			48,394			—			48,394
Other income	3,026			(41		)	5,564			(3,798		)	4,751
Total revenues	3,026			(41		)	197,566			(3,798		)	196,753
Expenses:
Rental operations	—			—			61,223			—			61,223
General and administrative	12,226			—			5,959			(3,798		)	14,387
Interest	17,157			—			6,079			—			23,236
Depreciation and amortization	1,247			—			57,673			—			58,920
Impairment of real estate	—			—			14,510			—			14,510
Total expenses	30,630			—			145,444			(3,798		)	172,276
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			574			—			574
Equity in earnings of affiliates	52,120			45,590			917			(98,627		)	—
Income from continuing operations	24,516			45,549			53,613			(98,627		)	25,051
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(43		)	—			(43		)
Net income	24,516			45,549			53,570			(98,627		)	25,008
Dividends on preferred stock	(6,247		)	—			—			—			(6,247		)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(492		)	—			(492		)
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	(483		)	—			—			—			(483		)
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	17,786		$	45,549		$	53,078		$	(98,627	)	$	17,786
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
	Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
	(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Revenues:
Rental	$	—		$	—		$	130,570		$	—		$	130,570
Tenant recoveries	—			—			41,682			—			41,682
Other income	2,919			—			4,633			(3,618		)	3,934
Total revenues	2,919			—			176,885			(3,618		)	176,186
Expenses:
Rental operations	—			—			52,507			—			52,507
General and administrative	10,860			—			5,982			(3,618		)	13,224
Interest	13,539			—			5,584			—			19,123
Depreciation and amortization	1,471			—			48,950			—			50,421
Total expenses	25,870			—			113,023			(3,618		)	135,275
Equity in earnings of affiliates	62,505			58,306			1,148			(121,959		)	—
Income from continuing operations	39,554			58,306			65,010			(121,959		)	40,911
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(162		)	—			(162		)
Net income	39,554			58,306			64,848			(121,959		)	40,749
Dividends on preferred stock	(6,471		)	—			—			—			(6,471		)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,195		)	—			(1,195		)
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	(374		)	—			—			—			(374		)
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	32,709		$	58,306		$	63,653		$	(121,959	)	$	32,709
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
	Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
	(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Net income	$	24,516		$	45,549		$	53,570		$	(98,627	)	$	25,008
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	—			(54		)	28,489			—			28,435
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income	—			41			1,062			—			1,103
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities	—			(13		)	29,551			—			29,538
Unrealized losses on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap losses arising during the period	(3,013		)	—			—			—			(3,013		)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	505			—			—			—			505
Unrealized losses on interest rate swap agreements	(2,508		)	—			—			—			(2,508		)
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation:
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the period	—			—			(6,271		)	—			(6,271		)
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income	—			—			9,236			—			9,236
Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation	—			—			2,965			—			2,965
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,508		)	(13		)	32,516			—			29,995
Comprehensive income	22,008			45,536			86,086			(98,627		)	55,003
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(646		)	—			(646		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	22,008		$	45,536		$	85,440		$	(98,627	)	$	54,357
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
	Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
	(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Net income	$	39,554		$	58,306		$	64,848		$	(121,959	)	$	40,749
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	—			—			18,779			—			18,779
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income	—			—			—			—			—
Unrealized gains on marketable securities	—			—			18,779			—			18,779
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap gains arising during the period	5,592			—			—			—			5,592
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest income included in net income	(3,490		)	—			—			—			(3,490		)
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements	2,102			—			—			—			2,102
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses	—			—			(3,106		)	—			(3,106		)
Total other comprehensive income	2,102			—			15,673			—			17,775
Comprehensive income	41,656			58,306			80,521			(121,959		)	58,524
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,195		)	—			(1,195		)
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	41,656		$	58,306		$	79,326		$	(121,959	)	$	57,329
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
	Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Operating Activities
Net income	$	24,516		$	45,549		$	53,570		$	(98,627	)	$	25,008
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,247			—			57,673			—			58,920
Impairment of real estate	—			—			14,510			—			14,510
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			(574		)	—			(574		)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			491			—			491
Amortization of loan fees	1,925			—			909			—			2,834
Amortization of debt discounts (premiums)	80			—			(162		)	—			(82		)
Amortization of acquired below market leases	—			—			(933		)	—			(933		)
Deferred rent	—			—			(9,901		)	—			(9,901		)
Stock compensation expense	3,690			—			—			—			3,690
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(52,120		)	(45,590		)	(917		)	98,627			—
Investment gains	—			—			(5,937		)	—			(5,937		)
Investment losses	—			41			2,184			—			2,225
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	4			—			(55		)	—			(51		)
Tenant receivables	—			—			(102		)	—			(102		)
Deferred leasing costs	—			—			(7,131		)	—			(7,131		)
Other assets	(3,437		)	—			190			—			(3,247		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	32,795			(23		)	(5,651		)	—			27,121
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	8,700			(23		)	98,164			—			106,841
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of real estate	—			—			67,616			—			67,616
Additions to real estate	—			—			(104,632		)	—			(104,632		)
Purchase of real estate	—			—			(93,938		)	—			(93,938		)
Deposits for investing activities	—			—			(28,000		)	—			(28,000		)
Investment in unconsolidated real estate entities	—			—			(2,539		)	—			(2,539		)
Investments in subsidiaries	(44,375		)	(2,977		)	(70		)	47,422			—
Additions to investments	—			—			(15,118		)	—			(15,118		)
Sales of investments	—			—			2,345			—			2,345
Repayment of notes receivable	—			—			4,214			—			4,214
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(44,375	)	$	(2,977	)	$	(170,122	)	$	47,422		$	(170,052	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued)
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
	Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	29,585		$	—		$	29,585
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	—			—			(7,934		)	—			(7,934		)
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	167,000			—			—			—			167,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	(50,000		)	—			—			—			(50,000		)
Transfer to/from parent company	(14,038		)	3,000			58,460			(47,422		)	—
Change in restricted cash related to financing activities	—			—			(1,369		)	—			(1,369		)
Loan fees	—			—			(563		)	—			(563		)
Dividends on common stock	(53,295		)	—			—			—			(53,295		)
Dividends on preferred stock	(6,247		)	—			—			—			(6,247		)
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	—			—			340			—			340
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(9,846		)	—			(9,846		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	43,420			3,000			68,673			(47,422		)	67,671
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			170			—			170
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,745			—			(3,115		)	—			4,630
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of period	52,491			63			33,457			—			86,011
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period	$	60,236		$	63		$	30,342		$	—		$	90,641
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	$	10,412		$	—		$	5,102		$	—		$	15,514
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	$	—		$	—		$	7,249		$	—		$	7,249
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	$	—		$	—		$	(82,000	)	$	—		$	(82,000	)
Non-Cash Financing Activities
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	$	—		$	—		$	(113,967	)	$	—		$	(113,967	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
	Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Operating Activities
Net income	$	39,554		$	58,306		$	64,848		$	(121,959	)	$	40,749
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,471			—			48,950			—			50,421
Amortization of loan fees	1,770			—			791			—			2,561
Amortization of debt discounts	40			—			165			—			205
Amortization of acquired below market leases	—			—			(816		)	—			(816		)
Deferred rent	—			—			(11,882		)	—			(11,882		)
Stock compensation expense	3,228			—			—			—			3,228
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(62,505		)	(58,306		)	(1,148		)	121,959			—
Investment gains	—			—			(4,040		)	—			(4,040		)
Investment losses	—			—			1,694			—			1,694
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Tenant receivables	—			—			(690		)	—			(690		)
Deferred leasing costs	—			—			(7,572		)	—			(7,572		)
Other assets	(748		)	—			(16,567		)	—			(17,315		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	13,478			—			3,238			—			16,716
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(3,712		)	—			76,971			—			73,259
Investing Activities
Additions to real estate	—			—			(111,587		)	—			(111,587		)
Purchase of real estate	—			—			(42,338		)	—			(42,338		)
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects	—			—			(140		)	—			(140		)
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			(747		)	—			(747		)
Investments in subsidiaries	(221,513		)	(193,863		)	(6,338		)	421,714			—
Additions to investments	—			—			(11,905		)	—			(11,905		)
Sales of investments	—			—			3,998			—			3,998
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(221,513	)	$	(193,863	)	$	(169,057	)	$	421,714		$	(162,719	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued)
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
	Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	51,030		$	—		$	51,030
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	—			—			(210,844		)	—			(210,844		)
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	360,000			—			—			—			360,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	(58,000		)	—			—			—			(58,000		)
Transfer to/from parent company	—			193,863			227,851			(421,714		)	—
Change in restricted cash related to financing activities	—			—			1,059			—			1,059
Loan fees	—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)
Dividends on common stock	(48,715		)	—			1			—			(48,714		)
Dividends on preferred stock	(6,471		)	—			—			—			(6,471		)
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	—			—			19,410			—			19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(988		)	—			(988		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	246,814			193,863			87,511			(421,714		)	106,474
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			260			—			260
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	21,589			—			(4,315		)	—			17,274
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of period	14,790			—			42,906			—			57,696
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period	$	36,379		$	—		$	38,591		$	—		$	74,970
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	$	347		$	—		$	5,746		$	—		$	6,093
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	$	—		$	—		$	(6,028	)	$	—		$	(6,028	)
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	$	—		$	—		$	(48,329	)	$	—		$	(48,329	)

