Consolidated VIE's balance sheet information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in real estate	$ 14,844,038	$ 11,913,693
Cash and cash equivalents	189,681	234,181
Other assets	893,714	370,257
Total assets	18,390,503	14,464,956
Secured notes payable	349,352	630,547
Total liabilities	8,224,025	6,570,242
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	12,300	10,786
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s share of equity	8,865,826	7,341,965
Noncontrolling interests' share of equity	1,288,352	541,963
Total liabilities and equity	18,390,503	14,464,956
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in real estate	2,678,476	1,108,385
Cash and cash equivalents	81,021	42,178
Other assets	280,343	74,901
Total assets	3,039,840	1,225,464
Secured notes payable	0	0
Other liabilities	149,471	59,336
Total liabilities	149,471	59,336
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	2,388	874
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s share of equity	1,600,729	624,349
Noncontrolling interests' share of equity	1,287,252	540,905
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,039,840	$ 1,225,464