Alexandria Real Estate Equities (ARE) 10-K 31 Jan 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 17, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ALEXANDRIA REAL ESTATE EQUITIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,035,443
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 7.9
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		88,875,683
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Investments in real estate	$ 9,077,972	$ 7,629,922
Investment in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures	50,221	127,212
Cash and cash equivalents	125,032	125,098
Restricted cash	16,334	28,872
Tenant receivables	9,744	10,485
Deferred rent	335,974	280,570
Deferred leasing costs	195,937	192,081
Investments	342,477	353,465
Other assets	201,197	133,312
Total assets	10,354,888	8,881,017
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	1,011,292	809,818
Unsecured senior notes payable	2,378,262	2,030,631
Unsecured senior line of credit	28,000	151,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	746,471	944,243
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	731,671	589,356
Dividends payable	76,914	62,005
Total liabilities	4,972,610	4,587,053
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,307	14,218
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity:
7.00% Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,476,547 and 9,486,500 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015; $25 liquidation value per share	86,914	237,163
6.45% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 5,200,000 shares authorized, issued, and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015; $25 liquidation value per share	130,000	130,000
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 87,665,880 and 72,548,693 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	877	725
Additional paid-in capital	4,672,650	3,558,008
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	5,355	49,191
Alexandria’s stockholders’ equity	4,895,796	3,975,087
Noncontrolling interests	475,175	304,659
Total equity	5,370,971	4,279,746
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$ 10,354,888	$ 8,881,017

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	8,700,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	87,665,880	72,548,693
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	87,665,880	72,548,693
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	7.00%	7.00%
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	3,476,547	9,486,500
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,476,547	9,486,500
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 25	$ 25
Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	6.45%	6.45%
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,200,000	5,200,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	5,200,000	5,200,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	5,200,000	5,200,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 25	$ 25

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental									$ 673,820	$ 608,824	$ 544,153
Tenant recoveries									223,655	209,063	173,480
Other Income									24,231	25,587	9,244
Total revenues	$ 249,162	$ 230,379	$ 226,076	$ 216,089	$ 223,955	$ 218,610	$ 204,156	$ 196,753	921,706	843,474	726,877
Expenses:
Rental operations									278,408	261,232	219,164
General and administrative									63,884	59,621	53,530
Interest									106,953	105,813	79,299
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction									313,390	261,289	224,096
Impairment of real estate									209,261	23,250	51,675
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									3,230	189	525
Total expenses									975,126	711,394	628,289
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									(184)	1,651	554
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties									3,715	12,426	0
Income from continuing operations									(49,889)	146,157	99,142
(Loss) income from discontinued operations									0	(43)	1,233
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels									90	0	6,403
Net income									(49,799)	146,114	106,778
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									(16,102)	(1,897)	(5,204)
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s stockholders									(65,901)	144,217	101,574
Dividends on preferred stock									(20,223)	(24,986)	(25,698)
Preferred stock redemption charge									61,267	0	1,989
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards									(3,750)	(2,364)	(1,774)
Net Income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders	$ (25,127)	$ 5,452	$ (127,648)	$ (3,818)	$ 35,131	$ 32,659	$ 31,291	$ 17,786	$ (151,141)	$ 116,867	$ 72,113
Earnings per share attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted:
Continuing operations									$ (1.99)	$ 1.63	$ 0.99
Discontinued operations									0	0	0.02
Earnings per share – basic and diluted	$ (0.31)	$ 0.07	$ (1.72)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.49	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 0.25	$ (1.99)	$ 1.63	$ 1.01

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ (49,799)	$ 146,114	$ 106,778
Unrealized gains on “available-for-sale” equity securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year	(79,833)	77,370	51,135
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	(18,473)	(12,138)	(358)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net	(98,306)	65,232	50,777
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized interest rate swap (losses) gains arising during the year	(1,150)	(5,516)	(4,459)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	5,273	2,707	6,871
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swap agreements, net	4,123	(2,809)	2,412
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	(2,579)	(21,844)	(18,075)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	52,926	9,236	(208)
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net	50,347	(12,608)	(18,283)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(43,836)	49,815	34,906
Comprehensive income	(93,635)	195,929	141,684
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16,102)	(1,893)	(4,534)
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$ (109,737)	$ 194,036	$ 137,150

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	Series D Convertible Preferred StockPreferred Stock	Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred StockPreferred Stock
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 3,964,497	$ 712	$ 3,572,281	$ 0	$ (36,204)	$ 47,708		$ 250,000	$ 130,000
Beginning balance, common shares at Dec. 31, 2013		71,172,197
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income	105,716			101,574		4,142
Total other comprehensive loss	34,906				35,576	(670)
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	19,410					19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,786)					(3,786)
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		291,679
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	21,579	$ 3	21,576
Redemption of Series D Preferred Stock	(14,414)		412	(1,989)				(12,837)
Dividends declared on common stock	(206,967)			(206,967)
Dividends declared on preferred stock	(25,698)			(25,698)
Distributions in excess of earnings			(133,080)	133,080
Ending balance, common shares at Dec. 31, 2014		71,463,876
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	3,895,243	$ 715	3,461,189	0	(628)	66,804		237,163	130,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013							$ 14,444
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income							1,062
Distributions to noncontrolling interests							(1,191)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014							14,315
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income	145,021			144,217		804
Total other comprehensive loss	49,815				49,819	(4)
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	964					964
Sales of noncontrolling interests	443,445		141,850			301,595
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		889,856
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	78,463	$ 9	78,454
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		194,961
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	27,047	$ 1	27,046
Purchases of noncontrolling interest	(113,969)		(48,465)			(65,504)
Dividends declared on common stock	(221,297)			(221,297)
Dividends declared on preferred stock	$ (24,986)			(24,986)
Distributions in excess of earnings			(102,066)	102,066
Ending balance, common shares at Dec. 31, 2015	72,548,693	72,548,693
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 4,279,746	$ 725	3,558,008	0	49,191	304,659		237,163	130,000
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income							1,093
Distributions to noncontrolling interests							(1,190)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	14,218						14,218
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income	(50,815)			(65,901)		15,086
Total other comprehensive loss	(43,836)				(43,836)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(17,241)					(17,241)
Sales of noncontrolling interests	217,183		44,512			172,671
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		14,773,593
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	1,432,177	$ 148	1,432,029
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures		343,594
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition	38,369	$ 4	38,365
Redemption of Series D Preferred Stock	(206,826)		(4,690)	(61,267)				(150,249)
Dividends declared on common stock	(257,563)			(257,563)
Dividends declared on preferred stock	$ (20,223)			(20,223)
Distributions in excess of earnings			(404,954)	404,954
Ending balance, common shares at Dec. 31, 2016	87,665,880	87,665,880
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 5,370,971	$ 877	$ 4,672,650	$ 0	$ 5,355	$ 475,175		$ 86,914	$ 130,000
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income							1,016
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests							(5,206)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests							(985)
Contributions from and sales of noncontrolling interests							2,264
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 11,307						$ 11,307

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Operating Activities
Net income	$ (49,799)	$ 146,114	$ 106,778
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	313,390	261,289	224,096
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	3,230	189	525
Impairment of real estate	209,261	23,250	51,675
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate	(3,715)	(12,426)	(1,838)
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels	(90)	0	(6,403)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	184	(1,651)	(554)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	406	873	549
Amortization of loan fees and costs	11,872	11,003	10,909
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	(500)	(372)	117
Amortization of acquired above and below market leases	(5,723)	(6,118)	(2,845)
Deferred rent	(51,673)	(47,483)	(44,726)
Stock compensation expense	25,433	17,512	13,996
Investment gains	(28,530)	(35,035)	(11,613)
Investment losses	11,397	16,093	9,287
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(986)	60	4,141
Tenant receivables	(285)	7	(673)
Deferred leasing costs	(35,273)	(65,415)	(38,282)
Other assets	(11,420)	(9,079)	(7,466)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	5,322	43,800	26,652
Net cash provided by operating activities	392,501	342,611	334,325
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales of real estate	123,081	129,799	81,580
Additions to real estate	(821,690)	(564,206)	(497,773)
Purchase of real estate	(737,900)	(248,933)	(127,887)
Deposits for investing activities	(450)	(5,501)	(10,282)
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects	0	0	1,665
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	(11,529)	(9,027)	(70,758)
Additions to investments	(102,284)	(95,945)	(60,230)
Proceeds from sales of investments	38,946	67,136	18,973
Proceeds from repayment of notes receivable	15,198	4,282	29,883
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,496,628)	(722,395)	(634,829)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	291,400	169,754	126,215
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	(310,903)	(89,815)	(231,051)
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable	348,604	298,872	698,908
Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	4,117,000	2,145,000	1,168,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	(4,240,000)	(2,298,000)	(1,068,000)
Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loan	(200,000)	(25,000)	(125,000)
Change in restricted cash related to financings	11,746	3,842	(1,409)
Loan fees and costs paid	(16,681)	(10,584)	(8,099)
Repurchase of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	(206,826)	0	(14,414)
Proceeds from common stock offerings	1,432,177	78,463	0
Dividends paid on common stock	(240,347)	(218,104)	(202,386)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(22,414)	(24,986)	(25,885)
Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests	(10,044)	0	0
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	221,487	453,750	19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(69,678)	(64,066)	(4,977)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,105,521	419,126	331,312
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,460)	(255)	(2,493)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(66)	39,087	28,315
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	125,098	86,011	57,696
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	125,032	125,098	86,011
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	84,907	93,856	57,966
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	(203,000)	(82,000)	(48,329)
Note receivable issued in connection with sale of real estate	0	0	2,000
Change in accrued capital expenditures	76,848	(10,070)	29,846
Payable for purchase of real estate	(56,800)	0	0
Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining interest in real estate joint venture	(25,546)	0	0
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture	87,930	0	0
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases	36,975	0	0
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests	5,000	0	0
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	2,264	0	0
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	$ 0	$ (51,092)	$ 0

Background (Notes)

Background (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background	Background As used in this annual report on Form 10-K, references to the “Company,” “Alexandria,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) is an urban office REIT uniquely focused on collaborative life science and technology campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $14.2 billion and an asset base in North America of 25.2 million square feet as of December 31, 2016 . The asset base in North America includes 19.9 million RSF of operating properties and development and redevelopment of new Class A properties (under construction or pre-construction), and 5.3 million square feet of future ground-up development projects. Alexandria pioneered this niche in 1994 and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle Park. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science and technology campuses that provide its innovative 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. Our asset base in North America (including consolidated and unconsolidated real estate joint ventures) consisted of the following as of December 31, 2016 : Square Feet Consolidated Unconsolidated Total Operating properties 17,594,802 413,799 18,008,601 Development and redevelopment projects 1,861,128 — 1,861,128 Operating properties and development and redevelopment projects 19,455,930 413,799 19,869,729 Future value-creation projects 5,292,631 — 5,292,631 Asset base in North America 24,748,561 413,799 25,162,360 As of December 31, 2016 , we had 620 leases with a total of 463 tenants, and 88 , or 44% , of our 199 properties were single-tenant properties. Leases in our multi-tenant buildings typically have terms of five to 10 years, while the single-tenant building leases typically have terms of 10 to 20 years. As of December 31, 2016 : • Investment-grade tenants represented 49% of our annual rental revenue; • Approximately 97% of our leases (on an RSF basis) were triple net leases, requiring tenants to pay substantially all real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, common area expenses, and other operating expenses (including increases thereto) in addition to base rent; • Approximately 96% 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 index; and • Approximately 95% 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 our market capitalization, number or quality of buildings, quality of location, square footage, number of leases, occupancy percentage, and tenants, and any amounts derived from these values in the notes to consolidated financial statements are unaudited.

Basis of presentation and summa

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies	Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies 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. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current-period presentation. Consolidation On an ongoing basis, as circumstances indicate the need for reconsideration, we evaluate each legal entity that is not wholly owned by us, under the consolidation guidance, first under the variable interest model, then under the voting model. Our evaluation considers all of our variable interests, including equity ownership, as well as fees paid to us for our involvement in the management of each partially owned entity. The variable interest model applies to entities that meet both of the following criteria: • A legal structure has been established to conduct business activities and to hold assets; such entity can be in the form of a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, among others; and • The entity established has variable interests – i.e., it has variable interests that are contractual, such as equity ownership or other financial interests that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets. If an entity meets both criteria above, we then evaluate such entity under the variable interest model. If an entity does not meet these criteria, then we evaluate such entity under the voting model or apply other GAAP, such as the cost or equity method of accounting. Variable interest model A legal entity is determined to be a VIE if it has any of the following three characteristics: 1) The entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; 2) The entity is established with non-substantive voting rights (i.e., where the entity deprives the majority economic interest holder(s) of voting rights); or 3) The equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. Equity holders meet this criteria if they lack any of the following: • The power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly influences the entity’s economic performance, as evidenced by: • Substantive participating rights in day-to-day management of the entity’s activities; or • Substantive kick-out rights over the party responsible for significant decisions; • The obligation to absorb the entity’s expected losses; and • The right to receive the entity’s expected residual returns. Once we consider the sufficiency of equity and voting rights of each legal entity, we then evaluate the characteristics of the equity holders’ interests, as a group, to see if they qualify as controlling financial interests. Our real estate joint ventures consist of limited partnerships or limited liability companies. For entities structured as limited partnerships or limited liability companies, our evaluation of whether the equity holders (equity partners other than us in each of our joint ventures) lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest includes the evaluation of whether the limited partners or non-managing members (the noncontrolling equity holders) lack both substantive participating rights and substantive kick-out rights, defined as follows: • Participating rights – provide the noncontrolling equity holders the ability to direct significant financial and operating decisions made in the ordinary course of business that most significantly influence the entity’s economic performance. • Kick-out rights – allow the noncontrolling equity holders to remove the general partner or managing member without cause. If we conclude that any of the three characteristics of a VIE are met, including if equity holders lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest because they lack both substantive participating rights and substantive kick-out rights, we conclude that the entity is a VIE and evaluate it for consolidation under the variable interest model. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, we evaluate whether we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary analysis is a qualitative analysis based on power and benefits. We consolidate a VIE if we have both power and benefits – that is, (i) we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly influence the VIE’s economic performance (power) and (ii) we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE (benefits). We consolidate VIEs whenever we determine that we are the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” to our consolidated financial statements for information on specific joint ventures that qualify as VIEs. If we have a variable interest in a VIE but we are not the primary beneficiary, we account for our investment using the equity method of accounting. Voting model If a legal entity fails to meet any of the three of the characteristics of a VIE (insufficiency of equity, non-substantive voting rights, or lack of controlling financial interest), we then evaluate such entity under the voting model. Under the voting model, we consolidate the entity if we determine that we, directly or indirectly, have greater than 50% of the voting shares, and we determine that other equity holders do not have substantive participating rights. Refer to Note 4 – “Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Venture” to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our unconsolidated real estate joint venture that qualifies for evaluation under the voting model. 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. Reportable segment We are engaged in the business of providing space for lease to the life science and technology industries. Our properties are similar in that they provide space for lease to the life science and technology industries, consist of improvements that are generic and reusable for the life science and technology industries, are primarily located in AAA urban innovation cluster locations, and have similar economic characteristics. Our chief operating decision maker reviews financial information for our entire consolidated operations when making decisions related to assessing our operating performance, and reviews financial information for our individual properties when determining how to allocate resources related to capital expenditures. We have aggregated the properties into one reportable segment as the properties share similar long-term economic characteristics and have other similarities, including the fact that they are operated using consistent business strategies, are typically located in major metropolitan areas, and have similar tenant mixes. The financial information disclosed herein represents all of the financial information related to our one reportable segment. International operations The functional currency for our subsidiaries operating in the U.S. is the U.S. dollar. We have operating properties in Canada and China. The functional currencies for our foreign subsidiaries are the local currencies in each respective country. The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect as of the financial statement date. Income statement accounts of our foreign subsidiaries are translated using the weighted-average exchange rate for the periods presented. Gains or losses resulting from the translation are classified in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of total equity. The appropriate amounts of foreign exchange rate gains or losses classified in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reflected in our consolidated statements of operations when there is a sale or partial sale of our investment in these operations or upon a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the investment. Investments in real estate and properties classified as held for sale In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU (see “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below) that clarifies the framework for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities meets the definition of a business. The revised framework establishes a screen for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities is a business and narrows the definition of a business, which is expected to result in fewer transactions being accounted for as business combinations. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. This update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in previously issued (or available to be issued) financial statements. We early adopted this accounting standard effective October 1, 2016. As a result of this adoption, we evaluated three real estate acquisitions completed during the fourth quarter of 2016 under the new framework and determined that the assets acquired did not meet the definition of a business. Accordingly, we accounted for these transactions as asset acquisitions. Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” and Note 4 – “Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Venture” to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding these acquisitions. Evaluation of business combination or asset acquisition We evaluate each acquisition of real estate or in-substance real estate (including equity interests in entities that predominantly hold real estate assets) to determine if the integrated set of assets and activities acquired meet the definition of a business and need to be accounted as a business combination. If either of the following criteria is met, the integrated set of assets and activities acquired would not qualify as a business: • Substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; or • The integrated set of assets and activities is lacking, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs (i.e. revenue generated before and after the transaction). An acquired process is considered substantive if: • The process includes an organized workforce (or includes an acquired contract that provides access to an organized workforce), that is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in performing the process; • The process cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay; or • The process is considered unique or scarce. Generally, we expect that acquisitions of real estate or in-substance real estate will not meet the revised definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e. land, buildings, and related intangible assets) or because the acquisition does not include a substantive process in the form of an acquired workforce or an acquired contract that cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort or delay. When evaluating acquired service or management contracts, we consider the nature of the services performed, the terms of the contract relative to similar at-the-market contracts, and the availability of comparable vendors in evaluating whether the acquired contract constitutes a substantive process. Recognition of real estate acquired For acquisitions of real estate or in-substance real estate which are accounted for as business combinations, we recognize the assets acquired (including the intangible value of acquired above- or below-market leases, acquired in-place leases, tenant relationships, and other intangible assets or liabilities), liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests and previously existing ownership interests at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any excess (deficit) of the consideration transferred relative to the fair value of the net assets acquired is accounted for as goodwill (bargain purchase gain). Acquisition costs related to the business combinations are expensed as incurred. Acquisitions of real estate and in-substance real estate which do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. The accounting model for asset acquisitions is similar to the accounting model for business combinations except that the acquisition consideration (including acquisition costs) is allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis. As a result, asset acquisitions do not result in the recognition of goodwill or a bargain purchase gain. In addition, because the accounting model for asset acquisitions is a cost accumulation model, preexisting interests in the acquired assets, if any, are not remeasured to fair value but continue to be accounted for at their historical basis. The relative fair values used to allocate the cost of an asset acquisition are determined using the same methodologies and assumptions as we utilize to determine fair value in a business combination. 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 renewal option will be exercised, we consider the option 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 under the 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. 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 up to 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 revenue. The values of acquired above- and below-market ground leases are amortized over the terms of the related ground leases and recognized as either an increase (for below-market ground leases) or a decrease (for above-market ground leases) to rental operating expense. 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. Capitalized project costs We capitalize project costs, including predevelopment costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, and other costs directly related and essential to the 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. Real estate sales 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. 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 geographic area, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity, then the operations of the property, including any interest expense directly attributable to it, are classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations, 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 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, if necessary, a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration. 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 carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. The carrying 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, land held for development, and intangibles, are assessed by project and include significant fluctuations in estimated net operating income, 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 carrying 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. Cash and cash equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held at major commercial banks in accounts that may at times exceed the FDIC-insured limit of $ 250,000 . We have not experienced any losses to date on our invested cash. Restricted cash Restricted cash primarily consists of funds held in trust under the terms of certain secured notes payable, funds held in escrow related to construction projects and investing activities, and other restricted funds. Investments We hold equity investments in certain publicly traded companies and investments in certain privately held entities and limited partnerships primarily involved in the life science and technology industries. All of our equity 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 other 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 operations. 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 require accounting 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 carrying 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity was less than 10% . We monitor each of our 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. Leasing costs Costs directly related and essential to our leasing activities are classified in deferred leasing costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. The amortization is classified in depreciation and amortization expenses, and costs related to unsuccessful leasing opportunities are classified in general and administrative expenses, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Loan fees Fees incurred in obtaining long-term financing are capitalized and classified with the corresponding debt instrument appearing on our consolidated balance sheet. Loan fees related to our unsecured senior line of credit are classified within other assets. Capitalized amounts are amortized over the term of the related loan, and the amortization is classified in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Interest rate hedge agreements We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes, and currently all of our derivatives are designated as hedges. We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our debt funding and by entering into interest rate hedge agreements. Specifically, we enter into interest rate hedge agreements to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the values of which are determined by interest rates. Our interest rate hedge agreements are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash payments principally related to our borrowings based on LIBOR. Our objectives in using interest rate hedge agreements are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements in accordance with our interest rate risk management strategy. All of our interest rate hedge agreements are designated as cash flow hedges. Interest rate hedge agreements designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company’s making fixed-rate payments over the life of the interest rate hedge agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount of interest rate hedge agreements. We utilize interest rate hedge agreements to hedge a portion of our exposure to variable interest rates primarily associated with borrowings based on LIBOR. We classify our interest rate hedge agreements as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the hedging instrument, based on the hedged exposure, as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Our interest rate hedge agreements are considered cash flow hedges because they are designated and qualify as hedges of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the earnings effect of the hedged transactions in a cash flow hedge. All of our interest rate hedge agreements meet the criteria to be deemed “highly effective” in reducing our exposure to variable interest rates. We formally document all relationships between interest rate hedge agreements and hedged items, including the method for evaluating effectiveness and the risk strategy. We make an assessment at the inception of each interest rate hedge agreement and on an ongoing basis to determine whether these instruments are “highly effective” in offsetting changes in cash flows associated with the hedged items. The ineffective portion of each interest rate hedge agreement is immediately recognized in earnings. While we intend to continue to meet the conditions for such hedge accounting, if our interest rate hedges did not qualify as “highly effective,” the changes in the fair values of the derivatives used as hedges would be reflected in earnings. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of our interest rate hedge agreements that are designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts classified in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The fair value of each interest rate hedge agreement is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analyses on the expected cash flows of each derivative. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of our interest rate hedge agreements are determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using “significant unobservable inputs” such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate hedge agreements. Recognition of rental income and tenant recoveries Rental revenue from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms. We classify amounts currently recognized as rental revenue in our consolidated statements of operations, and amounts expected to be received in later years as deferred rent in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received currently but recognized as revenue 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 revenue at the date the property is ready for its intended use and the tenant takes possession of or controls the physical use of the property. Rental revenue from direct financing leases is recognized over the lease term using the effective interest rate method. At lease inception, we record an asset within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, whi

Investments in real estate (Not

Investments in real estate (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Investments in real estate, net	Investments in real estate Our consolidated investments in real estate consisted of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 North America: Land (related to rental properties) $ 1,131,416 $ 677,649 Buildings and building improvements 7,810,269 6,644,634 Other improvements 584,565 260,605 Rental properties 9,526,250 7,582,888 Development and redevelopment projects (under construction or pre-construction) 809,254 917,706 Future value-creation projects 253,551 206,939 Value-creation pipeline 1,062,805 1,124,645 Gross investments in real estate – North America 10,589,055 8,707,533 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,546,798 ) (1,299,548 ) Net investments in real estate – North America 9,042,257 7,407,985 Net investments in real estate – Asia 35,715 (1) 221,937 Investments in real estate $ 9,077,972 $ 7,629,922 (1) Refer to “Assets Located in Asia” in Note 18 – “Assets Classified as Held for Sale” to our consolidated financial statements further information. Acquisitions in 2016 Torrey Ridge Science Center On October 3, 2016, we acquired Torrey Ridge Science Center, a 294,993 RSF, three-building collaborative life science campus located in the heart of our Torrey Pines submarket of San Diego for a purchase price of $182.5 million . The campus is 87.1% occupied. One Kendall Square On November 7, 2016, we acquired One Kendall Square, a 644,771 RSF, nine -building collaborative life science and technology campus located in our Cambridge urban innovation cluster submarket in Greater Boston. One Kendall Square also includes an entitled land parcel providing for a near-term ground-up development of a new 172,500 SF building. The gross purchase price of $725.0 million consisted of cash payment of $522.0 million and secured note payable assumption of $203.0 million . The secured note payable assumed has a maturity date of February 2024 and a contractual interest rate of 4.82% . The campus is 97.3% occupied. We evaluated both transactions above, under the new framework for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities meets the definition of a business, pursuant to the new ASU we early-adopted effective October 1, 2016. Acquisitions that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. 1) An integrated set of assets and activities does not qualify as a business if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets is concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. • We evaluated each of the Torrey Ridge Science Center and One Kendall Square acquisitions and determined that substantially all the fair value related to each acquisition is concentrated in a similar identifiable operating property. Accordingly, these transactions did not meet the definition of a business and consequently were accounted for as asset acquisitions. In each of these transactions, we allocated the total consideration for each acquisition to the individual assets and liabilities acquired on a relative fair value basis. Acquired below-market leases The balances of acquired below-market leases, and related accumulated amortization, classified in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Acquired below-market leases $ 119,187 $ 79,744 Accumulated amortization (59,678 ) (53,726 ) $ 59,509 $ 26,018 For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , we recognized approximately $6.0 million , $6.3 million , and $2.8 million , respectively, related to the amortization of acquired below-market leases in rental income. The weighted-average amortization period of the value of acquired below-market leases was approximately 3.7 years as of December 31, 2016 . The estimated annual amortization of the value of acquired below-market leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2017 $ 14,950 2018 12,443 2019 9,364 2020 5,458 2021 4,295 Thereafter 12,999 Total $ 59,509 Acquired in-place leases The balances of acquired in-place leases, and related accumulated amortization, are classified in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , these amounts were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Acquired in-place leases $ 105,708 $ 65,397 Accumulated amortization (42,300 ) (37,400 ) $ 63,408 $ 27,997 Amortization for these intangible assets, classified in depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, was approximately $6.8 million , $5.5 million , and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The weighted average amortization period of the value of acquired in-place leases was approximately 5.5 years as of December 31, 2016 . The estimated annual amortization of the value of acquired in-place leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2017 $ 15,579 2018 13,873 2019 11,104 2020 7,650 2021 5,957 Thereafter 9,245 Total $ 63,408 Minimum lease payments Minimum lease payments to be received under our direct financing lease agreement are outlined in Note 7 – “Other assets” to our consolidated financial statements. Minimum lease payments to be received under the terms of the operating lease agreements, excluding expense reimbursements, in effect as of December 31, 2016 , are outlined in the table below (in thousands): Year Amount 2017 $ 636,204 2018 683,713 2019 662,547 2020 618,096 2021 565,534 Thereafter 4,781,131 Total $ 7,947,225 Investments in consolidated real estate joint ventures In June 2016, we completed a sale of a 45% partial interest in 10290 Campus Point Drive to an institutional investor, TIAA Global Asset Management and affiliates (“TIAA”). 10290 Campus Point Drive is a 305,006 RSF redevelopment project in our University Town Center submarket of San Diego, 100% leased to Eli Lilly and Company. The gross proceeds received from our partner related to this real estate joint venture was $84.3 million . In December 2016, we completed a separate joint venture agreement with TIAA to sell a 45% partial interest in 10300 Campus Point Drive in our University Town Center submarket of San Diego, consisting of 449,759 RSF primarily leased to Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company, and The Regents of the University of California, for a purchase price of $150.0 million . Gross proceeds received from our partner as a result of the sale of a partial interest in 10300 Campus Point Drive through December 31, 2016 , were $137.3 million . Remaining proceeds from the partial sale of 10300 Campus Point Drive of $12.7 million are expected to be received primarily in the first quarter of 2017. We retained a controlling interests in each 10290 Campus Point Drive and 10300 Campus Point Drive, following each sale above and, therefore, continue to consolidate both entities. As a result, we accounted for the proceeds from each transaction as equity financings. Each transaction did not qualify as a sale of real estate and did not result in purchase price adjustments to the carrying value of the net assets sold. Accordingly, the carrying amount of our partner’s share of assets and liabilities is reported at historical basis. As of December 31, 2016 , we have five real estate joint ventures with TIAA. Through these joint ventures, we own partial interests in the following Class A properties: (i) 225 Binney Street in our Cambridge submarket, (ii) 1500 Owens Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket, (iii) 409 and 499 Illinois Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket, (iv) 10290 Campus Point Drive in our University Town Center submarket, and (v) 10300 Campus Point Drive in our University Town Center submarket. Under each of these real estate joint venture arrangements, we are the managing member and earn a fee for continuing to manage the day-to-day operations of each property and, in the case of 10290 Campus Point Drive, for managing the redevelopment construction of the project. For each of our joint ventures with TIAA, we first evaluated the partially owned legal entity that owns the property under the variable interest model to determine whether each entity met any of the three characteristics of a VIE, which are as follows: 1) The entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. • Each joint venture has significant equity at risk to fund its activities as the ventures are primarily capitalized by contributions from the members and could obtain, if necessary, non-recourse commercial financing arrangements on customary terms. 2) The entity is established with non-substantive voting rights. • The voting rights of each joint venture require both members to approve major decisions, which results in voting rights that are disproportionate to the members’ economic interest. However, the activities of each joint venture are conducted on behalf of both members, so the voting rights, while disproportionate, are substantive. 3) The equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, as evidenced by lack of substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights. • The institutional investor lacks substantive kick-out rights as it may not remove us as the managing member without cause. • The institutional investor also lacks substantive participating rights as day-to-day control is vested in us as the managing member and the major decisions that require unanimous consent are primarily protective in nature. Based on the analysis detailed in Note 2 – “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements, the institutional investor, as the non-managing member of each of the joint ventures, lacks the characteristics of a controlling financial interest in each of the joint ventures because it does not have substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights. Therefore, each joint venture meets the criteria to be considered a VIE and accordingly is evaluated for consolidation under the VIE model. After determining that these joint ventures are VIEs, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of each real estate joint venture as, in our capacity as managing member, we have the power to make decisions that most significantly influence operations and economic performance of the joint ventures. In addition, through our investment in each joint venture, we have the right to receive benefits and participate in losses that can be significant to the VIEs. Based on this evaluation, we concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of each joint venture, and therefore, we consolidate each entity. The following table aggregates the balance sheet information of our consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Investments in real estate $ 993,710 $ 608,474 Cash and cash equivalents 27,498 2,060 Other assets 57,166 37,633 Total assets $ 1,078,374 $ 648,167 Secured notes payable $ — $ — Other liabilities 66,711 38,666 Total liabilities 66,711 38,666 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s share of equity 538,069 307,220 Noncontrolling interest share of equity 473,594 302,281 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,078,374 $ 648,167 In determining whether to aggregate the balance sheet information of our consolidated VIEs, we considered the similarity of each VIE, including the primary purpose of these entities to own, manage, operate, and lease real estate properties owned by the VIEs, and the similar nature of our involvement in each VIE as a managing member. Due to the similarity of the characteristics of each VIE, we present the balance sheet information of these entities on an aggregated basis. There are no creditors or other partners of our consolidated VIEs who have recourse to our general credit. Our maximum exposure to all our VIEs is limited to our variable interests in each VIE. Purchase of noncontrolling interest During the year ended December 31, 2016 , we completed the purchase of the remaining outstanding noncontrolling interest in our campus at Alexandria Technology Square ® in our Cambridge submarket. For additional information, refer to Note 17 – “Noncontrolling Interests” to our consolidated financial statements. Sales of real estate assets and related impairment charges In addition to the sales of partial interests in Class A properties in two separate transactions discussed in the previous section titled “Investments in Consolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures,” we sold the following real estate assets during the year ended December 31, 2016 . Assets sold and assets held for sale involving impairment charges In May 2016, management committed to the sale of a 4.6 -acre land parcel, located at 14 Firstfield Road in our Gaithersburg submarket of Maryland, and evaluated the asset under the held for sale impairment model. Accordingly, we assessed the fair value of the property and determined that the carrying value of the property exceeded its fair value. As a result, we recognized an impairment charge of $863 thousand in May 2016. In June 2016, we completed the sale of the property for $3.5 million at no gain or loss. As of March 31, 2016, we had concluded that our investment that was classified as held for use was recoverable under the held for use model as the projected probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows from the land parcel exceeded our net book value, including our projected costs to complete or develop the land parcel. In November 2016, management committed to the sale of a 3.3 -acre land parcel located at 560 Eccles Avenue in our South San Francisco submarket of San Francisco, and evaluated this asset under the held for sale impairment model. Accordingly, we assessed the fair value of the asset and determined that the carrying value of the asset exceeded its fair value. As a result, we recognized an impairment charge of $5.5 million in November 2016. In December 2016, we completed the sale of this land parcel for a sales price of $12.0 million and no gain or loss was recognized. As of September 30, 2016, we had concluded that our investment that was classified as held for use was recoverable under the held for use model as the projected probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows from the land parcel exceeded our net book value, including our projected costs to complete or develop the land parcel. In December 2016, management committed to the sale of a 20,580 RSF property located in Georgia, and evaluated this asset under the held for sale impairment model. Accordingly, we assessed the fair value of the asset and determined that the carrying value of the asset exceeded its fair value. As a result, we recognized an impairment charge of $1.6 million in December 2016. As of December 31, 2016, this asset is classified as held for sale. As of September 30, 2016, we had concluded that our investment was recoverable under the held for use model as the projected probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows from the property exceeded our net book value. For information on assets held for sale and assets sold in Asia, refer to “Assets Located in Asia” in Note 18 – “Assets Classified as Held for Sale” to our consolidated financial statements. Other sales In April 2016, we completed the sale of a 71,000 RSF R&D/warehouse property, located at 16020 Industrial Drive in our Gaithersburg submarket of Maryland, for $6.4 million at no gain or loss. In September 2016, we sold land parcels aggregating 1.3 acres in our non-cluster market in North America for $5.2 million and recognized a gain of $90 thousand in connection with this sale. In December 2016, we completed the sale of properties located in Greater Boston and Canada. We completed the sale of 306 Belmont Street and 350 Plantation Street in our Route 495/Worcester submarket of Greater Boston for $17.6 million and recognized a gain of $1.4 million in connection with this sale. We also completed the sale of 7990 Enterprise Street located in our Canada market in North America for approximately $13.8 million and recognized a gain of $2.4 million in connection with this sale. One of our tenants in our San Diego market holds a fixed-price option to purchase from us the property that they currently lease. The purchase option is exercisable no later than December 29, 2017 . Our property subject to this purchase option is one of our older properties and has a net book value of $7.9 million as of December 31, 2016 . The option is exercisable at a purchase price of $20.8 million , excluding any customary and ordinary closing costs.