Basis_of_presentation_Policies

Basis of presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation and consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	In certain circumstances, we may enter into joint venture arrangements with outside partners. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate each joint venture arrangement under the VIE model, and if the entity is determined not to be a VIE, then we evaluate the entity under the voting model to determine if the entity should be consolidated.
	Under the VIE model, an entity is determined to be a VIE if it has any of the following characteristics:
	•	The entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support;
	•	The equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest; or
	•	The legal entity is established with non-substantive voting rights.
	If an entity is determined to be a VIE, we evaluate whether or not we are the primary beneficiary using qualitative analyses. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, the purpose and design of the VIE, risks that the VIE was designed to create and pass through, the form of our ownership interest, our representation on the entity’s governing body, the size and seniority of our investment, our ability to participate in policy-making decisions, and the rights of the other investors to participate in the decision-making process and/or liquidate the venture, if applicable. We consolidate VIEs whenever we determine that we are the primary beneficiary.
	If an entity is determined not to be a VIE, we then evaluate such entity under the voting model. Under the voting model, if we are the general partner or managing member, or have a similar role that can direct the operations of the entity, we have a presumption that we control the entity and we should consolidate regardless of our ownership percentage. If we determine that the other equity holders have any one of the following rights, it is assumed that we do not control the entity and therefore should not consolidate the entity: (i) the substantive ability to dissolve the entity or remove us from the lead role of the entity, or (ii) substantive rights that allow them to participate in the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.
	As of March 31, 2015, we had two joint ventures that did not meet the requirements for consolidation and were accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate,” appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, for further information on our unconsolidated joint ventures.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and equity; the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Investments in real estate, net, and discontinued operations	Investments in real estate and properties classified as “held for sale”
	We recognize real estate acquired (including the intangible value of above or below market leases, acquired in-place leases, client tenant relationships, and other intangible assets or liabilities), liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquired entity at their fair value as of the acquisition date.  If there is a bargain fixed-rate renewal option for the period beyond the non-cancelable lease term of an in-place lease, we evaluate factors such as the business conditions in the industry in which the lessee operates, the economic conditions in the area in which the property is located, and the ability of the lessee to sublease the property during the renewal term, in order to determine the likelihood that the lessee will renew.  When we determine there is reasonable assurance that such bargain purchase option will be exercised, we consider its impact in determining the intangible value of such lease and its related amortization period.  The value of tangible assets acquired is based upon our estimation of value on an “as if vacant” basis.  The value of acquired in-place leases includes the estimated costs during the hypothetical lease-up period and other costs that would have been incurred in the execution of similar leases, considering market conditions at the acquisition date of the acquired in-place lease.  We assess the fair value of tangible and intangible assets based on numerous factors, including estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information.  Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors, including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property.  We also recognize the fair values of assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in acquisitions of less than a 100% interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity.  Acquisition-related costs related to the acquisition of businesses, including real estate acquired with in-place leases, are expensed as incurred.
	The values allocated to buildings and building improvements, land improvements, tenant improvements, and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis using the shorter of the term of the respective ground lease and up to 40 years for buildings and building improvements, an estimated life of 20 years for land improvements, the respective lease term for tenant improvements, and the estimated useful life for equipment. The values of acquired above and below market leases are amortized over the terms of the related leases and recognized as either an increase (for below market leases) or a decrease (for above market leases) to rental income. The values of acquired in-place leases are classified in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and amortized over the remaining terms of the related leases.
	We are required to capitalize project costs, including predevelopment costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, and other costs directly related and essential to the acquisition, development, redevelopment, predevelopment, or construction of a project.  Capitalization of development, redevelopment, predevelopment, and construction costs is required while activities are ongoing to prepare an asset for its intended use.  Fluctuations in our development, redevelopment, predevelopment, and construction activities could result in significant changes to total expenses and net income.  Costs incurred after a project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use are expensed as incurred.  Should development, redevelopment, predevelopment, or construction activity cease, interest, property taxes, insurance, and certain other costs would no longer be eligible for capitalization and would be expensed as incurred.  Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
	A property is classified as “held for sale” when all of the following criteria for a plan of sale have been met: (i) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the property; (ii) the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to terms that are usual and customary; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell have been initiated; (iv) the sale of the property is probable and is expected to be completed within one year; (v) the property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (vi) actions necessary to complete the plan of sale indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Depreciation of assets ceases upon designation of a property as “held for sale.” Prior to our adoption of the new discontinued operations standard on October 1, 2014, the operations of properties “held for sale” were classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income, and amounts for all prior periods presented were reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations.
	Subsequent to the adoption of the new standard, if the disposal of the property represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on our operations or financial results, such as (i) a major line of business, (ii) a major geographical area, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity, then the operations of the property “held for sale,” including any interest expense directly attributable to it, are classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income, and amounts for all prior periods presented are reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations. The disposal of an individual property generally will not represent a strategic shift and therefore will typically not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations.
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets
	Long-lived assets to be held and used, including our rental properties, CIP, land held for development, and intangibles, are individually evaluated for impairment when conditions exist that may indicate that the amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable.  The amount of a long-lived asset to be held and used is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  Impairment indicators or triggering events for long-lived assets to be held and used, including our rental properties, CIP, and land held for development, are assessed by project and include significant fluctuations in estimated rental revenues less rental operating expenses, occupancy changes, significant near-term lease expirations, current and historical operating and/or cash flow losses, construction costs, estimated completion dates, rental rates, and other market factors.  We assess the expected undiscounted cash flows based upon numerous factors, including, but not limited to, construction costs, available market information, current and historical operating results, known trends, current market/economic conditions that may affect the property, and our assumptions about the use of the asset, including, if necessary, a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration.  Upon determination that an impairment has occurred, a write-down is recognized to reduce the carrying amount to its estimated fair value.  If an impairment loss is not required to be recognized, the recognition of depreciation is adjusted prospectively, as necessary, to reduce the carrying amount of the real estate to its estimated disposition value over the remaining period that the real estate is expected to be held and used.  We may adjust depreciation of properties that are expected to be disposed of or redeveloped prior to the end of their useful lives.
	We use the “held for sale” impairment model for our properties classified as “held for sale.”  The “held for sale” impairment model is different from the held and used impairment model.  Under the “held for sale” impairment model, an impairment loss is recognized if the amount of the long-lived asset classified as “held for sale” exceeds its fair value less cost to sell.  Because of these two different models, it is possible for a long-lived asset previously classified as held and used to require the recognition of an impairment charge upon classification as “held for sale.”
Investments	Investments
	We hold equity investments in certain publicly traded companies and investments in certain privately held entities primarily involved in the science industry.  All of our investments in actively traded public companies are considered “available for sale” and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value.  Fair value has been determined based upon the closing price as of each balance sheet date, with unrealized gains and losses shown as a separate component of comprehensive income.  The classification of each investment is determined at the time each investment is made, and such determination is reevaluated at each balance sheet date.  The cost of each investment sold is determined by the specific identification method, with realized gains or losses classified in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  Investments in privately held entities are generally accounted for under the cost method when our interest in the entity is so minor that we have virtually no influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies. Certain investments in privately held entities are accounted for under the equity method unless our interest in the entity is deemed to be so minor that we have virtually no influence over the entity’s operating and financial policies. Under the equity method of accounting, we recognize our investment initially at cost and adjust the amount of the investment to recognize our share of the earnings or losses of the investee subsequent to the date of our investment.  Additionally, we limit our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity to less than 10%.  As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity was less than 10%.
	We monitor each of our equity investments throughout the year for new developments, including operating results, results of clinical trials, capital-raising events, and merger and acquisition activities. Individual investments are evaluated for impairment when changes in conditions may indicate an impairment exists.  The factors that we consider in making these assessments include, but are not limited to, market prices, market conditions, available financing, prospects for favorable or unfavorable clinical trial results, new product initiatives, and new collaborative agreements.  If there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that might have an adverse effect on our cost method investments, we do not estimate the investment’s fair value.  For all of our investments, if a decline in the fair value of an investment below the carrying value is determined to be other than temporary, such investment is written down to its estimated fair value with a charge to current earnings.
Income Taxes	Income taxes
	We are organized and qualify as a REIT pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). Under the Code, a REIT that distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders annually and meets certain other conditions is not subject to federal income taxes, but could be subject to certain state and local taxes. We distribute 100% of our taxable income annually; therefore, a provision for federal income taxes is not required. In addition to our REIT returns, we file federal, state, and local tax returns for our subsidiaries. We file with jurisdictions located in the U.S., Canada, India, China, and other international locations. Our tax returns are subject to routine examination in various jurisdictions for the calendar years 2010 through 2013.
Recognition of rental income and tenant recoveries	Recognition of rental income and tenant recoveries
	Rental income from leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms.  We classify amounts currently recognized as income, and expected to be received in later years, as deferred rent in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Amounts received currently, but recognized as income in future years, are classified in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  We commence recognition of rental income at the date the property is ready for its intended use and the client tenant takes possession of or controls the physical use of the property.
	Tenant recoveries related to reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance, common area expenses, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenue in the period during which the applicable expenses are incurred.
	Tenant receivables consist primarily of amounts due for contractual lease payments, reimbursements of common area maintenance expenses, property taxes, and other expenses recoverable from client tenants.  Tenant receivables are expected to be collected within one year.  We may maintain an allowance for estimated losses that may result from the inability of our client tenants to make payments required under the terms of the lease and for tenant recoveries due.  If a client tenant fails to make contractual payments beyond any allowance, we may recognize additional bad debt expense in future periods equal to the amount of uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent arising from the straight-lining of rent.  As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we had no allowance for uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent.
Monitoring client tenant credit quality	Monitoring client tenant credit quality
	During the term of each lease, we monitor the credit quality of our client tenants by (i) reviewing the credit rating of client tenants that are rated by a nationally recognized credit rating agency, (ii) reviewing financial statements of the client tenants that are publicly available or that are required to be delivered to us pursuant to the applicable lease, (iii) monitoring news reports regarding our client tenants and their respective businesses, and (iv) monitoring the timeliness of lease payments. We have a team of employees who, among them, have graduate and undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, and industrial biotechnology and experience in the science and technology industries, as well as in finance. Our research team is responsible for assessing and monitoring the credit quality of our client tenants and any material changes in credit quality.
Interest income	Interest and other income
	Interest and other income was $485 thousand and $862 thousand during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income is included in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Impact of recently issued accounting standards	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In February 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that requires reporting entities to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. The Accounting Standards Update modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities and eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. This Accounting Standards Update affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The Accounting Standards Update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in the Accounting Standards Update using: (i) a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption; or (ii) by applying the amendments retrospectively. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of the Accounting Standards Update will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update that requires reporting entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the face amount of that note payable presented in the balance sheet. The Accounting Standards Update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. A reporting entity is required to apply the amendments in the Accounting Standards Update retrospectively to all prior periods. We are currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of the Accounting Standards Update will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Background_Tables

Background (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Square Feet by Property [Table Text Block]	Our asset base consisted of the following, as of March 31, 2015:
		Square Feet
	Operating properties	16,620,690
	Development properties (includes unconsolidated joint ventures)	1,763,531
	Redevelopment properties	143,777
	Total operating and current value-creation projects	18,527,998
	Near-term value-creation projects (CIP)	2,164,780
	Future value-creation projects	9,961,508
		12,126,288
	Total	30,654,286

Investments_in_real_estate_net1

Investments in real estate, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Investments in real estate	Our investments in real estate consisted of the following as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Land (related to rental properties)		$	679,070		$	624,681
	Buildings and building improvements		6,609,158			6,171,504
	Other improvements		221,535			192,128
	Rental properties		7,509,763			6,988,313
	Current value-creation projects (CIP):
	Current development in North America		361,182			500,894
	Current redevelopment in North America		52,927			42,482
	Current development in Asia		—			14,065
			414,109			557,441
	Rental properties and current value-creation projects		7,923,872			7,545,754
	Near-term value-creation projects in North America (CIP):
	Alexandria Center® at Kendall Square – Binney Street (1)		130,475			321,907
	Other projects		97,169			107,471
			227,644			429,378
	Future value-creation projects:
	North America		190,407			175,175
	Asia		79,938			78,548
			270,345			253,723
	Near-term and future value-creation projects		497,989			683,101
	Current, near-term, and future value-creation projects		912,098			1,240,542
	Gross investments in real estate		8,421,861			8,228,855
	Equity method of accounting – unconsolidated joint ventures		120,028			117,406
	Gross investments in real estate – including unconsolidated joint ventures		8,541,889			8,346,261
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(1,153,830		)	(1,120,245		)
	Investments in real estate		$	7,388,059		$	7,226,016
	-1	Includes amounts related to 100 Binney Street as of March 31, 2015, and 50, 60, and 100 Binney Street as of December 31, 2014.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of investments	The following table summarizes our investments as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities, cost basis	$	33,851		$	21,898
	Unrealized gains	83,513			53,625
	Unrealized losses	(1,608		)	(1,258		)
	“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities, at fair value	115,756			74,265
	Investments accounted for under cost method	167,306			162,124
	Total investments	$	283,062		$	236,389
Schedule of net investment income	The following table outlines our investment income, which is classified in other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Investment gains	$	5,937		$	4,040
	Investment losses	(2,225		)	(1,694		)
	Investment income	$	3,712		$	2,346

