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Basis of presentation (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Dec. 31, 2010
Real Estate Properties          
Number of operating properties 171   171    
Basis of presentation          
Percentage of ownership interest criteria 100.00%   100.00%    
Unrealized gain on marketable securities $ 6,169   $ 6,169   $ 6,157
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge agreements (39,321)   (39,321)   (44,807)
Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation 26,880   26,880   20,315
Total (6,272)   (6,272)   (18,335)
Net income (loss) 34,311 (12,224) 66,936 16,561  
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities (501) (2,190) 12 (1,853)  
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate hedge agreements (253) (3,188) 5,486 (2,081)  
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation 1,676 (8,004) 6,559 (2,629)  
Comprehensive income (loss) 35,233 (25,606) 78,993 9,998  
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 939 935 1,861 1,949  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. $ 34,294 $ (26,541) $ 77,132 $ 8,049  
Minimum percentage of taxable income to be distributed (as a percent)     90.00%    
The Company generally distributes this percentage or more of its taxable income (as a percent)     100.00%    
The "more likely than not" probability threshold (as a percent)     50.00%    
Canada
         
Real Estate Properties          
Number of operating properties 4   4    
Number of development parcels 1   1