Investments in unconsolidated r

Investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Ventures	Investment in unconsolidated real estate joint venture 1455 and 1515 Third Street As of January 1, 2016, we had an unconsolidated real estate joint venture with an affiliate of Uber Technologies, Inc. (“Uber”), for the development of two new Class A buildings aggregating 422,980 RSF at 1455 and 1515 Third Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket of San Francisco. We had a 51% interest, and Uber had a 49% interest. The unconsolidated real estate joint venture owned land parcels, initial building improvements and a parking garage structure. The project was 100% leased to Uber for a 15 -year term. We accounted for our 51% interest in the unconsolidated real estate joint venture under the equity method. On November 10, 2016 (the “acquisition date”), we acquired the remaining 49% interest in our unconsolidated real estate joint venture with Uber for $90.1 million , which consisted of $64.6 million cash and $25.5 million of building improvements. We paid $7.8 million of total cash consideration on the acquisition date. The remaining $56.8 million will be paid in 2017. As a result of this acquisition, we now own a 100% fee simple interest in both land parcels and the parking garage and are no longer obligated to fund the development of the two Class A properties. We evaluated this transaction under the new framework for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities meets the definition of a business and needs to be accounted for as a business combination. When either of the following criteria is met, the acquisition does not qualify as a business and is accounted for as an asset acquisition: 1) An integrated set of assets and activities acquired do not qualify as a business if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; or 2) The set of assets acquired is lacking, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. Based on the criteria above, we did not acquire a substantive process, such as an organized workforce (no employees were acquired in connection with this this transaction, nor were we provided access to employees though an acquired contract) or another process that cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay or that is considered unique or scarce. Accordingly, the acquired assets did not meet the definition of a business and the transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition. As an asset acquisition, the $90.1 million purchase price, including acquisition costs, was allocated to the assets acquired based upon their relative fair values. Upon completion of the acquisition, we leased the land parcels and the parking garage to Uber for 75 years. Due to the length of the lease term (greater than 75% of the estimated useful life of the parking garage), the parking garage lease was classified as a direct financing lease with an estimated net investment at inception of $37.0 million . The net investment in the direct financing lease represents the sum of minimum lease payments receivable pursuant to our parking lease of 75 years and the estimated residual value of the parking garage, less the unearned income. Inputs to this valuation include market comparables for the land parcels and parking garage, residual value, incremental borrowing rates, and constant periodic rate of return on investment. We classified the net investment in the direct financing lease in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note 7 – “Other Assets” to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. 360 Longwood Avenue We have a 27.5% ownership interest in one unconsolidated real estate joint venture that owns a building aggregating 413,799 RSF in our Longwood Medical Area submarket of Greater Boston. As of December 31, 2016 , 100% of the project was in service with occupancy of 76% . Our equity investment in this real estate joint venture was $50.2 million as of December 31, 2016 . Our tenant at the property exercised their option to purchase a condo interest representing 203,090 RSF, or 49% , of the entire property, pursuant to a fixed-price purchase option in the lease agreement. The sale of the property will be completed in mid-2017. Our share of the sale price is $65.7 million , excluding any customary and ordinary closing costs. As of December 31, 2016 , our share of the net book value of the portion of the property expected to be sold is $52.4 million . The real estate joint venture has a non-recourse, secured construction loan (“Longwood Construction Loan”) that includes the following key terms (dollars in thousands): Tranche Maturity Date Stated Rate Outstanding Balance Remaining Commitments Total Fixed rate April 1, 2017 (1 ) 5.25 % $ 173,226 $ 2,015 $ 175,241 Floating rate (2) April 1, 2017 (1 ) L+3.75 % 12,557 25,402 37,959 185,783 $ 27,417 $ 213,200 Unamortized deferred financing costs (117 ) $ 185,666 (1) We have two , one -year options to extend the stated maturity date to April 1, 2019, subject to certain conditions. In connection with the anticipated sale of a condo interest in 203,090 RSF of 360 Longwood Avenue in mid-2017, the real estate joint venture expects to refinance the existing secured construction loan. (2) Borrowings under the floating rate tranche have an interest rate floor equal to 5.25% , and are subject to an interest rate cap on LIBOR of 3.50% . As described in Note 2 – “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements, we evaluate our unconsolidated real estate joint venture, which is a limited liability company, using the consolidation guidance under the VIE model first, and then under the voting model if the entity is not a VIE. On October 1, 2015, upon our adoption of the consolidation guidance ASU issued in February 2015, we re-evaluated our 360 Longwood Avenue joint venture ( 27.5% interest held by the Company). We first evaluated the partially-owned legal entity under the variable interest model, based upon the following characteristics of a VIE: 1) The entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. • This entity has significant equity and non-recourse financing in place to fund the remainder of the development. 2) The entity is established with non-substantive voting rights. • Our 27.5% ownership interest in 360 Longwood Avenue consists of an interest in a joint venture with a development partner. The joint venture with our development partner holds an interest in the property with an institutional investor. Our development partner was responsible for the day-to-day management of construction and development activities, and we are responsible for the day-to-day administrative operations of components of the property following development completion. At the property level, all major decisions (including the development plan, annual budget, leasing plan, and financing plan) require approval of all three investors. Although voting rights within the structure are disproportionate to the members’ economic interests, the activities of the ventures are conducted on behalf of all members, and therefore, the voting rights, while disproportionate, are substantive. 3) The equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest, as evidenced by lack of substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights. • The other members have significant participating rights, including in the day-to-day management of development activities and the participation in decisions related to the operations of the property. Since the joint venture does not meet the VIE criteria, we determined that our 360 Longwood Avenue joint venture does not qualify for evaluation under the VIE model. Therefore, we evaluate the joint venture under the voting model. Under the voting model, we consolidate the entity if we determine that we, directly or indirectly, have greater than 50% of the voting shares and that noncontrolling equity holders do not have substantive participating rights. Our interest is limited to 27.5%, and we do not have other contractual rights; therefore we account for this joint venture under the equity method of accounting.

Deferred leasing costs (Notes)

Deferred leasing costs (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs disclosure [Text Block]	Deferred leasing costs The following table summarizes our deferred leasing costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred leasing costs $ 430,455 $ 396,765 Accumulated amortization (234,518 ) (204,684 ) Deferred leasing costs, net $ 195,937 $ 192,081

Investments (Notes)

Investments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investment [Text Block]	Investments We hold equity investments in certain publicly traded companies, privately held entities, and limited partnerships primarily involved in the life science and technology industries. All of our equity investments in actively traded public companies are considered available for sale and are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Our investments in privately held entities are primarily accounted for under the cost method. Investments in available-for-sale equity securities with gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2016 , 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. Accordingly, there are no other-than-temporary impairments in accumulated other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale equity securities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 . The following table summarizes our investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Available-for-sale equity securities, cost basis $ 41,392 $ 20,022 Unrealized gains 25,076 118,392 Unrealized losses (5,783 ) (793 ) Available-for-sale equity securities, at fair value 60,685 137,621 Investments accounted for under cost method 281,792 215,844 Total investments $ 342,477 $ 353,465 The following table presents the components of our investment income classified within other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Investment gains $ 28,530 $ 35,035 $ 11,613 Investment losses (11,397 ) (16,093 ) (9,287 ) Investment income $ 17,133 $ 18,942 $ 2,326

Other assets (Notes)

Other assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets	Other assets The following table summarizes the components of other assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Acquired below-market ground leases $ 12,913 $ 13,142 Net investment in direct financing lease 37,297 — Acquired in-place leases 63,408 27,997 Deferred compensation plan 11,632 8,489 Deferred financing costs – $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit 14,239 11,909 Deposits 3,302 3,713 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment, net 12,839 13,682 Interest rate hedge assets 4,115 596 Notes receivable 694 16,630 Prepaid expenses 9,724 17,651 Property, plant, and equipment 19,891 — Other assets 11,143 19,503 Total $ 201,197 $ 133,312 The components of our net investment in direct financing lease as of December 31, 2016 are summarized in the table below (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Gross investment in direct financing lease $ 264,954 Less: unearned income (227,657 ) Net investment in direct financing lease $ 37,297 Future minimum lease payments to be received under our direct financing lease as of December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Year Total 2017 $ 1,235 2018 1,607 2019 1,655 2020 1,705 2021 1,756 Thereafter 256,996 Total $ 264,954

Fair value measurements (Notes)

Fair value measurements (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 . 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Description Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets: Available-for-sale equity securities $ 60,685 $ 60,685 $ — $ — Interest rate hedge agreements $ 4,115 $ — $ 4,115 $ — Liabilities: Interest rate hedge agreements $ 3,587 $ — $ 3,587 $ — December 31, 2015 Description Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets: Available-for-sale equity securities $ 137,621 $ 137,621 $ — $ — Interest rate hedge agreements $ 596 $ — $ 596 $ — Liabilities: Interest rate hedge agreements $ 4,314 $ — $ 4,314 $ — 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 equity securities and our interest rate hedge agreements have been recognized at fair value. Refer to Note 6 – “Investments” and Note 10 – “Interest Rate Hedge Agreements” to our consolidated financial statements for further details. The fair values of our secured notes payable, unsecured senior notes payable, $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit, and unsecured senior bank term loans were estimated using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analyses using 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the book and estimated fair values of our available-for-sale equity securities, interest rate hedge agreements, secured notes payable, unsecured senior notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, and unsecured senior bank term loans were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value Assets: Available-for-sale equity securities $ 60,685 $ 60,685 $ 137,621 $ 137,621 Interest rate hedge agreements $ 4,115 $ 4,115 $ 596 $ 596 Liabilities: Interest rate hedge agreements $ 3,587 $ 3,587 $ 4,314 $ 4,314 Secured notes payable $ 1,011,292 $ 1,016,782 $ 809,818 $ 832,342 Unsecured senior notes payable $ 2,378,262 $ 2,431,470 $ 2,030,631 $ 2,059,855 Unsecured senior line of credit $ 28,000 $ 27,998 $ 151,000 $ 151,450 Unsecured senior bank term loans $ 746,471 $ 750,422 $ 944,243 $ 951,098 Nonrecurring fair value measurements Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate,” “Assets Located in Asia,” and Note 18 – “Assets Classified as Held for Sale” to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Secured and unsecured senior de

Secured and unsecured senior debt (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate Unhedged Variable Rate Weighted-Average Interest Remaining Term (in years) Total Percentage Rate (1) Secured notes payable $ 853,726 $ 157,566 $ 1,011,292 24.3 % 3.43 % 3.4 Unsecured senior notes payable 2,378,262 — 2,378,262 57.0 4.14 7.2 $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit — 28,000 28,000 0.7 1.77 4.8 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 398,537 — 398,537 9.6 2.91 2.0 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 347,934 — 347,934 8.4 2.24 4.0 Total/weighted average $ 3,978,459 $ 185,566 $ 4,164,025 100.0 % 3.51 % 5.5 Percentage of total debt 96% 4% 100% (1) The following table summarizes our outstanding indebtedness and respective principal payments as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Stated Rate Weighted-Average Interest Rate Maturity Principal Payments Remaining for the Periods Ending December 31, Unamortized (Deferred Financing Cost), (Discount) Premium Debt (1) Date (2) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Principal Total Secured notes payable Greater Boston L+1.35 % 2.59 % 8/23/17 (3) $ 212,289 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 212,289 $ (923 ) $ 211,366 Greater Boston L+1.50 % 2.20 1/28/19 (4) — — 250,959 — — — 250,959 (2,487 ) 248,472 Greater Boston L+2.00 % 2.80 4/20/19 (4) — — 101,512 — — — 101,512 (3,096 ) 98,416 San Diego, Seattle, and Maryland 7.75 % 8.12 4/1/20 1,832 1,979 2,138 104,352 — — 110,301 (1,086 ) 109,215 San Diego 4.66 % 5.02 1/1/23 1,412 1,608 1,686 1,763 1,852 28,201 36,522 (397 ) 36,125 Greater Boston 3.93 % 3.18 3/10/23 — 1,091 1,505 1,566 1,628 76,210 82,000 3,338 85,338 Greater Boston 4.82 % 3.38 2/6/24 — 2,720 3,090 3,217 3,406 190,567 203,000 18,566 221,566 San Francisco 6.50 % 6.73 7/1/36 21 22 24 24 26 677 794 — 794 Secured debt weighted-average interest rate/subtotal 3.73 % 3.43 215,554 7,420 360,914 110,922 6,912 295,655 997,377 13,915 1,011,292 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan L+1.20 % 2.91 1/3/19 — — 400,000 — — — 400,000 (1,463 ) 398,537 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan L+1.10 % 2.24 1/15/21 — — — — 350,000 — 350,000 (2,066 ) 347,934 $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit L+1.00 % (5) 1.77 10/29/21 — — — — 28,000 — 28,000 — 28,000 Unsecured senior notes payable 2.75 % 2.95 1/15/20 — — — 400,000 — — 400,000 (2,404 ) 397,596 Unsecured senior notes payable 4.60 % 4.72 4/1/22 — — — — — 550,000 550,000 (3,404 ) 546,596 Unsecured senior notes payable 3.90 % 4.02 6/15/23 — — — — — 500,000 500,000 (3,812 ) 496,188 Unsecured senior notes payable 4.30 % 4.46 1/15/26 — — — — — 300,000 300,000 (4,346 ) 295,654 Unsecured senior notes payable 3.95 % 4.11 1/15/27 — — — — — 350,000 350,000 (4,996 ) 345,004 Unsecured senior notes payable 4.50 % 4.58 7/30/29 — — — — — 300,000 300,000 (2,776 ) 297,224 Unsecured debt weighted average/subtotal 3.75 — — 400,000 400,000 378,000 2,000,000 3,178,000 (25,267 ) 3,152,733 Weighted-average interest rate/total 3.51 % $ 215,554 $ 7,420 $ 760,914 $ 510,922 $ 384,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 4,175,377 $ (11,352 ) $ 4,164,025 Balloon payments $ 212,289 $ — $ 752,471 $ 503,979 $ 378,000 $ 2,283,417 $ 4,130,156 $ — $ 4,130,156 Principal amortization 3,265 7,420 8,443 6,943 6,912 12,238 45,221 (11,352 ) 33,869 Total debt $ 215,554 $ 7,420 $ 760,914 $ 510,922 $ 384,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 4,175,377 $ (11,352 ) $ 4,164,025 Fixed-rate/hedged variable-rate debt $ 153,265 $ 7,420 $ 663,443 $ 510,922 $ 356,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 3,987,617 $ (9,158 ) $ 3,978,459 Unhedged variable-rate debt 62,289 — 97,471 — 28,000 — 187,760 (2,194 ) 185,566 Total debt $ 215,554 $ 7,420 $ 760,914 $ 510,922 $ 384,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 4,175,377 $ (11,352 ) $ 4,164,025 (1) Represents the weighted-average interest rate as of the end of the applicable period, including expense/income related to our interest rate hedge agreements, amortization of debt premiums (discounts), amortization of loan fees, and other bank fees. (2) Reflects any extension options that we control. (3) In January 2017, we exercised our option and extended the maturity date by one year to August 23, 2018. (4) Refer to “Secured Construction Loans” below within this Note 9 for options to extend maturity date. (5) Our $1.65 billion 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. In addition to the cost of borrowing, the facility is subject to an annual facility fee of 0.20% , based on the aggregate commitments. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit are classified in other assets and are excluded from the calculation of the weighted-average interest rate. $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit and unsecured senior bank term loans We have unsecured senior bank debt aggregating $774.5 million as of December 31, 2016 , under our 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan, 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan, and amounts outstanding on our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit. The table below reflects the outstanding balances, maturity dates, applicable rates, and facility fees for each of these facilities (dollars in thousands). As of December 31, 2016 Facility Balance Maturity Date (1) Applicable Rate Facility Fee $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit $ 28,000 October 2021 L+1.00% 0.20% 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 398,537 January 2019 L+1.20% N/A 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 347,934 January 2021 L+1.10% N/A $ 774,471 (1) Reflects any extension options that we control. On July 29, 2016, we amended our unsecured senior line of credit (the Amended Credit Agreement) and recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.4 million related to the write-off of unamortized loan fees. The key changes are summarized below: Amended Agreement Prior Agreement Commitments $1.65 billion $1.50 billion Interest rate LIBOR+1.00% LIBOR+1.10% Maturity date October 29, 2021 (1) January 3, 2019 (1) Includes two , six -months options to extend from the stated maturity date of October 29, 2020, subject to certain conditions. In addition, on July 29, 2016, we completed a partial principal repayment of $200 million of our 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan, reducing the total outstanding balance from $600 million to $400 million , and recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $869 thousand related to the write-off of unamortized loan fees. Borrowings under our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit bear interest at a “Eurocurrency Rate” or a “Base Rate” specified in the amended $1.65 billion unsecured line of credit agreement plus, in either case, the Applicable Margin. The Eurocurrency Rate specified in the amended $1.65 billion unsecured line of credit agreement is, as applicable, the rate per annum equal to (i) the LIBOR or a successor rate thereto as approved by the administrative agent for loans denominated in a LIBOR quoted currency (i.e., U.S. dollars, euro, pounds sterling, or yen), (ii) the average annual yield rates applicable to Canadian dollar banker’s acceptances for loans denominated in Canadian dollars, (iii) the Bank Bill Swap Reference Bid rate for loans denominated in Australian dollars, or (iv) the rate designated with respect to the applicable alternative currency for loans denominated in a non-LIBOR quoted currency (other than Canadian or Australian dollars). The Base Rate specified in the amended unsecured line of credit agreement means, for any day, a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1.00%, (ii) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced, from time to time, by Bank of America as its “prime rate,” and (iii) the Eurocurrency Rate plus 1.00% . The Applicable Margin for LIBOR borrowings under the $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit as of December 31, 2016 , was 1.00%, which is based on our existing credit rating as set by certain rating agencies. As of December 31, 2016 , we had $28.0 million in borrowings outstanding on our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit. Our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit is subject to an annual facility fee of 0.20% based on the aggregate commitments. In addition, the terms of the $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit and unsecured senior bank term loan agreements, among other things, limit the ability of the Company, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P., and the Company’s subsidiaries to (i) consummate a merger, or consolidate or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, and (ii) incur certain secured or unsecured indebtedness. Additionally, the terms of the $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit and unsecured senior bank term loan agreements include a restriction that may limit our ability to pay dividends, including distributions with respect to common stock or other equity interests, during any time a default is continuing, except to enable us to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As of December 31, 2016 , we were in compliance with all such covenants. Unsecured senior notes payable As of December 31, 2016 , we have unsecured senior notes payable aggregating $2.4 billion , which are unsecured obligations of the Company and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P., a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company. The unsecured senior notes payable rank equally in right of payment with all other senior unsecured indebtedness. However, the unsecured senior notes payable are subordinate to existing and future mortgages and other secured indebtedness (to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness) and to all existing and future preferred equity and liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, of the Company’s subsidiaries, other than Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. In addition, the terms of the indentures, among other things, limit the ability of the Company, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P., and the Company’s subsidiaries to (i) consummate a merger, or consolidate or sell all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, and (ii) incur certain secured or unsecured indebtedness. 3.95% Unsecured senior notes payable In June 2016, we completed a $350.0 million public offering of our unsecured senior notes payable due on January 15, 2027 , at a stated interest rate of 3.95% . The unsecured senior notes payable are unsecured obligations of the Company and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P., a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company. The unsecured senior notes payable rank equally in right of payment with all other unsecured senior indebtedness. However, the unsecured senior notes payable are subordinate to existing and future mortgages and other secured indebtedness (to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness) and to all existing and future preferred equity and liabilities, whether secured or unsecured, of the Company’s subsidiaries, other than Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. We used the net proceeds, after discounts and issuance costs, of $344.7 million to repay outstanding principal borrowings under our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit. Repayments of secured notes payable During the year ended December 31, 2016 , we repaid six secured notes payable aggregating $307.0 million with a weighted-average effective interest rate of 4.58% . Secured construction loans The following table summarizes our secured construction loans as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Address/Market Stated Rate Maturity Date Outstanding Principal Balance Remaining Commitments Aggregate Commitments 75/125 Binney Street/Greater Boston L+1.35 % 8/23/17 (1) $ 212,289 $ 38,111 $ 250,400 50 and 60 Binney Street/Greater Boston L+1.50 % 1/28/19 (2) 250,959 99,041 350,000 100 Binney Street/Greater Boston L+2.00 % 4/20/19 (3) 101,512 202,769 304,281 $ 564,760 $ 339,921 $ 904,681 (1) In January 2017, we exercised our option to extend the stated maturity date by one year to August 23, 2018. (2) We have two , one -year options to extend the stated maturity date to January 28, 2021, subject to certain conditions. (3) We have two , one -year options to extend the stated maturity date to April 20, 2021, subject to certain conditions. Interest expense Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest incurred $ 159,403 $ 142,353 $ 126,404 Capitalized interest (52,450 ) (36,540 ) (47,105 ) Interest expense $ 106,953 $ 105,813 $ 79,299

Interest rate swap agreements (

Interest rate swap agreements (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swap agreements	Interest rate hedge agreements We use interest rate derivatives to hedge the variable cash flows associated with certain of our existing LIBOR-based variable-rate debt, including our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit, unsecured senior bank term loans, and secured notes payable, and to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility. Our derivative instruments include interest rate swaps and interest rate caps. In our interest rate hedge agreements, the ineffective portion of the change in fair value is required to be recognized directly in earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, or 2014 , our interest rate hedge agreements were 100% effective; as a result, 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 hedge agreements that are designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are classified in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts classified in accumulated other comprehensive income 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 $2.8 million in accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings as an increase to interest expense. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the fair values of our interest rate swap and cap agreements aggregating an asset balance were classified in other assets, and the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements aggregating a liability balance 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. Refer to Note 8 – “Fair Value Measurements” to our consolidated financial statements for further details. Under our interest rate hedge agreements, we have no collateral posting requirements. We have agreements with certain of our derivative counterparties that contain a provision wherein (i) we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to our default on the indebtedness; or (ii) if we default on any of our indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations. If we had breached any of these provisions as of December 31, 2016 , we could have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at their termination value of $2.4 million . We had the following outstanding interest rate hedge agreements that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Interest Rate Hedge Type Number of Contracts Weighted-Average Interest Pay/ Cap Rate (1) Fair Value as of 12/31/16 Notional Amount in Effect as of Effective Date Maturity Date 12/31/16 12/31/17 12/31/18 Swap September 1, 2015 March 31, 2017 2 0.57% $ 52 $ 100,000 $ — $ — Swap March 31, 2016 March 31, 2017 11 1.15% (903 ) 1,000,000 — — Swap March 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 15 1.31% (1,856 ) — 900,000 — Swap March 29, 2018 March 31, 2019 6 1.01% 2,924 — — 450,000 Cap July 29, 2016 April 20, 2019 2 2.00% 311 55,000 126,000 150,000 Total $ 528 (2) $ 1,155,000 $ 1,026,000 $ 600,000 (1) In addition to the interest pay rate for each swap agreement, interest is payable at an applicable margin over LIBOR for borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2016 , as listed under the column heading “Stated Rate” in our summary table of outstanding indebtedness and respective principal payments under Note 9 – “Secured and Unsecured Senior Debt” to our consolidated financial statements. (2) This total represents the net of the fair value of interest rate hedges in an asset position of $4.1 million and fair value of interest rate hedges in a liability position of $3.6 million . Refer to Note 8 – “Fair Value Measurements” to our consolidated financial statements.

Accounts payable, accrued expen

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 366,174 $ 239,838 Acquired below-market leases 59,509 26,018 Conditional asset retirement obligations 3,095 5,777 Deferred rent liabilities 34,426 27,664 Interest rate hedge liabilities 3,587 4,314 Unearned rent and tenant security deposits 231,416 211,605 Other liabilities 33,464 74,140 Total $ 731,671 $ 589,356 Some of our properties may contain asbestos, which, under certain conditions, requires remediation. Although we believe that the asbestos is appropriately contained in accordance with environmental regulations, our practice is to remediate the asbestos upon the development or redevelopment of the affected property. We recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation (including asbestos) when the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In addition, for certain properties, we have not recognized an asset retirement obligation when there is an indeterminate settlement date for the obligation because the period in which we may remediate the obligation may not be estimated with any level of precision to provide for a meaningful estimate of the retirement obligation. These conditional asset retirement obligations are included in the table above.

Earnings per share (Notes)

Earnings per share (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings 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 operations and included in the numerator for the computation of EPS for income from continuing operations. In December 2016, we sold an aggregate of 7.5 million shares of our common stock, pursuant to the settlement of forward equity sales agreements executed in July 2016. Net proceeds, after issuance costs and underwriters’ discount, of $715.9 million were used primarily to fund the acquisition of One Kendall Square, to lower debt, and to fund construction. Refer to “Acquisitions” in Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” and “Forward Equity Sales Agreements” in Note 15 – “Stockholders’ Equity” to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion. To account for forward equity sales agreements, we considered the accounting guidance governing financial instruments and derivatives and concluded that our forward equity sales agreements were not liabilities as they did not embody obligations to repurchase our shares nor did they embody obligations to issue a variable number of shares for which the monetary value was predominantly fixed, varying with something other than the fair value of the shares, or varying inversely in relation to our shares. We then evaluated whether the agreements met the derivatives and hedging guidance scope exception to be accounted for as equity instruments, and concluded that the agreements can be classified as equity contracts based on the following assessment: (i) none of the agreements exercise contingencies were based on observable markets or indices besides those related to the market for the Company’s own stock price and operations; and (ii) none of the settlement provisions precluded the agreements from being indexed to the Company’s own stock. We also considered the potential dilution resulting from the agreements on the earnings per share calculations. At inception, the agreements did not have an effect on the computation of basic EPS as no shares were delivered until settlement. With respect to diluted EPS, we used the treasury method to determine the dilution resulting from the agreements during the period of time prior to settlement. The forward equity sales agreements were not included in the calculation of diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2016 , as the Company had a net loss during that period and, therefore, the effect of the forward equity sales agreements was antidilutive. The common shares issued upon the settlement of the forward equity sales agreements, weighted for the period these common shares were outstanding, were included in the denominator of basic EPS. For purposes of calculating diluted EPS, we did not assume conversion of our 7.00% Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock (“Series D Convertible Preferred Stock”) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , since the result was antidilutive to EPS attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders from continuing operations during those periods. Our 6.45% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred stock (“Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock”) is not convertible to common stock and, therefore, is not dilutive. Refer to “7.00% Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock Repurchases” in Note 15 – “Stockholders’ Equity” to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the partial redemption of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. 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 Series D Convertible Preferred Stock and forward equity sales agreements are not participating securities and are 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. The table below is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (49,889 ) $ 146,157 $ 99,142 Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels 90 — 6,403 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (16,102 ) (1,897 ) (5,204 ) Dividends on preferred stock (20,223 ) (24,986 ) (25,698 ) Preferred stock redemption charge (61,267 ) — (1,989 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (3,750 ) (2,364 ) (1,774 ) Numerator for basic and diluted EPS – net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders (151,141 ) 116,910 70,880 (Loss) income from discontinued operations — (43 ) 1,233 Numerator for basic and diluted EPS – net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (151,141 ) $ 116,867 $ 72,113 Denominator for basic and diluted EPS – weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding 76,103 71,529 71,170 Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders – basic and diluted: Continuing operations $ (1.99 ) $ 1.63 $ 0.99 Discontinued operations — — 0.02 Net (loss) income per share $ (1.99 ) $ 1.63 $ 1.01

Income taxes (Notes)

Income taxes (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes We are organized and qualify as a REIT pursuant to 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, local, and foreign taxes. We distribute 100% of our taxable income annually; therefore, a provision for federal income taxes is not required. We distributed all of our REIT taxable income in 2015 and 2014 and, as a result, did not incur federal income tax in those years on such income. For the year ended December 31, 2016 , we expect our distributions to exceed our REIT taxable income and, as a result, do not expect to incur federal income tax. We expect to finalize our 2016 REIT taxable income when we file our 2016 federal income tax return in 2017 . The income tax treatment of distributions and dividends declared on our common stock, our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and our Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , was as follows (unaudited): Common Stock Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Ordinary income 25.2 % 50.1 % 91.8 % 44.8 % 54.4 % 100.0 % 44.8 % 54.4 % 100.0 % Return of capital 43.9 7.9 8.2 — — — — — — Capital gains at 25% — 8.5 — — 9.2 — — 9.2 — Capital gains at 20% 30.9 33.5 — 55.2 36.4 — 55.2 36.4 — Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Dividends declared $ 3.23 $ 3.05 $ 2.88 $ 1.75 $ 1.75 $ 1.75 $ 1.6125 $ 1.6125 $ 1.6125 Our tax return for 2016 is due on or before September 15, 2017 , assuming we file for an extension of the due date. The taxability information presented above for our dividends paid in 2016 is based upon management’s estimate. Our tax returns for previous tax years have not been examined by the IRS. Consequently, the taxability of distributions and dividends is subject to change. The income tax treatment of distributions and dividends noted above for the year ended December 31, 2016 , is inclusive of the changes to taxable income related to our 2016 real estate transactions described in Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” to our consolidated financial statements. In addition to our REIT tax 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 and may be subject to audits, assessments, or other actions by local taxing authorities. We recognize tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained, based solely on its technical merits, with the taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information. The measurement of a tax benefit for an uncertain tax position that meets the “more likely than not” threshold is based on a cumulative probability model under which the largest amount of tax benefit recognized is the amount with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. As of December 31, 2016 , there were no material unrecognized tax benefits. We do not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months. Interest expense and penalties, if any, are recognized in the first period during which the interest or penalty begins accruing, according to the provisions of the relevant tax law at the applicable statutory rate of interest. We did not incur any significant tax-related interest expense or penalties for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . The following reconciles net income (determined in accordance to GAAP) to taxable income as filed with the IRS for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands and unaudited): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Net income $ 146,114 $ 106,778 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,897 ) (5,204 ) Book/tax differences: Rental revenue recognition (42,815 ) (21,210 ) Depreciation and amortization 46,641 31,187 Share-based compensation 12,705 13,808 Interest (expense) income (58,909 ) 629 Sales of property 66,102 24,174 Impairments 35,177 59,067 Other 11,479 (121 ) Taxable income before dividend deduction 214,597 209,108 Dividend deduction necessary to eliminate taxable income (1) (214,597 ) (209,108 ) Estimated income subject to federal income tax $ — $ — (1) Total common stock and preferred stock dividend distributions paid were approximately $243.1 million and $228.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies	Commitments and contingencies Employee retirement savings plan We have a retirement savings plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code whereby our employees may contribute a portion of their compensation to their respective retirement accounts in an amount not to exceed the maximum allowed under the Code. In addition to employee contributions, we have elected to provide company discretionary profit-sharing contributions (subject to statutory limitations), which amounted to approximately $2.5 million , $2.0 million , and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. Employees who participate in the plan are immediately vested in their contributions and in the contributions made on their behalf by the Company. Concentration of credit risk We maintain our cash and cash equivalents at insured financial institutions. The combined account balances at each institution periodically exceed FDIC insurance coverage of $ 250,000 , and, as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts in excess of FDIC insurance coverage. We have not experienced any losses to date on our invested cash. In order to limit our risk of non-performance by an individual counterparty under our interest rate hedge agreements, we spread our interest rate hedge agreements among various counterparties. As of December 31, 2016 , the largest aggregate notional amount of interest rate hedge agreements in effect at any single point in time with an individual counterparty was $200.0 million . If one or more of our counterparties fail to perform under our interest rate hedge agreements, we may incur higher costs associated with our variable-rate LIBOR-based debt than the interest costs we originally anticipated. We are dependent on rental income from relatively few tenants. The inability of any single tenant to make its lease payments could adversely affect our operations. As of December 31, 2016 , we had 620 leases with a total of 463 tenants, and 88 , or 44% , of our 199 properties were each leased to a single tenant. As of December 31, 2016 , our three largest tenants accounted for approximately 11.9% of our aggregate annual rental revenue, comprising 4.1% , 4.0% , and 3.8% . Commitments As of December 31, 2016 , remaining aggregate costs under contract for the construction of properties undergoing development, redevelopment, and improvements under the terms of leases approximated $555.8 million . We expect payments for these obligations to occur over one to three years, subject to capital planning adjustments from time to time. We may have the ability to cease the construction of certain properties, which would result in the reduction of our commitments. We are also committed to funding approximately $123.9 million for certain non-real estate investments over the next several years. In addition, we have letters of credit and performance obligations of $18.6 million primarily related to our construction management requirements in North America. Rental expense Our rental expense attributable to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , was approximately $14.3 million , $13.7 million , and $13.4 million , respectively. These rental expense amounts include certain operating leases for our headquarters and field offices, and ground leases for 28 of our properties and one land development parcel. Ground leases generally require fixed annual rent payments and may also include escalation clauses and renewal options. Future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable ground and other operating leases as of December 31, 2016 , were as follows (in thousands): Year Office Leases Ground Leases Total 2017 $ 1,546 $ 11,605 $ 13,151 2018 1,588 10,711 12,299 2019 1,518 10,871 12,389 2020 60 10,707 10,767 2021 41 10,263 10,304 Thereafter — 472,011 472,011 Total $ 4,753 $ 526,168 $ 530,921 Our operating lease obligations related to our office leases have remaining terms of up to five years , exclusive of extension options. Excluding one ground lease that expires in 2036 related to one operating property with a net book value of approximately $9.9 million as of December 31, 2016 , our lease obligations have remaining terms generally ranging from 40 to 100 years, including extension options.