Fair_value_measurements_Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy	The following tables set forth the assets and liabilities that we measure at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
						31-Mar-15
	Description		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets			Other			Unobservable
						for Identical			Observable			Inputs
						Assets			Inputs
	Assets:
	“Available-for-sale” securities		$	115,756		$	115,756		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements		$	3,417		$	—		$	3,417		$	—
						31-Dec-14
	Description		Total			Quoted Prices in			Significant			Significant
						Active Markets			Other			Unobservable
						for Identical			Observable			Inputs
						Assets			Inputs
	Assets:
	“Available-for-sale” securities		$	74,265		$	74,265		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements		$	909		$	—		$	909		$	—
Schedule of the book and fair values of our marketable securities, interest rate swap agreements, secured notes payable, unsecured senior notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, and unsecured senior bank term loan	As of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, the book and estimated fair values of our marketable equity securities, interest rate swap agreements, secured notes payable, unsecured senior notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, and unsecured senior bank term loans were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		Book Value			Fair Value			Book Value			Fair Value
	Assets:
	“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities	$	115,756		$	115,756		$	74,265		$	74,265
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	3,417		$	3,417		$	909		$	909
	Secured notes payable	$	760,476		$	794,432		$	652,209		$	693,338
	Unsecured senior notes payable	$	1,747,450		$	1,823,090		$	1,747,370		$	1,793,255
	Unsecured senior line of credit	$	421,000		$	421,279		$	304,000		$	304,369
	Unsecured senior bank term loans	$	975,000		$	977,194		$	975,000		$	976,010

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d1

Secured and unsecured senior debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of secured and unsecured debt	The following table summarizes our secured and unsecured senior debt as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
		Fixed-Rate/Hedged				Unhedged				Total				Percentage of Total Debt			Weighted Average			Weighted Average
		Variable Rate				Variable Rate				Consolidated							Interest Rate at			Remaining Term
																	End of Period (1)			(in years)
	Secured notes payable	$	482,663			$	277,813			$	760,476			19.5	%		4.3	%		3.1
	Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,450				—				1,747,450				44.7			3.98			8.1
	$1.5 billion unsecured senior line of credit	—				421,000				421,000				10.8			1.22			3.8
	2016 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan	350,000				25,000				375,000				9.6			1.6			1.3
	2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan	600,000				—				600,000				15.4			1.71			3.8
	Total/weighted average	$	3,180,113			$	723,813			$	3,903,926			100	%		3.17	%		5.3
	Percentage of total debt	81		%		19		%		100		%
	-1	Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.
Detail of secured and unsecured debt	The following table summarizes our outstanding indebtedness and respective principal maturities as of
	March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
			Stated			Weighted Average			Maturity Date(2)		Principal Payments Remaining for the Period Ending December 31,
	Debt		Rate			Interest Rate(1)					2015				2016				2017			2018			2019			Thereafter			Total
	Secured notes payable
	San Francisco Bay Area		L+1.50	%		1.68	%		7/1/15	(3)	$	46,983			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	46,983
	Greater Boston, San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego		5.73			5.73			1/1/16		1,356				75,501				—			—			—			—			76,857
	Greater Boston, San Diego, and New York City		5.82			5.82			4/1/16		741				29,389				—			—			—			—			30,130
	San Diego		5.74			3			4/15/16		132				6,916				—			—			—			—			7,048
	San Francisco Bay Area		L+1.40			1.58			6/1/16		—				20,550				—			—			—			—			20,550
	San Francisco Bay Area		6.35			6.35			8/1/16		1,976				126,715				—			—			—			—			128,691
	Maryland		2.17			2.17			1/20/17		—				—				76,000			—			—			—			76,000
	Greater Boston		L+1.35			1.53			8/23/17		—				—				134,280			—			—			—			134,280
	San Diego, Maryland, and Seattle		7.75			7.75			4/1/20		1,189				1,696				1,832			1,979			2,138			104,352			113,186
	San Diego		4.66			4.66			1/1/23		1,053				1,464				1,540			1,614			1,692			31,674			39,037
	Greater Boston		3.93			3.1			3/10/23		—				—				—			1,091			1,505			79,404			82,000
	San Francisco Bay Area		6.5			6.5			6/1/37		18				19				20			22			23			728			830
	Unamortized premiums										547				610				573			588			595			1,971			4,884
	Secured notes payable weighted average/subtotal		4.42	%		4.3					53,995				262,860				214,245			5,294			5,953			218,129			760,476
	2016 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan		L+1.20	%		1.6			7/31/16	(4)	—				375,000				—			—			—			—			375,000
	2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan		L+1.20	%		1.71			1/3/19		—				—				—			—			600,000			—			600,000
	$1.5 billion unsecured senior line of credit		L+1.10	%	(5)	1.22			1/3/19		—				—				—			—			421,000			—			421,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		2.75	%		2.79			1/15/20		—				—				—			—			—			400,000			400,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		4.6	%		4.61			4/1/22		—				—				—			—			—			550,000			550,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		3.9	%		3.94			6/15/23		—				—				—			—			—			500,000			500,000
	Unsecured senior notes payable		4.5	%		4.51			7/30/29		—				—				—			—			—			300,000			300,000
	Unamortized discounts										(246		)		(337		)		(350		)	(362		)	(375		)	(880		)	(2,550		)
	Unsecured debt weighted average/subtotal					2.93					(246		)		374,663				(350		)	(362		)	1,020,625			1,749,120			3,143,450
	Weighted average/total					3.17	%				$	53,749			$	637,523			$	213,895		$	4,932		$	1,026,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,903,926
	Balloon payments										$	46,983			$	632,449			$	210,280		$	—		$	1,021,000		$	1,954,466		$	3,865,178
	Principal amortization										6,766				5,074				3,615			4,932			5,578			12,783			38,748
	Total consolidated debt										$	53,749			$	637,523			$	213,895		$	4,932		$	1,026,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,903,926
	Fixed-rate/hedged variable-rate debt										$	6,766			$	591,973			$	3,615		$	4,932		$	605,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,180,113
	Unhedged variable-rate debt										46,983				45,550				210,280			—			421,000			—			723,813
	Total consolidated debt										$	53,749			$	637,523			$	213,895		$	4,932		$	1,026,578		$	1,967,249		$	3,903,926
	-1	Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.
	-2	Includes any extension options that we control.
	-3	We have two, one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to July 1, 2017, subject to certain conditions. We expect to exercise our option to extend the maturity date from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2016.
	-4	We expect to partially repay a portion of this loan and extend the maturity date to 2021.
	-5	Our unsecured senior line of credit contains a feature that allows lenders to competitively bid on the interest rate for borrowings under the facility. This may result in an interest rate that is below the stated rate of L+1.10%. In addition to the cost of borrowing, the facility is subject to an annual facility fee of 0.20%, based on the aggregate commitments outstanding.
Schedule of interest expense incurred	Interest expense
	The following table summarizes interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Gross interest	$	34,207			$	31,136
	Capitalized interest	(10,971		)		(12,013		)
	Interest expense	$	23,236			$	19,123
Summary of secured construction loans [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our secured construction loans as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
	Market		Stated Rate				Maturity Date				Outstanding Balance				Remaining Commitments				Total Commitments
	San Francisco Bay Area			L+1.50	%		7/1/15		(1)		$	46,983			$	8,017			$	55,000
	San Francisco Bay Area			L+1.40	%		6/1/16		(2)		20,550				15,450				36,000
	Greater Boston			L+1.35	%		8/23/17		(3)		134,280				116,120				250,400
											$	201,813			$	139,587			$	341,400
	-1	We have two, one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to July 1, 2017, subject to certain conditions. We are in the process of exercising the first of two options to extend the maturity date from July 1, 2015 to July 1, 2016.
	-2	We have two, one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to June 1, 2018, subject to certain conditions.
	-3	We have a one-year option to extend the stated maturity date to August 23, 2018, subject to certain conditions.

Interest_rate_swap_agreements_

Interest rate swap agreements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding interest rate hedge agreements designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk	We had the following outstanding interest rate swap agreements that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk as of March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):
				Number of Contracts	Weighted Average Interest Pay Rate (1)	Fair Value as of 3/31/15				Notional Amount in Effect as of
	Effective Date		Maturity Date							3/31/15				12/31/15				12/31/16
	31-Dec-14		31-Mar-16	3	0.53%	$	(926	)		$	500,000			$	500,000			$	—
	31-Mar-15		31-Mar-16	7	0.42%	(362		)		450,000				450,000				—
	31-Mar-16		31-Mar-17	5	1.35%	(2,129		)		—				—				600,000
	Total					$	(3,417	)		$	950,000			$	950,000			$	600,000
	-1	In addition to the interest pay rate for each swap agreement, interest is payable at an applicable margin for borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2015. Borrowings under our unsecured senior bank term loans include an applicable margin of 1.20% and borrowings outstanding under our unsecured senior line of credit include an applicable margin of 1.10%.
	During April 2015, we executed additional interest rate swap agreements that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk (dollars in thousands):
				Number of Contracts	Weighted Average Interest Pay Rate (1)	Fair Value as of 3/31/15		Notional Amount in Effect as of
	Effective Date		Maturity Date					3/31/15				12/31/15				12/31/16
	31-Mar-16		31-Mar-17	4	0.93%	N/A		$	—			$	—			$	200,000
	-1	In addition to the interest pay rate for each swap agreement, interest is payable at an applicable margin for borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2015. Borrowings under our unsecured senior bank term loans include an applicable margin of 1.20% and borrowings outstanding under our unsecured senior line of credit include an applicable margin of 1.10%.

Accounts_payable_accrued_expen1

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and tenant security deposits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits
	The following table summarizes the components of accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits as of March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		March 31,		31-Dec
		2015		2014
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	156,269	$	127,828
	Accrued construction	85,769		91,110
	Acquired below market leases	29,198		8,810
	Conditional asset retirement obligations	8,984		9,108
	Deferred rent liabilities	26,722		36,231
	Interest rate swap liabilities	3,417		909
	Prepaid rent and tenant security deposits	204,688		193,699
	Other liabilities (1)	130,572		21,390
	Total	$	645,619	$	489,085
	-1	Our March 31, 2015, balance includes a noncontrolling interest purchase liability related to the $108.3 million acquisition of the outstanding 10% noncontrolling interest in our 1.2 million RSF, flagship campus at Alexandria Technology Square®. For additional information, refer to Note 11 – “Noncontrolling Interests” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report.

