Consolidated and unconsolidated real estate joint ventures - Consolidated VIE's balance sheet information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Variable Interest Entity
Investments in real estate	$ 30,889,395	$ 29,945,440
Cash and cash equivalents	1,263,452	825,193
Other assets	1,602,403	1,599,940
Total assets	36,912,465	35,523,399
Secured notes payable	73,645	59,045
Total liabilities	14,225,698	12,840,152
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	44,862	9,612
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s share of equity	18,883,994	18,972,387
Noncontrolling interests’ share of equity	3,757,911	3,701,248
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	36,912,465	35,523,399
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity
Investments in real estate	7,082,094	6,771,842
Cash and cash equivalents	240,184	246,931
Other assets	695,037	684,487
Total assets	8,017,315	7,703,260
Secured notes payable	72,996	58,396
Other liabilities	485,668	430,615
Total liabilities	558,664	489,011
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	35,250	0
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.’s share of equity	3,665,490	3,513,001
Noncontrolling interests’ share of equity	3,757,911	3,701,248
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and equity	$ 8,017,315	$ 7,703,260