Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.:
Income from continuing operations	$ 35,466		$ 32,316		$ 76,377		$ 61,716
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes	797		772		797		772
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,307)		(980)		(2,502)		(1,962)
Income from continuing operations attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.	34,956		32,108		74,672		60,526
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	(147)	[1]	249	[1]	(309)	[1]	1,086	[1]
Net income attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.	$ 34,809		$ 32,357		$ 74,363		$ 61,612

[1] (Loss) income from discontinued operations includes the results of operations of four properties that were classified as “held for sale” as of June 30, 2014, as well as the results of operations (prior to disposition) and (gain) loss on sale of real estate attributable to seven properties sold during the period from January 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014.