Earnings_per_share_Tables

Earnings per share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations	The table below is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Income from continuing operations	$	25,051		$	40,911
	Dividends on preferred stock	(6,247		)	(6,471		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(492		)	(1,195		)
	Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	(483		)	(374		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted	17,829			32,871
	Loss from discontinued operations	(43		)	(162		)
	Net income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted	$	17,786		$	32,709
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding – basic and diluted	71,366			71,073
	EPS attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.25		$	0.46
	Discontinued operations	—			—
	EPS – basic and diluted	$	0.25		$	0.46

Stockholders_equity_Tables

Stockholders' equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Alexandria, consists of the following (in thousands):
		Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities		Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap Agreements			Unrealized Loss on Foreign Currency Translation			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	52,367	$	(909	)	$	(52,086	)	$	(628	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28,435		(3,013		)	(6,271		)	19,151
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	1,103		505			9,236			10,844
	Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—			(154		)	(154		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	29,538		(2,508		)	2,811			29,841
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	81,905	$	(3,417	)	$	(49,275	)	$	29,213

Noncontrolling_interests_Nonco

Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations and discontinued operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. excluding amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests [Table Text Block]	The following table represents income from continuing operations and discontinued operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, excluding the amounts attributable to these noncontrolling interests:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria	$	24,559		$	39,716
	Loss from discontinued operations	$	(43	)	$	(162	)

Discontinued_operations_Tables

Discontinued operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of net assets of discontinued operations and (loss) income from discontinued operations, net
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Properties classified as “held for sale”	$	117,203			$	173,706
	Other assets	5,611				10,147
	Total assets	122,814				183,853
	Total liabilities	—				(6,044		)
	Net assets classified as “held for sale” (1)	$	122,814			$	177,809
	-1	As of March 31, 2015, net assets classified as “held for sale” was composed of the three properties that were classified as “held for sale,” including one property classified as “held for sale” and included in discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the Accounting Standards Update described above.
	The following is a summary of loss from discontinued operations related to each asset that met the criteria to be classified as discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update on October 1, 2014, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Total revenues		$	—			$	—
	Operating expenses		(43		)		(162		)
	Loss from discontinued operations (1)		$	(43	)		$	(162	)
	-1	Loss from discontinued operations includes the results of operations (prior to disposition) of four properties classified as “held for sale” and included in discontinued operations prior to our adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update described above. One property is still classified as “held for sale” and included in discontinued operations as of March 31, 2015, and three properties were sold during the period from January 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015.
	The following is a summary of the losses included in our income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, from assets classified as “held for sale” subsequent to our adoption of the new Accounting Standards Update (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
	Total revenues		$	2,330			$	2,500
	Operating expenses		(766		)		(701		)
	Total revenues less operating expenses from assets classified as “held for sale,” not qualifying for classification as discontinued operations		1,564				1,799
	Depreciation expense		(127		)		(1,891		)
	Impairment of real estate		(14,510		)		—
	Loss from assets classified as “held for sale,” not qualifying as discontinued operations (1)		$	(13,073	)		$	(92	)
	-1	Includes the results of operations of two properties with an aggregate 234,186 RSF that were classified as “held for sale” as of March 31, 2015, and three properties with an aggregate 196,859 RSF that were sold during the three months ended March 31, 2015, but do not qualify for classification as discontinued operations. For additional information, refer to Note 2 – “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report.

Condensed_consolidating_financ1

Condensed consolidating financial information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Consolidated Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed consolidating balance sheet	Consolidating Balance Sheet
	as of March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		(Issuer)			Real Estate			Non-
					Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
					(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Assets
	Investments in real estate	$	—		$	—		$	7,388,059		$	—		$	7,388,059
	Cash and cash equivalents	60,236			63			30,342			—			90,641
	Restricted cash	63			—			56,641			—			56,704
	Tenant receivables	—			—			10,627			—			10,627
	Deferred rent	—			—			243,459			—			243,459
	Deferred leasing and financing costs	33,537			—			166,039			—			199,576
	Investments	—			5,204			277,858			—			283,062
	Investments in and advances to affiliates	6,971,361			6,344,419			129,930			(13,445,710		)	—
	Other assets	21,651			—			111,442			—			133,093
	Total assets	$	7,086,848		$	6,349,686		$	8,414,397		$	(13,445,710	)	$	8,405,221
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
	Secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	760,476		$	—		$	760,476
	Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,450			—			—			—			1,747,450
	Unsecured senior line of credit	421,000			—			—			—			421,000
	Unsecured senior bank term loans	975,000			—			—			—			975,000
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	104,315			—			541,304			—			645,619
	Dividends payable	58,535			—			289			—			58,824
	Total liabilities	3,306,300			—			1,302,069			—			4,608,369
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			14,282			—			14,282
	Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	3,780,548			6,349,686			7,096,024			(13,445,710		)	3,780,548
	Noncontrolling interests	—			—			2,022			—			2,022
	Total equity	3,780,548			6,349,686			7,098,046			(13,445,710		)	3,782,570
	Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$	7,086,848		$	6,349,686		$	8,414,397		$	(13,445,710	)	$	8,405,221
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	as of December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
		Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
		(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Assets
	Investments in real estate	$	—		$	—		$	7,226,016		$	—		$	7,226,016
	Cash and cash equivalents	52,491			63			33,457			—			86,011
	Restricted cash	67			—			26,817			—			26,884
	Tenant receivables	—			—			10,548			—			10,548
	Deferred rent	—			—			234,124			—			234,124
	Deferred leasing and financing costs	35,462			—			166,336			—			201,798
	Investments	—			5,235			231,154			—			236,389
	Investments in and advances to affiliates	6,874,866			6,295,852			128,943			(13,299,661		)	—
	Other assets	19,461			—			94,805			—			114,266
	Total assets	$	6,982,347		$	6,301,150		$	8,152,200		$	(13,299,661	)	$	8,136,036
	Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
	Secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	652,209		$	—		$	652,209
	Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,370			—			—			—			1,747,370
	Unsecured senior line of credit	304,000			—			—			—			304,000
	Unsecured senior bank term loans	975,000			—			—			—			975,000
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	69,013			—			420,072			—			489,085
	Dividends payable	58,525			—			289			—			58,814
	Total liabilities	3,153,908			—			1,072,570			—			4,226,478
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests	—			—			14,315			—			14,315
	Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	3,828,439			6,301,150			6,998,511			(13,299,661		)	3,828,439
	Noncontrolling interests	—			—			66,804			—			66,804
Total equity	3,828,439			6,301,150			7,065,315			(13,299,661		)	3,895,243
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$	6,982,347		$	6,301,150		$	8,152,200		$	(13,299,661	)	$	8,136,036
Condensed consolidating statements of income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
		Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
		(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Revenues:
	Rental	$	—		$	—		$	143,608		$	—		$	143,608
	Tenant recoveries	—			—			48,394			—			48,394
	Other income	3,026			(41		)	5,564			(3,798		)	4,751
	Total revenues	3,026			(41		)	197,566			(3,798		)	196,753
	Expenses:
	Rental operations	—			—			61,223			—			61,223
	General and administrative	12,226			—			5,959			(3,798		)	14,387
	Interest	17,157			—			6,079			—			23,236
	Depreciation and amortization	1,247			—			57,673			—			58,920
	Impairment of real estate	—			—			14,510			—			14,510
	Total expenses	30,630			—			145,444			(3,798		)	172,276
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			574			—			574
	Equity in earnings of affiliates	52,120			45,590			917			(98,627		)	—
	Income from continuing operations	24,516			45,549			53,613			(98,627		)	25,051
	Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(43		)	—			(43		)
	Net income	24,516			45,549			53,570			(98,627		)	25,008
	Dividends on preferred stock	(6,247		)	—			—			—			(6,247		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(492		)	—			(492		)
	Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	(483		)	—			—			—			(483		)
	Net income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	17,786		$	45,549		$	53,078		$	(98,627	)	$	17,786
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
	for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
		Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
		(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Revenues:
	Rental	$	—		$	—		$	130,570		$	—		$	130,570
	Tenant recoveries	—			—			41,682			—			41,682
	Other income	2,919			—			4,633			(3,618		)	3,934
	Total revenues	2,919			—			176,885			(3,618		)	176,186
	Expenses:
	Rental operations	—			—			52,507			—			52,507
	General and administrative	10,860			—			5,982			(3,618		)	13,224
	Interest	13,539			—			5,584			—			19,123
	Depreciation and amortization	1,471			—			48,950			—			50,421
	Total expenses	25,870			—			113,023			(3,618		)	135,275
	Equity in earnings of affiliates	62,505			58,306			1,148			(121,959		)	—
	Income from continuing operations	39,554			58,306			65,010			(121,959		)	40,911
	Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(162		)	—			(162		)
	Net income	39,554			58,306			64,848			(121,959		)	40,749
	Dividends on preferred stock	(6,471		)	—			—			—			(6,471		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,195		)	—			(1,195		)
	Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	(374		)	—			—			—			(374		)
	Net income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	32,709		$	58,306		$	63,653		$	(121,959	)	$	32,709
Condensed consolidating statement comprehensive income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
		Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
		(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Net income	$	24,516		$	45,549		$	53,570		$	(98,627	)	$	25,008
	Other comprehensive (loss) income:
	Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
	Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	—			(54		)	28,489			—			28,435
	Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income	—			41			1,062			—			1,103
	Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities	—			(13		)	29,551			—			29,538
	Unrealized losses on interest rate swap agreements:
	Unrealized interest rate swap losses arising during the period	(3,013		)	—			—			—			(3,013		)
	Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	505			—			—			—			505
	Unrealized losses on interest rate swap agreements	(2,508		)	—			—			—			(2,508		)
	Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation:
	Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the period	—			—			(6,271		)	—			(6,271		)
	Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income	—			—			9,236			—			9,236
	Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation	—			—			2,965			—			2,965
	Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(2,508		)	(13		)	32,516			—			29,995
	Comprehensive income	22,008			45,536			86,086			(98,627		)	55,003
	Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(646		)	—			(646		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	22,008		$	45,536		$	85,440		$	(98,627	)	$	54,357
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
	for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria			Alexandria			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Real Estate			Real Estate			Non-
		Equities, Inc.			Equities, L.P.			Guarantor
		(Issuer)			(Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Net income	$	39,554		$	58,306		$	64,848		$	(121,959	)	$	40,749
	Other comprehensive income:
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities:
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	—			—			18,779			—			18,779
	Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income	—			—			—			—			—
	Unrealized gains on marketable securities	—			—			18,779			—			18,779
	Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements:
	Unrealized interest rate swap gains arising during the period	5,592			—			—			—			5,592
	Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest income included in net income	(3,490		)	—			—			—			(3,490		)
	Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements	2,102			—			—			—			2,102
	Unrealized foreign currency translation losses	—			—			(3,106		)	—			(3,106		)
	Total other comprehensive income	2,102			—			15,673			—			17,775
	Comprehensive income	41,656			58,306			80,521			(121,959		)	58,524
	Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(1,195		)	—			(1,195		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$	41,656		$	58,306		$	79,326		$	(121,959	)	$	57,329
Condensed consolidating statement cash flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
		Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Operating Activities
	Net income	$	24,516		$	45,549		$	53,570		$	(98,627	)	$	25,008
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization	1,247			—			57,673			—			58,920
	Impairment of real estate	—			—			14,510			—			14,510
	Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			(574		)	—			(574		)
	Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	—			—			491			—			491
	Amortization of loan fees	1,925			—			909			—			2,834
	Amortization of debt discounts (premiums)	80			—			(162		)	—			(82		)
	Amortization of acquired below market leases	—			—			(933		)	—			(933		)
	Deferred rent	—			—			(9,901		)	—			(9,901		)
	Stock compensation expense	3,690			—			—			—			3,690
	Equity in earnings of affiliates	(52,120		)	(45,590		)	(917		)	98,627			—
	Investment gains	—			—			(5,937		)	—			(5,937		)
	Investment losses	—			41			2,184			—			2,225
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Restricted cash	4			—			(55		)	—			(51		)
	Tenant receivables	—			—			(102		)	—			(102		)
	Deferred leasing costs	—			—			(7,131		)	—			(7,131		)
	Other assets	(3,437		)	—			190			—			(3,247		)
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	32,795			(23		)	(5,651		)	—			27,121
	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	8,700			(23		)	98,164			—			106,841
	Investing Activities
	Proceeds from sale of real estate	—			—			67,616			—			67,616
	Additions to real estate	—			—			(104,632		)	—			(104,632		)
	Purchase of real estate	—			—			(93,938		)	—			(93,938		)
	Deposits for investing activities	—			—			(28,000		)	—			(28,000		)
	Investment in unconsolidated real estate entities	—			—			(2,539		)	—			(2,539		)
	Investments in subsidiaries	(44,375		)	(2,977		)	(70		)	47,422			—
	Additions to investments	—			—			(15,118		)	—			(15,118		)
	Sales of investments	—			—			2,345			—			2,345
	Repayment of notes receivable	—			—			4,214			—			4,214
	Net cash used in investing activities	$	(44,375	)	$	(2,977	)	$	(170,122	)	$	47,422		$	(170,052	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued)
	for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	(In thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
		Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
		Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
					Subsidiary)
	Financing Activities
	Borrowings from secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	29,585		$	—		$	29,585
	Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	—			—			(7,934		)	—			(7,934		)
	Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	167,000			—			—			—			167,000
	Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	(50,000		)	—			—			—			(50,000		)
	Transfer to/from parent company	(14,038		)	3,000			58,460			(47,422		)	—
	Change in restricted cash related to financing activities	—			—			(1,369		)	—			(1,369		)
	Loan fees	—			—			(563		)	—			(563		)
	Dividends on common stock	(53,295		)	—			—			—			(53,295		)
	Dividends on preferred stock	(6,247		)	—			—			—			(6,247		)
	Contributions by noncontrolling interests	—			—			340			—			340
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(9,846		)	—			(9,846		)
	Net cash provided by financing activities	43,420			3,000			68,673			(47,422		)	67,671
	Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			170			—			170
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,745			—			(3,115		)	—			4,630
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of period	52,491			63			33,457			—			86,011
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period	$	60,236		$	63		$	30,342		$	—		$	90,641
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	$	10,412		$	—		$	5,102		$	—		$	15,514
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	$	—		$	—		$	7,249		$	—		$	7,249
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	$	—		$	—		$	(82,000	)	$	—		$	(82,000	)
Non-Cash Financing Activities
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	$	—		$	—		$	(113,967	)	$	—		$	(113,967	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
	Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Operating Activities
Net income	$	39,554		$	58,306		$	64,848		$	(121,959	)	$	40,749
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,471			—			48,950			—			50,421
Amortization of loan fees	1,770			—			791			—			2,561
Amortization of debt discounts	40			—			165			—			205
Amortization of acquired below market leases	—			—			(816		)	—			(816		)
Deferred rent	—			—			(11,882		)	—			(11,882		)
Stock compensation expense	3,228			—			—			—			3,228
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(62,505		)	(58,306		)	(1,148		)	121,959			—
Investment gains	—			—			(4,040		)	—			(4,040		)
Investment losses	—			—			1,694			—			1,694
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Tenant receivables	—			—			(690		)	—			(690		)
Deferred leasing costs	—			—			(7,572		)	—			(7,572		)
Other assets	(748		)	—			(16,567		)	—			(17,315		)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	13,478			—			3,238			—			16,716
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(3,712		)	—			76,971			—			73,259
Investing Activities
Additions to real estate	—			—			(111,587		)	—			(111,587		)
Purchase of real estate	—			—			(42,338		)	—			(42,338		)
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects	—			—			(140		)	—			(140		)
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	—			—			(747		)	—			(747		)
Investments in subsidiaries	(221,513		)	(193,863		)	(6,338		)	421,714			—
Additions to investments	—			—			(11,905		)	—			(11,905		)
Sales of investments	—			—			3,998			—			3,998
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(221,513	)	$	(193,863	)	$	(169,057	)	$	421,714		$	(162,719	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued)
for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Alexandria Real			Alexandria Real			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Estate Equities,			Estate Equities,			Non-Guarantor
	Inc. (Issuer)			L.P. (Guarantor			Subsidiaries
				Subsidiary)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	$	—		$	—		$	51,030		$	—		$	51,030
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	—			—			(210,844		)	—			(210,844		)
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	360,000			—			—			—			360,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	(58,000		)	—			—			—			(58,000		)
Transfer to/from parent company	—			193,863			227,851			(421,714		)	—
Change in restricted cash related to financing activities	—			—			1,059			—			1,059
Loan fees	—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)
Dividends on common stock	(48,715		)	—			1			—			(48,714		)
Dividends on preferred stock	(6,471		)	—			—			—			(6,471		)
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	—			—			19,410			—			19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(988		)	—			(988		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	246,814			193,863			87,511			(421,714		)	106,474
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			260			—			260
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	21,589			—			(4,315		)	—			17,274
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of period	14,790			—			42,906			—			57,696
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period	$	36,379		$	—		$	38,591		$	—		$	74,970
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	$	347		$	—		$	5,746		$	—		$	6,093
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	$	—		$	—		$	(6,028	)	$	—		$	(6,028	)
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	$	—		$	—		$	(48,329	)	$	—		$	(48,329	)