Stockholders' equity (Notes)

Stockholders' equity (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' equity	Stockholders’ equity ATM common stock offering program During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we completed our ATM common stock offering program that was established in December 2015, which allowed us to sell up to an aggregate of $450.0 million of our common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we sold an aggregate of 3.9 million shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $374.3 million , or $94.80 per share, and net proceeds of approximately $367.8 million . We used the proceeds from the sales initially to reduce amounts outstanding under our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit. As of June 30, 2016, there was no remaining availability under our ATM program established in December 2015. In October 2016, we established a new ATM common stock offering program, which allows us to sell up to an aggregate of $600.0 million of our common stock. During the three months ended December 31, 2016 , we sold an aggregate of 3.4 million shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $354.2 million , or $105.73 per share, and net proceeds of approximately $348.4 million . We used the proceeds from the sales to reduce amounts outstanding under our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit. As of December 31, 2016 , the remaining aggregate amount available under our current program through future stock sales are approximately $245.8 million . Forward equity sales agreements In December 2016, we sold an aggregate of 7.5 million shares of our common stock, pursuant to the settlement of forward equity sales agreements executed in July 2016. Net proceeds, after issuance costs and underwriters’ discount, of $715.9 million were used primarily to fund the acquisition of One Kendall Square, to lower debt, and fund construction. Refer to “Acquisitions in 2016” in Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” and Note 12 – “Earnings per Share” to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion. 7.00% Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock repurchases During the year ended December 31, 2016 , we repurchased, in privately negotiated transactions, 6.0 million outstanding shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock at an aggregate price of $206.8 million , or $34.41 per share. We recognized a preferred stock redemption charge of $61.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 , including the write-off of original issuance costs of approximately $4.7 million . As of December 31, 2016 , we had 3.5 million shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding. The dividends on our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock are cumulative and accrue from the date of original issuance. We pay dividends quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of $1.75 per share. Our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock has no stated maturity and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. We are not allowed to redeem our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, except to preserve our status as a REIT. Investors in our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights. We may, at our option, be able to cause some or all of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to be automatically converted if the closing sale price per share of our common stock equals or exceeds 150% of the then-applicable conversion price of the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for at least 20 trading days in a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to our issuance of a press release announcing the exercise of our conversion option. Holders of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, at their option, may, at any time and from time to time, convert some or all of their outstanding shares initially at a conversion rate of 0.2477 shares of common stock per $25.00 liquidation preference, which was equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $100.93 per share of common stock. The conversion rate for the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is subject to adjustments for certain events, including, but not limited to, certain dividends on our common stock in excess of $0.78 per share per quarter and dividends on our common stock payable in shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2016 , the Series D Convertible Preferred Stock had a conversion rate of approximately 0.2483 shares of common stock per $25.00 liquidation preference, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $100.68 per share of common stock. 6.45% Series E cumulative redeemable preferred stock offering In March 2012, we completed a public offering of 5.2 million shares of our Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock. The dividends on our Series E Preferred Stock are cumulative and accrue from the date of original issuance. We pay dividends quarterly in arrears at an annual rate of 6.45%, or $1.6125 per share. Our Series E Preferred Stock has no stated maturity date, is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions, and is not redeemable before March 15, 2017 , except to preserve our status as a REIT. On and after March 15, 2017, we may, at our option, redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock up to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, upon the occurrence of a change of control, we may, at our option, redeem the Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such change of control occurred, by paying $25.00 per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends up to, but excluding, the date of redemption. Investors in our Series E Preferred Stock generally have no voting rights. Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. consists of the following (in thousands): Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on: Available-for- Sale Equity Securities Interest Rate Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 117,599 $ (3,718 ) $ (64,690 ) $ 49,191 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (79,833 ) (1,150 ) (2,579 ) (83,562 ) (Gains) losses reclassified from other comprehensive income (18,473 ) 5,273 52,926 39,726 (98,306 ) 4,123 50,347 (43,836 ) Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — — Net other comprehensive (loss) income (98,306 ) 4,123 50,347 (43,836 ) Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 19,293 $ 405 $ (14,343 ) $ 5,355 Preferred stock and excess stock authorizations Our charter authorizes the issuance of up to 100.0 million shares of preferred stock, of which 8.7 million shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 . 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 December 31, 2016 . Additional paid-in capital In 2016, we sold partial interests in 10290 Campus Point Drive and 10300 Campus Point Drive. As described in Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” to our consolidated financial statements, since we retained a controlling interest in both joint ventures following the sale and continued to consolidate these entities, we accounted for the proceeds received as an equity financing transaction. The difference of $44.5 million between the aggregate proceeds of approximately $221.6 million received through December 31, 2016 , and our cost basis of $177.1 million was recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. These transactions did not qualify as sales of real estate and did not result in purchase accounting adjustments to the carrying value. Accordingly, the carrying amounts of our partner’s share of assets and liabilities are reported at historical cost.

Share-based compensation (Notes

Share-based compensation (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based compensation	Share-based compensation Stock plan For the purpose of attracting and retaining the highest-quality personnel, providing for additional incentives, and promoting the success of our Company, we have historically issued two forms of share-based compensation under our equity incentive plan: (i) options to purchase common stock and (ii) restricted stock. We have not granted any options since 2002. Each restricted share issued reduces the share reserve by three shares (3:1 ratio). As of December 31, 2016 , there were 5,875,733 shares reserved for the granting of future options and stock awards under the equity incentive plan. In addition, the stock plan permits us to issue share awards to our employees and non-employee directors. A share award is an award of common stock that (i) may be fully vested upon issuance or (ii) may be subject to the risk of forfeiture under Section 83 of the Code. Shares issued generally vest over a four-year period from the date of issuance, and the sale of the shares is restricted prior to the date of vesting. The unearned portion of time-based awards is amortized as stock compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Certain restricted share awards are subject to vesting based upon the satisfaction of levels of performance and market conditions. Failure to satisfy the threshold performance conditions will result in the forfeiture of shares. Forfeiture of share awards with time-based or performance-based restrictions results in a reversal of previously recognized share-based compensation expense. Forfeiture of share awards with market-based restrictions does not result in a reversal of previously recognized share-based compensation expense. The following is a summary of the stock awards activity under our equity incentive plan and related information for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 : Number of Share Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding at December 31, 2013 569,773 $ 68.54 Granted 416,954 $ 72.25 Vested (286,681 ) $ 72.91 Forfeited (25,077 ) $ 55.72 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 674,969 $ 69.46 Granted 449,559 $ 89.72 Vested (307,511 ) $ 71.78 Forfeited (2,999 ) $ 79.81 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 814,018 $ 80.95 Granted 661,409 $ 88.98 Vested (325,537 ) $ 78.73 Forfeited (14,102 ) $ 79.10 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,135,788 $ 87.21 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Total grant date fair value of stock awards vested $ 25,630 $ 22,073 $ 20,903 Total compensation recognized for stock awards, net of capitalization $ 25,433 $ 17,512 $ 13,996 Capitalized stock compensation $ 11,604 $ 9,177 $ 7,583 Certain restricted stock awards granted during 2013 through 2016 are subject to performance and market conditions. The grant date fair value of these awards is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation pricing model, using the following assumptions for 2016 and 2015, respectively: (i) expected term of 2.8 years and 2.5 years (equal to the remaining performance measurement period at the grant date), (ii) volatility of 20.0% and 21.0% (approximating a blended average of implied and historical volatilities), (iii) dividend yield of 3.4% and 3.3% , and (iv) risk-free rate of 1.03% and 0.88% . As of December 31, 2016 , there was $74.1 million of unrecognized compensation related to unvested share awards under the equity incentive plan, which is expected to be recognized over the next four years and has a weighted-average vesting period of approximately 19 months .

Noncontrolling interests (Notes

Noncontrolling interests (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 nine projects as of December 31, 2016 , 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. 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 campus at Alexandria Technology Square ® in our Cambridge submarket 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 was paid on April 1, 2016. In 2015, we sold partial interests in the following Class A properties: 225 Binney Street in our Cambridge submarket, 409/499 Illinois Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket, and 1500 Owens Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket. We retained controlling interests in these joint ventures following the sale and continued to consolidate these entities in our financial statements subsequent to the partial sales. Accordingly, the partial sales were accounted for as equity financing transactions. These transactions did not qualify as sales of real estate and did not result in purchase accounting adjustments to the carrying value. Accordingly, the carrying amounts of our partner’s share of assets and liabilities are reported at historical cost. In 2016, we sold partial interests in 10290 Campus Point Drive and 10300 Campus Point Drive. As described in Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” to our consolidated financial statements, since we retained a controlling interest in both joint ventures following the sale and continued to consolidate these entities, we accounted for the proceeds received as an equity financing transaction. These transactions did not qualify as sales of real estate and did not result in purchase accounting adjustments to the carrying value. Accordingly, the carrying amounts of our partner’s share of assets and liabilities are reported at historical cost. 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. 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. The following table represents income from continuing operations and discontinued operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , excluding the amounts attributable to these noncontrolling interests (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders $ (65,901 ) $ 144,260 $ 100,341 (Loss) income from discontinued operations — (43 ) 1,233 Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders $ (65,901 ) $ 144,217 $ 101,574

Assets Held for Sale (Notes)

Assets Held for Sale (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Assets Held for Sale	Assets classified as held for sale As of December 31, 2016 , two properties aggregating 42,520 RSF located in North America and two operating properties aggregating 634,328 RSF located in China were classified as held for sale, none of which met the criteria for classification as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements. For additional information, refer to Note 2 – “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements. During 2016, we recognized a total of $209.3 million of impairments of real estate. This amount comprises $194.3 million incurred in connection with our decision to exit the Asia market as discussed below and $7.9 million related to impairment charges taken on assets located in North America, as well as a $7.1 million impairment charge to write off development costs related to projects in North America that we are no longer pursuing. The impairment charges taken on assets located in North America relate to land parcels located at 14 Firstfield Road in our Gaithersburg submarket of Maryland and at 560 Eccles Avenue in our South San Francisco submarket of San Francisco, as well as one property located in Georgia. Refer to “Assets Sold and Assets Held for Sale Involving Impairment Charges” in Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” to our consolidated financial statements. Assets classified as held for sale in North America The following is a summary of net assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , for our real estate investments in North America that were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Total assets $ 3,375 $ 5,215 Total liabilities — — Net assets classified as held for sale – North America $ 3,375 $ 5,215 The following is a summary of operating information for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , of our real estate investments in North America classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 , and real estate investments in North America sold subsequent to January 1, 2014 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total revenues $ 8,385 $ 9,025 $ 8,951 Operating expenses (1,639 ) (3,292 ) (4,729 ) 6,746 5,733 4,222 General and administrative expenses (62 ) (125 ) (257 ) Depreciation expense (660 ) (1,949 ) (5,838 ) Impairment of real estate (7,932 ) (8,740 ) (17,415 ) Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties 3,715 12,427 — Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels 90 — — Net income (loss) from assets classified as held for sale – North America $ 1,897 $ 7,346 $ (19,288 ) Assets located in Asia We recognized an aggregate impairment charge of $194.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 , to reduce our net book value to fair value less cost to sell. The fair value considered in the impairment of each investment was determined based on the following: (i) preliminary non-binding letters of intent, (ii) significant other observable inputs, including the consideration of certain local government land acquisition programs, and (iii) discounted cash flow analyses. On March 31, 2016, we evaluated two separate potential transactions to sell land parcels in our India submarket aggregating 28 acres. We determined that these land parcels met the criteria for classification as held for sale as of March 31, 2016, including among others, the following: (i) management having the authority committed to sell the real estate, and (ii) the sale was probable within one year. Upon classification as held for sale as of March 31, 2016, we recognized an impairment charge of $29.0 million to lower the carrying amount of the real estate to its estimated fair value less cost to sell. During the second and the third quarters of 2016, we sold these two land parcels in two separate transactions for an aggregate sales price of $12.8 million at no gain or loss. As of December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2016, all our investments in Asia were classified as held for use, except for two land parcels in India, described above, which were classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2016, we concluded that all our investments that were classified as held for use were recoverable under the held for use model as the projected probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows from each operating property and land parcel exceeded our net book value, including our projected costs to complete or develop each land parcel. On April 22, 2016, we decided to monetize our remaining real estate investments located in Asia in order to invest capital into our highly leased value-creation pipeline. We determined that these investments met the criteria for classification as held for sale when we achieved the following, among other criteria: (i) committed to sell all of our real estate investments in Asia, (ii) obtained approval from our Board of Directors, and (iii) determined that the sale of each property/land parcel was probable within one year. On April 22, 2016, upon classification as held for sale, we recognized an impairment charge of $154.1 million related to our remaining real estate investments located in Asia, to lower the carrying costs of the real estate to its estimated fair value less cost to sell. During the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2016, we updated our assumptions of fair value for real estate investments located in Asia and, as a result, we recognized additional impairment charges of $7.3 million and $3.9 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , we had two operating properties aggregating 634,328 RSF remaining in China, which continued to meet the classification as held for sale, and no remaining investments in real estate in India. We expect to complete the transactions of our remaining real estate investments in Asia over the next several quarters. The following table summarized the 2016 disposition activity and remaining assets held for sale as of December 31, 2016 , in Asia (dollars in thousands): Rental Properties Land Parcels Sales Price Number RSF Number Acres Completed dispositions during 2016 6 566,355 6 196 $ 66,131 Remaining assets held for sale in China 2 634,328 — — TBD Total 8 1,200,683 6 196 We evaluated whether our real estate investments in Asia met the criteria for classification as discontinued operations, including, among others, (i) if the properties meet the held for sale criteria and (ii) if the sale of these assets represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. In our assessment, we considered, among other factors, that our total revenue from properties located in Asia was approximately 1.5% of our total consolidated revenues. At the time of evaluation, we also noted total assets related to our investment in Asia were approximately 2.5% of our total assets. Consequently, we concluded that the monetization of our real estate investments in Asia did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on our operations and financial results and, therefore, did not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations. The following is a summary of net assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , for our real estate investments in Asia that were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands) December 31, 2016 2015 Total assets $ 39,643 $ 79,588 Total liabilities (2,342 ) (1,631 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain) 828 (1,897 ) Net assets classified as held for sale – Asia $ 38,129 $ 76,060 The following is a summary of operating information for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , of our real estate investments in Asia, including, (i) two operating properties aggregating 634,328 RSF that were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 , and (ii) six operating properties, six land parcels, and a development project in India that were sold subsequent to January 1, 2014 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total revenues $ 10,989 $ 11,850 $ 10,519 Operating expenses (8,822 ) (8,501 ) (2,131 ) 2,167 3,349 8,388 General and administrative expenses (2,216 ) (4,258 ) (6,550 ) Depreciation expense (3,009 ) (9,263 ) (5,757 ) Impairment of real estate (194,346 ) (14,510 ) — Net loss from assets classified as held for sale – Asia $ (197,404 ) $ (24,682 ) $ (3,919 )

Quarterly financial data (unaud

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)	Quarterly financial data (unaudited) The following is a summary of consolidated financial information on a quarterly basis for 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Quarter 2016 First Second Third Fourth Revenues $ 216,089 $ 226,076 $ 230,379 $ 249,162 Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (3,818 ) $ (127,648 ) $ 5,452 $ (25,127 ) Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders: Basic and diluted (1) $ (0.05 ) $ (1.72 ) $ 0.07 $ (0.31 ) Quarter 2015 First Second Third Fourth Revenues $ 196,753 $ 204,156 $ 218,610 $ 223,955 Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 17,786 $ 31,291 $ 32,659 $ 35,131 Net income per share attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders: Basic and diluted (1) $ 0.25 $ 0.44 $ 0.46 $ 0.49 (1) Quarterly earnings per common share amounts may not total to the annual amounts due to rounding and due to the increase in the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding.

Subsequent events (Notes)

Subsequent events (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	Subsequent events In January 2017, we acquired land parcels aggregating 2.6 acres at 88 Bluxome Street in our Mission Bay/SoMa submarket of San Francisco, for a purchase price of $130.0 million . We are currently obtaining entitlements for the development of this site and anticipate an aggregate of 1,070,925 RSF to be available for construction of two buildings in separate phases. We have leased the property back to the seller until we obtain entitlements. In January 2017, we executed lease extensions with Novartis AG aggregating 302,626 RSF at 100 and 200 Technology Square in our Cambridge submarket of Greater Boston.

Condensed consolidating financi

Condensed consolidating financial information (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed consolidating financial information
Condensed consolidating financial information	21. 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and the condensed consolidating statements of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 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 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets Investments in real estate $ — $ — $ 9,077,972 $ — $ 9,077,972 Investment in unconsolidated real estate JV — — 50,221 — 50,221 Cash and cash equivalents 30,603 — 94,429 — 125,032 Restricted cash 102 — 16,232 — 16,334 Tenant receivables — — 9,744 — 9,744 Deferred rent — — 335,974 — 335,974 Deferred leasing costs — — 195,937 — 195,937 Investments — 4,440 338,037 — 342,477 Investments in and advances to affiliates 8,152,965 7,444,919 151,594 (15,749,478 ) — Other assets 45,646 — 155,551 — 201,197 Total assets $ 8,229,316 $ 7,449,359 $ 10,425,691 $ (15,749,478 ) $ 10,354,888 Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity Secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 1,011,292 $ — $ 1,011,292 Unsecured senior notes payable 2,378,262 — — — 2,378,262 Unsecured senior line of credit 28,000 — — — 28,000 Unsecured senior bank term loans 746,471 — — — 746,471 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 104,044 — 627,627 — 731,671 Dividends payable 76,743 — 171 — 76,914 Total liabilities 3,333,520 — 1,639,090 — 4,972,610 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 11,307 — 11,307 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 4,895,796 7,449,359 8,300,119 (15,749,478 ) 4,895,796 Noncontrolling interests — — 475,175 — 475,175 Total equity 4,895,796 7,449,359 8,775,294 (15,749,478 ) 5,370,971 Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 8,229,316 $ 7,449,359 $ 10,425,691 $ (15,749,478 ) $ 10,354,888 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets Investments in real estate $ — $ — $ 7,629,922 $ — $ 7,629,922 Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 127,212 — 127,212 Cash and cash equivalents 31,982 — 93,116 — 125,098 Restricted cash 91 — 28,781 — 28,872 Tenant receivables — — 10,485 — 10,485 Deferred rent — — 280,570 — 280,570 Deferred leasing costs — — 192,081 — 192,081 Investments — 4,702 348,763 — 353,465 Investments in and advances to affiliates 7,194,092 6,490,009 132,121 (13,816,222 ) — Other assets 36,808 — 96,504 — 133,312 Total assets $ 7,262,973 $ 6,494,711 $ 8,939,555 $ (13,816,222 ) $ 8,881,017 Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity Secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 809,818 $ — $ 809,818 Unsecured senior notes payable 2,030,631 — — — 2,030,631 Unsecured senior line of credit 151,000 — — — 151,000 Unsecured senior bank term loans 944,243 — — — 944,243 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 100,294 — 489,062 — 589,356 Dividends payable 61,718 — 287 — 62,005 Total liabilities 3,287,886 — 1,299,167 — 4,587,053 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 14,218 — 14,218 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 3,975,087 6,494,711 7,321,511 (13,816,222 ) 3,975,087 Noncontrolling interests — — 304,659 — 304,659 Total equity 3,975,087 6,494,711 7,626,170 (13,816,222 ) 4,279,746 Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 7,262,973 $ 6,494,711 $ 8,939,555 $ (13,816,222 ) $ 8,881,017 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental $ — $ — $ 673,820 $ — $ 673,820 Tenant recoveries — — 223,655 — 223,655 Other income 10,607 147 27,515 (14,038 ) 24,231 Total revenues 10,607 147 924,990 (14,038 ) 921,706 Expenses: Rental operations — — 278,408 — 278,408 General and administrative 62,234 — 15,688 (14,038 ) 63,884 Interest 85,613 — 21,340 — 106,953 Depreciation and amortization 6,792 — 306,598 — 313,390 Impairment of real estate — — 209,261 — 209,261 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 3,230 — — — 3,230 Total expenses 157,869 — 831,295 (14,038 ) 975,126 Equity in losses of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (184 ) — (184 ) Equity in earnings of affiliates 81,361 47,215 959 (129,535 ) — Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — 3,715 — 3,715 (Loss) income from continuing operations (65,901 ) 47,362 98,185 (129,535 ) (49,889 ) Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — 90 — 90 Net (loss) income (65,901 ) 47,362 98,275 (129,535 ) (49,799 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16,102 ) — (16,102 ) Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders (65,901 ) 47,362 82,173 (129,535 ) (65,901 ) Dividends on preferred stock (20,223 ) — — — (20,223 ) Preferred stock redemption charge (61,267 ) — — — (61,267 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (151,141 ) $ 47,362 $ 82,173 $ (129,535 ) $ (151,141 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental $ — $ — $ 608,824 $ — $ 608,824 Tenant recoveries — — 209,063 — 209,063 Other income (loss) 12,944 (205 ) 28,149 (15,301 ) 25,587 Total revenues 12,944 (205 ) 846,036 (15,301 ) 843,474 Expenses: Rental operations — — 261,232 — 261,232 General and administrative 51,553 — 23,369 (15,301 ) 59,621 Interest 79,155 — 26,658 — 105,813 Depreciation and amortization 5,986 — 255,303 — 261,289 Impairment of real estate — — 23,250 — 23,250 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 189 — — — 189 Total expenses 136,883 — 589,812 (15,301 ) 711,394 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 1,651 — 1,651 Equity in earnings of affiliates 268,156 238,691 4,704 (511,551 ) — Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — 12,426 — 12,426 Income from continuing operations 144,217 238,486 275,005 (511,551 ) 146,157 (Loss) income from discontinued operations — — (43 ) — (43 ) Net income 144,217 238,486 274,962 (511,551 ) 146,114 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,897 ) — (1,897 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders 144,217 238,486 273,065 (511,551 ) 144,217 Dividends on preferred stock (24,986 ) — — — (24,986 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (2,364 ) — — — (2,364 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 116,867 $ 238,486 $ 273,065 $ (511,551 ) $ 116,867 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental $ — $ — $ 544,153 $ — $ 544,153 Tenant recoveries — — 173,480 — 173,480 Other income (loss) 12,006 (3,277 ) 14,845 (14,330 ) 9,244 Total revenues 12,006 (3,277 ) 732,478 (14,330 ) 726,877 Expenses: Rental operations — — 219,164 — 219,164 General and administrative 45,793 — 22,067 (14,330 ) 53,530 Interest 58,159 — 21,140 — 79,299 Depreciation and amortization 5,748 — 218,348 — 224,096 Impairment of real estate — — 51,675 — 51,675 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 525 — — — 525 Total expenses 110,225 — 532,394 (14,330 ) 628,289 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 554 — 554 Equity in earnings of affiliates 199,800 188,269 3,665 (391,734 ) — Income from continuing operations 101,581 184,992 204,303 (391,734 ) 99,142 (Loss) income from discontinued operations (7 ) — 1,240 — 1,233 Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — 6,403 — 6,403 Net income 101,574 184,992 211,946 (391,734 ) 106,778 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,204 ) — (5,204 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders 101,574 184,992 206,742 (391,734 ) 101,574 Dividends on preferred stock (25,698 ) — — — (25,698 ) Preferred stock redemption charge (1,989 ) — — — (1,989 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (1,774 ) — — — (1,774 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 72,113 $ 184,992 $ 206,742 $ (391,734 ) $ 72,113 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net (loss) income $ (65,901 ) $ 47,362 $ 98,275 $ (129,535 ) $ (49,799 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities: Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period — 135 (79,968 ) — (79,833 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — (148 ) (18,325 ) — (18,473 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities, net — (13 ) (98,293 ) — (98,306 ) Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements: Unrealized interest rate hedge (losses) gains arising during the period (1,338 ) — 188 — (1,150 ) Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income 5,272 — 1 — 5,273 Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements, net 3,934 — 189 — 4,123 Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation: Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period — — (2,579 ) — (2,579 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income — — 52,926 — 52,926 Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation, net — — 50,347 — 50,347 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 3,934 (13 ) (47,757 ) — (43,836 ) Comprehensive (loss) income (61,967 ) 47,349 50,518 (129,535 ) (93,635 ) Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16,102 ) — (16,102 ) Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (61,967 ) $ 47,349 $ 34,416 $ (129,535 ) $ (109,737 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 144,217 $ 238,486 $ 274,962 $ (511,551 ) $ 146,114 Other comprehensive (loss) income Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities: Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period — (21 ) 77,391 — 77,370 Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — 1 (12,139 ) — (12,138 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities, net — (20 ) 65,252 — 65,232 Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate hedge agreements: Unrealized interest rate hedge (losses) gains arising during the period (5,516 ) — — — (5,516 ) Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income 2,707 — — — 2,707 Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate hedge agreements, net (2,809 ) — — — (2,809 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation: Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period — — (21,844 ) — (21,844 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income — — 9,236 — 9,236 Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net — — (12,608 ) — (12,608 ) Total other comprehensive (loss) income (2,809 ) (20 ) 52,644 — 49,815 Comprehensive income 141,408 238,466 327,606 (511,551 ) 195,929 Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,893 ) — (1,893 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 141,408 $ 238,466 $ 325,713 $ (511,551 ) $ 194,036 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 101,574 $ 184,992 $ 211,946 $ (391,734 ) $ 106,778 Other comprehensive income Unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities: Unrealized holding gains arising during the period — 148 50,987 — 51,135 Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — 292 (650 ) — (358 ) Unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities, net — 440 50,337 — 50,777 Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements: Unrealized interest rate hedge (losses) gains arising during the period (4,459 ) — — — (4,459 ) Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income 6,871 — — — 6,871 Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements, net 2,412 — — — 2,412 Unrealized (losses) gains on foreign currency translation: Unrealized foreign currency translation (losses) gains arising during the period (318 ) — (17,757 ) — (18,075 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — — (208 ) — (208 ) Unrealized (losses) gains on foreign currency translation, net (318 ) — (17,965 ) — (18,283 ) Total other comprehensive income 2,094 440 32,372 — 34,906 Comprehensive income 103,668 185,432 244,318 (391,734 ) 141,684 Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (4,534 ) — (4,534 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 103,668 $ 185,432 $ 239,784 $ (391,734 ) $ 137,150 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net (loss) income $ (65,901 ) $ 47,362 $ 98,275 $ (129,535 ) $ (49,799 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 6,792 — 306,598 — 313,390 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 3,230 — — — 3,230 Impairment of real estate — — 209,261 — 209,261 Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — (3,715 ) — (3,715 ) Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — (90 ) — (90 ) Equity in losses of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 184 — 184 Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 406 — 406 Amortization of loan fees 7,709 — 4,163 — 11,872 Amortization of debt discounts (premiums) 488 — (988 ) — (500 ) Amortization of acquired below-market leases — — (5,723 ) — (5,723 ) Deferred rent — — (51,673 ) — (51,673 ) Stock compensation expense 25,433 — — — 25,433 Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates (81,361 ) (47,215 ) (959 ) 129,535 — Investment gains — (567 ) (27,963 ) — (28,530 ) Investment losses — 188 11,209 — 11,397 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Restricted cash (11 ) — (975 ) — (986 ) Tenant receivables — — (285 ) — (285 ) Deferred leasing costs — (14 ) (35,259 ) — (35,273 ) Other assets (10,191 ) (1 ) (1,228 ) — (11,420 ) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 5,806 (609 ) 125 — 5,322 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (108,006 ) (856 ) 501,363 — 392,501 Investing Activities Proceeds from sales of real estate — — 123,081 — 123,081 Additions to real estate — — (821,690 ) — (821,690 ) Purchase of real estate — — (737,900 ) — (737,900 ) Deposits for investing activities — — (450 ) — (450 ) Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (11,529 ) — (11,529 ) Investments in subsidiaries (877,512 ) (907,695 ) (18,514 ) 1,803,721 — Additions to investments — — (102,284 ) — (102,284 ) Sales of investments — 1,251 37,695 — 38,946 Repayment of notes receivable — — 15,198 — 15,198 Net cash used in investing activities $ (877,512 ) $ (906,444 ) $ (1,516,393 ) $ 1,803,721 $ (1,496,628 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued) for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Alexandria Real Combined Eliminations Consolidated Financing Activities Borrowings from secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 291,400 $ — $ 291,400 Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable — — (310,903 ) — (310,903 ) Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable 348,604 — — — 348,604 Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit 4,117,000 — — — 4,117,000 Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit (4,240,000 ) — — — (4,240,000 ) Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior bank term loans (200,000 ) — — — (200,000 ) Transfer to/from parent company 8,346 907,300 888,075 (1,803,721 ) — Payment of loan fees (12,401 ) — (4,280 ) — (16,681 ) Change in restricted cash related to financing activities — — 11,746 — 11,746 Repurchases of 7.00% Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock (206,826 ) — — — (206,826 ) Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 1,432,177 — — — 1,432,177 Dividends on common stock (240,347 ) — — — (240,347 ) Dividends on preferred stock (22,414 ) — — — (22,414 ) Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests — — (10,044 ) — (10,044 ) Contributions from and sales of noncontrolling interests — — 221,487 — 221,487 Distributions to and purchase of noncontrolling interests — — (69,678 ) — (69,678 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 984,139 907,300 1,017,803 (1,803,721 ) 1,105,521 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (1,460 ) — (1,460 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,379 ) — 1,313 — (66 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 31,982 — 93,116 — 125,098 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 30,603 $ — $ 94,429 $ — $ 125,032 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized $ 67,066 $ — $ 17,841 $ — $ 84,907 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of real estate $ — $ — $ (203,000 ) $ — $ (203,000 ) Changes in accrued capital expenditures $ — $ — $ 76,848 $ — $ 76,848 Payable for purchase of real estate $ — $ — $ (56,800 ) $ — $ (56,800 ) Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining 49% interest in real estate joint venture with Uber Technologies, Inc. $ — $ — $ (25,546 ) $ — $ (25,546 ) Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture $ — $ — $ 87,930 $ — $ 87,930 Net investment in direct financing lease $ — $ — $ 36,975 $ — $ 36,975 Non-Cash Financing Activities: Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (5,000 ) $ — $ (5,000 ) Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ 2,264 $ — $ 2,264 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net income $ 144,217 $ 238,486 $ 274,962 $ (511,551 ) $ 146,114 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 5,986 — 255,303 — 261,289 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 189 — — — 189 Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — (12,426 ) — (12,426 ) Impairment of real estate — — 23,250 — 23,250 Equity in earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (1,651 ) — (1,651 ) Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 873 — 873 Amortization of loan fees 7,605 — 3,398 — 11,003 Amortization of debt discounts (premiums) 337 — (709 ) — (372 ) Amortization of acquired below-market leases — — (6,118 ) — (6,118 ) Deferred rent — — (47,483 ) — (47,483 ) Stock compensation expense 17,512 — — — 17,512 Equity in earnings of affiliates (268,156 ) (238,691 ) (4,704 ) 511,551 — Investment gains — — (35,035 ) — (35,035 ) Investment losses — 346 15,747 — 16,093 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Restricted cash (24 ) — 84 — 60 Tenant receivables — — 7 — 7 Deferred leasing costs — — (65,415 ) — (65,415 ) Other assets (10,797 ) — 1,718 — (9,079 ) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 28,078 8 15,714 — 43,800 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (75,053 ) 149 417,515 — 342,611 Investing Activities Proceeds from sales of real estate — — 129,799 — 129,799 Additions to real estate — — (564,206 ) — (564,206 ) Purchase of real estate — — (248,933 ) — (248,933 ) Deposits for investing activities — — (5,501 ) — (5,501 ) Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (9,027 ) — (9,027 ) Investments in subsidiaries (51,070 ) 44,687 1,374 5,009 — Additions to investments — — (95,945 ) — (95,945 ) Sales of investments — 6 67,130 — 67,136 Repayment of notes receivable — — 4,282 — 4,282 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities $ (51,070 ) $ 44,693 $ (721,027 ) $ 5,009 $ (722,395 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued) for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Financing Activities Borrowings from secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 169,754 $ — $ 169,754 Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable — — (89,815 ) — (89,815 ) Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable 298,872 — — — 298,872 Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit 2,145,000 — — — 2,145,000 Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit (2,298,000 ) — — — (2,298,000 ) Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loans (25,000 ) — — — (25,000 ) Transfer to/from parent company 155,194 (44,905 ) (105,280 ) (5,009 ) — Change in restricted cash related to financing activities — — 3,842 — 3,842 Payment of loan fees (5,825 ) — (4,759 ) — (10,584 ) Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 78,463 — — — 78,463 Dividends on common stock (218,104 ) — — — (218,104 ) Dividends on preferred stock (24,986 ) — — — (24,986 ) Contributions from and sales of noncontrolling interests — — 453,750 — 453,750 Distributions to and purchases of noncontrolling interests — — (64,066 ) — (64,066 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 105,614 (44,905 ) 363,426 (5,009 ) 419,126 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (255 ) — (255 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (20,509 ) (63 ) 59,659 — 39,087 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 52,491 63 33,457 — 86,011 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 31,982 $ — $ 93,116 $ — $ 125,098 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized $ 70,946 $ — $ 22,910 $ — $ 93,856 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Changes in accrued construction $ — $ — $ (10,070 ) $ — $ (10,070 ) Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of real estate $ — $ — $ (82,000 ) $ — $ (82,000 ) Non-Cash Financing Activities: Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest $ — $ — $ (51,092 ) $ — $ (51,092 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net income $ 101,574 $ 184,992 $ 211,946 $ (391,734 ) $ 106,778 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 5,748 — 218,348 — 224,096 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 525 — — — 525 Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — (1,838 ) — (1,838 ) Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — (6,403 ) — (6,403 ) Impairment of real estate — — 51,675 — 51,675 Equity in earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (554 ) — (554 ) Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 549 — 549 Amortization of loan fees 7,355 — 3,554 — 10,909 Amortization of debt discounts (premiums) 232 — (115 ) — 117 Amortization of acquired below-market leases — — (2,845 ) — (2,845 ) Deferred rent — — (44,726 ) — (44,726 ) Stock compensation expense 13,996 — — — 13,996 Equity in earnings of affiliates (199,800 ) (188,269 ) (3,665 ) 391,734 — Investment gains — — (11,613 ) — (11,613 ) Investment losses — 3,047 6,240 — 9,287 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Restricted cash (12 ) — 4,153 — 4,141 Tenant receivables — — (673 ) — (673 ) Deferred leasing costs 17 — (38,299 ) — (38,282 ) Other assets (7,785 ) — 319 — (7,466 ) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 25,877 — 775 — 26,652 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (52,273 ) (230 ) 386,828 — 334,325 Investing Activities Proceeds from sales of real estate — — 81,580 — 81,580 Additions to real estate (65 ) — (497,708 ) — (497,773 ) Purchase of real estate — — (127,887 ) — (127,887 ) Deposit for investing activities — — (10,282 ) — (10,282 ) Change in restricted cash related to construction projects and investing activities — — 1,665 — 1,665 Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (70,758 ) — (70,758 ) Investments in subsidiaries (334,764 ) (251,358 ) (13,441 ) 599,563 — Additions to investments — (150 ) (60,080 ) — (60,230 ) Sales of investments — 1,052 17,921 — 18,973 Repayment of notes receivable — — 29,883 — 29,883 Net cash used in investing activities $ (334,829 ) $ (250,456 ) $ (649,107 ) $ 599,563 $ (634,829 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued) for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Financing Activities Borrowings from secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 126,215 $ — $ 126,215 Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable — — (231,051 ) — (231,051 ) Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable 698,908 — — — 698,908 Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit 1,168,000 — — — 1,168,000 Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit (1,068,000 ) — — — (1,068,000 ) Repayments of unsecured senior bank term loan (125,000 ) — — — (125,000 ) Repurchases of 7.00% Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock (14,414 ) — — — (14,414 ) Transfer to/from parent company 103 250,749 348,711 (599,563 ) — Change in restricted cash related to financings — — (1,409 ) — (1,409 ) Payment of loan fees (6,523 ) — (1,576 ) — (8,099 ) Dividends on common stock (202,386 ) — — — (202,386 ) Dividends on preferred stock (25,885 ) — — — (25,885 ) Contributions from and sales of noncontrolling interests — — 19,410 — 19,410 Distributions to and purchases of noncontrolling interests — — (4,977 ) — (4,977 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 424,803 250,749 255,323 (599,563 ) 331,312 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (2,493 ) — (2,493 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37,701 63 (9,449 ) — 28,315 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 14,790 — 42,906 — 57,696 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 52,491 $ 63 $ 33,457 $ — $ 86,011 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized $ 39,871 $ — $ 18,095 $ — $ 57,966 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Note receivable issued in connection with sale of real estate $ — $ — $ 2,000 $ — $ 2,000 Change in accrued construction $ — $ — $ 29,846 $ — $ 29,846 Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties $ — $ — $ (48,329 ) $ — $ (48,329 )

