Consolidated VIE's balance sheet information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in real estate	$ 24,980,669	$ 18,092,372
Cash and cash equivalents	361,348	568,532
Other assets	1,658,818	1,191,581
Total assets	30,219,373	22,827,878
Secured notes payable	205,198	230,925
Total liabilities	11,186,123	9,384,100
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	9,612	11,342
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s share of equity	16,189,542	11,725,712
Noncontrolling interests’ share of equity	2,834,096	1,706,724
Total liabilities and equity	30,219,373	22,827,878
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investments in real estate	5,014,842	3,196,215
Cash and cash equivalents	181,074	95,565
Other assets	509,281	341,524
Total assets	5,705,197	3,633,304
Secured notes payable	7,991	0
Other liabilities	269,605	183,237
Total liabilities	277,596	183,237
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	0	1,731
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s share of equity	2,593,505	1,742,039
Noncontrolling interests’ share of equity	2,834,096	1,706,297
Total liabilities and equity	$ 5,705,197	$ 3,633,304