Background_Details

Background (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Total Square Footage of Asset Base	30,700,000
Total Market Capitalization	11.3
Investment-grade client tenants as a percentage of total annualized base rent	52.00%
Percentage of leases containing effective annual rent escalations	94.00%
Percentage of leases which are triple net leases	95.00%
Percentage of leases providing for recapture of certain capital expenditures	93.00%
Minimum
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Effective annual rent escalations (as a percent)	3.00%
Maximum
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Effective annual rent escalations (as a percent)	3.50%

Background_Schedule_of_rentabl

Background Schedule of rentable square feet (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
	sqft
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	12,126,288
Total Rentable Square Footage of Asset Base	30,654,286
Operating properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	16,620,690
Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	1,763,531
Redevelopment [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	143,777
Near-term value-creation projects in North America (CIP)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	2,164,780
Land held for future development in North America
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	9,961,508

Basis_of_presentation_Details

Basis of presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis using an estimated life
Number of unconsolidated joint ventures	2
Percent of Taxable Income, Generally Distributed as Dividend	90.00%
Maximum Expected Period for Collection of Receivables	1 year
Basis of presentation
Maximum expected period of sale of property (in years)	1 year
Cost method investment ownership percentage	10.00%		10.00%
Minimum percentage of taxable income to be distributed	100.00%
Interest income included in other income	$485,000	$862,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$0		$0
Maximum
Basis of presentation
Percentage of ownership interest criteria	100.00%
Land improvements
Property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis using an estimated life
Estimated useful life	20 years
Buildings and building improvements | Maximum
Property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight-line basis using an estimated life
Estimated useful life	40 years

Investments_in_real_estate_net2

Investments in real estate, net Schedule of investment in real estates (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land	$679,070	$624,681
Rental properties	7,509,763	6,988,313
Land/future value-added projects:
Land available for development	497,989	683,101
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	8,421,861	8,228,855
Less: accumulated depreciation	-1,153,830	-1,120,245
Equity Method Investments	120,028	117,406
Real Estate Investments Property, including Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, at Cost	8,541,889	8,346,261
Investments in real estate, net	7,388,059	7,226,016
Investment Building and Building Improvements	6,609,158	6,171,504
Improvements Others	221,535	192,128
Construction in progress ("CIP")/current value-added projects:
Construction in progress ("CIP")/current value-added projects:
Development in process	414,109	557,441
Active development in North America | North America [Member]
Construction in progress ("CIP")/current value-added projects:
Development in process	361,182	500,894
Active redevelopment in North America | North America [Member]
Construction in progress ("CIP")/current value-added projects:
Development in process	52,927	42,482
Active development and redevelopment in Asia | Asia [Member]
Construction in progress ("CIP")/current value-added projects:
Development in process	0	14,065
Current, Near-Term and Future Value-Creation Projects [Member]
Land/future value-added projects:
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	7,923,872	7,545,754
Land undergoing predevelopment activities (CIP) in North America (2)
Land/future value-added projects:
Land available for development	227,644	429,378
Land held for future development in North America
Land/future value-added projects:
Land available for development	270,345	253,723
Land held for future development in North America | North America [Member]
Land/future value-added projects:
Land available for development	190,407	175,175
Land held for future development in North America | Asia [Member]
Land/future value-added projects:
Land available for development	79,938	78,548
Current, Near-Term and Future Value-Creation Projects [Member]
Land/future value-added projects:
Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost	912,098	1,240,542
50, 60, and 100 Binney Street Project [Member] | Land undergoing predevelopment activities (CIP) in North America (2) | North America [Member]
Land/future value-added projects:
Land available for development	130,475	321,907
Other Projects in North America [Member] | Land undergoing predevelopment activities (CIP) in North America (2) | North America [Member]
Land/future value-added projects:
Land available for development	$97,169	$107,471

Investments_in_real_estate_net3

Investments in real estate, net Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
	sqft
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	$82,000,000	$48,329,000
640 Memorial Drive [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire real estate property	176,500,000
Area of Real Estate Property	225,504
Real Estate, Leased Percentage	100.00%
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	$82,000,000
Secured debt maturing in 2023 [Member] | 640 Memorial Drive [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.93%

Investments_in_real_estate_net4

Investments in real estate, net Development and redevelopment projects (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	sqft
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land available for development	$497,989	$683,101
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	12,126,288
Land Held for Future Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land available for development	270,300
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	10,000,000
Near-term value-creation projects in North America (CIP)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land available for development	$227,600
Area of Real Estate Property	2,164,780
Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	7
Redevelopment [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	2
North America [Member] | Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	1,800,000
North America [Member] | Redevelopment [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	143,777

Investments_in_real_estate_net5

Investments in real estate, net Investment in unconsolidated entity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	Rate
	sqft
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998
Equity Method Investments	$120,028,000	$117,406,000
INDIA
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation	4,200,000
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Number of One-Year Maturity Date Extension Option	2
Longwood [Member] | Greater Boston market
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	413,536
Expected Total Joint Venture Development Cost	350,000,000
Longwood [Member] | Greater Boston market
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Real estate occupancy percentage	38.00%
Real Estate, Lease Negotiating Percentage	25.00%
Equity Method Investments	49,200,000
Longwood [Member] | Greater Boston market | Equity Method Investee
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest percentage (in percent)	27.50%
Longwood [Member] | Aggregate Commitments [Member] | Greater Boston market
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Long-term Construction Loan	213,200,000
Longwood [Member] | Outstanding Balance [Member] | Greater Boston market
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Long-term Construction Loan	166,500,000
Longwood [Member] | Remaining Commitments [Member] | Greater Boston market
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Long-term Construction Loan	46,700,000
1455/1515 Third Street [Member] | San Franciso Bay Area [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	422,980
Real estate occupancy percentage	100.00%
Length of Lease	15 years
Equity Method Investments	70,800,000
1455/1515 Third Street [Member] | San Franciso Bay Area [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Payments to acquire real estate property	$125,000,000
Alexandria [Member] | 1455/1515 Third Street [Member] | San Franciso Bay Area [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest percentage (in percent)	51.00%
Uber Technologies, Inc. [Member] | 1455/1515 Third Street [Member] | San Franciso Bay Area [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest percentage (in percent)	49.00%
Leases under negotiation [Member] | Longwood [Member] | Greater Boston market
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	103,752

Investments_in_real_estate_net6

Investments in real estate, net Land undergoing predevelopment and future development (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
	sqft
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998
Near-term value-creation projects in North America (CIP)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	2,164,780

Investments_in_real_estate_net7

Investments in real estate, net Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		13 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	sqft			sqft
Dispositions [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998		18,527,998
Impairment of Real Estate	$14,510,000	$0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	-9,236,000	0
INDIA
Dispositions [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation	4,200,000		4,200,000
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate	12,400,000
Impairment of Real Estate			14,500,000
Development [Member] | North America [Member]
Dispositions [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	1,800,000		1,800,000
Development [Member] | India Properties [Member]
Dispositions [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property				175,000
Near-term value-creation projects in North America (CIP)
Dispositions [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	2,164,780		2,164,780
Land and Land Improvements [Member] | CANADA
Dispositions [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate	54,100,000
Income-producing assets [Member] | PENNSYLVANIA
Dispositions [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate	$1,900,000
Area of Real Estate Property	21,859		21,859