Schedule III - Consolidated Fin

Schedule III - Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule III - Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation	Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and Subsidiaries Schedule III Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) Initial Costs Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisitions Total Costs Property Market Encumbrances Land Buildings & Improvements Buildings & Improvements Land Buildings & Improvements Total (1) Accumulated Depreciation (2) Net Cost Basis Date of Construction (3) Date Acquired Alexandria Center™ at Kendall Square Greater Boston $ 558,254 $ 279,668 $ 205,491 $ 1,161,253 $ 279,668 $ 1,366,744 $ 1,646,412 $ (94,148 ) $ 1,552,264 2000-2016 2005-2015 Alexandria Technology Square ® Greater Boston — — 619,658 200,799 — 820,457 820,457 (182,685 ) 637,772 2001-2012 2006 One Kendall Square Greater Boston 221,566 265,614 483,769 2,839 265,614 486,608 752,222 (5,673 ) 746,549 Various 2016 480 and 500 Arsenal Street Greater Boston — 9,773 12,773 80,609 9,773 93,382 103,155 (32,862 ) 70,293 2001/2003 2000/2001 640 Memorial Drive Greater Boston 85,338 — 174,878 148 — 175,026 175,026 (14,238 ) 160,788 2011 2015 780 and 790 Memorial Drive Greater Boston — — — 46,566 — 46,566 46,566 (20,336 ) 26,230 2002 2001 167 Sidney Street and 99 Erie Street Greater Boston — — 12,613 12,426 — 25,039 25,039 (5,339 ) 19,700 2006/2012 2005/2006 79/96 13th Street (Charlestown Navy Yard) Greater Boston — — 6,247 8,666 — 14,913 14,913 (3,929 ) 10,984 2012 1998 Alexandria Park at 128 Greater Boston — 10,439 41,596 64,808 10,439 106,404 116,843 (32,932 ) 83,911 1997-2010 1998-2008 19 Presidential Way Greater Boston — 12,833 27,333 11,232 12,833 38,565 51,398 (8,358 ) 43,040 1999 2005 225 Second Avenue Greater Boston — 2,925 14,913 37,679 2,925 52,592 55,517 (2,195 ) 53,322 2014 2014 100 Beaver Street Greater Boston — 1,466 9,046 12,230 1,466 21,276 22,742 (5,241 ) 17,501 2006 2005 285 Bear Hill Road Greater Boston — 422 3,538 6,830 422 10,368 10,790 (1,661 ) 9,129 2013 2011 111 and 130 Forbes Boulevard Greater Boston — 3,146 15,725 2,986 3,146 18,711 21,857 (4,878 ) 16,979 2006 2007/2006 20 Walkup Drive Greater Boston — 2,261 7,099 9,029 2,261 16,128 18,389 (2,517 ) 15,872 2012 2006 30 Bearfoot Road Greater Boston — 1,220 22,375 44 1,220 22,419 23,639 (10,818 ) 12,821 2000 2005 1455 and 1515 Third Street San Francisco — 117,637 — — 117,637 — 117,637 — 117,637 N/A 2016 510 Townsend Street San Francisco — 52,105 — 67,610 52,105 67,610 119,715 — 119,715 N/A 2014 Alexandria Center™ for Science & Technology San Francisco — 93,813 210,211 389,442 93,813 599,653 693,466 (87,313 ) 606,153 2007-2014 2004-2011 505 Brannan Street San Francisco — 31,710 2,540 43,489 31,710 46,029 77,739 — 77,739 N/A 2015 Alexandria Technology Center - Gateway San Francisco — 45,425 121,059 16,878 45,425 137,937 183,362 (42,498 ) 140,864 2000-2006 2002-2006 213, 249, 259, and 269 East Grand Avenue San Francisco — 59,199 — 172,702 59,199 172,702 231,901 (22,714 ) 209,187 2008/2012/2014 2004 400 and 450 East Jamie Court San Francisco — — — 112,630 — 112,630 112,630 (27,928 ) 84,702 2012 2002 500 Forbes Boulevard San Francisco — 35,596 69,091 17,339 35,596 86,430 122,026 (20,636 ) 101,390 2001 2007 7000 Shoreline Court San Francisco — 7,038 39,704 10,163 7,038 49,867 56,905 (14,141 ) 42,764 2001 2004 341 and 343 Oyster Point Boulevard San Francisco — 7,038 — 32,778 7,038 32,778 39,816 (14,948 ) 24,868 2009/2013 2000 849/863 Mitten Road/866 Malcolm Road San Francisco — 3,211 8,665 20,747 3,211 29,412 32,623 (9,744 ) 22,879 2012 1998 2425 Garcia Avenue & 2400/2450 Bayshore Parkway San Francisco 794 1,512 21,323 25,855 1,512 47,178 48,690 (18,751 ) 29,939 2008 1999 3165 Porter Drive San Francisco — — 19,154 2,105 — 21,259 21,259 (6,766 ) 14,493 2002 2003 Initial Costs Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisitions Total Costs Property Market Encumbrances Land Buildings & Improvements Buildings & Improvements Land Buildings & Improvements Total (1) Accumulated Depreciation (2) Net Cost Basis Date of Construction (3) Date Acquired 3350 West Bayshore Road San Francisco $ — $ 4,800 $ 6,693 $ 11,118 $ 4,800 $ 17,811 $ 22,611 $ (4,407 ) $ 18,204 1982 2005 2625/2627/2631 Hanover Street San Francisco — — 6,628 11,624 — 18,252 18,252 (8,382 ) 9,870 2000 1999 Alexandria Center™ for Life Science New York City — — — 816,125 — 816,125 816,125 (87,597 ) 728,528 2010-2016 2006 ARE Spectrum San Diego — 27,388 80,957 107,533 27,388 188,490 215,878 (32,666 ) 183,212 2008/2015 2007 ARE Nautilus San Diego — 6,684 27,600 104,212 6,684 131,812 138,496 (29,573 ) 108,923 2010-2012 1994-1997 ARE Sunrise San Diego 18,840 (4) 6,118 17,947 75,781 6,118 93,728 99,846 (35,825 ) 64,021 2000-2015 1994-2000 Torrey Ridge Science Center San Diego — 22,124 152,840 17 22,124 152,857 174,981 (1,638 ) 173,343 2003/2004 2016 3545 Cray Court San Diego 36,125 7,056 53,944 29 7,056 53,973 61,029 (10,681 ) 50,348 1998 2014 11119 North Torrey Pines Road San Diego — 9,994 37,099 32,793 9,994 69,892 79,886 (10,939 ) 68,947 2012 2007 5200 Illumina Way San Diego — 38,340 96,606 165,939 38,340 262,545 300,885 (25,036 ) 275,849 2004-2016 2010 Campus Pointe by Alexandria San Diego — 42,228 178,950 220,246 42,228 399,196 441,424 (31,369 ) 410,055 1997/2016 2010/2015 ARE Towne Centre San Diego — 8,539 18,850 47,305 8,539 66,155 74,694 (39,627 ) 35,067 2000-2010 1999 ARE Esplanade San Diego 11,012 (4) 9,682 29,991 86,096 9,682 116,087 125,769 (13,418 ) 112,351 1989-2016 1998-2011 9880 Campus Point Drive San Diego — 3,823 16,165 20,086 3,823 36,251 40,074 (24,731 ) 15,343 2005 2001 5810/5820 and 6138/6150 Nancy Ridge Drive San Diego — 5,991 30,248 15,330 5,991 45,578 51,569 (14,216 ) 37,353 2000-2001 2003-2004 ARE Portola San Diego — 6,991 25,153 21,417 6,991 46,570 53,561 (6,895 ) 46,666 2005-2012 2007 10121 and 10151 Barnes Canyon Road San Diego — 4,608 5,100 15,693 4,608 20,793 25,401 (1,133 ) 24,268 1988/2014 2013 7330 Carroll Road San Diego — 2,650 19,878 1,870 2,650 21,748 24,398 (3,444 ) 20,954 2007 2010 5871 Oberlin Drive San Diego — 1,349 8,016 3,798 1,349 11,814 13,163 (1,548 ) 11,615 2004 2010 11025, 11035, 11045, 11055, 11065, and 11075 Roselle Street San Diego — 4,156 11,571 26,667 4,156 38,238 42,394 (7,936 ) 34,458 2006/2008/2014 1997/2000/2014 3985, 4025, 4031, and 4045 Sorrento Valley Boulevard San Diego — 4,323 22,846 3,810 4,323 26,656 30,979 (9,873 ) 21,106 2007 2010/2014 13112 Evening Creek Drive San Diego 11,923 (4) 7,393 27,950 189 7,393 28,139 35,532 (9,408 ) 26,124 2007 2007 400 Dexter Avenue North Seattle — 11,342 — 149,594 11,342 149,594 160,936 (35 ) 160,901 N/A 2007 1201 and 1208 Eastlake Avenue Seattle 40,228 (4) 5,810 47,149 14,977 5,810 62,126 67,936 (22,149 ) 45,787 1997 2002 1616 Eastlake Avenue Seattle — 6,940 — 94,819 6,940 94,819 101,759 (24,016 ) 77,743 2013 2003 1551 Eastlake Avenue Seattle — 8,525 20,064 40,983 8,525 61,047 69,572 (9,859 ) 59,713 2012 2004 199 East Blaine Street Seattle — 6,528 — 72,140 6,528 72,140 78,668 (14,112 ) 64,556 2010 2004 219 Terry Avenue North Seattle — 1,819 2,302 19,292 1,819 21,594 23,413 (4,368 ) 19,045 2012 2007 1600 Fairview Avenue Seattle — 2,212 6,788 6,053 2,212 12,841 15,053 (3,273 ) 11,780 2007 2005 1818 Fairview Ave Seattle — — 8,444 2,566 — 11,010 11,010 (97 ) 10,913 N/A 2015 3000/3018 Western Avenue Seattle — 1,432 7,497 23,369 1,432 30,866 32,298 (9,088 ) 23,210 2000 1998 410 West Harrison/410 Elliott Avenue West Seattle — 3,857 1,989 10,638 3,857 12,627 16,484 (4,355 ) 12,129 2008/2006 2004 9800 Medical Center Drive Maryland — 12,401 99,696 103,475 12,401 203,171 215,572 (51,517 ) 164,055 2010-2013 2004 1330 Piccard Drive Maryland — 2,800 11,533 30,032 2,800 41,565 44,365 (14,815 ) 29,550 2005 1997 1500 and 1550 East Gude Drive Maryland — 1,523 7,731 6,230 1,523 13,961 15,484 (5,590 ) 9,894 2003/1995 1997 Initial Costs Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisitions Total Costs Property Market Encumbrances Land Buildings & Improvements Buildings & Improvements Land Buildings & Improvements Total (1) Accumulated Depreciation (2) Net Cost Basis Date of Construction (3) Date Acquired 14920 and 15010 Broschart Road Maryland $ — $ 4,904 $ 15,846 $ 4,527 $ 4,904 $ 20,373 $ 25,277 $ (4,209 ) $ 21,068 1998/1999 2010/2004 1405 Research Boulevard Maryland — 899 21,946 11,591 899 33,537 34,436 (12,062 ) 22,374 2006 1997 5 Research Place Maryland — 1,466 5,708 27,760 1,466 33,468 34,934 (9,380 ) 25,554 2010 2001 9920 Medical Center Drive Maryland — 5,791 8,060 1,351 5,791 9,411 15,202 (2,562 ) 12,640 2002 2004 5 Research Court Maryland — 1,647 13,258 5,879 1,647 19,137 20,784 (13,790 ) 6,994 2007 2004 12301 Parklawn Drive Maryland — 1,476 7,267 946 1,476 8,213 9,689 (2,314 ) 7,375 2007 2004 Alexandria Technology Center - Gaithersburg I Maryland — 10,183 59,641 23,893 10,183 83,534 93,717 (26,855 ) 66,862 1992-2009 1997-2004 Alexandria Technology Center - Gaithersburg II Maryland — 4,531 21,594 35,993 4,531 57,587 62,118 (23,564 ) 38,554 2000-2003 1997-2000 401 Professional Drive Maryland — 1,129 6,941 7,883 1,129 14,824 15,953 (5,417 ) 10,536 2007 1996 950 Wind River Lane Maryland — 2,400 10,620 1,050 2,400 11,670 14,070 (2,335 ) 11,735 2009 2010 620 Professional Drive Maryland — 784 4,705 7,344 784 12,049 12,833 (2,987 ) 9,846 2012 2005 8000/9000/10000 Virginia Manor Road Maryland — — 13,679 6,729 — 20,408 20,408 (8,951 ) 11,457 2003 1998 14225 Newbrook Drive Maryland 27,212 (4) 4,800 27,639 11,562 4,800 39,201 44,001 (14,439 ) 29,562 2006 1997 Alexandria Technology Center Alston Research Triangle Park — 1,430 17,482 28,390 1,430 45,872 47,302 (19,745 ) 27,557 1985-2009 1998 108/110/112/114 TW Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park — — 376 42,249 — 42,625 42,625 (14,928 ) 27,697 2000 1999 Alexandria Innovation Center - Research Triangle Park Research Triangle Park — 1,065 21,218 25,703 1,065 46,921 47,986 (13,624 ) 34,362 2005-2008 2000 6 Davis Drive Research Triangle Park — 9,029 10,712 8,111 9,029 18,823 27,852 (11,153 ) 16,699 2012 2012 7 Triangle Drive Research Triangle Park — 701 — 31,661 701 31,661 32,362 (4,646 ) 27,716 2011 2005 407 Davis Drive Research Triangle Park — 1,229 17,733 25 1,229 17,758 18,987 (1,777 ) 17,210 1998 2013 2525 East NC Highway 54 Research Triangle Park — 713 12,827 7,580 713 20,407 21,120 (4,340 ) 16,780 1995 2004 601 Keystone Park Drive Research Triangle Park — 785 11,546 6,440 785 17,986 18,771 (4,066 ) 14,705 2009 2006 6040 George Watts Hill Drive Research Triangle Park — — — 26,174 — 26,174 26,174 (755 ) 25,419 2015 2014 5 Triangle Drive Research Triangle Park — 161 3,409 2,887 161 6,296 6,457 (3,270 ) 3,187 1981 1998 6101 Quadrangle Drive Research Triangle Park — 951 3,982 11,028 951 15,010 15,961 (2,026 ) 13,935 2012 2008 Canada Canada — 10,350 43,884 9,225 10,350 53,109 63,459 (14,314 ) 49,145 2004 2005-2007 Various Various — 78,655 59,913 175,778 78,655 235,691 314,346 (56,424 ) 257,922 Various Various Total – North America 1,011,292 1,478,556 3,657,012 5,453,487 1,478,556 9,110,499 10,589,055 (1,546,798 ) 9,042,257 Asia — — — 43,463 — 43,463 43,463 (7,748 ) 35,715 Various Various $ 1,011,292 $ 1,478,556 $ 3,657,012 $ 5,496,950 $ 1,478,556 $ 9,153,962 $ 10,632,518 $ (1,554,546 ) $ 9,077,972 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands) (1) The aggregate cost of real estate for federal income tax purposes is not materially different from the cost basis under GAAP (unaudited). (2) The depreciable life for buildings and improvements ranges from up to 40 years , up to 20 years for land improvements, and the term of the respective lease for tenant improvements. (3) Represents the later of the date of original construction or the date of the latest renovation. (4) Loan of $109,215 secured by six properties identified by this reference. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation December 31, 2016 (In thousands) A summary of activity of consolidated investments in real estate and accumulated depreciation is as follows: December 31, Real Estate 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 8,945,261 $ 8,228,855 $ 7,682,376 Acquisitions (including real estate, land, and joint venture consolidation) 1,078,959 436,480 165,344 Additions to real estate 914,178 395,555 483,257 Deductions (including dispositions and direct financing lease) (305,880 ) (115,629 ) (102,122 ) Balance at end of period $ 10,632,518 $ 8,945,261 $ 8,228,855 December 31, Accumulated Depreciation 2016 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,315,339 $ 1,120,245 $ 952,106 Depreciation expense on properties 265,387 214,041 183,432 Sale of properties (26,180 ) (18,947 ) (15,293 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,554,546 $ 1,315,339 $ 1,120,245

Basis of presentation and sum30

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Other Income	Other income The following is a summary of the other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Management fee income $ 418 $ 1,667 $ 2,761 Interest and other income 6,680 4,978 4,157 Investment income 17,133 18,942 2,326 Total other income $ 24,231 $ 25,587 $ 9,244
Basis of presentation and consolidation	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. Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current-period presentation. Consolidation On an ongoing basis, as circumstances indicate the need for reconsideration, we evaluate each legal entity that is not wholly owned by us, under the consolidation guidance, first under the variable interest model, then under the voting model. Our evaluation considers all of our variable interests, including equity ownership, as well as fees paid to us for our involvement in the management of each partially owned entity. The variable interest model applies to entities that meet both of the following criteria: • A legal structure has been established to conduct business activities and to hold assets; such entity can be in the form of a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, among others; and • The entity established has variable interests – i.e., it has variable interests that are contractual, such as equity ownership or other financial interests that change with changes in the fair value of the entity’s net assets. If an entity meets both criteria above, we then evaluate such entity under the variable interest model. If an entity does not meet these criteria, then we evaluate such entity under the voting model or apply other GAAP, such as the cost or equity method of accounting. Variable interest model A legal entity is determined to be a VIE if it has any of the following three characteristics: 1) The entity does not have sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; 2) The entity is established with non-substantive voting rights (i.e., where the entity deprives the majority economic interest holder(s) of voting rights); or 3) The equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. Equity holders meet this criteria if they lack any of the following: • The power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly influences the entity’s economic performance, as evidenced by: • Substantive participating rights in day-to-day management of the entity’s activities; or • Substantive kick-out rights over the party responsible for significant decisions; • The obligation to absorb the entity’s expected losses; and • The right to receive the entity’s expected residual returns. Once we consider the sufficiency of equity and voting rights of each legal entity, we then evaluate the characteristics of the equity holders’ interests, as a group, to see if they qualify as controlling financial interests. Our real estate joint ventures consist of limited partnerships or limited liability companies. For entities structured as limited partnerships or limited liability companies, our evaluation of whether the equity holders (equity partners other than us in each of our joint ventures) lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest includes the evaluation of whether the limited partners or non-managing members (the noncontrolling equity holders) lack both substantive participating rights and substantive kick-out rights, defined as follows: • Participating rights – provide the noncontrolling equity holders the ability to direct significant financial and operating decisions made in the ordinary course of business that most significantly influence the entity’s economic performance. • Kick-out rights – allow the noncontrolling equity holders to remove the general partner or managing member without cause. If we conclude that any of the three characteristics of a VIE are met, including if equity holders lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest because they lack both substantive participating rights and substantive kick-out rights, we conclude that the entity is a VIE and evaluate it for consolidation under the variable interest model. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, we evaluate whether we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary analysis is a qualitative analysis based on power and benefits. We consolidate a VIE if we have both power and benefits – that is, (i) we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly influence the VIE’s economic performance (power) and (ii) we have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that potentially could be significant to the VIE (benefits). We consolidate VIEs whenever we determine that we are the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” to our consolidated financial statements for information on specific joint ventures that qualify as VIEs. If we have a variable interest in a VIE but we are not the primary beneficiary, we account for our investment using the equity method of accounting. Voting model If a legal entity fails to meet any of the three of the characteristics of a VIE (insufficiency of equity, non-substantive voting rights, or lack of controlling financial interest), we then evaluate such entity under the voting model. Under the voting model, we consolidate the entity if we determine that we, directly or indirectly, have greater than 50% of the voting shares, and we determine that other equity holders do not have substantive participating rights. Refer to Note 4 – “Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Venture” to our consolidated financial statements for further information on our unconsolidated real estate joint venture that qualifies for evaluation under the voting model.
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.
Operating segment	Reportable segment We are engaged in the business of providing space for lease to the life science and technology industries. Our properties are similar in that they provide space for lease to the life science and technology industries, consist of improvements that are generic and reusable for the life science and technology industries, are primarily located in AAA urban innovation cluster locations, and have similar economic characteristics. Our chief operating decision maker reviews financial information for our entire consolidated operations when making decisions related to assessing our operating performance, and reviews financial information for our individual properties when determining how to allocate resources related to capital expenditures. We have aggregated the properties into one reportable segment as the properties share similar long-term economic characteristics and have other similarities, including the fact that they are operated using consistent business strategies, are typically located in major metropolitan areas, and have similar tenant mixes. The financial information disclosed herein represents all of the financial information related to our one reportable segmen
International operations	International operations The functional currency for our subsidiaries operating in the U.S. is the U.S. dollar. We have operating properties in Canada and China. The functional currencies for our foreign subsidiaries are the local currencies in each respective country. The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect as of the financial statement date. Income statement accounts of our foreign subsidiaries are translated using the weighted-average exchange rate for the periods presented. Gains or losses resulting from the translation are classified in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of total equity. The appropriate amounts of foreign exchange rate gains or losses classified in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reflected in our consolidated statements of operations when there is a sale or partial sale of our investment in these operations or upon a complete or substantially complete liquidation of the investment.
Investments in real estate, net, and discontinued operations	Investments in real estate and properties classified as held for sale In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU (see “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below) that clarifies the framework for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities meets the definition of a business. The revised framework establishes a screen for determining whether an integrated set of assets and activities is a business and narrows the definition of a business, which is expected to result in fewer transactions being accounted for as business combinations. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. This update is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in previously issued (or available to be issued) financial statements. We early adopted this accounting standard effective October 1, 2016. As a result of this adoption, we evaluated three real estate acquisitions completed during the fourth quarter of 2016 under the new framework and determined that the assets acquired did not meet the definition of a business. Accordingly, we accounted for these transactions as asset acquisitions. Refer to Note 3 – “Investments in Real Estate” and Note 4 – “Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Joint Venture” to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding these acquisitions. Evaluation of business combination or asset acquisition We evaluate each acquisition of real estate or in-substance real estate (including equity interests in entities that predominantly hold real estate assets) to determine if the integrated set of assets and activities acquired meet the definition of a business and need to be accounted as a business combination. If either of the following criteria is met, the integrated set of assets and activities acquired would not qualify as a business: • Substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in either a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; or • The integrated set of assets and activities is lacking, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs (i.e. revenue generated before and after the transaction). An acquired process is considered substantive if: • The process includes an organized workforce (or includes an acquired contract that provides access to an organized workforce), that is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in performing the process; • The process cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort, or delay; or • The process is considered unique or scarce. Generally, we expect that acquisitions of real estate or in-substance real estate will not meet the revised definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e. land, buildings, and related intangible assets) or because the acquisition does not include a substantive process in the form of an acquired workforce or an acquired contract that cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort or delay. When evaluating acquired service or management contracts, we consider the nature of the services performed, the terms of the contract relative to similar at-the-market contracts, and the availability of comparable vendors in evaluating whether the acquired contract constitutes a substantive process. Recognition of real estate acquired For acquisitions of real estate or in-substance real estate which are accounted for as business combinations, we recognize the assets acquired (including the intangible value of acquired above- or below-market leases, acquired in-place leases, tenant relationships, and other intangible assets or liabilities), liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests and previously existing ownership interests at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any excess (deficit) of the consideration transferred relative to the fair value of the net assets acquired is accounted for as goodwill (bargain purchase gain). Acquisition costs related to the business combinations are expensed as incurred. Acquisitions of real estate and in-substance real estate which do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. The accounting model for asset acquisitions is similar to the accounting model for business combinations except that the acquisition consideration (including acquisition costs) is allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis. As a result, asset acquisitions do not result in the recognition of goodwill or a bargain purchase gain. In addition, because the accounting model for asset acquisitions is a cost accumulation model, preexisting interests in the acquired assets, if any, are not remeasured to fair value but continue to be accounted for at their historical basis. The relative fair values used to allocate the cost of an asset acquisition are determined using the same methodologies and assumptions as we utilize to determine fair value in a business combination. 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 renewal option will be exercised, we consider the option 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 under the 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. 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 up to 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 revenue. The values of acquired above- and below-market ground leases are amortized over the terms of the related ground leases and recognized as either an increase (for below-market ground leases) or a decrease (for above-market ground leases) to rental operating expense. 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. Capitalized project costs We capitalize project costs, including predevelopment costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, and other costs directly related and essential to the 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. Real estate sales 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. 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 geographic area, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity, then the operations of the property, including any interest expense directly attributable to it, are classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of operations, 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 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, if necessary, a probability-weighted approach if multiple outcomes are under consideration. 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 carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. The carrying 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, land held for development, and intangibles, are assessed by project and include significant fluctuations in estimated net operating income, 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 carrying 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.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held at major commercial banks in accounts that may at times exceed the FDIC-insured limit of $ 250,000 . We have not experienced any losses to date on our invested cash.
Restricted cash	Restricted cash Restricted cash primarily consists of funds held in trust under the terms of certain secured notes payable, funds held in escrow related to construction projects and investing activities, and other restricted funds.
Investments	Investments We hold equity investments in certain publicly traded companies and investments in certain privately held entities and limited partnerships primarily involved in the life science and technology industries. All of our equity 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 other 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 operations. 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 require accounting 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 carrying 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , our ownership percentage in the voting stock of each individual entity was less than 10% . We monitor each of our 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.
Leasing costs	Leasing costs Costs directly related and essential to our leasing activities are classified in deferred leasing costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. The amortization is classified in depreciation and amortization expenses, and costs related to unsuccessful leasing opportunities are classified in general and administrative expenses, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Loan fees	Loan fees Fees incurred in obtaining long-term financing are capitalized and classified with the corresponding debt instrument appearing on our consolidated balance sheet. Loan fees related to our unsecured senior line of credit are classified within other assets. Capitalized amounts are amortized over the term of the related loan, and the amortization is classified in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Interest rate swap agreements	Interest rate hedge agreements We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes, and currently all of our derivatives are designated as hedges. We are exposed to certain risks arising from both our business operations and economic conditions. We principally manage our exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of our core business activities. We manage economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of our debt funding and by entering into interest rate hedge agreements. Specifically, we enter into interest rate hedge agreements to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the values of which are determined by interest rates. Our interest rate hedge agreements are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash payments principally related to our borrowings based on LIBOR. Our objectives in using interest rate hedge agreements are to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements in accordance with our interest rate risk management strategy. All of our interest rate hedge agreements are designated as cash flow hedges. Interest rate hedge agreements designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company’s making fixed-rate payments over the life of the interest rate hedge agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount of interest rate hedge agreements. We utilize interest rate hedge agreements to hedge a portion of our exposure to variable interest rates primarily associated with borrowings based on LIBOR. We classify our interest rate hedge agreements as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the hedging instrument, based on the hedged exposure, as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Our interest rate hedge agreements are considered cash flow hedges because they are designated and qualify as hedges of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the earnings effect of the hedged transactions in a cash flow hedge. All of our interest rate hedge agreements meet the criteria to be deemed “highly effective” in reducing our exposure to variable interest rates. We formally document all relationships between interest rate hedge agreements and hedged items, including the method for evaluating effectiveness and the risk strategy. We make an assessment at the inception of each interest rate hedge agreement and on an ongoing basis to determine whether these instruments are “highly effective” in offsetting changes in cash flows associated with the hedged items. The ineffective portion of each interest rate hedge agreement is immediately recognized in earnings. While we intend to continue to meet the conditions for such hedge accounting, if our interest rate hedges did not qualify as “highly effective,” the changes in the fair values of the derivatives used as hedges would be reflected in earnings. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of our interest rate hedge agreements that are designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts classified in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The fair value of each interest rate hedge agreement is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analyses on the expected cash flows of each derivative. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of our interest rate hedge agreements are determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using “significant unobservable inputs” such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate hedge agreements.
Recognition of rental income and tenant recoveries	Recognition of rental income and tenant recoveries Rental revenue from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease terms. We classify amounts currently recognized as rental revenue in our consolidated statements of operations, and amounts expected to be received in later years as deferred rent in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts received currently but recognized as revenue 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 revenue at the date the property is ready for its intended use and the tenant takes possession of or controls the physical use of the property. Rental revenue from direct financing leases is recognized over the lease term using the effective interest rate method. At lease inception, we record an asset within other assets in our consolidated balance sheets, which represents the Company’s net investment in the direct financing lease. This initial net investment is determined by aggregating the total future minimum lease payments attributable to the direct financing lease and the estimated residual value of the property less unearned income. Over the lease term, the investment in the direct financing lease is reduced and rental income is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statements of operations and produces a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment in the direct financing lease. 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 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 tenants to make payments required under the terms of the lease and for tenant recoveries due. If a 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , no allowance for uncollectible tenant receivables and deferred rent was deemed necessary.
Monitoring client tenant credit quality	Monitoring tenant credit quality During the term of each lease, we monitor the credit quality of our tenants by (i) monitoring the credit rating of tenants that are rated by a nationally recognized credit rating agency, (ii) reviewing financial statements of the 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 tenants and their respective businesses, and (iv) monitoring the timeliness of lease payments. We have a research team consisting of employees who, among them, have graduate and undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, and industrial biotechnology and experience in the life science and technology industries, as well as in finance. Our research team is responsible for assessing and monitoring the credit quality of our tenants and any material changes in their credit quality.
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 jurisdiction 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 2011-2015 calendar years.
Stock-based compensation expense	Share-based compensation expense Our restricted stock awards may be subject to time-based vesting or performance or market-based measures in addition to the time-based measurement period. The grant date fair values of stock awards that are only subject to time-based service conditions are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period during which the employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award (the vesting period). We recognize stock-based compensation based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Future forfeitures of awards are estimated at the time of grant and revised in subsequent periods, as necessary, if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Certain restricted stock awards are subject to performance and market-based conditions. The grant date fair value of these awards is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation pricing model. Compensation cost is not recognized, and any previously recognized compensation cost is reversed to the extent a performance condition is ultimately not satisfied. Conversely, compensation cost is not reversed on any stock awards that do not vest as a result of not satisfying market-based conditions
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements On January 1, 2016, we adopted an ASU that requires debt issuance costs, excluding debt issuance costs associated with a line of credit, to be classified in our consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the face amount of the related debt. As a result of adopting the ASU, unamortized deferred financing costs aggregating $30.1 million as of January 1, 2016, were classified with the corresponding debt instrument appearing on our consolidated balance sheet, and deferred financing costs related to our unsecured senior line of credit, aggregating $11.9 million as of January 1, 2016, were classified in other assets. The ASU was applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The adoption of this ASU had no effect on our consolidated statements of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that amended the accounting for equity investments and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. The ASU requires equity investments that have a readily determinable fair value (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or that result in consolidation) to be measured at fair value, with the changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Available-for-sale equity securities that under current GAAP require the recognition of unrealized gains and losses in other comprehensive income will no longer be permitted. An election will be available to measure equity investments without a readily determinable fair value at cost less impairments, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. Changes in the carrying value from this measurement will also be reported in current earnings. A cumulative-effect adjustment will be recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. As of December 31, 2016 , we had $19.3 million of net unrealized gains related to our available-for-sale equity securities in publicly traded companies included in accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets. In February 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The ASU requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The ASU is expected to result in the recognition of a right-to-use asset and related liability to account for our future obligations under our ground lease arrangements for which we are the lessee. As of December 31, 2016 , the remaining contractual payments under our ground lease agreements aggregated $526.2 million . Additionally, the new ASU will require that lessees and lessors capitalize, as initial direct costs, only those costs that are incurred due to the execution of a lease. Under this ASU, allocated payroll costs and other costs that are incurred regardless of whether the lease is obtained will no longer be capitalized as initial direct costs and instead will be expensed as incurred. Lessors will continue to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases, and operating leases. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective transition method. We continue to assess the potential effect that the adoption of the ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that further clarifies an ASU issued in 2014 on recognition of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle underlying this ASU is that entities will recognize revenue to represent the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in such exchange. Leases are specifically excluded from this ASU and will be governed by the applicable lease codification; however, this update may have implications in certain variable payment terms included in lease agreements and in sale and leaseback transactions. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2017. We are currently assessing the potential effect the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that simplifies several aspects of employee share-based payment accounting, including the accounting for forfeitures. The ASU allows an entity to make an accounting policy election either to continue to estimate the total number of awards that are expected to vest (current method) or to account for forfeitures when they occur. This entity-wide accounting policy election only applies to service conditions; for performance conditions, the entity continues to assess the probability that such conditions will be achieved. If an entity elects to account for forfeitures when they occur, all nonforfeitable dividends paid on share-based payment awards are initially charged to retained earnings and reclassified to compensation cost only when forfeitures of the underlying awards occur. Under current guidance, nonforfeitable dividends paid on share-based payment awards that are not expected to vest are recognized as additional compensation cost. An entity must also disclose its policy election for forfeitures. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. If adopted, the ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. We adopted this ASU in January 2017. The adoption of this update resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment aggregating approximately $368 thousand booked as a decrease to retained earnings and an increase to additional paid-in capital on January 1, 2017. In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that changes the impairment model for most financial instruments by requiring companies to recognize an allowance for expected losses, rather than incurred losses as required currently by the other-than-temporary impairment model. The ASU will apply to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and off-balance-sheet credit exposures (e.g., loan commitments). The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied as a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. We are currently assessing the potential effect the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that provides guidance on classification of cash distributions received from equity method investments, including unconsolidated joint ventures. The ASU provides two approaches to determine the classification of cash distributions received: (i) the “cumulative earnings” approach, under which distributions up to the amount of cumulative equity in earnings recognized will be classified as cash inflows from operating activities, and those in excess of that amount will be classified as cash inflows from investing activities, and (ii) the “nature of the distribution” approach, under which distributions will be classified based on the nature of the underlying activity that generated cash distributions. Companies will elect either the “cumulative earnings” or the “nature of the distribution” approach. Entities that elect the “nature of the distribution” approach but lack the information to apply it will apply the cumulative earnings approach as an accounting change on a retrospective basis. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied retrospectively (exceptions apply). During the year ended December 31, 2016 , operating distributions received from our equity method investees aggregated approximately $406 thousand and were classified as cash inflows from operating activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows. We are currently assessing the effect of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued an ASU that will require companies to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will require a disclosure of a reconciliation between the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flows when the statement of financial position includes more than one line item for cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents. Entities with material restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents balances will be required to disclose the nature of the restrictions. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had $16.3 million and $28.9 million of restricted cash, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. Upon adoption of this ASU, restricted cash balances will be included along with cash and cash equivalents as of the end of period and beginning of period, respectively, in our consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods presented; separate line items showing changes in restricted cash balances will be eliminated from our consolidated statement of cash flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued an ASU that clarified the definition of a business. The ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this update on October 1, 2016. Refer to “Investments in Real Estate and Properties Classified as Held for Sale” above for a discussion of this new accounting pronouncement.

