Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 140,249	$ 105,528	$ 135,393
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	1,300	990	238
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	(1,183)	(3,351)	(2,561)
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net	117	(2,361)	(2,323)
Unrealized gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized interest rate swap gains (losses) arising during the period	1,918	(9,990)	(9,630)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of interest expense included in net income	15,422	22,309	21,457
Unrealized gains on interest rate swap agreements, net	17,340	12,319	11,827
Foreign currency translation losses	(28,912)	(318)	(25,605)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(11,455)	9,640	(16,101)
Comprehensive income	128,794	115,168	119,292
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,948)	(3,364)	(4,050)
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s common stockholders	$ 124,846	$ 111,804	$ 115,242