Investments_Summary_of_Investm

Investments Summary of Investments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]
“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities, cost basis	$33,851	$21,898
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	83,513	53,625
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	-1,608	-1,258
“Available-for-sale” marketable equity securities, at fair value	115,756	74,265
Investments accounted for under cost method	167,306	162,124
Investments	$283,062	$236,389

Investments_Investment_Income_

Investments Investment Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Gain on Sale of Investments	$5,937	$4,040
Investment losses	-2,225	-1,694
Investment income	$3,712	$2,346

Fair_value_measurements_Assets

Fair value measurements Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy
Transfers in Fair Value Hierarchy	0	0
Assets:
“Available-for-sale” securities	$115,756		$74,265
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417		909
Fair value measured on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
Assets:
“Available-for-sale” securities	115,756		74,265
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	0		0
Fair value measured on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs
Assets:
“Available-for-sale” securities	0		0
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417		909
Fair value measured on recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs
Assets:
“Available-for-sale” securities	0		0
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	0		0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy
Senior Notes Fair Value Disclosure	1,823,090		1,793,255
Unsecured Bank Term Loans Fair Value Disclosure	977,194		976,010
Assets:
“Available-for-sale” securities	115,756		74,265
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417		909
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair value measured on recurring basis
Assets:
“Available-for-sale” securities	115,756		74,265
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417		909
Book Value
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy
Senior Notes Fair Value Disclosure	1,747,450		1,747,370
Unsecured Bank Term Loans Fair Value Disclosure	975,000		975,000
Assets:
“Available-for-sale” securities	115,756		74,265
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	$3,417		$909

Fair_value_measurements_Book_a

Fair value measurements Book and Fair Values (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of marketable securities, secured notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, unsecured term loans, and unsecured senior convertible notes
“Available-for-sale” securities	$115,756	$74,265
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417	909
Book Value
Summary of marketable securities, secured notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, unsecured term loans, and unsecured senior convertible notes
“Available-for-sale” securities	115,756	74,265
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417	909
Secured notes payable	760,476	652,209
Senior Notes Fair Value Disclosure	1,747,450	1,747,370
Unsecured senior line of credit	421,000	304,000
Unsecured Bank Term Loans Fair Value Disclosure	975,000	975,000
Fair Value
Summary of marketable securities, secured notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, unsecured term loans, and unsecured senior convertible notes
“Available-for-sale” securities	115,756	74,265
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417	909
Secured notes payable	794,432	693,338
Senior Notes Fair Value Disclosure	1,823,090	1,793,255
Unsecured senior line of credit	421,279	304,369
Unsecured Bank Term Loans Fair Value Disclosure	$977,194	$976,010

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d2

Secured and unsecured senior debt Narratives (Details) (MARYLAND)	Mar. 31, 2015
MARYLAND
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.50%

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d3

Secured and unsecured senior debt Summary of secured and unsecured debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	$3,180,113
Unhedged Variable rate	723,813
Total Consolidated	3,903,926
Percentage of Total	100.00%
Total consolidated debt, Effective Interest	3.17%	[1]
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	5 years 3 months 18 days
Percentage of fixed rate/hedged total debt	81.00%
Percentage of unhedged floating rate total debt	19.00%
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 July 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Number of One-Year Maturity Date Extension Option	2
Outstanding Balance	46,983
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	1.68%	[1]
Secured notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	482,663
Unhedged Variable rate	277,813
Total Consolidated	760,476
Percentage of Total	19.50%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	4.30%	[2]
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	3 years 1 month 6 days
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.42%
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	1,747,450
Unhedged Variable rate	0
Total Consolidated	1,747,450
Percentage of Total	44.70%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	3.98%
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	8 years 1 month 6 days
$1.5 billion unsecured senior line of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	421,000
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	0
Unhedged Variable rate	421,000
Total Consolidated	421,000
Percentage of Total	10.80%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	1.22%	[2]
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	3 years 9 months 18 days
2016 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	375,000
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	350,000
Unhedged Variable rate	25,000
Total Consolidated	375,000
Percentage of Total	9.60%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	1.60%	[2]
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	1 year 3 months 18 days
2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	600,000
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	600,000
Unhedged Variable rate	0
Total Consolidated	$600,000
Percentage of Total	15.40%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	1.71%	[2]
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	3 years 9 months 18 days
[1]	(1)Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.
[2]	Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d4

Secured and unsecured senior debt Detail of secured and unsecured debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
	Extension_Option
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	$3,180,113
Unhedged Variable rate	723,813
Total Consolidated	3,903,926
Total consolidated debt, Effective Interest	3.17%	[1]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid	3,865,178
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	38,748
2015
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	6,766
Unhedged Variable rate	46,983
Total Consolidated	53,749
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid	46,983
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	6,766
2016
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	591,973
Unhedged Variable rate	45,550
Total Consolidated	637,523
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid	632,449
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	5,074
2017
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	3,615
Unhedged Variable rate	210,280
Total Consolidated	213,895
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid	210,280
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	3,615
2018
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	4,932
Unhedged Variable rate	0
Total Consolidated	4,932
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid	0
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	4,932
2019 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	605,578
Unhedged Variable rate	421,000
Total Consolidated	1,026,578
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid	1,021,000
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	5,578
Maturity Date After 2019 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	1,967,249
Unhedged Variable rate	0
Total Consolidated	1,967,249
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Terms, Balloon Payment to be Paid	1,954,466
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	12,783
Secured notes payable
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	482,663
Unhedged Variable rate	277,813
Total Consolidated	760,476
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.42%
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.30%	[2]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Current Year	53,995
Due Next Year	262,860
Due Year Three	214,245
Due Year Four	5,294
Due Year Five	5,953
Thereafter	218,129
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 July 2015 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Effective rate (as a percent)	1.68%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Jul-15	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	46,983
Number of extensions available under line of credit	2
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	46,983
CMBS maturing on 1/1/16
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.73%
Effective rate (as a percent)	5.73%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Jan-16	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	1,356
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	75,501
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	76,857
CMBS maturing on 4/1/16
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.82%
Effective rate (as a percent)	5.82%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Apr-16	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	741
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	29,389
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	30,130
Secured Debt Maturing On 15 April 2016
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.74%
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.00%	[1]
Maturity Date	15-Apr-16	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	132
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	6,916
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	7,048
Secured notes payable maturing on 06/1/16
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Effective rate (as a percent)	1.58%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Jun-16	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Number of extensions available under line of credit	2
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	20,550
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	20,550
CMBS maturing on 8/1/16
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.35%
Effective rate (as a percent)	6.35%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Aug-16	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	1,976
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	126,715
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	128,691
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 20 January 2017
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	2.17%
Effective rate (as a percent)	2.17%	[1]
Maturity Date	20-Jan-17	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	76,000
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	76,000
Secured Debt Maturing on 23 August 2017 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Effective rate (as a percent)	1.53%	[1]
Maturity Date	23-Aug-17	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Number of extensions available under line of credit	1
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	134,280
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	134,280
Secured Debt Other Maturing 1 April 2020
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.75%
Effective rate (as a percent)	7.75%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Apr-20	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	1,189
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	1,696
Due Year Three	1,832
Due Year Four	1,979
Due Year Five	2,138
Thereafter	104,352
Outstanding Balance	113,186
Secured Debt Maturing on January 2023
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.66%
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.66%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Jan-23	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	1,053
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	1,464
Due Year Three	1,540
Due Year Four	1,614
Due Year Five	1,692
Thereafter	31,674
Outstanding Balance	39,037
Secured debt maturing in 2023 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.93%
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.10%	[1]
Maturity Date	10-Mar-23	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	1,091
Due Year Five	1,505
Thereafter	79,404
Outstanding Balance	82,000
Secured notes payable from bank maturing on 6/1/37
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.50%
Effective rate (as a percent)	6.50%	[1]
Maturity Date	1-Jun-37	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	18
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	19
Due Year Three	20
Due Year Four	22
Due Year Five	23
Thereafter	728
Outstanding Balance	830
Unamortized Premiums
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized premium	4,884
Unamortized Premiums | 2015
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized premium	547
Unamortized Premiums | 2016
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized premium	610
Unamortized Premiums | 2017
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized premium	573
Unamortized Premiums | 2018
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized premium	588
Unamortized Premiums | 2019 [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized premium	595
Unamortized Premiums | Maturity Date After 2019 [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized premium	1,971
Unsecured Debt
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Total Consolidated	3,143,450
Effective rate (as a percent)	2.93%	[1]
Unsecured Debt | 2015
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Current Year	246
Unsecured Debt | 2016
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	374,663
Unsecured Debt | 2017
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Year Three	350
Unsecured Debt | 2018
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Year Four	362
Unsecured Debt | 2019 [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Year Five	1,020,625
Unsecured Debt | Maturity Date After 2019 [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Thereafter	1,749,120
2016 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	350,000
Unhedged Variable rate	25,000
Total Consolidated	375,000
Effective rate (as a percent)	1.60%	[2]
Maturity Date	31-Jul-16	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	375,000
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	375,000
2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	600,000
Unhedged Variable rate	0
Total Consolidated	600,000
Effective rate (as a percent)	1.71%	[2]
Maturity Date	3-Jan-19	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	600,000
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	600,000
$1.5 billion unsecured senior line of credit
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	0
Unhedged Variable rate	421,000
Total Consolidated	421,000
Effective rate (as a percent)	1.22%	[2]
Maturity Date	3-Jan-19	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Annual facility fee (as a percent)	0.20%
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	421,000
Thereafter	0
Outstanding Balance	421,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Due in January 2020 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	2.75%
Effective rate (as a percent)	2.79%	[2]
Maturity Date	15-Jan-20	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	400,000
Outstanding Balance	400,000
4.60% unsecured senior notes payable
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.60%
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.61%	[2]
Maturity Date	1-Apr-22	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	550,000
Outstanding Balance	550,000
3.90% unsecured senior notes payable
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.90%
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.94%	[2]
Maturity Date	15-Jun-23	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	500,000
Outstanding Balance	500,000
Unsecured Senior Notes Due in July 2029 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.50%
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.51%	[2]
Maturity Date	30-Jul-29	[3]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	0
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Due Next Year	0
Due Year Three	0
Due Year Four	0
Due Year Five	0
Thereafter	300,000
Outstanding Balance	300,000
Unamortized Discounts
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized discount	-2,550
Unamortized Discounts | 2015
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized discount	-246
Unamortized Discounts | 2016
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized discount	-337
Unamortized Discounts | 2017
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized discount	-350
Unamortized Discounts | 2018
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized discount	-362
Unamortized Discounts | 2019 [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized discount	-375
Unamortized Discounts | Maturity Date After 2019 [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
Unamortized discount	-880
Senior Notes [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate	1,747,450
Unhedged Variable rate	0
Total Consolidated	$1,747,450
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.98%
LIBOR | Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 July 2015 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Base rate	LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)	1.50%
LIBOR | Secured notes payable maturing on 06/1/16
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Base rate	LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)	1.40%
LIBOR | Secured Debt Maturing on 23 August 2017 [Member]
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Base rate	LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)	1.35%
LIBOR | 2016 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Base rate	LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)	1.20%
LIBOR | 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Base rate	LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)	1.20%
LIBOR | $1.5 billion unsecured senior line of credit
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and floating rate debt
Base rate	LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)	1.10%	[4]
[1]	(1)Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.
[2]	Represents the weighted average interest rate as of the end of the period plus the impact of debt premiums/discounts and our interest rate swap agreements. The weighted average interest rate excludes bank fees and amortization of loan fees.
[3]	(2)Includes any extension options that we control.
[4]	(3)We have two, one-year options to extend the stated maturity date to July 1, 2017, subject to certain conditions. We expect to exercise our option to extend the maturity date from July 1, 2015, to July 1, 2016.