Background (Tables)

Background (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Square Feet by Property [Table Text Block]	Our asset base in North America (including consolidated and unconsolidated real estate joint ventures) consisted of the following as of December 31, 2016 : Square Feet Consolidated Unconsolidated Total Operating properties 17,594,802 413,799 18,008,601 Development and redevelopment projects 1,861,128 — 1,861,128 Operating properties and development and redevelopment projects 19,455,930 413,799 19,869,729 Future value-creation projects 5,292,631 — 5,292,631 Asset base in North America 24,748,561 413,799 25,162,360

Basis of presentation and sum32

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Other Income	Other income The following is a summary of the other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Management fee income $ 418 $ 1,667 $ 2,761 Interest and other income 6,680 4,978 4,157 Investment income 17,133 18,942 2,326 Total other income $ 24,231 $ 25,587 $ 9,244

Investments in real estate (Tab

Investments in real estate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Investments in real estate	Our consolidated investments in real estate consisted of the following as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 North America: Land (related to rental properties) $ 1,131,416 $ 677,649 Buildings and building improvements 7,810,269 6,644,634 Other improvements 584,565 260,605 Rental properties 9,526,250 7,582,888 Development and redevelopment projects (under construction or pre-construction) 809,254 917,706 Future value-creation projects 253,551 206,939 Value-creation pipeline 1,062,805 1,124,645 Gross investments in real estate – North America 10,589,055 8,707,533 Less: accumulated depreciation (1,546,798 ) (1,299,548 ) Net investments in real estate – North America 9,042,257 7,407,985 Net investments in real estate – Asia 35,715 (1) 221,937 Investments in real estate $ 9,077,972 $ 7,629,922 (1) Refer to “Assets Located in Asia” in Note 18 – “Assets Classified as Held for Sale” to our consolidated financial statements further information.
Schedule of future minimum lease payments	Minimum lease payments to be received under the terms of the operating lease agreements, excluding expense reimbursements, in effect as of December 31, 2016 , are outlined in the table below (in thousands): Year Amount 2017 $ 636,204 2018 683,713 2019 662,547 2020 618,096 2021 565,534 Thereafter 4,781,131 Total $ 7,947,225
Schedule of Consolidated Joint Ventures	The following table aggregates the balance sheet information of our consolidated VIEs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Investments in real estate $ 993,710 $ 608,474 Cash and cash equivalents 27,498 2,060 Other assets 57,166 37,633 Total assets $ 1,078,374 $ 648,167 Secured notes payable $ — $ — Other liabilities 66,711 38,666 Total liabilities 66,711 38,666 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s share of equity 538,069 307,220 Noncontrolling interest share of equity 473,594 302,281 Total liabilities and equity $ 1,078,374 $ 648,167
Acquired Below Market Leases
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Schedule of above and below market leases, net of related amortization	The balances of acquired below-market leases, and related accumulated amortization, classified in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Acquired below-market leases $ 119,187 $ 79,744 Accumulated amortization (59,678 ) (53,726 ) $ 59,509 $ 26,018
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , we recognized approximately $6.0 million , $6.3 million , and $2.8 million , respectively, related to the amortization of acquired below-market leases in rental income. The weighted-average amortization period of the value of acquired below-market leases was approximately 3.7 years as of December 31, 2016 . The estimated annual amortization of the value of acquired below-market leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2017 $ 14,950 2018 12,443 2019 9,364 2020 5,458 2021 4,295 Thereafter 12,999 Total $ 59,509
Acquired-in-Place Leases
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Schedule of above and below market leases, net of related amortization	The balances of acquired in-place leases, and related accumulated amortization, are classified in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , these amounts were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Acquired in-place leases $ 105,708 $ 65,397 Accumulated amortization (42,300 ) (37,400 ) $ 63,408 $ 27,997
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Amortization for these intangible assets, classified in depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, was approximately $6.8 million , $5.5 million , and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , respectively. The weighted average amortization period of the value of acquired in-place leases was approximately 5.5 years as of December 31, 2016 . The estimated annual amortization of the value of acquired in-place leases is as follows (in thousands): Year Amount 2017 $ 15,579 2018 13,873 2019 11,104 2020 7,650 2021 5,957 Thereafter 9,245 Total $ 63,408

Investments in unconsolidated34

Investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures Summary of secured construction loan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of equity investments and joint ventures secured construction loans	360 Longwood Avenue We have a 27.5% ownership interest in one unconsolidated real estate joint venture that owns a building aggregating 413,799 RSF in our Longwood Medical Area submarket of Greater Boston. As of December 31, 2016 , 100% of the project was in service with occupancy of 76% . Our equity investment in this real estate joint venture was $50.2 million as of December 31, 2016 . Our tenant at the property exercised their option to purchase a condo interest representing 203,090 RSF, or 49% , of the entire property, pursuant to a fixed-price purchase option in the lease agreement. The sale of the property will be completed in mid-2017. Our share of the sale price is $65.7 million , excluding any customary and ordinary closing costs. As of December 31, 2016 , our share of the net book value of the portion of the property expected to be sold is $52.4 million . The real estate joint venture has a non-recourse, secured construction loan (“Longwood Construction Loan”) that includes the following key terms (dollars in thousands): Tranche Maturity Date Stated Rate Outstanding Balance Remaining Commitments Total Fixed rate April 1, 2017 (1 ) 5.25 % $ 173,226 $ 2,015 $ 175,241 Floating rate (2) April 1, 2017 (1 ) L+3.75 % 12,557 25,402 37,959 185,783 $ 27,417 $ 213,200 Unamortized deferred financing costs (117 ) $ 185,666 (1) We have two , one -year options to extend the stated maturity date to April 1, 2019, subject to certain conditions. In connection with the anticipated sale of a condo interest in 203,090 RSF of 360 Longwood Avenue in mid-2017, the real estate joint venture expects to refinance the existing secured construction loan. (2) Borrowings under the floating rate tranche have an interest rate floor equal to 5.25% , and are subject to an interest rate cap on LIBOR of 3.50% .

Deferred leasing costs (Tables)

Deferred leasing costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our deferred leasing costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Deferred leasing costs $ 430,455 $ 396,765 Accumulated amortization (234,518 ) (204,684 ) Deferred leasing costs, net $ 195,937 $ 192,081

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of investments	The following table summarizes our investments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Available-for-sale equity securities, cost basis $ 41,392 $ 20,022 Unrealized gains 25,076 118,392 Unrealized losses (5,783 ) (793 ) Available-for-sale equity securities, at fair value 60,685 137,621 Investments accounted for under cost method 281,792 215,844 Total investments $ 342,477 $ 353,465
Schedule of net investment income	The following table presents the components of our investment income classified within other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Investment gains $ 28,530 $ 35,035 $ 11,613 Investment losses (11,397 ) (16,093 ) (9,287 ) Investment income $ 17,133 $ 18,942 $ 2,326

Other assets (Tables)

Other assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	The following table summarizes the components of other assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Acquired below-market ground leases $ 12,913 $ 13,142 Net investment in direct financing lease 37,297 — Acquired in-place leases 63,408 27,997 Deferred compensation plan 11,632 8,489 Deferred financing costs – $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit 14,239 11,909 Deposits 3,302 3,713 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment, net 12,839 13,682 Interest rate hedge assets 4,115 596 Notes receivable 694 16,630 Prepaid expenses 9,724 17,651 Property, plant, and equipment 19,891 — Other assets 11,143 19,503 Total $ 201,197 $ 133,312
Net Investment in Direct Financing Lease [Table Text Block]	The components of our net investment in direct financing lease as of December 31, 2016 are summarized in the table below (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Gross investment in direct financing lease $ 264,954 Less: unearned income (227,657 ) Net investment in direct financing lease $ 37,297
Schedule of future minimum lease payments to be received on direct financing lease [Table Text Block]	Future minimum lease payments to be received under our direct financing lease as of December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands): Year Total 2017 $ 1,235 2018 1,607 2019 1,655 2020 1,705 2021 1,756 Thereafter 256,996 Total $ 264,954

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 Description Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets: Available-for-sale equity securities $ 60,685 $ 60,685 $ — $ — Interest rate hedge agreements $ 4,115 $ — $ 4,115 $ — Liabilities: Interest rate hedge agreements $ 3,587 $ — $ 3,587 $ — December 31, 2015 Description Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets: Available-for-sale equity securities $ 137,621 $ 137,621 $ — $ — Interest rate hedge agreements $ 596 $ — $ 596 $ — Liabilities: Interest rate hedge agreements $ 4,314 $ — $ 4,314 $ —
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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 , the book and estimated fair values of our available-for-sale equity securities, interest rate hedge agreements, secured notes payable, unsecured senior notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, and unsecured senior bank term loans were as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value Assets: Available-for-sale equity securities $ 60,685 $ 60,685 $ 137,621 $ 137,621 Interest rate hedge agreements $ 4,115 $ 4,115 $ 596 $ 596 Liabilities: Interest rate hedge agreements $ 3,587 $ 3,587 $ 4,314 $ 4,314 Secured notes payable $ 1,011,292 $ 1,016,782 $ 809,818 $ 832,342 Unsecured senior notes payable $ 2,378,262 $ 2,431,470 $ 2,030,631 $ 2,059,855 Unsecured senior line of credit $ 28,000 $ 27,998 $ 151,000 $ 151,450 Unsecured senior bank term loans $ 746,471 $ 750,422 $ 944,243 $ 951,098

Secured and unsecured senior 39

Secured and unsecured senior debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Interest Incurred [Table Text Block]	Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest incurred $ 159,403 $ 142,353 $ 126,404 Capitalized interest (52,450 ) (36,540 ) (47,105 ) Interest expense $ 106,953 $ 105,813 $ 79,299
Unsecured Senior Line of Credit Amendment [Table Text Block]	On July 29, 2016, we amended our unsecured senior line of credit (the Amended Credit Agreement) and recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.4 million related to the write-off of unamortized loan fees. The key changes are summarized below: Amended Agreement Prior Agreement Commitments $1.65 billion $1.50 billion Interest rate LIBOR+1.00% LIBOR+1.10% Maturity date October 29, 2021 (1) January 3, 2019 (1) Includes two , six -months options to extend from the stated maturity date of October 29, 2020, subject to certain conditions.
Summary of secured and unsecured debt	The following table summarizes our secured and unsecured senior debt as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable Rate Unhedged Variable Rate Weighted-Average Interest Remaining Term (in years) Total Percentage Rate (1) Secured notes payable $ 853,726 $ 157,566 $ 1,011,292 24.3 % 3.43 % 3.4 Unsecured senior notes payable 2,378,262 — 2,378,262 57.0 4.14 7.2 $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit — 28,000 28,000 0.7 1.77 4.8 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 398,537 — 398,537 9.6 2.91 2.0 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 347,934 — 347,934 8.4 2.24 4.0 Total/weighted average $ 3,978,459 $ 185,566 $ 4,164,025 100.0 % 3.51 % 5.5 Percentage of total debt 96% 4% 100% (1) Represents the weighted-average interest rate as of the end of the applicable period, including expense/income related to our interest rate hedge agreements, amortization of debt premiums (discounts), amortization of loan fees, and other bank fees.
Summary of fixed rate/hedged and unhedged floating rate debt and their respective principal maturities	The following table summarizes our outstanding indebtedness and respective principal payments as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Stated Rate Weighted-Average Interest Rate Maturity Principal Payments Remaining for the Periods Ending December 31, Unamortized (Deferred Financing Cost), (Discount) Premium Debt (1) Date (2) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Principal Total Secured notes payable Greater Boston L+1.35 % 2.59 % 8/23/17 (3) $ 212,289 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 212,289 $ (923 ) $ 211,366 Greater Boston L+1.50 % 2.20 1/28/19 (4) — — 250,959 — — — 250,959 (2,487 ) 248,472 Greater Boston L+2.00 % 2.80 4/20/19 (4) — — 101,512 — — — 101,512 (3,096 ) 98,416 San Diego, Seattle, and Maryland 7.75 % 8.12 4/1/20 1,832 1,979 2,138 104,352 — — 110,301 (1,086 ) 109,215 San Diego 4.66 % 5.02 1/1/23 1,412 1,608 1,686 1,763 1,852 28,201 36,522 (397 ) 36,125 Greater Boston 3.93 % 3.18 3/10/23 — 1,091 1,505 1,566 1,628 76,210 82,000 3,338 85,338 Greater Boston 4.82 % 3.38 2/6/24 — 2,720 3,090 3,217 3,406 190,567 203,000 18,566 221,566 San Francisco 6.50 % 6.73 7/1/36 21 22 24 24 26 677 794 — 794 Secured debt weighted-average interest rate/subtotal 3.73 % 3.43 215,554 7,420 360,914 110,922 6,912 295,655 997,377 13,915 1,011,292 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan L+1.20 % 2.91 1/3/19 — — 400,000 — — — 400,000 (1,463 ) 398,537 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan L+1.10 % 2.24 1/15/21 — — — — 350,000 — 350,000 (2,066 ) 347,934 $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit L+1.00 % (5) 1.77 10/29/21 — — — — 28,000 — 28,000 — 28,000 Unsecured senior notes payable 2.75 % 2.95 1/15/20 — — — 400,000 — — 400,000 (2,404 ) 397,596 Unsecured senior notes payable 4.60 % 4.72 4/1/22 — — — — — 550,000 550,000 (3,404 ) 546,596 Unsecured senior notes payable 3.90 % 4.02 6/15/23 — — — — — 500,000 500,000 (3,812 ) 496,188 Unsecured senior notes payable 4.30 % 4.46 1/15/26 — — — — — 300,000 300,000 (4,346 ) 295,654 Unsecured senior notes payable 3.95 % 4.11 1/15/27 — — — — — 350,000 350,000 (4,996 ) 345,004 Unsecured senior notes payable 4.50 % 4.58 7/30/29 — — — — — 300,000 300,000 (2,776 ) 297,224 Unsecured debt weighted average/subtotal 3.75 — — 400,000 400,000 378,000 2,000,000 3,178,000 (25,267 ) 3,152,733 Weighted-average interest rate/total 3.51 % $ 215,554 $ 7,420 $ 760,914 $ 510,922 $ 384,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 4,175,377 $ (11,352 ) $ 4,164,025 Balloon payments $ 212,289 $ — $ 752,471 $ 503,979 $ 378,000 $ 2,283,417 $ 4,130,156 $ — $ 4,130,156 Principal amortization 3,265 7,420 8,443 6,943 6,912 12,238 45,221 (11,352 ) 33,869 Total debt $ 215,554 $ 7,420 $ 760,914 $ 510,922 $ 384,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 4,175,377 $ (11,352 ) $ 4,164,025 Fixed-rate/hedged variable-rate debt $ 153,265 $ 7,420 $ 663,443 $ 510,922 $ 356,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 3,987,617 $ (9,158 ) $ 3,978,459 Unhedged variable-rate debt 62,289 — 97,471 — 28,000 — 187,760 (2,194 ) 185,566 Total debt $ 215,554 $ 7,420 $ 760,914 $ 510,922 $ 384,912 $ 2,295,655 $ 4,175,377 $ (11,352 ) $ 4,164,025 (1) Represents the weighted-average interest rate as of the end of the applicable period, including expense/income related to our interest rate hedge agreements, amortization of debt premiums (discounts), amortization of loan fees, and other bank fees. (2) Reflects any extension options that we control. (3) In January 2017, we exercised our option and extended the maturity date by one year to August 23, 2018. (4) Refer to “Secured Construction Loans” below within this Note 9 for options to extend maturity date. (5) Our $1.65 billion 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. In addition to the cost of borrowing, the facility is subject to an annual facility fee of 0.20% , based on the aggregate commitments. Unamortized deferred financing costs related to our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit are classified in other assets and are excluded from the calculation of the weighted-average interest rate.
Summary of unsecured bank debt	We have unsecured senior bank debt aggregating $774.5 million as of December 31, 2016 , under our 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan, 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan, and amounts outstanding on our $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit. The table below reflects the outstanding balances, maturity dates, applicable rates, and facility fees for each of these facilities (dollars in thousands). As of December 31, 2016 Facility Balance Maturity Date (1) Applicable Rate Facility Fee $1.65 billion unsecured senior line of credit $ 28,000 October 2021 L+1.00% 0.20% 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 398,537 January 2019 L+1.20% N/A 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan 347,934 January 2021 L+1.10% N/A $ 774,471 (1) Reflects any extension options that we control.
Summary of secured construction loans	The following table summarizes our secured construction loans as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Address/Market Stated Rate Maturity Date Outstanding Principal Balance Remaining Commitments Aggregate Commitments 75/125 Binney Street/Greater Boston L+1.35 % 8/23/17 (1) $ 212,289 $ 38,111 $ 250,400 50 and 60 Binney Street/Greater Boston L+1.50 % 1/28/19 (2) 250,959 99,041 350,000 100 Binney Street/Greater Boston L+2.00 % 4/20/19 (3) 101,512 202,769 304,281 $ 564,760 $ 339,921 $ 904,681 (1) In January 2017, we exercised our option to extend the stated maturity date by one year to August 23, 2018. (2) We have two , one -year options to extend the stated maturity date to January 28, 2021, subject to certain conditions. (3) We have two , one -year options to extend the stated maturity date to April 20, 2021, subject to certain conditions.

Interest rate swap agreements40

Interest rate swap agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 hedge agreements that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands): Interest Rate Hedge Type Number of Contracts Weighted-Average Interest Pay/ Cap Rate (1) Fair Value as of 12/31/16 Notional Amount in Effect as of Effective Date Maturity Date 12/31/16 12/31/17 12/31/18 Swap September 1, 2015 March 31, 2017 2 0.57% $ 52 $ 100,000 $ — $ — Swap March 31, 2016 March 31, 2017 11 1.15% (903 ) 1,000,000 — — Swap March 31, 2017 March 31, 2018 15 1.31% (1,856 ) — 900,000 — Swap March 29, 2018 March 31, 2019 6 1.01% 2,924 — — 450,000 Cap July 29, 2016 April 20, 2019 2 2.00% 311 55,000 126,000 150,000 Total $ 528 (2) $ 1,155,000 $ 1,026,000 $ 600,000 (1) In addition to the interest pay rate for each swap agreement, interest is payable at an applicable margin over LIBOR for borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2016 , as listed under the column heading “Stated Rate” in our summary table of outstanding indebtedness and respective principal payments under Note 9 – “Secured and Unsecured Senior Debt” to our consolidated financial statements. (2) This total represents the net of the fair value of interest rate hedges in an asset position of $4.1 million and fair value of interest rate hedges in a liability position of $3.6 million . Refer to Note 8 – “Fair Value Measurements” to our consolidated financial statements.

Accounts payable, accrued exp41

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Summary of components of 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 366,174 $ 239,838 Acquired below-market leases 59,509 26,018 Conditional asset retirement obligations 3,095 5,777 Deferred rent liabilities 34,426 27,664 Interest rate hedge liabilities 3,587 4,314 Unearned rent and tenant security deposits 231,416 211,605 Other liabilities 33,464 74,140 Total $ 731,671 $ 589,356

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (49,889 ) $ 146,157 $ 99,142 Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels 90 — 6,403 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (16,102 ) (1,897 ) (5,204 ) Dividends on preferred stock (20,223 ) (24,986 ) (25,698 ) Preferred stock redemption charge (61,267 ) — (1,989 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (3,750 ) (2,364 ) (1,774 ) Numerator for basic and diluted EPS – net (loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders (151,141 ) 116,910 70,880 (Loss) income from discontinued operations — (43 ) 1,233 Numerator for basic and diluted EPS – net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (151,141 ) $ 116,867 $ 72,113 Denominator for basic and diluted EPS – weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding 76,103 71,529 71,170 Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders – basic and diluted: Continuing operations $ (1.99 ) $ 1.63 $ 0.99 Discontinued operations — — 0.02 Net (loss) income per share $ (1.99 ) $ 1.63 $ 1.01

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income tax treatment of distribution and dividends declared	The income tax treatment of distributions and dividends declared on our common stock, our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, and our Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , was as follows (unaudited): Common Stock Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Series E Redeemable Preferred Stock Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Ordinary income 25.2 % 50.1 % 91.8 % 44.8 % 54.4 % 100.0 % 44.8 % 54.4 % 100.0 % Return of capital 43.9 7.9 8.2 — — — — — — Capital gains at 25% — 8.5 — — 9.2 — — 9.2 — Capital gains at 20% 30.9 33.5 — 55.2 36.4 — 55.2 36.4 — Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Dividends declared $ 3.23 $ 3.05 $ 2.88 $ 1.75 $ 1.75 $ 1.75 $ 1.6125 $ 1.6125 $ 1.6125
Reconciliation of GAAP net income to taxable income as filed with the IRS	The following reconciles net income (determined in accordance to GAAP) to taxable income as filed with the IRS for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands and unaudited): Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Net income $ 146,114 $ 106,778 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,897 ) (5,204 ) Book/tax differences: Rental revenue recognition (42,815 ) (21,210 ) Depreciation and amortization 46,641 31,187 Share-based compensation 12,705 13,808 Interest (expense) income (58,909 ) 629 Sales of property 66,102 24,174 Impairments 35,177 59,067 Other 11,479 (121 ) Taxable income before dividend deduction 214,597 209,108 Dividend deduction necessary to eliminate taxable income (1) (214,597 ) (209,108 ) Estimated income subject to federal income tax $ — $ — (1) Total common stock and preferred stock dividend distributions paid were approximately $243.1 million and $228.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Commitments and contingencies44

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable ground and other operating leases	Our rental expense attributable to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , was approximately $14.3 million , $13.7 million , and $13.4 million , respectively. These rental expense amounts include certain operating leases for our headquarters and field offices, and ground leases for 28 of our properties and one land development parcel. Ground leases generally require fixed annual rent payments and may also include escalation clauses and renewal options. Future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable ground and other operating leases as of December 31, 2016 , were as follows (in thousands): Year Office Leases Ground Leases Total 2017 $ 1,546 $ 11,605 $ 13,151 2018 1,588 10,711 12,299 2019 1,518 10,871 12,389 2020 60 10,707 10,767 2021 41 10,263 10,304 Thereafter — 472,011 472,011 Total $ 4,753 $ 526,168 $ 530,921

Share-based compensation (Table

Share-based compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of nonvested share award activity	The following is a summary of the stock awards activity under our equity incentive plan and related information for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 : Number of Share Awards Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding at December 31, 2013 569,773 $ 68.54 Granted 416,954 $ 72.25 Vested (286,681 ) $ 72.91 Forfeited (25,077 ) $ 55.72 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 674,969 $ 69.46 Granted 449,559 $ 89.72 Vested (307,511 ) $ 71.78 Forfeited (2,999 ) $ 79.81 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 814,018 $ 80.95 Granted 661,409 $ 88.98 Vested (325,537 ) $ 78.73 Forfeited (14,102 ) $ 79.10 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 1,135,788 $ 87.21 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2016 2015 2014 Total grant date fair value of stock awards vested $ 25,630 $ 22,073 $ 20,903 Total compensation recognized for stock awards, net of capitalization $ 25,433 $ 17,512 $ 13,996 Capitalized stock compensation $ 11,604 $ 9,177 $ 7,583

Noncontrolling interests Noncon

Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interests [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 years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 , excluding the amounts attributable to these noncontrolling interests (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders $ (65,901 ) $ 144,260 $ 100,341 (Loss) income from discontinued operations — (43 ) 1,233 Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders $ (65,901 ) $ 144,217 $ 101,574

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
North America
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Summary of net assets of discontinued operations and income from discontinued operations, net	Assets classified as held for sale in North America The following is a summary of net assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , for our real estate investments in North America that were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 2015 Total assets $ 3,375 $ 5,215 Total liabilities — — Net assets classified as held for sale – North America $ 3,375 $ 5,215 The following is a summary of operating information for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , of our real estate investments in North America classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 , and real estate investments in North America sold subsequent to January 1, 2014 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total revenues $ 8,385 $ 9,025 $ 8,951 Operating expenses (1,639 ) (3,292 ) (4,729 ) 6,746 5,733 4,222 General and administrative expenses (62 ) (125 ) (257 ) Depreciation expense (660 ) (1,949 ) (5,838 ) Impairment of real estate (7,932 ) (8,740 ) (17,415 ) Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties 3,715 12,427 — Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels 90 — — Net income (loss) from assets classified as held for sale – North America $ 1,897 $ 7,346 $ (19,288 )
Asia
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Summary of net assets of discontinued operations and income from discontinued operations, net	Assets located in Asia We recognized an aggregate impairment charge of $194.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 , to reduce our net book value to fair value less cost to sell. The fair value considered in the impairment of each investment was determined based on the following: (i) preliminary non-binding letters of intent, (ii) significant other observable inputs, including the consideration of certain local government land acquisition programs, and (iii) discounted cash flow analyses. On March 31, 2016, we evaluated two separate potential transactions to sell land parcels in our India submarket aggregating 28 acres. We determined that these land parcels met the criteria for classification as held for sale as of March 31, 2016, including among others, the following: (i) management having the authority committed to sell the real estate, and (ii) the sale was probable within one year. Upon classification as held for sale as of March 31, 2016, we recognized an impairment charge of $29.0 million to lower the carrying amount of the real estate to its estimated fair value less cost to sell. During the second and the third quarters of 2016, we sold these two land parcels in two separate transactions for an aggregate sales price of $12.8 million at no gain or loss. As of December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2016, all our investments in Asia were classified as held for use, except for two land parcels in India, described above, which were classified as held for sale as of March 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2015, and March 31, 2016, we concluded that all our investments that were classified as held for use were recoverable under the held for use model as the projected probability-weighted undiscounted cash flows from each operating property and land parcel exceeded our net book value, including our projected costs to complete or develop each land parcel. On April 22, 2016, we decided to monetize our remaining real estate investments located in Asia in order to invest capital into our highly leased value-creation pipeline. We determined that these investments met the criteria for classification as held for sale when we achieved the following, among other criteria: (i) committed to sell all of our real estate investments in Asia, (ii) obtained approval from our Board of Directors, and (iii) determined that the sale of each property/land parcel was probable within one year. On April 22, 2016, upon classification as held for sale, we recognized an impairment charge of $154.1 million related to our remaining real estate investments located in Asia, to lower the carrying costs of the real estate to its estimated fair value less cost to sell. During the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2016, we updated our assumptions of fair value for real estate investments located in Asia and, as a result, we recognized additional impairment charges of $7.3 million and $3.9 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , we had two operating properties aggregating 634,328 RSF remaining in China, which continued to meet the classification as held for sale, and no remaining investments in real estate in India. We expect to complete the transactions of our remaining real estate investments in Asia over the next several quarters. The following table summarized the 2016 disposition activity and remaining assets held for sale as of December 31, 2016 , in Asia (dollars in thousands): Rental Properties Land Parcels Sales Price Number RSF Number Acres Completed dispositions during 2016 6 566,355 6 196 $ 66,131 Remaining assets held for sale in China 2 634,328 — — TBD Total 8 1,200,683 6 196 We evaluated whether our real estate investments in Asia met the criteria for classification as discontinued operations, including, among others, (i) if the properties meet the held for sale criteria and (ii) if the sale of these assets represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. In our assessment, we considered, among other factors, that our total revenue from properties located in Asia was approximately 1.5% of our total consolidated revenues. At the time of evaluation, we also noted total assets related to our investment in Asia were approximately 2.5% of our total assets. Consequently, we concluded that the monetization of our real estate investments in Asia did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on our operations and financial results and, therefore, did not meet the criteria for classification as discontinued operations. The following is a summary of net assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , for our real estate investments in Asia that were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands) December 31, 2016 2015 Total assets $ 39,643 $ 79,588 Total liabilities (2,342 ) (1,631 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain) 828 (1,897 ) Net assets classified as held for sale – Asia $ 38,129 $ 76,060 The following is a summary of operating information for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , of our real estate investments in Asia, including, (i) two operating properties aggregating 634,328 RSF that were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016 , and (ii) six operating properties, six land parcels, and a development project in India that were sold subsequent to January 1, 2014 (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total revenues $ 10,989 $ 11,850 $ 10,519 Operating expenses (8,822 ) (8,501 ) (2,131 ) 2,167 3,349 8,388 General and administrative expenses (2,216 ) (4,258 ) (6,550 ) Depreciation expense (3,009 ) (9,263 ) (5,757 ) Impairment of real estate (194,346 ) (14,510 ) — Net loss from assets classified as held for sale – Asia $ (197,404 ) $ (24,682 ) $ (3,919 )

Quarterly financial data (una48

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of summary of consolidated financial information on a quarterly basis	The following is a summary of consolidated financial information on a quarterly basis for 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts): Quarter 2016 First Second Third Fourth Revenues $ 216,089 $ 226,076 $ 230,379 $ 249,162 Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (3,818 ) $ (127,648 ) $ 5,452 $ (25,127 ) Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders: Basic and diluted (1) $ (0.05 ) $ (1.72 ) $ 0.07 $ (0.31 ) Quarter 2015 First Second Third Fourth Revenues $ 196,753 $ 204,156 $ 218,610 $ 223,955 Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 17,786 $ 31,291 $ 32,659 $ 35,131 Net income per share attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders: Basic and diluted (1) $ 0.25 $ 0.44 $ 0.46 $ 0.49 (1) Quarterly earnings per common share amounts may not total to the annual amounts due to rounding and due to the increase in the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding.

