XML 125 R74.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 0 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2014
Oct. 02, 2013
Non-qualified Plan Benefits          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Estimated net loss, net of tax, that will be recognized in net periodic pension cost in next fiscal year $ 0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
       
Plans obligations 7.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
    7.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
 
Discount rate 3.10%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
       
Net periodic benefit cost 0.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
0.1us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
0.9us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
   
Net loss (net of taxes) 1.8alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
    1.8alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
 
Unrecognized prior service credit (net of taxes) (1.8)alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
    (1.8)alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
 
Other Post-retirement Benefits          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Expected return on plan assets (percent) 0.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Estimated net prior service credit, net of tax, that will be recognized in net periodic pension cost in next fiscal year 0.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
       
Amortization period of unrecognized gains and losses 5 years        
Plans obligations (12.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
(12.9)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  (12.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Discount rate 4.10%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
4.90%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
4.10%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Net periodic benefit cost 1.0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
(0.2)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Net loss (net of taxes) 0.5alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
1.1alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  0.5alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Unrecognized prior service credit (net of taxes) 0alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  0alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Current liabilities related to non-qualified plan and post-retirement benefits 0.8us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0.9us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  0.8us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Pension Benefits          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Expected return on plan assets (percent) 7.10%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
8.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
8.25%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Actual return on plan assets (percent) 8.12%alex_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnonPlanAssetsPercentage
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
       
Pension contributions 5.7us-gaap_PensionContributions
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0.1us-gaap_PensionContributions
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
2.6us-gaap_PensionContributions
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Accumulated benefit obligation 203.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
173.6us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  203.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Estimated net prior service credit, net of tax, that will be recognized in net periodic pension cost in next fiscal year 0.8us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
       
Estimated net loss, net of tax, that will be recognized in net periodic pension cost in next fiscal year 6.7us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
       
Plans obligations (43.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
(22.0)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  (43.6)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Discount rate 4.00%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
4.90%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
4.10%us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Net periodic benefit cost 3.4us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
6.2us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
7.3us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
   
Net loss (net of taxes) 47.3alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
33.2alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  47.3alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetGainsLossesNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Unrecognized prior service credit (net of taxes) (3.4)alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
(3.9)alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  (3.4)alex_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetPriorServiceCostCreditNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Current liabilities related to non-qualified plan and post-retirement benefits 0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
  0us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate (0.90%)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
    (0.90%)us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMember
 
Cash Balance Defined Benefit Pension Plan          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Description of interest credit rate basis 10-year U.S. Treasury rate        
Non qualified and Post retirement Benefit Plans          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Current liabilities related to non-qualified plan and post-retirement benefits 1.6us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= alex_NonQualifiedAndPostRetirementBenefitPlansMember
    1.6us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= alex_NonQualifiedAndPostRetirementBenefitPlansMember
 
Defined Contribution 401k Plan          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Employer matching contribution, percentage 3.00%us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= alex_DefinedContribution401KPlanMember
       
Company's matching contribution expense 0.7us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= alex_DefinedContribution401KPlanMember
0.7us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= alex_DefinedContribution401KPlanMember
     
Deferred Profit Sharing          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Company's matching contribution expense 0.6us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= us-gaap_DeferredProfitSharingMember
0.9us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= us-gaap_DeferredProfitSharingMember
     
Minimum | Deferred Profit Sharing          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Employer matching contribution, percentage 1.00%us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= us-gaap_DeferredProfitSharingMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
       
Maximum | Deferred Profit Sharing          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Employer matching contribution, percentage 5.00%us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= us-gaap_DeferredProfitSharingMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
       
Materials & Construction          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Company's matching contribution expense       $ 1.8us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= alex_NaturalMaterialsandConstructionMember
 
Materials & Construction | Defined Contribution 401k Plan          
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]          
Maximum annual contribution per employee (in percent)         10.00%us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent
/ us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanNameAxis
= alex_DefinedContribution401KPlanMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= alex_NaturalMaterialsandConstructionMember