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d5

Secured and unsecured senior debt Schedule of interest expense incurred (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest expense incurred
Gross interest	$34,207	$31,136
Capitalized interest	-10,971	-12,013
Interest	$23,236	$19,123

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d6

Secured and unsecured senior debt Repayment of secured note payable (Details) (MARYLAND, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
MARYLAND
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$5.80
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.50%

Secured_and_unsecured_senior_d7

Secured and unsecured senior debt Schedule of secured construction loans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Extension_Option
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 July 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of extensions available under line of credit	2
Maturity Date	1-Jul-15	[1]
Outstanding Balance	$46,983,000
Secured Debt Maturing on 1 June 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of extensions available under line of credit	2
Maturity Date	1-Jun-16	[1]
Outstanding Balance	20,550,000
Secured Debt Maturing on 23 August 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of extensions available under line of credit	1
Maturity Date	23-Aug-17	[1]
Outstanding Balance	134,280,000
Construction Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Aggregate Commitments	341,400,000
San Franciso Bay Area [Member] | Construction Loans | Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 July 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	1-Jul-15
Outstanding Balance	46,983,000
Remaining Commitment	8,017,000
Total Aggregate Commitments	55,000,000
San Franciso Bay Area [Member] | Construction Loans | Secured Debt Maturing on 1 June 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	1-Jun-16
Outstanding Balance	20,550,000
Remaining Commitment	15,450,000
Greater Boston market | Construction Loans | Secured Debt Maturing on 23 August 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	23-Aug-17
Outstanding Balance	134,280,000
Remaining Commitment	116,120,000
Total Aggregate Commitments	$250,400,000
LIBOR | Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 July 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate	LIBOR
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.50%
LIBOR | Secured Debt Maturing on 1 June 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate	LIBOR
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.40%
LIBOR | Secured Debt Maturing on 23 August 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate	LIBOR
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.35%
LIBOR | San Franciso Bay Area [Member] | Construction Loans | Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 July 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate	LIBOR
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.50%
LIBOR | San Franciso Bay Area [Member] | Construction Loans | Secured Debt Maturing on 1 June 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate	LIBOR
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.40%
LIBOR | Greater Boston market | Construction Loans | Secured Debt Maturing on 23 August 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base rate	LIBOR
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.35%
[1]	(2)Includes any extension options that we control.

Interest_rate_swap_agreements_1

Interest rate swap agreements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
The percentage of effectiveness of interest rate swap agreements	100.00%	100.00%
Interest rate swap hedge ineffectiveness recognized in earnings	$0	$0
Cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified within twelve month	1,300,000
Collateral obligation requirements	0
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	-3,417,000		-909,000
Assets Needed for Immediate Settlement, Aggregate Fair Value	$3,400,000

Interest_rate_swap_agreements_2

Interest rate swap agreements Outstanding interest rate swap (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest rate hedge agreements
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	950,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/15	950,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/16	600,000
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,417	909
Unsecured Bank Term Loan 2016 | Minimum
Interest rate hedge agreements
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.20%
Unsecured Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum
Interest rate hedge agreements
Applicable margin (as a percent)	1.10%
Interest Rate Hedge 0.527 Percent Transaction Date December 2014 Contract Three [Member]
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Contracts	3
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	0.53%
Fair Values	-926
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	500,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/15	500,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/16	0
Interest Rate Hedge .23 Percent Transaction Date December 2013
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Contracts	7
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	0.42%
Fair Values	-362
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	450,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/15	450,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/16	0
Interest Rate Hedge 0.93 Percent Transaction Date March 2016 Contract [Member]
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Contracts	4
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	0.93%
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/15	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/16	200,000
Interest Rate Hedge 1.35 Percent Transaction Date March 2016 [Member]
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Contracts	5
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	1.35%
Fair Values	-2,129
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/15	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 12/31/16	600,000

Accounts_payable_accrued_expen2

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and tenant security deposits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	sqft
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	$113,967	$0
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	156,269		127,828
Construction Payable	85,769		91,110
Acquired below market leases	29,198		8,810
Asset Retirement Obligation	8,984		9,108
Deferred Rent Liability	26,722		36,231
Derivative Liability	3,417		909
Prepaid Rent and Tenant Security Deposits	204,688		193,699
Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	130,572		21,390
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	645,619		489,085
Alexandria Technology Square [Member]
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	$108,300
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	10.00%
Alexandria Technology Square [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property	1,181,635

Earnings_per_share_Details

Earnings per share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share	$0
Earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	25,051,000	40,911,000
Dividends on preferred stock	-6,247,000	-6,471,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-492,000	-1,195,000
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Diluted	-483,000	-374,000
Income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s common stockholders - basic and diluted	17,829,000	32,871,000
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	-43,000	-162,000
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$17,786,000	$32,709,000
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding – basic and diluted	71,366	71,073
Earnings per share attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s common stockholders - basic and diluted:
Continuing operations	$0.25	$0.46
Discontinued operations	$0	$0
Earnings per share – basic and diluted	$0.25	$0.46

Stockholders_equity_Details

Stockholders' equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Issuances of common stock
Dividends declared on common stock	$53,306,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.74	$0.70
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000
Number of shares issued and outstanding	14,700,000
Number of "excess stock" authorized (in shares)	200,000,000
Number of excess stock authorized issued and outstanding (in shares)	0
Series D Preferred Stock
Issuances of common stock
Dividends declared on preferred stock	4,200,000
Dividends declared on preferred stock (dollar per share)	$0.44
Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Issuances of common stock
Dividends declared on preferred stock	$2,100,000
Dividends declared on preferred stock (dollar per share)	$0.40

Stockholders_equity_Accumulate

Stockholders' equity Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	($628)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	19,151
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	10,844
Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Net of Tax, Attributablee to Noncontrolling Interests	-154
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	29,841
Balance as of March 31, 2015	29,213
Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	52,367
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	28,435
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	1,103
Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Net of Tax, Attributablee to Noncontrolling Interests	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	29,538
Balance as of March 31, 2015	81,905
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	-909
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-3,013
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	505
Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Net of Tax, Attributablee to Noncontrolling Interests	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,508
Balance as of March 31, 2015	-3,417
Unrealized Loss on Foreign Currency Translation
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	-52,086
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-6,271
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss)	9,236
Other Comprehensive Income (loss), Net of Tax, Attributablee to Noncontrolling Interests	-154
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	2,811
Balance as of March 31, 2015	($49,275)

Noncontrolling_interests_Detai

Noncontrolling interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
	sqft
Noncontrolling interests
Area of Real Estate Property	18,527,998
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	$113,967		$0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	24,559		39,716
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	-43		-162
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-113,967	[1]
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests
Number of projects subject to ownership from noncontrolling interests	4
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	-65,504
Alexandria Technology Square [Member]
Noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	10.00%
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	108,300
Second Installment Payment [Member] | Alexandria Technology Square [Member]
Noncontrolling interests
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	54,000
Installment Payment [Member] | Alexandria Technology Square [Member]
Noncontrolling interests
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	$54,300
Alexandria Technology Square [Member]
Noncontrolling interests
Area of Real Estate Property	1,181,635
[1]	For additional information, refer to Note 11 – “Noncontrolling Interests” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements under Item 1 of this report.

Discontinued_operations_Detail

Discontinued operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	property
	sqft
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Revenue	$2,330	$2,500
Assets Held for Sale, Number of Properties	3
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Operating Expense	-766	-701
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Operating Income (Loss)	1,564	1,799
Depreciation and Amortization, Assets Held for Sale	-127	-1,891
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Impairment of Real Estate	-14,510	0
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Number of Properties	2
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Area of Real Estate	234,186
Income (Loss) from Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations	-13,073	-92
Number of operating properties classified as held for sale	4
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment	117,203		173,706
Net assets of discontinued operations
Other assets	5,611		10,147
Total assets	122,814		183,853
Total liabilities	0		-6,044
Net assets of discontinued operations	122,814		177,809
Income from discontinued operations, net
Total revenues	0	0
Operating expenses	-43	-162
Loss from discontinued operations	($43)	($162)
Number of properties sold	3
Assets held for sale sold in 2015 [Member]
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Area of Real Estate	196,859
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Properties Sold Number	3
Assets Held-for-sale [Member]
Assets held for sale [Line Items]
Number of operating properties classified as held for sale	1

Subsequent_events_Details

Subsequent events (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	sqft	sqft
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge in Year Two		$600,000
Area of Real Estate Property		18,527,998
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives		950,000
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge in the Next Twelve Months		950,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge in Year Two	800,000
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives	750,000
Effective Portion of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge in the Next Twelve Months	950,000
510 Townsend Street [Member] | Executed lease [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	300,000
Real Estate, Leased Percentage	100.00%
400 Dexter Avenue North [Member] | Executed lease [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	80,000
400 Dexter Avenue North [Member] | Executed lease [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	71,000
Number 10300 Campus Point Drive [Member] | Executed lease [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	106,173
Development [Member] | 400 Dexter Avenue North [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	287,806
Development [Member] | Number 10300 Campus Point Drive [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	142,034
San Diego [Member] | Number 10300 Campus Point Drive [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Real Estate, Leased Percentage	75.00%

Condensed_consolidating_financ2

Condensed consolidating financial information Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Investments in real estate, net	$7,388,059	$7,226,016
Cash and cash equivalents	90,641	86,011	74,970	57,696
Restricted cash	56,704	26,884
Tenant receivables	10,627	10,548
Deferred rent	243,459	234,124
Deferred leasing and financing costs, net	199,576	201,798
Investments	283,062	236,389
Investments in and advances to affiliates	0	0
Other assets	133,093	114,266
Total assets	8,405,221	8,136,036
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	760,476	652,209
Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,450	1,747,370
Unsecured senior line of credit	421,000	304,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	975,000	975,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	645,619	489,085
Dividends payable	58,824	58,814
Total liabilities	4,608,369	4,226,478
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	14,282	14,315
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	3,780,548	3,828,439
Noncontrolling interests	2,022	66,804
Total equity	3,782,570	3,895,243	3,895,243
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	8,405,221	8,136,036	8,136,036
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Assets
Investments in real estate, net	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	60,236	52,491	36,379	14,790
Restricted cash	63	67
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Deferred leasing and financing costs, net	33,537	35,462
Investments	0	0
Investments in and advances to affiliates	6,971,361	6,874,866
Other assets	21,651	19,461
Total assets	7,086,848	6,982,347
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior notes payable	1,747,450	1,747,370
Unsecured senior line of credit	421,000	304,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	975,000	975,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	104,315	69,013
Dividends payable	58,535	58,525
Total liabilities	3,306,300	3,153,908
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	3,780,548	3,828,439
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	3,780,548	3,828,439
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	7,086,848	6,982,347
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Assets
Investments in real estate, net	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	63	63	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Deferred leasing and financing costs, net	0	0
Investments	5,204	5,235
Investments in and advances to affiliates	6,344,419	6,295,852
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	6,349,686	6,301,150
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Unsecured senior bank term loans	0	0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	0	0
Dividends payable	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	6,349,686	6,301,150
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	6,349,686	6,301,150
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	6,349,686	6,301,150
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Investments in real estate, net	7,388,059	7,226,016
Cash and cash equivalents	30,342	33,457	38,591	42,906
Restricted cash	56,641	26,817
Tenant receivables	10,627	10,548
Deferred rent	243,459	234,124
Deferred leasing and financing costs, net	166,039	166,336
Investments	277,858	231,154
Investments in and advances to affiliates	129,930	128,943
Other assets	111,442	94,805
Total assets	8,414,397	8,152,200
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	760,476	652,209
Unsecured senior notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Unsecured senior bank term loans	0	0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	541,304	420,072
Dividends payable	289	289
Total liabilities	1,302,069	1,072,570
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	14,282	14,315
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	7,096,024	6,998,511
Noncontrolling interests	2,022	66,804
Total equity	7,098,046	7,065,315
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	8,414,397	8,152,200
Eliminations
Assets
Investments in real estate, net	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Deferred leasing and financing costs, net	0	0
Investments	0	0
Investments in and advances to affiliates	-13,445,710	-13,299,661
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	-13,445,710	-13,299,661
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Unsecured senior bank term loans	0	0
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	0	0
Dividends payable	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	-13,445,710	-13,299,661
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	-13,445,710	-13,299,661
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	($13,445,710)	($13,299,661)