Condensed consolidating finan49

Condensed consolidating financial information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed consolidating financial information
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets Investments in real estate $ — $ — $ 9,077,972 $ — $ 9,077,972 Investment in unconsolidated real estate JV — — 50,221 — 50,221 Cash and cash equivalents 30,603 — 94,429 — 125,032 Restricted cash 102 — 16,232 — 16,334 Tenant receivables — — 9,744 — 9,744 Deferred rent — — 335,974 — 335,974 Deferred leasing costs — — 195,937 — 195,937 Investments — 4,440 338,037 — 342,477 Investments in and advances to affiliates 8,152,965 7,444,919 151,594 (15,749,478 ) — Other assets 45,646 — 155,551 — 201,197 Total assets $ 8,229,316 $ 7,449,359 $ 10,425,691 $ (15,749,478 ) $ 10,354,888 Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity Secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 1,011,292 $ — $ 1,011,292 Unsecured senior notes payable 2,378,262 — — — 2,378,262 Unsecured senior line of credit 28,000 — — — 28,000 Unsecured senior bank term loans 746,471 — — — 746,471 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 104,044 — 627,627 — 731,671 Dividends payable 76,743 — 171 — 76,914 Total liabilities 3,333,520 — 1,639,090 — 4,972,610 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 11,307 — 11,307 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 4,895,796 7,449,359 8,300,119 (15,749,478 ) 4,895,796 Noncontrolling interests — — 475,175 — 475,175 Total equity 4,895,796 7,449,359 8,775,294 (15,749,478 ) 5,370,971 Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 8,229,316 $ 7,449,359 $ 10,425,691 $ (15,749,478 ) $ 10,354,888 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets Investments in real estate $ — $ — $ 7,629,922 $ — $ 7,629,922 Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 127,212 — 127,212 Cash and cash equivalents 31,982 — 93,116 — 125,098 Restricted cash 91 — 28,781 — 28,872 Tenant receivables — — 10,485 — 10,485 Deferred rent — — 280,570 — 280,570 Deferred leasing costs — — 192,081 — 192,081 Investments — 4,702 348,763 — 353,465 Investments in and advances to affiliates 7,194,092 6,490,009 132,121 (13,816,222 ) — Other assets 36,808 — 96,504 — 133,312 Total assets $ 7,262,973 $ 6,494,711 $ 8,939,555 $ (13,816,222 ) $ 8,881,017 Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity Secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 809,818 $ — $ 809,818 Unsecured senior notes payable 2,030,631 — — — 2,030,631 Unsecured senior line of credit 151,000 — — — 151,000 Unsecured senior bank term loans 944,243 — — — 944,243 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 100,294 — 489,062 — 589,356 Dividends payable 61,718 — 287 — 62,005 Total liabilities 3,287,886 — 1,299,167 — 4,587,053 Redeemable noncontrolling interests — — 14,218 — 14,218 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders’ equity 3,975,087 6,494,711 7,321,511 (13,816,222 ) 3,975,087 Noncontrolling interests — — 304,659 — 304,659 Total equity 3,975,087 6,494,711 7,626,170 (13,816,222 ) 4,279,746 Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity $ 7,262,973 $ 6,494,711 $ 8,939,555 $ (13,816,222 ) $ 8,881,017
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental $ — $ — $ 673,820 $ — $ 673,820 Tenant recoveries — — 223,655 — 223,655 Other income 10,607 147 27,515 (14,038 ) 24,231 Total revenues 10,607 147 924,990 (14,038 ) 921,706 Expenses: Rental operations — — 278,408 — 278,408 General and administrative 62,234 — 15,688 (14,038 ) 63,884 Interest 85,613 — 21,340 — 106,953 Depreciation and amortization 6,792 — 306,598 — 313,390 Impairment of real estate — — 209,261 — 209,261 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 3,230 — — — 3,230 Total expenses 157,869 — 831,295 (14,038 ) 975,126 Equity in losses of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (184 ) — (184 ) Equity in earnings of affiliates 81,361 47,215 959 (129,535 ) — Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — 3,715 — 3,715 (Loss) income from continuing operations (65,901 ) 47,362 98,185 (129,535 ) (49,889 ) Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — 90 — 90 Net (loss) income (65,901 ) 47,362 98,275 (129,535 ) (49,799 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16,102 ) — (16,102 ) Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders (65,901 ) 47,362 82,173 (129,535 ) (65,901 ) Dividends on preferred stock (20,223 ) — — — (20,223 ) Preferred stock redemption charge (61,267 ) — — — (61,267 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Net (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (151,141 ) $ 47,362 $ 82,173 $ (129,535 ) $ (151,141 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental $ — $ — $ 608,824 $ — $ 608,824 Tenant recoveries — — 209,063 — 209,063 Other income (loss) 12,944 (205 ) 28,149 (15,301 ) 25,587 Total revenues 12,944 (205 ) 846,036 (15,301 ) 843,474 Expenses: Rental operations — — 261,232 — 261,232 General and administrative 51,553 — 23,369 (15,301 ) 59,621 Interest 79,155 — 26,658 — 105,813 Depreciation and amortization 5,986 — 255,303 — 261,289 Impairment of real estate — — 23,250 — 23,250 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 189 — — — 189 Total expenses 136,883 — 589,812 (15,301 ) 711,394 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 1,651 — 1,651 Equity in earnings of affiliates 268,156 238,691 4,704 (511,551 ) — Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — 12,426 — 12,426 Income from continuing operations 144,217 238,486 275,005 (511,551 ) 146,157 (Loss) income from discontinued operations — — (43 ) — (43 ) Net income 144,217 238,486 274,962 (511,551 ) 146,114 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,897 ) — (1,897 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders 144,217 238,486 273,065 (511,551 ) 144,217 Dividends on preferred stock (24,986 ) — — — (24,986 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (2,364 ) — — — (2,364 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 116,867 $ 238,486 $ 273,065 $ (511,551 ) $ 116,867 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental $ — $ — $ 544,153 $ — $ 544,153 Tenant recoveries — — 173,480 — 173,480 Other income (loss) 12,006 (3,277 ) 14,845 (14,330 ) 9,244 Total revenues 12,006 (3,277 ) 732,478 (14,330 ) 726,877 Expenses: Rental operations — — 219,164 — 219,164 General and administrative 45,793 — 22,067 (14,330 ) 53,530 Interest 58,159 — 21,140 — 79,299 Depreciation and amortization 5,748 — 218,348 — 224,096 Impairment of real estate — — 51,675 — 51,675 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 525 — — — 525 Total expenses 110,225 — 532,394 (14,330 ) 628,289 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 554 — 554 Equity in earnings of affiliates 199,800 188,269 3,665 (391,734 ) — Income from continuing operations 101,581 184,992 204,303 (391,734 ) 99,142 (Loss) income from discontinued operations (7 ) — 1,240 — 1,233 Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — 6,403 — 6,403 Net income 101,574 184,992 211,946 (391,734 ) 106,778 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,204 ) — (5,204 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s stockholders 101,574 184,992 206,742 (391,734 ) 101,574 Dividends on preferred stock (25,698 ) — — — (25,698 ) Preferred stock redemption charge (1,989 ) — — — (1,989 ) Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards (1,774 ) — — — (1,774 ) Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 72,113 $ 184,992 $ 206,742 $ (391,734 ) $ 72,113
Condensed Consolidating Statement Comprehensive Income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net (loss) income $ (65,901 ) $ 47,362 $ 98,275 $ (129,535 ) $ (49,799 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities: Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period — 135 (79,968 ) — (79,833 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — (148 ) (18,325 ) — (18,473 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities, net — (13 ) (98,293 ) — (98,306 ) Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements: Unrealized interest rate hedge (losses) gains arising during the period (1,338 ) — 188 — (1,150 ) Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income 5,272 — 1 — 5,273 Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements, net 3,934 — 189 — 4,123 Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation: Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period — — (2,579 ) — (2,579 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income — — 52,926 — 52,926 Unrealized gains on foreign currency translation, net — — 50,347 — 50,347 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 3,934 (13 ) (47,757 ) — (43,836 ) Comprehensive (loss) income (61,967 ) 47,349 50,518 (129,535 ) (93,635 ) Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16,102 ) — (16,102 ) Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ (61,967 ) $ 47,349 $ 34,416 $ (129,535 ) $ (109,737 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 144,217 $ 238,486 $ 274,962 $ (511,551 ) $ 146,114 Other comprehensive (loss) income Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities: Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period — (21 ) 77,391 — 77,370 Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — 1 (12,139 ) — (12,138 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale equity securities, net — (20 ) 65,252 — 65,232 Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate hedge agreements: Unrealized interest rate hedge (losses) gains arising during the period (5,516 ) — — — (5,516 ) Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income 2,707 — — — 2,707 Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate hedge agreements, net (2,809 ) — — — (2,809 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation: Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) arising during the period — — (21,844 ) — (21,844 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses included in net income — — 9,236 — 9,236 Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net — — (12,608 ) — (12,608 ) Total other comprehensive (loss) income (2,809 ) (20 ) 52,644 — 49,815 Comprehensive income 141,408 238,466 327,606 (511,551 ) 195,929 Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,893 ) — (1,893 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 141,408 $ 238,466 $ 325,713 $ (511,551 ) $ 194,036 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 101,574 $ 184,992 $ 211,946 $ (391,734 ) $ 106,778 Other comprehensive income Unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities: Unrealized holding gains arising during the period — 148 50,987 — 51,135 Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — 292 (650 ) — (358 ) Unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities, net — 440 50,337 — 50,777 Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements: Unrealized interest rate hedge (losses) gains arising during the period (4,459 ) — — — (4,459 ) Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income 6,871 — — — 6,871 Unrealized gains on interest rate hedge agreements, net 2,412 — — — 2,412 Unrealized (losses) gains on foreign currency translation: Unrealized foreign currency translation (losses) gains arising during the period (318 ) — (17,757 ) — (18,075 ) Reclassification adjustments for losses (gains) included in net income — — (208 ) — (208 ) Unrealized (losses) gains on foreign currency translation, net (318 ) — (17,965 ) — (18,283 ) Total other comprehensive income 2,094 440 32,372 — 34,906 Comprehensive income 103,668 185,432 244,318 (391,734 ) 141,684 Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (4,534 ) — (4,534 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders $ 103,668 $ 185,432 $ 239,784 $ (391,734 ) $ 137,150
Condensed Consolidating Statement Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net (loss) income $ (65,901 ) $ 47,362 $ 98,275 $ (129,535 ) $ (49,799 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 6,792 — 306,598 — 313,390 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 3,230 — — — 3,230 Impairment of real estate — — 209,261 — 209,261 Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — (3,715 ) — (3,715 ) Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — (90 ) — (90 ) Equity in losses of unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 184 — 184 Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 406 — 406 Amortization of loan fees 7,709 — 4,163 — 11,872 Amortization of debt discounts (premiums) 488 — (988 ) — (500 ) Amortization of acquired below-market leases — — (5,723 ) — (5,723 ) Deferred rent — — (51,673 ) — (51,673 ) Stock compensation expense 25,433 — — — 25,433 Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates (81,361 ) (47,215 ) (959 ) 129,535 — Investment gains — (567 ) (27,963 ) — (28,530 ) Investment losses — 188 11,209 — 11,397 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Restricted cash (11 ) — (975 ) — (986 ) Tenant receivables — — (285 ) — (285 ) Deferred leasing costs — (14 ) (35,259 ) — (35,273 ) Other assets (10,191 ) (1 ) (1,228 ) — (11,420 ) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 5,806 (609 ) 125 — 5,322 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (108,006 ) (856 ) 501,363 — 392,501 Investing Activities Proceeds from sales of real estate — — 123,081 — 123,081 Additions to real estate — — (821,690 ) — (821,690 ) Purchase of real estate — — (737,900 ) — (737,900 ) Deposits for investing activities — — (450 ) — (450 ) Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (11,529 ) — (11,529 ) Investments in subsidiaries (877,512 ) (907,695 ) (18,514 ) 1,803,721 — Additions to investments — — (102,284 ) — (102,284 ) Sales of investments — 1,251 37,695 — 38,946 Repayment of notes receivable — — 15,198 — 15,198 Net cash used in investing activities $ (877,512 ) $ (906,444 ) $ (1,516,393 ) $ 1,803,721 $ (1,496,628 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued) for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Alexandria Real Combined Eliminations Consolidated Financing Activities Borrowings from secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 291,400 $ — $ 291,400 Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable — — (310,903 ) — (310,903 ) Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable 348,604 — — — 348,604 Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit 4,117,000 — — — 4,117,000 Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit (4,240,000 ) — — — (4,240,000 ) Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior bank term loans (200,000 ) — — — (200,000 ) Transfer to/from parent company 8,346 907,300 888,075 (1,803,721 ) — Payment of loan fees (12,401 ) — (4,280 ) — (16,681 ) Change in restricted cash related to financing activities — — 11,746 — 11,746 Repurchases of 7.00% Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock (206,826 ) — — — (206,826 ) Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 1,432,177 — — — 1,432,177 Dividends on common stock (240,347 ) — — — (240,347 ) Dividends on preferred stock (22,414 ) — — — (22,414 ) Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests — — (10,044 ) — (10,044 ) Contributions from and sales of noncontrolling interests — — 221,487 — 221,487 Distributions to and purchase of noncontrolling interests — — (69,678 ) — (69,678 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 984,139 907,300 1,017,803 (1,803,721 ) 1,105,521 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (1,460 ) — (1,460 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,379 ) — 1,313 — (66 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 31,982 — 93,116 — 125,098 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 30,603 $ — $ 94,429 $ — $ 125,032 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized $ 67,066 $ — $ 17,841 $ — $ 84,907 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of real estate $ — $ — $ (203,000 ) $ — $ (203,000 ) Changes in accrued capital expenditures $ — $ — $ 76,848 $ — $ 76,848 Payable for purchase of real estate $ — $ — $ (56,800 ) $ — $ (56,800 ) Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining 49% interest in real estate joint venture with Uber Technologies, Inc. $ — $ — $ (25,546 ) $ — $ (25,546 ) Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture $ — $ — $ 87,930 $ — $ 87,930 Net investment in direct financing lease $ — $ — $ 36,975 $ — $ 36,975 Non-Cash Financing Activities: Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ (5,000 ) $ — $ (5,000 ) Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interests $ — $ — $ 2,264 $ — $ 2,264 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net income $ 144,217 $ 238,486 $ 274,962 $ (511,551 ) $ 146,114 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 5,986 — 255,303 — 261,289 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 189 — — — 189 Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — (12,426 ) — (12,426 ) Impairment of real estate — — 23,250 — 23,250 Equity in earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (1,651 ) — (1,651 ) Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 873 — 873 Amortization of loan fees 7,605 — 3,398 — 11,003 Amortization of debt discounts (premiums) 337 — (709 ) — (372 ) Amortization of acquired below-market leases — — (6,118 ) — (6,118 ) Deferred rent — — (47,483 ) — (47,483 ) Stock compensation expense 17,512 — — — 17,512 Equity in earnings of affiliates (268,156 ) (238,691 ) (4,704 ) 511,551 — Investment gains — — (35,035 ) — (35,035 ) Investment losses — 346 15,747 — 16,093 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Restricted cash (24 ) — 84 — 60 Tenant receivables — — 7 — 7 Deferred leasing costs — — (65,415 ) — (65,415 ) Other assets (10,797 ) — 1,718 — (9,079 ) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 28,078 8 15,714 — 43,800 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (75,053 ) 149 417,515 — 342,611 Investing Activities Proceeds from sales of real estate — — 129,799 — 129,799 Additions to real estate — — (564,206 ) — (564,206 ) Purchase of real estate — — (248,933 ) — (248,933 ) Deposits for investing activities — — (5,501 ) — (5,501 ) Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (9,027 ) — (9,027 ) Investments in subsidiaries (51,070 ) 44,687 1,374 5,009 — Additions to investments — — (95,945 ) — (95,945 ) Sales of investments — 6 67,130 — 67,136 Repayment of notes receivable — — 4,282 — 4,282 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities $ (51,070 ) $ 44,693 $ (721,027 ) $ 5,009 $ (722,395 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued) for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Financing Activities Borrowings from secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 169,754 $ — $ 169,754 Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable — — (89,815 ) — (89,815 ) Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable 298,872 — — — 298,872 Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit 2,145,000 — — — 2,145,000 Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit (2,298,000 ) — — — (2,298,000 ) Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loans (25,000 ) — — — (25,000 ) Transfer to/from parent company 155,194 (44,905 ) (105,280 ) (5,009 ) — Change in restricted cash related to financing activities — — 3,842 — 3,842 Payment of loan fees (5,825 ) — (4,759 ) — (10,584 ) Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 78,463 — — — 78,463 Dividends on common stock (218,104 ) — — — (218,104 ) Dividends on preferred stock (24,986 ) — — — (24,986 ) Contributions from and sales of noncontrolling interests — — 453,750 — 453,750 Distributions to and purchases of noncontrolling interests — — (64,066 ) — (64,066 ) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 105,614 (44,905 ) 363,426 (5,009 ) 419,126 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (255 ) — (255 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (20,509 ) (63 ) 59,659 — 39,087 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 52,491 63 33,457 — 86,011 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 31,982 $ — $ 93,116 $ — $ 125,098 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized $ 70,946 $ — $ 22,910 $ — $ 93,856 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Changes in accrued construction $ — $ — $ (10,070 ) $ — $ (10,070 ) Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of real estate $ — $ — $ (82,000 ) $ — $ (82,000 ) Non-Cash Financing Activities: Payable for purchase of noncontrolling interest $ — $ — $ (51,092 ) $ — $ (51,092 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net income $ 101,574 $ 184,992 $ 211,946 $ (391,734 ) $ 106,778 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 5,748 — 218,348 — 224,096 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 525 — — — 525 Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties — — (1,838 ) — (1,838 ) Gain on sales of real estate – land parcels — — (6,403 ) — (6,403 ) Impairment of real estate — — 51,675 — 51,675 Equity in earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (554 ) — (554 ) Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated real estate JVs — — 549 — 549 Amortization of loan fees 7,355 — 3,554 — 10,909 Amortization of debt discounts (premiums) 232 — (115 ) — 117 Amortization of acquired below-market leases — — (2,845 ) — (2,845 ) Deferred rent — — (44,726 ) — (44,726 ) Stock compensation expense 13,996 — — — 13,996 Equity in earnings of affiliates (199,800 ) (188,269 ) (3,665 ) 391,734 — Investment gains — — (11,613 ) — (11,613 ) Investment losses — 3,047 6,240 — 9,287 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Restricted cash (12 ) — 4,153 — 4,141 Tenant receivables — — (673 ) — (673 ) Deferred leasing costs 17 — (38,299 ) — (38,282 ) Other assets (7,785 ) — 319 — (7,466 ) Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits 25,877 — 775 — 26,652 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (52,273 ) (230 ) 386,828 — 334,325 Investing Activities Proceeds from sales of real estate — — 81,580 — 81,580 Additions to real estate (65 ) — (497,708 ) — (497,773 ) Purchase of real estate — — (127,887 ) — (127,887 ) Deposit for investing activities — — (10,282 ) — (10,282 ) Change in restricted cash related to construction projects and investing activities — — 1,665 — 1,665 Investments in unconsolidated real estate JVs — — (70,758 ) — (70,758 ) Investments in subsidiaries (334,764 ) (251,358 ) (13,441 ) 599,563 — Additions to investments — (150 ) (60,080 ) — (60,230 ) Sales of investments — 1,052 17,921 — 18,973 Repayment of notes receivable — — 29,883 — 29,883 Net cash used in investing activities $ (334,829 ) $ (250,456 ) $ (649,107 ) $ 599,563 $ (634,829 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (continued) for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary) Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Financing Activities Borrowings from secured notes payable $ — $ — $ 126,215 $ — $ 126,215 Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable — — (231,051 ) — (231,051 ) Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable 698,908 — — — 698,908 Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit 1,168,000 — — — 1,168,000 Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit (1,068,000 ) — — — (1,068,000 ) Repayments of unsecured senior bank term loan (125,000 ) — — — (125,000 ) Repurchases of 7.00% Series D cumulative convertible preferred stock (14,414 ) — — — (14,414 ) Transfer to/from parent company 103 250,749 348,711 (599,563 ) — Change in restricted cash related to financings — — (1,409 ) — (1,409 ) Payment of loan fees (6,523 ) — (1,576 ) — (8,099 ) Dividends on common stock (202,386 ) — — — (202,386 ) Dividends on preferred stock (25,885 ) — — — (25,885 ) Contributions from and sales of noncontrolling interests — — 19,410 — 19,410 Distributions to and purchases of noncontrolling interests — — (4,977 ) — (4,977 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 424,803 250,749 255,323 (599,563 ) 331,312 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (2,493 ) — (2,493 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37,701 63 (9,449 ) — 28,315 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 14,790 — 42,906 — 57,696 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 52,491 $ 63 $ 33,457 $ — $ 86,011 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized $ 39,871 $ — $ 18,095 $ — $ 57,966 Non-Cash Investing Activities: Note receivable issued in connection with sale of real estate $ — $ — $ 2,000 $ — $ 2,000 Change in accrued construction $ — $ — $ 29,846 $ — $ 29,846 Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties $ — $ — $ (48,329 ) $ — $ (48,329 )

Schedule of rentable square fee

Schedule of rentable square feet (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016ft²
Consolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	19,455,930
Total Square Footage of Asset Base	24,748,561
Consolidated Properties [Member] | Future Value-creation Projects [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	5,292,631
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	413,799
Total Square Footage of Asset Base	413,799
Unconsolidated Properties [Member] | Future Value-creation Projects [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	0
North America
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	19,869,729
Total Square Footage of Asset Base	25,162,360
North America | Future Value-creation Projects [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	5,292,631
Operating properties | Consolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	17,594,802
Operating properties | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	413,799
Operating properties | North America
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	18,008,601
Active Development and Redevelopment [Member] | Consolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	1,861,128
Active Development and Redevelopment [Member] | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	0
Active Development and Redevelopment [Member] | North America
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	1,861,128

Background (Details)

Background (Details) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²LeasepropertyTenant
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Total Market Capitalization | $	$ 14.2
Investment-grade client tenants as a percentage of total annualized base rent	49.00%
Number of leases held | Lease	620
Number of client tenants | Tenant	463
Rentable Square Feet Properties Number | property	199
Percentage of leases which are triple net leases	97.00%
Percentage of leases containing effective annual rent escalations	96.00%
Percentage of leases providing for recapture of certain capital expenditures	95.00%
Minimum
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Lease term of multi-tenant buildings	5 years
Lease term of single-tenant buildings	10 years
Effective annual rent escalations (as a percent)	3.00%
Maximum [Member]
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Lease term of multi-tenant buildings	10 years
Lease term of single-tenant buildings	20 years
Effective annual rent escalations (as a percent)	3.50%
Single Tenant | Lessee Concentration
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Number of Properties Leased | Tenant	88
Single Tenant Properties as Percentage of Total Properties	44.00%
North America
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Total Square Footage of Asset Base	25,162,360
Area of Real Estate Property	19,869,729
Future Value-creation Projects [Member] | North America
Nature of Business [Line Items]
Square Footage of Real Estate Property, Future Development	5,292,631

Basis of presentation and sum52

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of presentation
Maximum expected period of sale of property (in years)	1 year
FDIC insurance coverage	$ 250,000
Cost method investment ownership percentage	10.00%
Maximum Expected Period for Collection of Receivables	1 year
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 0
Minimum percentage of taxable income to be distributed	90.00%
Taxable income distributed annually (percent)	100.00%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 5,355,000	$ 49,191,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(43,836,000)	49,815,000	$ 34,906,000
Deferred financing costs, net	14,239,000	11,909,000
Total Ground Lease Obligations	526,168,000
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	406,000	873,000	$ 549,000
Restricted cash	$ 16,334,000	28,872,000
Land improvements | Maximum [Member]
Basis of presentation
Estimated useful life	20 years
Buildings and building improvements | Maximum [Member]
Basis of presentation
Estimated useful life	40 years
Unsecured Bank Term Loans [Member]
Basis of presentation
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		30,100,000
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Basis of presentation
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 19,293,000	117,599,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (98,306,000)
Other Assets [Member] | Unsecured Credit Facility [Member]
Basis of presentation
Deferred financing costs, net		$ 11,900,000

Basis of presentation and sum53

Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies - Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Management fee income	$ 418	$ 1,667	$ 2,761
Interest Income, Operating	6,680	4,978	4,157
Gain (Loss) on Investments	17,133	18,942	2,326
Other Income	$ 24,231	$ 25,587	$ 9,244

Schedule of investment in real

Schedule of investment in real estates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Investments in real estate	$ 9,077,972	$ 7,629,922
North America
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land (related to rental properties)	1,131,416	677,649
Buildings and building improvements	7,810,269	6,644,634
Other improvements	584,565	260,605
Rental properties	9,526,250	7,582,888
Land available for development	253,551	206,939
Gross investments in real estate	10,589,055	8,707,533
Less: accumulated depreciation	(1,546,798)	(1,299,548)
Investments in real estate	9,042,257	7,407,985
Asia
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Investments in real estate	35,715	221,937
Construction in progress ("CIP")/current value-added projects: | North America
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
CIP/current value-creation projects	809,254	917,706
Active Development and Redevelopment [Member] | North America
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
CIP/current value-creation projects	$ 1,062,805	$ 1,124,645

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²property	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²property	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Real Estate		$ 737,900	$ 248,933	$ 127,887
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 4,175,377	$ 4,175,377
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.51%	3.51%
One Kendall Square
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	644,771	644,771
Area of Land | ft²	172,500	172,500
Number of real estate properties | property	9	9
Payments to acquired real estate property	$ 725,000
Payments to Acquire Real Estate	$ 522,000
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.82%	4.82%
Real estate occupancy percentage	97.30%	97.30%
Torrey Ridge Science Center [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	294,993	294,993
Payments to acquired real estate property	$ 182,500
Real estate occupancy percentage	87.10%	87.10%
Secured notes payable maturing on 2/6/24
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 203,000	$ 203,000
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.38%	3.38%
Secured notes payable maturing on 2/6/24 | One Kendall Square
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 203,000	$ 203,000

Acquired leases (Details)

Acquired leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum lease payments to be received under the terms of the operating lease agreements, excluding expense reimbursements
2,017	$ 636,204
2,018	683,713
2,019	662,547
2,020	618,096
2,021	565,534
Thereafter	4,781,131
Total minimum lease payments to be received	7,947,225
Acquired Below Market Leases
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 5,952	$ 6,332	$ 2,845
Weighted average amortization period	3 years 8 months
Values of acquired leases
Value of intangible assets, gross	$ 119,187	79,744
Accumulated amortization	(59,678)	(53,726)
Value of intangible assets, net	59,509	26,018
Estimated annual amortization
2,017	14,950
2,018	12,443
2,019	9,364
2,020	5,458
2,021	4,295
Thereafter	12,999
Acquired-in-Place Leases
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 6,765	5,529	$ 3,500
Weighted average amortization period	5 years 6 months
Values of acquired leases
Value of intangible assets, gross	$ 105,708	65,397
Accumulated amortization	(42,300)	(37,400)
Value of intangible assets, net	63,408	$ 27,997
Estimated annual amortization
2,017	15,579
2,018	13,873
2,019	11,104
2,020	7,650
2,021	5,957
Thereafter	$ 9,245

Investment in Consolidated Join

Investment in Consolidated Joint Venture (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Sales of noncontrolling interests			$ 217,183	$ 443,445
Investments in real estate		$ 9,077,972	9,077,972	7,629,922
Cash and cash equivalents		125,032	125,032	125,098	$ 86,011	$ 57,696
Other assets		201,197	201,197	133,312
Total assets		10,354,888	10,354,888	8,881,017
Secured notes payable		1,011,292	1,011,292	809,818
Total liabilities		4,972,610	4,972,610	4,587,053
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		11,307	11,307	14,218
Company’s share		4,895,796	4,895,796	3,975,087
Noncontrolling interest’s share		475,175	475,175	304,659
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity		10,354,888	10,354,888	8,881,017
Noncontrolling Interests
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Sales of noncontrolling interests			172,671	301,595
Additional Paid-In Capital
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Sales of noncontrolling interests			44,512	141,850
Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in real estate		993,710	993,710	608,474
Cash and cash equivalents		27,498	27,498	2,060
Other assets		57,166	57,166	37,633
Total assets		1,078,374	1,078,374	648,167
Secured notes payable		0	0	0
Other liabilities		66,711	66,711	38,666
Total liabilities		66,711	66,711	38,666
Company’s share		538,069	538,069	307,220
Noncontrolling interest’s share		473,594	473,594	302,281
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity		1,078,374	1,078,374	$ 648,167
Campus Pointe by Alexandria
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest - Historical Cost Basis		$ 177,100	$ 177,100
Campus Pointe by Alexandria | 10290 Campus Point Drive
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²		305,006	305,006
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate			$ 84,300
Campus Pointe by Alexandria | 10300 Campus Point Drive [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²		449,759	449,759
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate		$ 150,000	$ 137,300
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Campus Pointe by Alexandria | 10300 Campus Point Drive [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate	$ 12,700

Real estate asset sales (Detail

Real estate asset sales (Details)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)aft²	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)ft²	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)aft²	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)aft²	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Impairment of real estate				$ 209,261,000	$ 23,250,000	$ 51,675,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate				$ 3,715,000	$ 12,426,000	$ 1,838,000
16020 Industrial Drive
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²			71,000
Sales price			$ 6,400,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate			$ 0
14 Firstfield Road [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Land | a			4.6
Impairment of real estate			$ 863,000
Sales price			3,500,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate			$ 0
Locust/North Hill [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Land | ft²		1.3
Sales price		$ 5,200,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate		$ 90,000
306 Belmont Street & 350 Plantation Street
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Sales price	$ 17,550,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	$ 1,364,000
560 Eccles Avenue [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Land | a	3.3			3.3
Impairment of real estate	$ 5,500,000
Sales price	12,000,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	$ 0
150 Technology Parkway [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	20,580			20,580
Impairment of real estate	$ 1,559,000
7990 Enterprise Street
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Sales price	13,836,000
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	2,350,000
6138-6150 Nancy Ridge Arena [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real Estate Property, Net Book Value	7,928,000			$ 7,928,000
Purchase Options, Real Estate	$ 20,828,000			$ 20,828,000

Investments in unconsolidated59

Investments in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures (Details)	Nov. 10, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²Extension_Option	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²Extension_Option	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases		$ 37,297,000	$ 37,297,000	$ 0
Payments to Acquire Real Estate			$ 737,900,000	$ 248,933,000	$ 127,887,000
Greater Boston | Equity Method Investee | Longwood
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest percentage (in percent)		27.50%	27.50%
1455/1515 Third Street [Member] | San Francisco Bay Area
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²		422,980	422,980
Real estate occupancy percentage		100.00%	100.00%
Equity method of accounting - unconsolidated joint ventures		$ 0.51	$ 0.51
Payments to acquired real estate property		90,100,000
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases	$ 37,000,000
Payments to Acquire Real Estate	$ 7,800,000	64,600,000
Construction Payable		56,800,000	$ 56,800,000
Payments for Capital Improvements		$ 25,500,000
Length of Lease	75 years		15 years
1455/1515 Third Street [Member] | San Francisco Bay Area | Uber Technologies, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest percentage (in percent)		49.00%	49.00%
Longwood | Greater Boston
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²		413,799	413,799
Percentage of Project in Service		100.00%	100.00%
Real estate occupancy percentage		76.00%	76.00%
Equity method of accounting - unconsolidated joint ventures		$ 50,221,000	$ 50,221,000
Longwood | Greater Boston | Equity Method Investee
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity interest percentage (in percent)		27.50%	27.50%
Longwood | Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Greater Boston
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Number of One-Year Maturity Date Extension Option | Extension_Option		2	2
Debt Instrument, Extended Maturity Period			1 year
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loans
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maturity date			Apr. 1, 2017
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loans | Greater Boston
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Maturity date			Apr. 1, 2017
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		5.25%	5.25%
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loans | LIBOR
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			3.75%
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loan, Outstanding Balance [Member] | Greater Boston
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Long-term Construction Loan, Net of Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs		$ 185,666,000	$ 185,666,000
Unhedged variable rate		12,557,000	12,557,000
Long-term Construction Loan		185,783,000	185,783,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		(117,000)	(117,000)
Fixed rate/hedged variable rate		173,226,000	173,226,000
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loan, Remaining Commitments [Member] | Greater Boston
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Remaining Commitments		25,402,000	25,402,000
Long-term Construction Loan		27,417,000	27,417,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Remaining Commitments		2,015,000	2,015,000
Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loan, Aggregate Commitments [Member] | Greater Boston
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Unhedged variable rate		37,959,000	37,959,000
Long-term Construction Loan		213,200,000	213,200,000
Fixed rate/hedged variable rate		$ 175,241,000	$ 175,241,000
Minimum | Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loans
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		5.25%	5.25%
Maximum [Member] | Secured Debt from Bank Maturing on 1 April 2017 | Longwood | Construction Loans | LIBOR
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			3.50%
Longwood Condomium [Member] | Longwood | Greater Boston
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²		203,090	203,090
Percentage to Total Rentable Square Feet of Operating Property		49.00%	49.00%
Purchase Options, Real Estate		$ 65,701,000	$ 65,701,000
Real Estate Property, Net Book Value		$ 52,449,000	$ 52,449,000

Deferred leasing costs (Details

Deferred leasing costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, gross	$ 430,455	$ 396,765
Accumulated amortization	(234,518)	(204,684)
Deferred leasing costs, net	$ 195,937	$ 192,081

Summary of Investments (Details

Summary of Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale equity securities, at cost basis	$ 41,392	$ 20,022
Unrealized gains	25,076	118,392
Unrealized losses	(5,783)	(793)
Available-for-sale equity securities, at fair value	60,685	137,621
Investments accounted for under cost method	281,792	215,844
Investments	$ 342,477	$ 353,465

Investment Income (Details)

Investment Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Gross realized gains	$ 28,530	$ 35,035	$ 11,613
Gross realized losses	(11,397)	(16,093)	(9,287)
Investment income	$ 17,133	$ 18,942	$ 2,326

Other assets (Details)

Other assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Direct Financing Lease Future Minimum Payments [Abstract]
Gross Investment in Direct Financing Lease	$ 264,954
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases, Deferred Income	(227,657)
Capital Leases, Net Investment in Direct Financing Leases	37,297	$ 0
Acquired in-place leases	63,408	27,997
Acquired below-market ground leases	12,913	13,142
Deferred compensation plan assets	11,632	8,489
Deferred financing costs, net	14,239	11,909
Deposits	3,302	3,713
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment, net	12,839	13,682
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Notes receivable	694	16,630
Prepaid expenses	9,724	17,651
Real Estate - Corporate Operations	19,891	0
Other Assets, Miscellaneous	11,143	19,503
Total	201,197	$ 133,312
Direct financing lease [Member]
Direct Financing Lease Future Minimum Payments [Abstract]
2,017	1,235
2,018	1,607
2,019	1,655
2,020	1,705
2,021	1,756
Thereafter	256,996
Gross Investment in Direct Financing Lease	$ 264,954

Assets and Liabilities on Recur

Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy
Transfers in Fair Value Hierarchy	0
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	$ 60,685	$ 137,621
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Fair value measured on recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	60,685	137,621
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	0	0
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
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Fair value measured on recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	0	0
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	60,685	137,621
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Fair Value | Fair value measured on recurring basis
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities	60,685	137,621
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	$ 3,587	$ 4,314

Book and Fair Values (Details)

Book and Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of marketable securities, secured notes payable, unsecured senior line of credit, unsecured term loans, and unsecured senior convertible notes
Available-for-sale equity securities, at fair value	$ 60,685	$ 137,621
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Secured notes payable	1,011,292	809,818
Unsecured senior notes payable	2,378,262	2,030,631
Unsecured senior line of credit	28,000	151,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	746,471	944,243
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 equity securities, at fair value	60,685	137,621
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Secured notes payable	1,011,292	809,818
Unsecured senior notes payable	2,378,262	2,030,631
Unsecured senior line of credit	28,000	151,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	746,471	944,243
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 equity securities, at fair value	60,685	137,621
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Secured notes payable	1,016,782	832,342
Unsecured senior notes payable	2,431,470	2,059,855
Unsecured senior line of credit	27,998	151,450
Unsecured senior bank term loans	$ 750,422	$ 951,098

Summary of secured and unsecure

Summary of secured and unsecured senior debts (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount, Net	$ 3,978,459
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount, Net	185,566
Total Consolidated	$ 4,164,025
Percentage of Total	100.00%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	3.51%
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	5 years 6 months
Percentage of fixed rate/hedged total debt	96.00%
Percentage of unhedged floating rate total debt	4.00%
Secured notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount, Net	$ 853,726
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount, Net	157,566
Total Consolidated	$ 1,011,292
Percentage of Total	24.30%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	3.43%
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	3 years 4 months 24 days
Unsecured senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount, Net	$ 2,378,262
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount, Net	0
Total Consolidated	$ 2,378,262
Percentage of Total	57.00%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	4.14%
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	7 years 2 months 12 days
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount, Net	$ 0
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount, Net	28,000
Total Consolidated	$ 28,000
Percentage of Total	0.70%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	1.77%
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	4 years 9 months 18 days
2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount, Net	$ 398,537
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount, Net	0
Total Consolidated	$ 398,537
Percentage of Total	9.60%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	2.91%
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	2 years
2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Amount, Net	$ 347,934
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount, Net	0
Total Consolidated	$ 347,934
Percentage of Total	8.40%
Weighted Average Interest Rate at End of Period	2.24%
Weighted Average Remaining Terms (in years)	4 years

Detail of secured and unsecured

Detail of secured and unsecured senior debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			3.51%
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 215,554
2,018			7,420
2,019			760,914
2,020			510,922
2,021			384,912
Thereafter			2,295,655
Outstanding Balance			4,175,377
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(11,352)
Total Consolidated			$ 4,164,025
Secured notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			3.73%
Effective rate (as a percent)			3.43%
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 215,554
2,018			7,420
2,019			360,914
2,020			110,922
2,021			6,912
Thereafter			295,655
Outstanding Balance			997,377
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			13,915
Total Consolidated			$ 1,011,292
Secured notes payable maturing on 8/23/17
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			2.59%
Maturity date			Aug. 23, 2017
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 212,289
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			212,289
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(923)
Total Consolidated			$ 211,366
Secured notes payable maturing on 1/28/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			2.20%
Maturity date			Jan. 28, 2019
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			250,959
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			250,959
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(2,487)
Total Consolidated			$ 248,472
Secured notes payable maturing on 4/20/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			2.80%
Maturity date			Apr. 20, 2019
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			101,512
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			101,512
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(3,096)
Total Consolidated			$ 98,416
Secured notes payable maturing on 4/1/20
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			7.75%
Effective rate (as a percent)			8.12%
Maturity date			Apr. 1, 2020
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 1,832
2,018			1,979
2,019			2,138
2,020			104,352
2,021			0
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			110,301
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(1,086)
Total Consolidated			$ 109,215
Secured notes payable maturing on 1/1/23
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.66%
Effective rate (as a percent)			5.02%
Maturity date			Jan. 1, 2023
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 1,412
2,018			1,608
2,019			1,686
2,020			1,763
2,021			1,852
Thereafter			28,201
Outstanding Balance			36,522
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(397)
Total Consolidated			$ 36,125
Secured notes payable maturing on 3/10/23
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			3.93%
Effective rate (as a percent)			3.18%
Maturity date			Mar. 10, 2023
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			1,091
2,019			1,505
2,020			1,566
2,021			1,628
Thereafter			76,210
Outstanding Balance			82,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			3,338
Total Consolidated			$ 85,338
Secured notes payable maturing on 2/6/24
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.82%
Effective rate (as a percent)			3.38%
Maturity date			Feb. 6, 2024
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			2,720
2,019			3,090
2,020			3,217
2,021			3,406
Thereafter			190,567
Outstanding Balance			203,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			18,566
Total Consolidated			$ 221,566
Secured notes payable maturing on 7/1/36
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			6.50%
Effective rate (as a percent)			6.73%
Maturity date			Jul. 1, 2036
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 21
2,018			22
2,019			24
2,020			24
2,021			26
Thereafter			677
Outstanding Balance			794
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			0
Total Consolidated			$ 794
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			3.75%
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			400,000
2,020			400,000
2,021			378,000
Thereafter			2,000,000
Outstanding Balance			3,178,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(25,267)
Total Consolidated			$ 3,152,733
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			1.77%
Maturity date	Oct. 29, 2021	Jan. 3, 2019	Oct. 29, 2021
Annual facility fee (as a percent)			0.20%
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			28,000
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			28,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			0
Total Consolidated			$ 28,000
2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			2.91%
Maturity date			Jan. 3, 2019
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			400,000
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			400,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(1,463)
Total Consolidated			$ 398,537
2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)			2.24%
Maturity date			Jan. 15, 2021
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			350,000
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			350,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(2,066)
Total Consolidated			$ 347,934
2.75% unsecured senior notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			2.75%
Effective rate (as a percent)			2.95%
Maturity date			Jan. 15, 2020
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			400,000
2,021			0
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			400,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(2,404)
Total Consolidated			$ 397,596
4.60% unsecured senior notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.60%
Effective rate (as a percent)			4.72%
Maturity date			Apr. 1, 2022
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			550,000
Outstanding Balance			550,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(3,404)
Total Consolidated			$ 546,596
3.90% unsecured senior notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			3.90%
Effective rate (as a percent)			4.02%
Maturity date			Jun. 15, 2023
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			500,000
Outstanding Balance			500,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(3,812)
Total Consolidated			$ 496,188
4.30% unsecured senior notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.30%
Effective rate (as a percent)			4.46%
Maturity date			Jan. 15, 2026
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			300,000
Outstanding Balance			300,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(4,346)
Total Consolidated			$ 295,654
3.95% unsecured senior notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		3.95%	3.95%
Effective rate (as a percent)			4.11%
Maturity date			Jan. 15, 2027
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			350,000
Outstanding Balance		$ 350,000	350,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(4,996)
Total Consolidated			$ 345,004
4.50% unsecured senior notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)			4.50%
Effective rate (as a percent)			4.58%
Maturity date			Jul. 30, 2029
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			$ 0
2,018			0
2,019			0
2,020			0
2,021			0
Thereafter			300,000
Outstanding Balance			300,000
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(2,776)
Total Consolidated			297,224
Balloon Payments [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			212,289
2,018			0
2,019			752,471
2,020			503,979
2,021			378,000
Thereafter			2,283,417
Outstanding Balance			4,130,156
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			0
Total Consolidated			4,130,156
Principal Amortization [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			3,265
2,018			7,420
2,019			8,443
2,020			6,943
2,021			6,912
Thereafter			12,238
Outstanding Balance			45,221
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(11,352)
Total Consolidated			33,869
Fixed Rate/Hedged Variable-rate Debt [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			153,265
2,018			7,420
2,019			663,443
2,020			510,922
2,021			356,912
Thereafter			2,295,655
Outstanding Balance			3,987,617
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(9,158)
Total Consolidated			3,978,459
Unhedged Variable-rate Debt [Member]
Future principal payments due on secured and unsecured debt
2,017			62,289
2,018			0
2,019			97,471
2,020			0
2,021			28,000
Thereafter			0
Outstanding Balance			187,760
Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net			(2,194)
Total Consolidated			$ 185,566
LIBOR | Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR	LIBOR	LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)	1.00%	1.10%	1.10%
LIBOR | 2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)			1.20%
LIBOR | 2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)			1.10%
Greater Boston | LIBOR | Secured notes payable maturing on 8/23/17
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)			1.35%
Greater Boston | LIBOR | Secured notes payable maturing on 1/28/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)			1.50%
Greater Boston | LIBOR | Secured notes payable maturing on 4/20/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Basis spread on LIBOR (as a percent)			2.00%

Unsecured senior notes payable

Unsecured senior notes payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unsecured senior notes payable		$ 2,400,000
Ownership interest in subsidiary (as a percent)		100.00%
Outstanding Balance		$ 4,175,377
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable		$ 348,604	$ 298,872	$ 698,908
3.95% unsecured senior notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	3.95%	3.95%
Maturity date		Jan. 15, 2027
Outstanding Balance	$ 350,000	$ 350,000
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable	$ 344,700

Unsecured senior line of credit

Unsecured senior line of credit and unsecured senior bank term loans (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Extension_Option
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross			$ 4,175,377
Total Consolidated			4,164,025
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 2,400
2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	200,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	400,000	$ 600,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	869
Unsecured bank debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Consolidated			770,000
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit, Commitments Available for Borrowings	$ 1,650,000	$ 1,500,000
Long-term Debt, Gross			28,000
Total Consolidated			$ 28,000
Annual facility fee (as a percent)			0.20%
Maturity date	Oct. 29, 2021	Jan. 3, 2019	Oct. 29, 2021
Debt Instrument, Number of One-Year Maturity Date Extension Option | Extension_Option			2
Debt Instrument, Extended Maturity Period			6 months
Line of Credit | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR	LIBOR	LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%	1.10%	1.10%
2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross			$ 400,000
Total Consolidated			$ 398,537
Maturity date			Jan. 3, 2019
2019 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.20%
2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross			$ 350,000
Total Consolidated			$ 347,934
Maturity date			Jan. 15, 2021
2021 Unsecured Senior Bank Term Loan | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.10%

Repayment of secured notes paya

Repayment of secured notes payable (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)note_payable	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Secured Debt	$ 310,903	$ 89,815	$ 231,051
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.51%
Secured notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate (as a percent)	3.43%
Six Secured Notes Payable [Member] [Member] | Secured notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Notes Payable Repaid | note_payable	6
Repayments of Secured Debt	$ 307,000
Effective rate (as a percent)	4.58%

Secured construction loans (Det

Secured construction loans (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Extension_Option
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$ 4,175,377,000
Construction Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	564,760,000
Remaining Commitments	339,921,000
Total Aggregate Commitments	904,681,000
Greater Boston | Construction Loans | Secured notes payable maturing on 8/23/17
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	212,289,000
Remaining Commitments	38,111,000
Total Aggregate Commitments	$ 250,400,000
Greater Boston | Construction Loans | Secured notes payable maturing on 1/28/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Number of One-Year Maturity Date Extension Option | Extension_Option	2
Debt Instrument, Extended Maturity Period	1 year
Outstanding Balance	$ 250,959,000
Remaining Commitments	99,041,000
Total Aggregate Commitments	350,000,000
Greater Boston | Construction Loans | Secured notes payable maturing on 4/20/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	101,512,000
Remaining Commitments	202,769,000
Total Aggregate Commitments	$ 304,281,000
LIBOR | Greater Boston | Construction Loans | Secured notes payable maturing on 4/20/19
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Number of One-Year Maturity Date Extension Option | Extension_Option	2
Debt Instrument, Extended Maturity Period	1 year

Secured and unsecured senior 72

Secured and unsecured senior debt Interest Expense Incurred (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest expense incurred [Abstract]
Interest Costs Incurred	$ 159,403	$ 142,353	$ 126,404
Interest Costs Capitalized	(52,450)	(36,540)	(47,105)
Interest Expense	$ 106,953	$ 105,813	$ 79,299

Interest rate swap agreements73

Interest rate swap agreements (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
The percentage of effectiveness of interest rate swap agreements	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Cash flow hedge loss to be reclassified within twelve months	$ 2,800,000
Collateral obligation requirements	0
Assets Needed for Immediate Settlement, Aggregate Fair Value	2,400,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Outstanding interest rate swap

Outstanding interest rate swap (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)contract	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Interest rate hedge agreements
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	$ 3,587	$ 4,314
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	4,115	596
Fair Values	528
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2016	1,155,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2017	1,026,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2018	$ 600,000
0.57% Interest rate swap, effective September 1, 2015
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held | contract	2
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	0.57%
Fair Values	$ 52
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2016	100,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2017	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2018	$ 0
1.15% Interest rate swap, effective March 31, 2016
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held | contract	11
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	1.15%
Fair Values	$ (903)
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2016	1,000,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2017	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2018	$ 0
1.31% Interest rate swap, effective March 31, 2017
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held | contract	15
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	1.31%
Fair Values	$ (1,856)
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2016	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2017	900,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2018	$ 0
1.01% Interest rate swap, effective March 29, 2018
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held | contract	6
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	1.01%
Fair Values	$ 2,924
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2016	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2017	0
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2018	$ 450,000
2.00% Interest rate cap, effective July 29, 2016
Interest rate hedge agreements
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held | contract	2
Interest Pay Rate (as a percent)	2.00%
Fair Values	$ 311
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2016	55,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2017	126,000
Notional Amount in Effect as of 2018	150,000
Book Value
Interest rate hedge agreements
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	$ 4,115	$ 596

Accounts payable, accrued exp75

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities	$ 366,174	$ 239,838
Below Market Lease, Net	59,509	26,018
Asset Retirement Obligation	3,095	5,777
Deferred Rent Liability	34,426	27,664
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	3,587	4,314
Prepaid Rent and Tenant Security Deposits	231,416	211,605
Other Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	33,464	74,140
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	$ 731,671	$ 589,356

Earnings per share (Details)

Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, number in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000,000				100,000,000				100,000,000	100,000,000
Proceeds from common stock offerings									$ 1,432,177	$ 78,463	$ 0
Reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									(49,889)	146,157	99,142
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels									90	0	6,403
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									(16,102)	(1,897)	(5,204)
Dividends, Preferred Stock									20,223	24,986	25,698
Preferred stock redemption charge									61,267	0	1,989
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Diluted									3,750	2,364	1,774
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders									(151,141)	116,910	70,880
(Loss) income from discontinued operations									0	(43)	1,233
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders									$ (151,141)	$ 116,867	$ 72,113
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									76,103,000	71,529,000	71,170,000
Continuing operations									$ (1.99)	$ 1.63	$ 0.99
Discontinued operations									0	0	0.02
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$ (0.31)	$ 0.07	$ (1.72)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.49	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 0.25	$ (1.99)	$ 1.63	$ 1.01
Forward Contracts [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from common stock offerings	$ 715,900
Forward Contracts [Member] | Total Shares [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized												7,500,000
Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage									0.00%

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum percentage of taxable income to be distributed	90.00%
The Company generally distributes this percentage or more of its taxable income	100.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 0

Reconciliation of net income to

Reconciliation of net income to taxable income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net income	$ (49,799)	$ 146,114	$ 106,778
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (16,102)	(1,897)	(5,204)
Rental revenue recognition		(42,815)	(21,210)
Depreciation and amortization		46,641	31,187
Stock-based compensation		12,705	13,808
Interest expense		(58,909)	629
Sales of property		66,102	24,174
Impairments		35,177	59,067
Other		11,479	(121)
Taxable income, before dividend deduction		214,597	209,108
Dividend deduction necessary to eliminate taxable income (1)		(214,597)	(209,108)
Estimated income subject to federal income tax		0	0
Distributions paid		$ 243,100	$ 228,300

Income Tax Treatment of Distrib

Income Tax Treatment of Distributions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Common Stock
Income Tax Treatment of Distributions and Dividends [Line Items]
Ordinary income	25.20%	50.10%	91.80%
Return of capital	43.90%	7.90%	8.20%
Capital gains at 25%	0.00%	8.50%	0.00%
Capital gains at 20%	30.90%	33.50%	0.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Dividends declared	$ 3.23	$ 3.05	$ 2.88
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock
Income Tax Treatment of Distributions and Dividends [Line Items]
Ordinary income	44.80%	54.40%	100.00%
Return of capital	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Capital gains at 25%	0.00%	9.20%	0.00%
Capital gains at 20%	55.20%	36.40%	0.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Dividends declared	$ 1.75	$ 1.75	$ 1.75
Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Income Tax Treatment of Distributions and Dividends [Line Items]
Ordinary income	44.80%	54.40%	100.00%
Return of capital	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Capital gains at 25%	0.00%	9.20%	0.00%
Capital gains at 20%	55.20%	36.40%	0.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Dividends declared	$ 1.61	$ 1.61	$ 1.61

Commitments and contingencies80

Commitments and contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)LeasepropertyTenant	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Discretionary profit sharing contributions subject to statutory limitations	$ 2,500,000	$ 2,003,000	$ 1,765,000
FDIC insurance coverage	250,000
Largest aggregate notional amount in effect at any single point	$ 200,000,000
Number of leases held | Lease	620
Number of client tenants | Tenant	463
Rentable Square Feet Properties Number | property	199
Remaining aggregate costs under contracts, under terms of leases	$ 555,765,000
Letters of credit and performance obligations	18,611,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$ 14,282,000	$ 13,667,000	$ 13,372,000
Number of land development parcels under terms of ground leases	1
Term of operating lease obligation related to office leases	5 years
Net book value	$ 9,930,000
Number of Properties Subject to Ground Leases	28
Single Tenant | Lessee Concentration
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of Single Tenant Properties | Tenant	88
Single Tenant Properties as Percentage of Total Properties	44.00%
Three Largest Tenants | Lessee Concentration | Annualized Base Rent
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of largest tenants	3
Concentration risk, percentage	11.90%
First Largest Tenant | Lessee Concentration | Annualized Base Rent
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	4.10%
Second Largest Tenant | Lessee Concentration | Annualized Base Rent
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	4.00%
Third Largest Tenant | Lessee Concentration | Annualized Base Rent
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	3.80%
Minimum
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Expected period of payment obligation	1 year
Term of ground lease obligation	40 years
Maximum [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Expected period of payment obligation	3 years
Term of ground lease obligation	100 years
Funding Investments
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Fund commitment on certain investments	$ 123,906,000

Future Minimum Lease Obligation

Future Minimum Lease Obligations Schedule (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Office Leases
2,017	$ 1,546
2,018	1,588
2,019	1,518
2,020	60
2,021	41
Thereafter	0
Total Office Lease Obligations	4,753
Ground Leases
2,017	11,605
2,018	10,711
2,019	10,871
2,020	10,707
2,021	10,263
Thereafter	472,011
Total Ground Lease Obligations	526,168
Total
2,017	13,151
2,018	12,299
2,019	12,389
2,020	10,767
2,021	10,304
Thereafter	472,011
Total	$ 530,921

Stockholders' equity (Details)

Stockholders' equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2012
Issuances of common stock
Common stock, shares authorized under the plan	100,000,000		100,000,000	100,000,000
Proceeds from common stock offerings			$ 1,432,177	$ 78,463	$ 0
Preferred stock redemption charge			$ 61,267	0	1,989
Preferred Stock, Redemption Date			Mar. 15, 2017
Redemption of Series D Preferred Stock			$ 206,826		$ 14,414
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000		100,000,000
Number of shares issued and outstanding	8,700,000		8,700,000
Number of "excess stock" authorized (in shares)			200,000,000
Number of excess stock authorized issued and outstanding (in shares)	0		0
Sales of noncontrolling interests			$ 217,183	$ 443,445
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock
Issuances of common stock
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,476,547		3,476,547	9,486,500
Payment of quarterly dividends in arrears at an annual rate (in dollars per share)			$ 1.75
Redemption price per share	$ 25		$ 25
Number of share issued and outstanding			6,009,953
Percentage of the closing sale price per share of the entity's common stock that the then-applicable conversion price must exceed in order for the shares to be automatically converted			150.00%
Minimum number of trading days within 30 consecutive trading days during which the closing sale price per share of entity's common stock equals or exceeds the then-applicable conversion price for the shares to be automatically converted			20 days
Number of consecutive trading day period within which the closing sale price per share of entity's common stock equals or exceeds the then-applicable conversion price for at least 20 trading days for the shares to be automatically converted			30 days
Conversion rate at a option of holders (in shares)			0.2477
Conversion rate which is equivalent to an initial conversion price per share of common stock (in dollars per share)			$ 100.93
Conversion rate dividend adjustment per quarter (in dollars per share)			$ 0.78
Conversion rate (in shares)	0.2483		0.2483
Conversion price (in dollars per share)	$ 100.68		$ 100.68
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000		10,000,000	10,000,000
Number of shares issued and outstanding	3,476,547		3,476,547	9,486,500
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 206,800
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share			$ 34.41
Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
Issuances of common stock
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	5,200,000		5,200,000	5,200,000			5,200,000
Payment of quarterly dividends in arrears at an annual rate (in dollars per share)			$ 1.61
Redemption price per share	$ 25		$ 25
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,200,000		5,200,000	5,200,000
Number of shares issued and outstanding	5,200,000		5,200,000	5,200,000
Common Stock
Issuances of common stock
Issuance of common stock (in shares)			14,773,593	889,856	291,679
Additional Paid-In Capital
Issuances of common stock
Redemption of Series D Preferred Stock			$ 4,690		$ (412)
Sales of noncontrolling interests			$ 44,512	$ 141,850
At the Market Common Stock Offering Program, Established December 2015
Issuances of common stock
Common stock, shares authorized under the plan				450,000,000
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		3,900,000
Gross proceeds from shares sold		$ 374,300
Shares Issued, Average Price Per Share		$ 94.80
Proceeds from common stock offerings		$ 367,800
At the Market Common Stock Offering Program, Established October 2016 [Member]
Issuances of common stock
Common stock, shares authorized under the plan	600,000,000		600,000,000
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	3,350,102
Gross proceeds from shares sold	$ 354,200
Shares Issued, Average Price Per Share	$ 105.73
Proceeds from common stock offerings	$ 348,400
Common stock available for future issuance	245,800		$ 245,800
Forward Contracts [Member]
Issuances of common stock
Proceeds from common stock offerings	715,900
Total Shares [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Issuances of common stock
Common stock, shares authorized under the plan						7,500,000
Campus Pointe by Alexandria
Issuances of common stock
Aggregate Proceeds Received for Real Estate Joint Ventures			221,600
Noncontrolling Interest - Historical Cost Basis	$ 177,100		$ 177,100

Accumulated other comprehensive

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$ 49,191
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(83,562)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year	(79,833)	$ 77,370	$ 51,135
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	39,726
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	18,473	12,138	358
Unrealized interest rate swap (losses) gains arising during the year	(1,150)	(5,516)	(4,459)
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	(2,579)	(21,844)	(18,075)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	(5,273)	(2,707)	(6,871)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(43,836)	49,815	34,906
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	(52,926)	(9,236)	$ 208
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(43,836)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	5,355	49,191
Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	117,599
Unrealized holding gains arising during the year	(79,833)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax	(18,473)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(98,306)
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(98,306)
Balance as of December 31, 2016	19,293	117,599
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	(3,718)
Unrealized interest rate swap (losses) gains arising during the year	(1,150)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	5,273
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	4,123
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	4,123
Balance as of December 31, 2016	405	(3,718)
Unrealized Loss on Foreign Currency Translation
Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	(64,690)
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	(2,579)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	50,347
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax	52,926
Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	50,347
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$ (14,343)	$ (64,690)

Share-based compensation (Detai

Share-based compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Total grant date fair value of stock awards vested	$ 25,630	$ 22,073	$ 20,903
Total compensation recognized for stock awards, net of capitalization	25,433	17,512	13,996
Capitalized stock compensation	$ 11,604	$ 9,177	$ 7,583
Shares reserved for granting of future options and share awards				5,875,733
Fair value assumptions, expected term	2 years 10 months	2 years 6 months
Fair value assumptions, weighted average volatility rate (percent)	20.00%	21.00%
Fair value assumptions, expected dividend rate (percent)	3.40%	3.30%
Fair value assumptions, risk free interest rate (percent)	1.00%	0.90%
Unrecognized compensation related to nonvested share awards				$ 74,100
Unrecognized compensation recognition period (in years)	4 years
Weighted average period recognition period for unrecognized compensation	19 months
Stock Award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	814,018	674,969	569,773
Number of shares granted	661,409	449,559	416,954
Number of shares vested	(325,537)	(307,511)	(286,681)
Number of shares forfeited	(14,102)	(2,999)	(25,077)
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	1,135,788	814,018	674,969
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighed average grant date fair value per share, outstanding beginning balance	$ 80.95	$ 69.46	$ 68.54
Weighed average grant date fair value per share, granted	88.98	89.72	72.25
Weighed average grant date fair value per share, vested	78.73	71.78	72.91
Weighed average grant date fair value per share, forfeited	79.10	79.81	55.72
Weighed average grant date fair value per share, outstanding ending balance	$ 80.95	$ 69.46	$ 68.54	$ 87.21

Noncontrolling interests (Detai

Noncontrolling interests (Details) $ in Thousands, ft² in Millions	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²Project	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling interests
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries				$ 0	$ 51,092	$ 0
Redemption and conversion of noncontrolling interests					113,969
Sales of noncontrolling interests				217,183	443,445
Income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria				(65,901)	144,260	100,341
(Loss) income from discontinued operations				0	(43)	1,233
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s stockholders				$ (65,901)	144,217	$ 101,574
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests
Number of Real Estate Projects Subject to Ownership from Noncontrolling Interest | Project				9
Redemption and conversion of noncontrolling interests					65,504
Sales of noncontrolling interests				$ 172,671	301,595
Additional Paid-In Capital
Noncontrolling interests
Redemption and conversion of noncontrolling interests					48,465
Sales of noncontrolling interests				$ 44,512	$ 141,850
Alexandria Technology Square
Noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners							10.00%
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries			$ 108,250
First Installment Payment | Alexandria Technology Square
Noncontrolling interests
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries		$ 54,250
Second Installment Payment | Alexandria Technology Square
Noncontrolling interests
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	$ 54,000
Alexandria Technology Square
Noncontrolling interests
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²				1.2

Assets Held for Sale (Details)

Assets Held for Sale (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)aft²propertyland_parcel	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)aland_parcel	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)aft²propertyland_parcel	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)aft²propertyland_parcel	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)aft²propertyland_parcel	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties						$ 3,715		$ 12,426	$ 0
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate						3,715		12,426	1,838
Impairment of real estate						209,261		23,250	51,675
North America
Net assets from asset held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Assets	$ 3,375				$ 3,375	3,375	$ 3,375	5,215
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Liabilities	0				0	0	0	0
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Net Assets	$ 3,375				$ 3,375	3,375	$ 3,375	5,215
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Total revenues						8,385		9,025	8,951
Operating expenses						(1,639)		(3,292)	(4,729)
Total revenues less operating expenses from assets classified as held for sale, not qualifying as discontinued operations						6,746		5,733	4,222
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, General and Administrative Expense						(62)		(125)	(257)
Depreciation expense						(660)		(1,949)	(5,838)
Impairment of real estate						(7,932)		(8,740)	(17,415)
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties						3,715		12,427	0
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate						90		0	0
Loss from assets classified as held for sale, not qualifying as discontinued operations						$ 1,897		7,346	(19,288)
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	19,869,729				19,869,729	19,869,729	19,869,729
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Number of Properties | property					2
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Area of Real Estate | ft²	42,520				42,520	42,520	42,520
Real Estate Development Cost Write Off	$ 7,100
Asia
Net assets from asset held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Assets	39,643				$ 39,643	$ 39,643	$ 39,643	79,588
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Liabilities	2,342				2,342	2,342	2,342	1,631
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(828)				(828)	(828)	(828)	1,897
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Net Assets	38,129				$ 38,129	38,129	$ 38,129	76,060
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Total revenues						10,989		11,850	10,519
Operating expenses						(8,822)		(8,501)	(2,131)
Total revenues less operating expenses from assets classified as held for sale, not qualifying as discontinued operations						2,167		3,349	8,388
Disposal Group, Including Assets Held for Sale Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, General and Administrative Expense						(2,216)		(4,258)	(6,550)
Depreciation expense						(3,009)		(9,263)	(5,757)
Impairment of real estate	$ (3,922)	$ (7,300)	$ (154,100)			(194,346)		(14,510)	0
Loss from assets classified as held for sale, not qualifying as discontinued operations						$ (197,404)		$ (24,682)	$ (3,919)
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Number of Properties					8		6
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Area of Real Estate | ft²	1,200,683				1,200,683	1,200,683	1,200,683
Area of Land | a	196				196	196	196
INDIA
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	566,355				566,355	566,355	566,355
Number of Land Parcels Sold | land_parcel	6				6	6	6
Number of Properties Sold | property	6				6	6	6
Area of Land | a	196				196	196	196
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate						$ 66,131
INDIA | Parcels Aggregating 28 Acres [Member]
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Impairment of real estate				$ (28,980)
Sales price			$ 12,800
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Number of Properties | land_parcel				2
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Area of Real Estate | a				28
CHINA
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Number of Properties | property					2
Disposal Group Including Assets Held for Sale, Not Qualifying as Discontinued Operations, Area of Real Estate | ft²	634,328				634,328	634,328	634,328
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Asia
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Concentration risk, percentage				1.50%
Assets, Total [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Asia
Income from assets held for sale not qualifying as discontinued operations [Abstract]
Concentration risk, percentage				2.50%

Quarterly financial data (una87

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 249,162	$ 230,379	$ 226,076	$ 216,089	$ 223,955	$ 218,610	$ 204,156	$ 196,753	$ 921,706	$ 843,474	$ 726,877
Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s common stockholders	$ (25,127)	$ 5,452	$ (127,648)	$ (3,818)	$ 35,131	$ 32,659	$ 31,291	$ 17,786	$ (151,141)	$ 116,867	$ 72,113
Earnings per share attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders – basic and diluted:
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$ (0.31)	$ 0.07	$ (1.72)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.49	$ 0.46	$ 0.44	$ 0.25	$ (1.99)	$ 1.63	$ 1.01

Subsequent events Narrative (De

Subsequent events Narrative (Details) - Subsequent Event $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)aft²
88 Bluxome Street [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Land | a	2.6
Payments to acquired real estate property | $	$ 130,000
Area of Real Estate Property	1,070,925
100 and 200 Technology Square [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property	302,626

Condensed consolidating finan89

Condensed consolidating financial information Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Investments in real estate	$ 9,077,972	$ 7,629,922
Investment in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures	50,221	127,212
Cash and cash equivalents	125,032	125,098	$ 86,011	$ 57,696
Restricted cash	16,334	28,872
Tenant receivables	9,744	10,485
Deferred rent	335,974	280,570
Deferred leasing costs	195,937	192,081
Investments	342,477	353,465
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Balance, Principal Amount	0	0
Other assets	201,197	133,312
Total assets	10,354,888	8,881,017
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	1,011,292	809,818
Unsecured senior notes payable	2,378,262	2,030,631
Unsecured senior line of credit	28,000	151,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	746,471	944,243
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	731,671	589,356
Dividends payable	76,914	62,005
Total liabilities	4,972,610	4,587,053
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,307	14,218
Alexandria's stockholders' equity	4,895,796	3,975,087
Noncontrolling interests	475,175	304,659
Total equity	5,370,971	4,279,746	3,895,243	3,964,497
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	10,354,888	8,881,017
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Assets
Investments in real estate	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	30,603	31,982	52,491	14,790
Restricted cash	102	91
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0
Investments	0	0
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Balance, Principal Amount	8,152,965	7,194,092
Other assets	45,646	36,808
Total assets	8,229,316	7,262,973
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior notes payable	2,378,262	2,030,631
Unsecured senior line of credit	28,000	151,000
Unsecured senior bank term loans	746,471	944,243
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	104,044	100,294
Dividends payable	76,743	61,718
Total liabilities	3,333,520	3,287,886
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Alexandria's stockholders' equity	4,895,796	3,975,087
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	4,895,796	3,975,087
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	8,229,316	7,262,973
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Assets
Investments in real estate	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	63	0
Restricted cash	0	0
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0
Investments	4,440	4,702
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Balance, Principal Amount	7,444,919	6,490,009
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	7,449,359	6,494,711
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, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	0	0
Dividends payable	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Alexandria's stockholders' equity	7,449,359	6,494,711
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	7,449,359	6,494,711
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	7,449,359	6,494,711
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Investments in real estate	9,077,972	7,629,922
Investment in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures	50,221	127,212
Cash and cash equivalents	94,429	93,116	33,457	42,906
Restricted cash	16,232	28,781
Tenant receivables	9,744	10,485
Deferred rent	335,974	280,570
Deferred leasing costs	195,937	192,081
Investments	338,037	348,763
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Balance, Principal Amount	151,594	132,121
Other assets	155,551	96,504
Total assets	10,425,691	8,939,555
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests, and Equity
Secured notes payable	1,011,292	809,818
Unsecured senior notes payable	0	0
Unsecured senior line of credit	0	0
Unsecured senior bank term loans	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	627,627	489,062
Dividends payable	171	287
Total liabilities	1,639,090	1,299,167
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,307	14,218
Alexandria's stockholders' equity	8,300,119	7,321,511
Noncontrolling interests	475,175	304,659
Total equity	8,775,294	7,626,170
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	10,425,691	8,939,555
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Assets
Investments in real estate	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted cash	0	0
Tenant receivables	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0
Investments	0	0
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Balance, Principal Amount	(15,749,478)	(13,816,222)
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	(15,749,478)	(13,816,222)
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, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	0	0
Dividends payable	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0
Alexandria's stockholders' equity	(15,749,478)	(13,816,222)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total equity	(15,749,478)	(13,816,222)
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$ (15,749,478)	$ (13,816,222)

Condensed consolidating finan90

Condensed consolidating financial information Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental									$ 673,820	$ 608,824	$ 544,153
Tenant recoveries									223,655	209,063	173,480
Other Income (expense)									24,231	25,587	9,244
Total revenues	$ 249,162	$ 230,379	$ 226,076	$ 216,089	$ 223,955	$ 218,610	$ 204,156	$ 196,753	921,706	843,474	726,877
Expenses:
Rental operations									278,408	261,232	219,164
General and administrative									63,884	59,621	53,530
Interest									106,953	105,813	79,299
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction									313,390	261,289	224,096
Impairment of real estate									209,261	23,250	51,675
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									3,230	189	525
Total expenses									975,126	711,394	628,289
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									(184)	1,651	554
Equity in earnings of affiliates									0	0	0
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties									3,715	12,426	0
Income from continuing operations									(49,889)	146,157	99,142
(Loss) income from discontinued operations									0	(43)	1,233
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels									90	0	6,403
Net income									(49,799)	146,114	106,778
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									(16,102)	(1,897)	(5,204)
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s stockholders									(65,901)	144,217	101,574
Dividends on preferred stock									(20,223)	(24,986)	(25,698)
Preferred stock redemption charge									(61,267)	0	(1,989)
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards									(3,750)	(2,364)	(1,774)
Net Income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders	$ (25,127)	$ 5,452	$ (127,648)	$ (3,818)	$ 35,131	$ 32,659	$ 31,291	$ 17,786	(151,141)	116,867	72,113
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Revenues:
Rental									0	0	0
Tenant recoveries									0	0	0
Other Income (expense)									10,607	12,944	12,006
Total revenues									10,607	12,944	12,006
Expenses:
Rental operations									0	0	0
General and administrative									62,234	51,553	45,793
Interest									85,613	79,155	58,159
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction									6,792	5,986	5,748
Impairment of real estate									0	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									3,230	189	525
Total expenses									157,869	136,883	110,225
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates									81,361	268,156	199,800
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties									0	0
Income from continuing operations									(65,901)	144,217	101,581
(Loss) income from discontinued operations										0	(7)
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels									0		0
Net income									(65,901)	144,217	101,574
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s stockholders									(65,901)	144,217	101,574
Dividends on preferred stock									(20,223)	(24,986)	(25,698)
Preferred stock redemption charge									(61,267)		(1,989)
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards									(3,750)	(2,364)	(1,774)
Net Income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders									(151,141)	116,867	72,113
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Revenues:
Rental									0	0	0
Tenant recoveries									0	0	0
Other Income (expense)									147	(205)	(3,277)
Total revenues									147	(205)	(3,277)
Expenses:
Rental operations									0	0	0
General and administrative									0	0	0
Interest									0	0	0
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction									0	0	0
Impairment of real estate									0	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									0	0	0
Total expenses									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates									47,215	238,691	188,269
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties									0	0
Income from continuing operations									47,362	238,486	184,992
(Loss) income from discontinued operations										0	0
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels									0		0
Net income									47,362	238,486	184,992
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s stockholders									47,362	238,486	184,992
Dividends on preferred stock									0	0	0
Preferred stock redemption charge									0		0
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards									0	0	0
Net Income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders									47,362	238,486	184,992
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Revenues:
Rental									673,820	608,824	544,153
Tenant recoveries									223,655	209,063	173,480
Other Income (expense)									27,515	28,149	14,845
Total revenues									924,990	846,036	732,478
Expenses:
Rental operations									278,408	261,232	219,164
General and administrative									15,688	23,369	22,067
Interest									21,340	26,658	21,140
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction									306,598	255,303	218,348
Impairment of real estate									209,261	23,250	51,675
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									0	0	0
Total expenses									831,295	589,812	532,394
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									(184)	1,651	554
Equity in earnings of affiliates									959	4,704	3,665
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties									3,715	12,426
Income from continuing operations									98,185	275,005	204,303
(Loss) income from discontinued operations										(43)	1,240
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels									90		6,403
Net income									98,275	274,962	211,946
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									(16,102)	(1,897)	(5,204)
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s stockholders									82,173	273,065	206,742
Dividends on preferred stock									0	0	0
Preferred stock redemption charge									0		0
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards									0	0	0
Net Income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders									82,173	273,065	206,742
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Rental									0	0	0
Tenant recoveries									0	0	0
Other Income (expense)									(14,038)	(15,301)	(14,330)
Total revenues									(14,038)	(15,301)	(14,330)
Expenses:
Rental operations									0	0	0
General and administrative									(14,038)	(15,301)	(14,330)
Interest									0	0	0
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction									0	0	0
Impairment of real estate									0	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									0	0	0
Total expenses									(14,038)	(15,301)	(14,330)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates									(129,535)	(511,551)	(391,734)
Gain on sales of real estate – rental properties									0	0
Income from continuing operations									(129,535)	(511,551)	(391,734)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations										0	0
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels									0		0
Net income									(129,535)	(511,551)	(391,734)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest									0	0	0
Net income attributable to Alexandria’s stockholders									(129,535)	(511,551)	(391,734)
Dividends on preferred stock									0	0	0
Preferred stock redemption charge									0		0
Net income attributable to unvested restricted stock awards									0	0	0
Net Income attributable to Alexandria's common stockholders									$ (129,535)	$ (511,551)	$ (391,734)