Condensed_consolidating_financ3

Condensed consolidating financial information Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental	$143,608	$130,570
Tenant recoveries	48,394	41,682
Other Income	4,751	3,934
Total revenues	196,753	176,186
Expenses:
Rental operations	61,223	52,507
General and administrative	14,387	13,224
Interest	23,236	19,123
Depreciation and amortization	58,920	50,421
Impairment of Real Estate	14,510	0
Total expenses	172,276	135,275
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	574	0
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax	0	0
Income from continuing operations	25,051	40,911
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	-43	-162
Net income	25,008	40,749
Dividends on preferred stock	-6,247	-6,471
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-492	-1,195
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	-483	-374
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	17,786	32,709
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Revenues:
Rental	0	0
Tenant recoveries	0	0
Other Income	3,026	2,919
Total revenues	3,026	2,919
Expenses:
Rental operations	0	0
General and administrative	12,226	10,860
Interest	17,157	13,539
Depreciation and amortization	1,247	1,471
Impairment of Real Estate	0
Total expenses	30,630	25,870
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	0
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax	52,120	62,505
Income from continuing operations	24,516	39,554
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	0	0
Net income	24,516	39,554
Dividends on preferred stock	-6,247	-6,471
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	-483	-374
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	17,786	32,709
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Revenues:
Rental	0	0
Tenant recoveries	0	0
Other Income	-41	0
Total revenues	-41	0
Expenses:
Rental operations	0	0
General and administrative	0	0
Interest	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Impairment of Real Estate	0
Total expenses	0	0
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	0
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax	45,590	58,306
Income from continuing operations	45,549	58,306
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	0	0
Net income	45,549	58,306
Dividends on preferred stock	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	45,549	58,306
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Rental	143,608	130,570
Tenant recoveries	48,394	41,682
Other Income	5,564	4,633
Total revenues	197,566	176,885
Expenses:
Rental operations	61,223	52,507
General and administrative	5,959	5,982
Interest	6,079	5,584
Depreciation and amortization	57,673	48,950
Impairment of Real Estate	14,510
Total expenses	145,444	113,023
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	574
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax	917	1,148
Income from continuing operations	53,613	65,010
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	-43	-162
Net income	53,570	64,848
Dividends on preferred stock	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-492	-1,195
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	53,078	63,653
Eliminations
Revenues:
Rental	0	0
Tenant recoveries	0	0
Other Income	-3,798	-3,618
Total revenues	-3,798	-3,618
Expenses:
Rental operations	0	0
General and administrative	-3,798	-3,618
Interest	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	0	0
Impairment of Real Estate	0
Total expenses	-3,798	-3,618
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	0
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, before Tax	-98,627	-121,959
Income from continuing operations	-98,627	-121,959
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	0	0
Net income	-98,627	-121,959
Dividends on preferred stock	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	($98,627)	($121,959)

Condensed_consolidating_financ4

Condensed consolidating financial information Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income	$25,008	$40,749
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	28,435	18,779
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	1,103	0
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net	29,538	18,779
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap losses arising during the period	-3,013	5,592
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	505	-3,490
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements, net	-2,508	2,102
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-6,271	-3,106
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	9,236	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses arising during the period	2,965	-3,106
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	29,995	17,775
Comprehensive income	55,003	58,524
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-646	-1,195
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	54,357	57,329
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Net income	24,516	39,554
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0	0
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net	0	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap losses arising during the period	-3,013	5,592
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	505	-3,490
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements, net	-2,508	2,102
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses arising during the period	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,508	2,102
Comprehensive income	22,008	41,656
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	22,008	41,656
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Net income	45,549	58,306
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	-54	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	41	0
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net	-13	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap losses arising during the period	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	0	0
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements, net	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses arising during the period	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-13	0
Comprehensive income	45,536	58,306
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	45,536	58,306
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Net income	53,570	64,848
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	28,489	18,779
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	1,062	0
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net	29,551	18,779
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap losses arising during the period	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	0	0
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements, net	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-6,271
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	9,236
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses arising during the period	2,965	-3,106
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	32,516	15,673
Comprehensive income	86,086	80,521
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-646	-1,195
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	85,440	79,326
Eliminations
Net income	-98,627	-121,959
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	0	0
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net	0	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap agreements:
Unrealized interest rate swap losses arising during the period	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	0	0
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements, net	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	0
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses arising during the period	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Comprehensive income	-98,627	-121,959
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	($98,627)	($121,959)

Condensed_consolidating_financ5

Condensed consolidating financial information Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$25,008	$40,749
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	58,920	50,421
Impairment of Real Estate	14,510	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-574	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	491	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	2,834	2,561
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	-82	205
Amortization of above and below Market Leases	-933	-816
Deferred rent	-9,901	-11,882
Stock compensation expense	3,690	3,228
Equity in earnings of affiliates	0	0
Investment gains	-5,937	-4,040
Investment losses	2,225	1,694
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	-51	0
Tenant receivables	-102	-690
Deferred leasing costs	-7,131	-7,572
Other assets	-3,247	-17,315
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	27,121	16,716
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	106,841	73,259
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of properties	67,616	0
Additions to real estate	-104,632	-111,587
Purchase of real estate	-93,938	-42,338
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects	0	-140
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	-28,000	0
Contributions to unconsolidated real estate entity	-2,539	-747
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Additions to investments	-15,118	-11,905
Sales of investments	2,345	3,998
Repayment of notes receivable	4,214	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-170,052	-162,719
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	29,585	51,030
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	-7,934	-210,844
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	167,000	360,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	-50,000	-58,000
Transfers to/from parent company	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to financings	-1,369	1,059
Deferred financing costs paid	-563	-8
Dividends paid on common stock	-53,295	-48,714
Dividends paid on preferred stock	-6,247	-6,471
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	340	19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-9,846	-988
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	67,671	106,474
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	170	260
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	4,630	17,274
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	86,011	57,696
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	90,641	74,970
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	15,514	6,093
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	-7,249	-6,028
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	-82,000	-48,329
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	-113,967	0
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Operating Activities
Net income	24,516	39,554
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,247	1,471
Impairment of Real Estate	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	1,925	1,770
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	80	40
Amortization of above and below Market Leases	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Stock compensation expense	3,690	3,228
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-52,120	-62,505
Investment gains	0	0
Investment losses	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	4
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0
Other assets	-3,437	-748
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	32,795	13,478
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	8,700	-3,712
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of properties	0
Additions to real estate	0	0
Purchase of real estate	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects		0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	0
Contributions to unconsolidated real estate entity	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	-44,375	-221,513
Additions to investments	0	0
Sales of investments	0	0
Repayment of notes receivable	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-44,375	-221,513
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	167,000	360,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	-50,000	-58,000
Transfers to/from parent company	-14,038	0
Change in restricted cash related to financings	0	0
Deferred financing costs paid	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	-53,295	-48,715
Dividends paid on preferred stock	-6,247	-6,471
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	43,420	246,814
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,745	21,589
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	52,491	14,790
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	60,236	36,379
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	10,412	347
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	0	0
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	0	0
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	0
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Operating Activities
Net income	45,549	58,306
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	0	0
Impairment of Real Estate	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	0	0
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	0	0
Amortization of above and below Market Leases	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Stock compensation expense	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-45,590	-58,306
Investment gains	0	0
Investment losses	41	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	0
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	-23	0
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-23	0
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of properties	0
Additions to real estate	0	0
Purchase of real estate	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects		0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	0
Contributions to unconsolidated real estate entity	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	-2,977	-193,863
Additions to investments	0	0
Sales of investments	0	0
Repayment of notes receivable	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-2,977	-193,863
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Transfers to/from parent company	3,000	193,863
Change in restricted cash related to financings	0	0
Deferred financing costs paid	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0
Dividends paid on preferred stock	0	0
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,000	193,863
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	63	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	63	0
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	0	0
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	0	0
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	0	0
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	0
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Operating Activities
Net income	53,570	64,848
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	57,673	48,950
Impairment of Real Estate	14,510
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-574
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	491
Amortization of loan fees and costs	909	791
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	-162	165
Amortization of above and below Market Leases	-933	-816
Deferred rent	-9,901	-11,882
Stock compensation expense	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	-917	-1,148
Investment gains	-5,937	-4,040
Investment losses	2,184	1,694
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	-55
Tenant receivables	-102	-690
Deferred leasing costs	-7,131	-7,572
Other assets	190	-16,567
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	-5,651	3,238
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	98,164	76,971
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of properties	67,616
Additions to real estate	-104,632	-111,587
Purchase of real estate	-93,938	-42,338
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects		-140
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	-28,000
Contributions to unconsolidated real estate entity	-2,539	-747
Investments in subsidiaries	-70	-6,338
Additions to investments	-15,118	-11,905
Sales of investments	2,345	3,998
Repayment of notes receivable	4,214
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-170,122	-169,057
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	29,585	51,030
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	-7,934	-210,844
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Transfers to/from parent company	58,460	227,851
Change in restricted cash related to financings	-1,369	1,059
Deferred financing costs paid	-563	-8
Dividends paid on common stock	0	1
Dividends paid on preferred stock	0	0
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	340	19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	-9,846	-988
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	68,673	87,511
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	170	260
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-3,115	-4,315
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	33,457	42,906
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	30,342	38,591
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	5,102	5,746
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	-7,249	-6,028
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	-82,000	-48,329
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	-113,967
Eliminations
Operating Activities
Net income	-98,627	-121,959
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	0	0
Impairment of Real Estate	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	0	0
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	0	0
Amortization of above and below Market Leases	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Stock compensation expense	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	98,627	121,959
Investment gains	0	0
Investment losses	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	0
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	0	0
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of properties	0
Additions to real estate	0	0
Purchase of real estate	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects		0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	0
Contributions to unconsolidated real estate entity	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	47,422	421,714
Additions to investments	0	0
Sales of investments	0	0
Repayment of notes receivable	0
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	47,422	421,714
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0
Principal borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Transfers to/from parent company	-47,422	-421,714
Change in restricted cash related to financings	0	0
Deferred financing costs paid	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0
Dividends paid on preferred stock	0	0
Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-47,422	-421,714
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	0	0
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Change in accrued construction	0	0
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	0	0
Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest	$0