Condensed consolidating finan91

Condensed consolidating financial information Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income	$ (49,799)	$ 146,114	$ 106,778
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	79,833	(77,370)	(51,135)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	(18,473)	(12,138)	(358)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net	(98,306)	65,232	50,777
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized interest rate swap gains arising during the period	(1,150)	(5,516)	(4,459)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	5,273	2,707	6,871
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swap agreements, net	4,123	(2,809)	2,412
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	(2,579)	(21,844)	(18,075)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	52,926	9,236	(208)
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net	50,347	(12,608)	(18,283)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(43,836)	49,815	34,906
Comprehensive income	(93,635)	195,929	141,684
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16,102)	(1,893)	(4,534)
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	(109,737)	194,036	137,150
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Net income	(65,901)	144,217	101,574
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net	0	0	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized interest rate swap gains arising during the period	(1,338)	(5,516)	(4,459)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	5,272	2,707	6,871
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swap agreements, net	3,934	(2,809)	2,412
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	0	0	(318)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net	0	0	(318)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3,934	(2,809)	2,094
Comprehensive income	(61,967)	141,408	103,668
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	(61,967)	141,408	103,668
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Net income	47,362	238,486	184,992
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	(135)	21	(148)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	(148)	1	292
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net	(13)	(20)	440
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized interest rate swap gains arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swap agreements, net	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(13)	(20)	440
Comprehensive income	47,349	238,466	185,432
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	47,349	238,466	185,432
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Net income	98,275	274,962	211,946
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	79,968	(77,391)	(50,987)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	(18,325)	(12,139)	(650)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net	(98,293)	65,252	50,337
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized interest rate swap gains arising during the period	188	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	1	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swap agreements, net	189	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	(2,579)	(21,844)	(17,757)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	52,926	9,236	(208)
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net	50,347	(12,608)	(17,965)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(47,757)	52,644	32,372
Comprehensive income	50,518	327,606	244,318
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(16,102)	(1,893)	(4,534)
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	34,416	325,713	239,784
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Net income	(129,535)	(511,551)	(391,734)
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net	0	0	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized interest rate swap gains arising during the period	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swap agreements, net	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation [Abstract]
Unrealized foreign currency translation losses during the year	0	0	0
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency translation, net	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	(129,535)	(511,551)	(391,734)
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria’s common stockholders	$ (129,535)	$ (511,551)	$ (391,734)

Condensed consolidating finan92

Condensed consolidating financial information Cash Flows (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Operating Activities
Net income	$ (49,799)	$ 146,114	$ 106,778
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	313,390	261,289	224,096
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	3,230	189	525
Impairment of real estate	209,261	23,250	51,675
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	(3,715)	(12,426)	(1,838)
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels	(90)	0	(6,403)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	184	(1,651)	(554)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	406	873	549
Amortization of loan fees and costs	11,872	11,003	10,909
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	(500)	(372)	117
Amortization of acquired above and below market leases	(5,723)	(6,118)	(2,845)
Deferred rent	(51,673)	(47,483)	(44,726)
Stock compensation expense	25,433	17,512	13,996
Equity in earnings of affiliates	0	0	0
Investment gains	(28,530)	(35,035)	(11,613)
Investment losses	11,397	16,093	9,287
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(986)	60	4,141
Tenant receivables	(285)	7	(673)
Deferred leasing costs	(35,273)	(65,415)	(38,282)
Other assets	(11,420)	(9,079)	(7,466)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	5,322	43,800	26,652
Net cash provided by operating activities	392,501	342,611	334,325
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales of real estate	123,081	129,799	81,580
Additions to real estate	(821,690)	(564,206)	(497,773)
Purchase of real estate	(737,900)	(248,933)	(127,887)
Deposits for investing activities	(450)	(5,501)	(10,282)
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects	0	0	1,665
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	(11,529)	(9,027)	(70,758)
Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	0	0	0
Additions to investments	(102,284)	(95,945)	(60,230)
Sales of investments	38,946	67,136	18,973
Repayment of notes receivable	15,198	4,282	29,883
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,496,628)	(722,395)	(634,829)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	291,400	169,754	126,215
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	(310,903)	(89,815)	(231,051)
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable	348,604	298,872	698,908
Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	4,117,000	2,145,000	1,168,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	(4,240,000)	(2,298,000)	(1,068,000)
Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loan	(200,000)	(25,000)	(125,000)
Transfers Due to (due from) Parent Entity	0	0	0
Loan fees and costs paid	(16,681)	(10,584)	(8,099)
Change in restricted cash related to financings	11,746	3,842	(1,409)
Repurchase of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	(206,826)	0	(14,414)
Proceeds from common stock offerings	1,432,177	78,463	0
Dividends paid on common stock	(240,347)	(218,104)	(202,386)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(22,414)	(24,986)	(25,885)
Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests	(10,044)	0	0
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	221,487	453,750	19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(69,678)	(64,066)	(4,977)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,105,521	419,126	331,312
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,460)	(255)	(2,493)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(66)	39,087	28,315
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	125,098	86,011	57,696
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	125,032	125,098	86,011
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	84,907	93,856	57,966
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	(203,000)	(82,000)	(48,329)
Changes in accrued construction	76,848	(10,070)	29,846
Payable for purchase of real estate	(56,800)	0	0
Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining interest in real estate joint venture	(25,546)	0	0
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture	87,930	0	0
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases	36,975	0	0
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests	5,000	0	0
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	2,264	0	0
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	0	(51,092)	0
Notes Issued			2,000
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Issuer)
Operating Activities
Net income	(65,901)	144,217	101,574
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	6,792	5,986	5,748
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	3,230	189	525
Impairment of real estate	0	0	0
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	0	0	0
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels	0		0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	7,709	7,605	7,355
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	488	337	232
Amortization of acquired above and below market leases	0	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0	0
Stock compensation expense	25,433	17,512	13,996
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(81,361)	(268,156)	(199,800)
Investment gains	0	0	0
Investment losses	0	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(11)	(24)	(12)
Tenant receivables	0	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0	17
Other assets	(10,191)	(10,797)	(7,785)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	5,806	28,078	25,877
Net cash provided by operating activities	(108,006)	(75,053)	(52,273)
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales of real estate	0	0	0
Additions to real estate	0	0	(65)
Purchase of real estate	0	0	0
Deposits for investing activities	0	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects			0
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0	0
Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	(877,512)	(51,070)	(334,764)
Additions to investments	0	0	0
Sales of investments	0	0	0
Repayment of notes receivable	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(877,512)	(51,070)	(334,829)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable	348,604	298,872	698,908
Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	4,117,000	2,145,000	1,168,000
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	(4,240,000)	(2,298,000)	(1,068,000)
Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loan	(200,000)	(25,000)	(125,000)
Transfers Due to (due from) Parent Entity	8,346	155,194	103
Loan fees and costs paid	(12,401)	(5,825)	(6,523)
Change in restricted cash related to financings	0	0	0
Repurchase of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	(206,826)		(14,414)
Proceeds from common stock offerings	1,432,177	78,463
Dividends paid on common stock	(240,347)	(218,104)	(202,386)
Dividends paid on preferred stock	(22,414)	(24,986)	(25,885)
Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests	0
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	984,139	105,614	424,803
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(1,379)	(20,509)	37,701
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	31,982	52,491	14,790
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	30,603	31,982	52,491
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	67,066	70,946	39,871
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	0	0	0
Changes in accrued construction	0	0	0
Payable for purchase of real estate	0
Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining interest in real estate joint venture	0
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture	0
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases	0
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests	0
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	0
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries		0
Notes Issued			0
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, L.P. (Guarantor Subsidiary)
Operating Activities
Net income	47,362	238,486	184,992
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	0	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0
Impairment of real estate	0	0	0
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	0	0	0
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels	0		0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	0	0	0
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	0	0	0
Amortization of acquired above and below market leases	0	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0	0
Stock compensation expense	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(47,215)	(238,691)	(188,269)
Investment gains	(567)	0	0
Investment losses	188	346	3,047
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	0	0	0
Tenant receivables	0	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	(14)	0	0
Other assets	(1)	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	(609)	8	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	(856)	149	(230)
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales of real estate	0	0	0
Additions to real estate	0	0	0
Purchase of real estate	0	0	0
Deposits for investing activities	0	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects			0
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0	0
Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	(907,695)	44,687	(251,358)
Additions to investments	0	0	(150)
Sales of investments	1,251	6	1,052
Repayment of notes receivable	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(906,444)	44,693	(250,456)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable	0	0	0
Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0	0
Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loan	0	0	0
Transfers Due to (due from) Parent Entity	907,300	(44,905)	250,749
Loan fees and costs paid	0	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to financings	0	0	0
Repurchase of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	0		0
Proceeds from common stock offerings	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0	0
Dividends paid on preferred stock	0	0	0
Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests	0
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	907,300	(44,905)	250,749
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	(63)	63
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	63	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0	63
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	0	0	0
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	0	0	0
Changes in accrued construction	0	0	0
Payable for purchase of real estate	0
Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining interest in real estate joint venture	0
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture	0
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases	0
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests	0
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	0
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries		0
Notes Issued			0
Combined Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
Operating Activities
Net income	98,275	274,962	211,946
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	306,598	255,303	218,348
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0
Impairment of real estate	209,261	23,250	51,675
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	(3,715)	(12,426)	(1,838)
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels	(90)		(6,403)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	184	(1,651)	(554)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	406	873	549
Amortization of loan fees and costs	4,163	3,398	3,554
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	(988)	(709)	(115)
Amortization of acquired above and below market leases	(5,723)	(6,118)	(2,845)
Deferred rent	(51,673)	(47,483)	(44,726)
Stock compensation expense	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	(959)	(4,704)	(3,665)
Investment gains	(27,963)	(35,035)	(11,613)
Investment losses	11,209	15,747	6,240
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	(975)	84	4,153
Tenant receivables	(285)	7	(673)
Deferred leasing costs	(35,259)	(65,415)	(38,299)
Other assets	(1,228)	1,718	319
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	125	15,714	775
Net cash provided by operating activities	501,363	417,515	386,828
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales of real estate	123,081	129,799	81,580
Additions to real estate	(821,690)	(564,206)	(497,708)
Purchase of real estate	(737,900)	(248,933)	(127,887)
Deposits for investing activities	(450)	(5,501)	(10,282)
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects			1,665
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	(11,529)	(9,027)	(70,758)
Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	(18,514)	1,374	(13,441)
Additions to investments	(102,284)	(95,945)	(60,080)
Sales of investments	37,695	67,130	17,921
Repayment of notes receivable	15,198	4,282	29,883
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,516,393)	(721,027)	(649,107)
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	291,400	169,754	126,215
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	(310,903)	(89,815)	(231,051)
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable	0	0	0
Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0	0
Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loan	0	0	0
Transfers Due to (due from) Parent Entity	888,075	(105,280)	348,711
Loan fees and costs paid	(4,280)	(4,759)	(1,576)
Change in restricted cash related to financings	11,746	3,842	(1,409)
Repurchase of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	0		0
Proceeds from common stock offerings	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0	0
Dividends paid on preferred stock	0	0	0
Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests	(10,044)
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	221,487	453,750	19,410
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(69,678)	(64,066)	(4,977)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,017,803	363,426	255,323
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,460)	(255)	(2,493)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,313	59,659	(9,449)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	93,116	33,457	42,906
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	94,429	93,116	33,457
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	17,841	22,910	18,095
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	(203,000)	(82,000)	(48,329)
Changes in accrued construction	76,848	(10,070)	29,846
Payable for purchase of real estate	(56,800)
Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining interest in real estate joint venture	(25,546)
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture	87,930
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases	36,975
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests	5,000
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	2,264
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries		(51,092)
Notes Issued			2,000
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Operating Activities
Net income	(129,535)	(511,551)	(391,734)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	0	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0
Impairment of real estate	0	0	0
Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate	0	0	0
Gain on sales of real estate - land parcels	0		0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0
Amortization of loan fees and costs	0	0	0
Amortization of debt premiums/discounts	0	0	0
Amortization of acquired above and below market leases	0	0	0
Deferred rent	0	0	0
Stock compensation expense	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates	129,535	511,551	391,734
Investment gains	0	0	0
Investment losses	0	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	0	0	0
Tenant receivables	0	0	0
Deferred leasing costs	0	0	0
Other assets	0	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and tenant security deposits	0	0	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sales of real estate	0	0	0
Additions to real estate	0	0	0
Purchase of real estate	0	0	0
Deposits for investing activities	0	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to construction projects			0
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0	0
Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates	1,803,721	5,009	599,563
Additions to investments	0	0	0
Sales of investments	0	0	0
Repayment of notes receivable	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	1,803,721	5,009	599,563
Financing Activities
Borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from secured notes payable	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes payable	0	0	0
Borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0	0
Repayments of borrowings from unsecured senior line of credit	0	0	0
Repayment of unsecured senior bank term loan	0	0	0
Transfers Due to (due from) Parent Entity	(1,803,721)	(5,009)	(599,563)
Loan fees and costs paid	0	0	0
Change in restricted cash related to financings	0	0	0
Repurchase of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock	0		0
Proceeds from common stock offerings	0	0
Dividends paid on common stock	0	0	0
Dividends paid on preferred stock	0	0	0
Financing costs paid for sales of noncontrolling interests	0
Contributions by noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	(1,803,721)	(5,009)	(599,563)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	0	0	0
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of interest capitalized	0	0	0
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Assumption of secured notes payable in connection with purchase of properties	0	0	0
Changes in accrued construction	0	0	0
Payable for purchase of real estate	0
Distribution of real estate in connection with purchase of remaining interest in real estate joint venture	0
Consolidation of previously unconsolidated real estate joint venture	0
Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases	0
Redemption of redeemable noncontrolling interests	0
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interest	$ 0
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries		$ 0
Notes Issued			$ 0

Schedule III - Consolidated F93

Schedule III - Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		$ 1,011,292
Initial Costs
Land		1,478,556
Buildings & Improvements		3,657,012
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		5,496,950
Total Costs
Land		1,478,556
Buildings & Improvements		9,153,962
Total		10,632,518	[1]	$ 8,945,261	$ 8,228,855	$ 7,682,376
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,554,546)	[2]	(1,315,339)	$ (1,120,245)	$ (952,106)
Net Cost Basis		9,077,972
Secured notes payable		1,011,292		$ 809,818
Alexandria Center at Kendall Square
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		558,254
Initial Costs
Land		279,668
Buildings & Improvements		205,491
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		1,161,253
Total Costs
Land		279,668
Buildings & Improvements		1,366,744
Total	[1]	1,646,412
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(94,148)
Net Cost Basis		1,552,264
Alexandria Technology Square®
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		619,658
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		200,799
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		820,457
Total	[1]	820,457
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(182,685)
Net Cost Basis		637,772
One Kendall Square
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		221,566
Initial Costs
Land		265,614
Buildings & Improvements		483,769
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		2,839
Total Costs
Land		265,614
Buildings & Improvements		486,608
Total	[1]	752,222
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(5,673)
Net Cost Basis		746,549
480/500 Arsenal Street
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		9,773
Buildings & Improvements		12,773
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		80,609
Total Costs
Land		9,773
Buildings & Improvements		93,382
Total	[1]	103,155
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(32,862)
Net Cost Basis		70,293
640 Memorial Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		85,338
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		174,878
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		148
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		175,026
Total	[1]	175,026
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,238)
Net Cost Basis		160,788
780/790 Memorial Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		46,566
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		46,566
Total	[1]	46,566
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(20,336)
Net Cost Basis		26,230
167 Sidney Street/99 Erie Street
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		12,613
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		12,426
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		25,039
Total	[1]	25,039
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(5,339)
Net Cost Basis		19,700
79/96 Thirteenth Street Charlestown Navy Yard
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		6,247
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		8,666
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		14,913
Total	[1]	14,913
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(3,929)
Net Cost Basis		10,984
Alexandria Park at 128
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		10,439
Buildings & Improvements		41,596
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		64,808
Total Costs
Land		10,439
Buildings & Improvements		106,404
Total	[1]	116,843
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(32,932)
Net Cost Basis		83,911
19 Presidential Way
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		12,833
Buildings & Improvements		27,333
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		11,232
Total Costs
Land		12,833
Buildings & Improvements		38,565
Total	[1]	51,398
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(8,358)
Net Cost Basis		43,040
225 Second Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		2,925
Buildings & Improvements		14,913
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		37,679
Total Costs
Land		2,925
Buildings & Improvements		52,592
Total	[1]	55,517
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(2,195)
Net Cost Basis		53,322
100 Beaver Street
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,466
Buildings & Improvements		9,046
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		12,230
Total Costs
Land		1,466
Buildings & Improvements		21,276
Total	[1]	22,742
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(5,241)
Net Cost Basis		17,501
285 Bear Hill Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		422
Buildings & Improvements		3,538
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		6,830
Total Costs
Land		422
Buildings & Improvements		10,368
Total	[1]	10,790
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(1,661)
Net Cost Basis		9,129
111/130 Forbes Boulevard
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		3,146
Buildings & Improvements		15,725
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		2,986
Total Costs
Land		3,146
Buildings & Improvements		18,711
Total	[1]	21,857
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,878)
Net Cost Basis		16,979
20 Walkup Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		2,261
Buildings & Improvements		7,099
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		9,029
Total Costs
Land		2,261
Buildings & Improvements		16,128
Total	[1]	18,389
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(2,517)
Net Cost Basis		15,872
30 Bearfoot Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,220
Buildings & Improvements		22,375
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		44
Total Costs
Land		1,220
Buildings & Improvements		22,419
Total	[1]	23,639
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(10,818)
Net Cost Basis		12,821
1455/1515 Third Street [Member]
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		117,637
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		0
Total Costs
Land		117,637
Buildings & Improvements		0
Total	[1]	117,637
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	0
Net Cost Basis		117,637
510 Townsend Street [Member]
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		52,105
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		67,610
Total Costs
Land		52,105
Buildings & Improvements		67,610
Total	[1]	119,715
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	0
Net Cost Basis		119,715
Alexandria Center for Science and Technology
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		93,813
Buildings & Improvements		210,211
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		389,442
Total Costs
Land		93,813
Buildings & Improvements		599,653
Total	[1]	693,466
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(87,313)
Net Cost Basis		606,153
505 Brannan Street
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		31,710
Buildings & Improvements		2,540
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		43,489
Total Costs
Land		31,710
Buildings & Improvements		46,029
Total	[1]	77,739
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	0
Net Cost Basis		77,739
Alexandria Technology Center - Gateway
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		45,425
Buildings & Improvements		121,059
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		16,878
Total Costs
Land		45,425
Buildings & Improvements		137,937
Total	[1]	183,362
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(42,498)
Net Cost Basis		140,864
213/249/259/269 East Grande Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		59,199
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		172,702
Total Costs
Land		59,199
Buildings & Improvements		172,702
Total	[1]	231,901
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(22,714)
Net Cost Basis		209,187
400 & 450 East Jamie Court
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		112,630
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		112,630
Total	[1]	112,630
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(27,928)
Net Cost Basis		84,702
500 Forbes Boulevard
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		35,596
Buildings & Improvements		69,091
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		17,339
Total Costs
Land		35,596
Buildings & Improvements		86,430
Total	[1]	122,026
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(20,636)
Net Cost Basis		101,390
7000 Shoreline Court
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		7,038
Buildings & Improvements		39,704
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		10,163
Total Costs
Land		7,038
Buildings & Improvements		49,867
Total	[1]	56,905
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,141)
Net Cost Basis		42,764
341 & 343 Oyster Point Boulevard
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		7,038
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		32,778
Total Costs
Land		7,038
Buildings & Improvements		32,778
Total	[1]	39,816
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,948)
Net Cost Basis		24,868
839 - 863 Mitten and 866 Malcolm
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		3,211
Buildings & Improvements		8,665
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		20,747
Total Costs
Land		3,211
Buildings & Improvements		29,412
Total	[1]	32,623
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(9,744)
Net Cost Basis		22,879
2425 Garcia Avenue & 2450 Bayshore Parkway
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		794
Initial Costs
Land		1,512
Buildings & Improvements		21,323
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		25,855
Total Costs
Land		1,512
Buildings & Improvements		47,178
Total	[1]	48,690
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(18,751)
Net Cost Basis		29,939
3165 Porter Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		19,154
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		2,105
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		21,259
Total	[1]	21,259
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(6,766)
Net Cost Basis		14,493
3350 West Bayshore Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		4,800
Buildings & Improvements		6,693
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		11,118
Total Costs
Land		4,800
Buildings & Improvements		17,811
Total	[1]	22,611
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,407)
Net Cost Basis		18,204
2625 & 2631 Hanover Street
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		6,628
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		11,624
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		18,252
Total	[1]	18,252
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(8,382)
Net Cost Basis		9,870
Alexandria Center for Life Science
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		816,125
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		816,125
Total	[1]	816,125
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(87,597)
Net Cost Basis		728,528
ARE Spectrum
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		27,388
Buildings & Improvements		80,957
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		107,533
Total Costs
Land		27,388
Buildings & Improvements		188,490
Total	[1]	215,878
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(32,666)
Net Cost Basis		183,212
ARE Nautilus
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		6,684
Buildings & Improvements		27,600
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		104,212
Total Costs
Land		6,684
Buildings & Improvements		131,812
Total	[1]	138,496
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(29,573)
Net Cost Basis		108,923
ARE Sunrise
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	[3]	18,840
Initial Costs
Land		6,118
Buildings & Improvements		17,947
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		75,781
Total Costs
Land		6,118
Buildings & Improvements		93,728
Total	[1]	99,846
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(35,825)
Net Cost Basis		64,021
Torrey Ridge Science Center [Member]
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		22,124
Buildings & Improvements		152,840
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		17
Total Costs
Land		22,124
Buildings & Improvements		152,857
Total	[1]	174,981
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(1,638)
Net Cost Basis		173,343
3545 Cray Court
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		36,125
Initial Costs
Land		7,056
Buildings & Improvements		53,944
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		29
Total Costs
Land		7,056
Buildings & Improvements		53,973
Total	[1]	61,029
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(10,681)
Net Cost Basis		50,348
11119 North Torrey Pines Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		9,994
Buildings & Improvements		37,099
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		32,793
Total Costs
Land		9,994
Buildings & Improvements		69,892
Total	[1]	79,886
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(10,939)
Net Cost Basis		68,947
5200 Illumina Way
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		38,340
Buildings & Improvements		96,606
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		165,939
Total Costs
Land		38,340
Buildings & Improvements		262,545
Total	[1]	300,885
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(25,036)
Net Cost Basis		275,849
Campus Pointe by Alexandria
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		42,228
Buildings & Improvements		178,950
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		220,246
Total Costs
Land		42,228
Buildings & Improvements		399,196
Total	[1]	441,424
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(31,369)
Net Cost Basis		410,055
ARE Towne Centre
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		8,539
Buildings & Improvements		18,850
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		47,305
Total Costs
Land		8,539
Buildings & Improvements		66,155
Total	[1]	74,694
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(39,627)
Net Cost Basis		35,067
ARE Esplanade
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	[3]	11,012
Initial Costs
Land		9,682
Buildings & Improvements		29,991
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		86,096
Total Costs
Land		9,682
Buildings & Improvements		116,087
Total	[1]	125,769
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(13,418)
Net Cost Basis		112,351
9880 Campus Point Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		3,823
Buildings & Improvements		16,165
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		20,086
Total Costs
Land		3,823
Buildings & Improvements		36,251
Total	[1]	40,074
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(24,731)
Net Cost Basis		15,343
5810 & 5820 & 6138 & 6150 Nancy Ridge Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		5,991
Buildings & Improvements		30,248
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		15,330
Total Costs
Land		5,991
Buildings & Improvements		45,578
Total	[1]	51,569
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,216)
Net Cost Basis		37,353
ARE Portola
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		6,991
Buildings & Improvements		25,153
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		21,417
Total Costs
Land		6,991
Buildings & Improvements		46,570
Total	[1]	53,561
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(6,895)
Net Cost Basis		46,666
10121 & 10151 Barnes Canyon Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		4,608
Buildings & Improvements		5,100
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		15,693
Total Costs
Land		4,608
Buildings & Improvements		20,793
Total	[1]	25,401
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(1,133)
Net Cost Basis		24,268
7330 Carroll Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		2,650
Buildings & Improvements		19,878
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		1,870
Total Costs
Land		2,650
Buildings & Improvements		21,748
Total	[1]	24,398
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(3,444)
Net Cost Basis		20,954
5871 Oberlin Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,349
Buildings & Improvements		8,016
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		3,798
Total Costs
Land		1,349
Buildings & Improvements		11,814
Total	[1]	13,163
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(1,548)
Net Cost Basis		11,615
11025/11035/11045/11055/11065/11075 Roselle Street
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		4,156
Buildings & Improvements		11,571
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		26,667
Total Costs
Land		4,156
Buildings & Improvements		38,238
Total	[1]	42,394
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(7,936)
Net Cost Basis		34,458
3985/4025/4031/4045 Sorrento Valley Boulevard
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		4,323
Buildings & Improvements		22,846
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		3,810
Total Costs
Land		4,323
Buildings & Improvements		26,656
Total	[1]	30,979
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(9,873)
Net Cost Basis		21,106
13112 Evening Creek Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	[3]	11,923
Initial Costs
Land		7,393
Buildings & Improvements		27,950
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		189
Total Costs
Land		7,393
Buildings & Improvements		28,139
Total	[1]	35,532
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(9,408)
Net Cost Basis		26,124
400 Dexter Avenue North
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		11,342
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		149,594
Total Costs
Land		11,342
Buildings & Improvements		149,594
Total	[1]	160,936
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(35)
Net Cost Basis		160,901
1201/1208 Eastlake Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	[3]	40,228
Initial Costs
Land		5,810
Buildings & Improvements		47,149
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		14,977
Total Costs
Land		5,810
Buildings & Improvements		62,126
Total	[1]	67,936
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(22,149)
Net Cost Basis		45,787
1616 Eastlake Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		6,940
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		94,819
Total Costs
Land		6,940
Buildings & Improvements		94,819
Total	[1]	101,759
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(24,016)
Net Cost Basis		77,743
1551 Eastlake Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		8,525
Buildings & Improvements		20,064
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		40,983
Total Costs
Land		8,525
Buildings & Improvements		61,047
Total	[1]	69,572
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(9,859)
Net Cost Basis		59,713
199 East Blaine Street
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		6,528
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		72,140
Total Costs
Land		6,528
Buildings & Improvements		72,140
Total	[1]	78,668
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,112)
Net Cost Basis		64,556
219 Terry Avenue North
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,819
Buildings & Improvements		2,302
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		19,292
Total Costs
Land		1,819
Buildings & Improvements		21,594
Total	[1]	23,413
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,368)
Net Cost Basis		19,045
1600 Fairview Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		2,212
Buildings & Improvements		6,788
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		6,053
Total Costs
Land		2,212
Buildings & Improvements		12,841
Total	[1]	15,053
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(3,273)
Net Cost Basis		11,780
1818 Fairview Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		8,444
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		2,566
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		11,010
Total	[1]	11,010
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(97)
Net Cost Basis		10,913
3000/3018 Western Avenue
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,432
Buildings & Improvements		7,497
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		23,369
Total Costs
Land		1,432
Buildings & Improvements		30,866
Total	[1]	32,298
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(9,088)
Net Cost Basis		23,210
410 West Harrison/410 Elliott Avenue West
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		3,857
Buildings & Improvements		1,989
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		10,638
Total Costs
Land		3,857
Buildings & Improvements		12,627
Total	[1]	16,484
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,355)
Net Cost Basis		12,129
9980 Medical Center Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		12,401
Buildings & Improvements		99,696
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		103,475
Total Costs
Land		12,401
Buildings & Improvements		203,171
Total	[1]	215,572
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(51,517)
Net Cost Basis		164,055
1330 Piccard Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		2,800
Buildings & Improvements		11,533
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		30,032
Total Costs
Land		2,800
Buildings & Improvements		41,565
Total	[1]	44,365
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,815)
Net Cost Basis		29,550
1500/1550 East Gude Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,523
Buildings & Improvements		7,731
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		6,230
Total Costs
Land		1,523
Buildings & Improvements		13,961
Total	[1]	15,484
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(5,590)
Net Cost Basis		9,894
14920/15010 Broschart Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		4,904
Buildings & Improvements		15,846
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		4,527
Total Costs
Land		4,904
Buildings & Improvements		20,373
Total	[1]	25,277
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,209)
Net Cost Basis		21,068
1405 Research Boulevard
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		899
Buildings & Improvements		21,946
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		11,591
Total Costs
Land		899
Buildings & Improvements		33,537
Total	[1]	34,436
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(12,062)
Net Cost Basis		22,374
5 Research Place
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,466
Buildings & Improvements		5,708
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		27,760
Total Costs
Land		1,466
Buildings & Improvements		33,468
Total	[1]	34,934
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(9,380)
Net Cost Basis		25,554
9920 Medical Center Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		5,791
Buildings & Improvements		8,060
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		1,351
Total Costs
Land		5,791
Buildings & Improvements		9,411
Total	[1]	15,202
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(2,562)
Net Cost Basis		12,640
5 Research Court
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,647
Buildings & Improvements		13,258
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		5,879
Total Costs
Land		1,647
Buildings & Improvements		19,137
Total	[1]	20,784
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(13,790)
Net Cost Basis		6,994
12301 Parklawn Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,476
Buildings & Improvements		7,267
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		946
Total Costs
Land		1,476
Buildings & Improvements		8,213
Total	[1]	9,689
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(2,314)
Net Cost Basis		7,375
Alexandria Technology Center - Gaithersburg I
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		10,183
Buildings & Improvements		59,641
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		23,893
Total Costs
Land		10,183
Buildings & Improvements		83,534
Total	[1]	93,717
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(26,855)
Net Cost Basis		66,862
Alexandria Technology Center - Gaithersburg II
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		4,531
Buildings & Improvements		21,594
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		35,993
Total Costs
Land		4,531
Buildings & Improvements		57,587
Total	[1]	62,118
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(23,564)
Net Cost Basis		38,554
401 Professional Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,129
Buildings & Improvements		6,941
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		7,883
Total Costs
Land		1,129
Buildings & Improvements		14,824
Total	[1]	15,953
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(5,417)
Net Cost Basis		10,536
950 Wind River Lane
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		2,400
Buildings & Improvements		10,620
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		1,050
Total Costs
Land		2,400
Buildings & Improvements		11,670
Total	[1]	14,070
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(2,335)
Net Cost Basis		11,735
620 Professional Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		784
Buildings & Improvements		4,705
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		7,344
Total Costs
Land		784
Buildings & Improvements		12,049
Total	[1]	12,833
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(2,987)
Net Cost Basis		9,846
8000/9000/10000 Virginia Manor Road
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		13,679
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		6,729
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		20,408
Total	[1]	20,408
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(8,951)
Net Cost Basis		11,457
14225 Newbrook Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	[3]	27,212
Initial Costs
Land		4,800
Buildings & Improvements		27,639
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		11,562
Total Costs
Land		4,800
Buildings & Improvements		39,201
Total	[1]	44,001
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,439)
Net Cost Basis		29,562
Alexandria Technology Center - Alston
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,430
Buildings & Improvements		17,482
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		28,390
Total Costs
Land		1,430
Buildings & Improvements		45,872
Total	[1]	47,302
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(19,745)
Net Cost Basis		27,557
108/110/112/114 Alexander Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		376
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		42,249
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		42,625
Total	[1]	42,625
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,928)
Net Cost Basis		27,697
Alexandria Innovation Center - Research Triangle Park
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,065
Buildings & Improvements		21,218
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		25,703
Total Costs
Land		1,065
Buildings & Improvements		46,921
Total	[1]	47,986
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(13,624)
Net Cost Basis		34,362
6 Davis Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		9,029
Buildings & Improvements		10,712
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		8,111
Total Costs
Land		9,029
Buildings & Improvements		18,823
Total	[1]	27,852
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(11,153)
Net Cost Basis		16,699
7 Triangle Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		701
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		31,661
Total Costs
Land		701
Buildings & Improvements		31,661
Total	[1]	32,362
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,646)
Net Cost Basis		27,716
407 Davis Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		1,229
Buildings & Improvements		17,733
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		25
Total Costs
Land		1,229
Buildings & Improvements		17,758
Total	[1]	18,987
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(1,777)
Net Cost Basis		17,210
2525 East NC Highway 54
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		713
Buildings & Improvements		12,827
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		7,580
Total Costs
Land		713
Buildings & Improvements		20,407
Total	[1]	21,120
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,340)
Net Cost Basis		16,780
601 Keystone Park Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		785
Buildings & Improvements		11,546
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		6,440
Total Costs
Land		785
Buildings & Improvements		17,986
Total	[1]	18,771
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(4,066)
Net Cost Basis		14,705
6040 George Watts Hill Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		26,174
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		26,174
Total	[1]	26,174
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(755)
Net Cost Basis		25,419
5 Triangle Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		161
Buildings & Improvements		3,409
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		2,887
Total Costs
Land		161
Buildings & Improvements		6,296
Total	[1]	6,457
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(3,270)
Net Cost Basis		3,187
6101 Quadrangle Drive
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		951
Buildings & Improvements		3,982
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		11,028
Total Costs
Land		951
Buildings & Improvements		15,010
Total	[1]	15,961
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(2,026)
Net Cost Basis		13,935
Canada
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		10,350
Buildings & Improvements		43,884
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		9,225
Total Costs
Land		10,350
Buildings & Improvements		53,109
Total	[1]	63,459
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(14,314)
Net Cost Basis		49,145
Various
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		78,655
Buildings & Improvements		59,913
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		175,778
Total Costs
Land		78,655
Buildings & Improvements		235,691
Total	[1]	314,346
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(56,424)
Net Cost Basis		257,922
China
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		0
Initial Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		0
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		43,463
Total Costs
Land		0
Buildings & Improvements		43,463
Total	[1]	43,463
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(7,748)
Net Cost Basis		35,715
14225 Newbrook Drive, 1201 and 1208 Eastlake Avenue, 13112 Evening Creek Drive, ARE Esplanade, ARE Sunrise [Member]
Total Costs
Secured notes payable		$ 109,215
Number of real estate properties subject to secured debt		6
North America
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances		$ 1,011,292
Initial Costs
Land		1,478,556
Buildings & Improvements		3,657,012
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
Buildings & Improvements		5,453,487
Total Costs
Land		1,478,556
Buildings & Improvements		9,110,499
Total	[1]	10,589,055
Accumulated Depreciation	[2]	(1,546,798)
Net Cost Basis		$ 9,042,257
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and building improvements
Total Costs
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		40 years
Maximum [Member] | Land improvements
Total Costs
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life		20 years
[1]	The aggregate cost of real estate for federal income tax purposes is not materially different from the cost basis under GAAP (unaudited).
[2]	The depreciable life for buildings and improvements ranges from up to 40 years, up to 20 years for land improvements, and the term of the respective lease for tenant improvements.
[3]	Loan of $109,215 secured by six properties identified by this reference.

Schedule III - Consolidated F94

Schedule III - Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule of Rental Properties and Accumulated Depreciation Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Rental Properties and Current, Near-Term and Future Value-Creation Projects
Balance at beginning of period	$ 8,945,261		$ 8,228,855	$ 7,682,376
Purchase of real estate	1,078,959		436,480	165,344
Additions to real estate	914,178		395,555	483,257
Sale of real estate	(305,880)		(115,629)	(102,122)
Balance at end of period	10,632,518	[1]	8,945,261	8,228,855
Accumulated Depreciation
Balance at beginning of period	1,315,339		1,120,245	952,106
Depreciation expense on properties	265,387		214,041	183,432
Sale of properties	(26,180)		(18,947)	(15,293)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,554,546	[2]	$ 1,315,339	$ 1,120,245
[1]	The aggregate cost of real estate for federal income tax purposes is not materially different from the cost basis under GAAP (unaudited).
[2]	The depreciable life for buildings and improvements ranges from up to 40 years, up to 20 years for land improvements, and the term of the respective lease for tenant improvements.