Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real estate, at cost:
Land	$ 74,974	$ 74,974
Buildings and leasehold improvements	986,360	985,637
Development and construction in progress	2,230	1,597
Total	1,063,564	1,062,208
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(191,477)	(184,873)
Real estate, net	872,087	877,335
Cash and cash equivalents	530,252	506,619
Short-term investments	0	5,000
Restricted cash	87,801	88,769
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,402 and $1,039, respectively	2,864	2,552
Receivable arising from the straight-lining of rents	189,758	188,289
Deferred lease and other property costs, net (including unamortized leasing fees to Vornado of $48,068 and $48,776, respectively)	65,033	66,237
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $15,767 and $15,111, respectively	10,841	11,254
Other assets	14,354	25,252
Total assets	1,772,990	1,771,307
Liabilities and Equity
Notes and mortgages payable	1,327,234	1,330,932
Amounts due to Vornado	40,685	41,340
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	40,340	34,577
Other liabilities	1,213	1,213
Total liabilities	1,409,472	1,408,062
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock: $1.00 par value per share; authorized, 3,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none	0	0
Common stock: $1.00 par value per share; authorized, 10,000,000 shares; issued, 5,173,450 shares; outstanding, 5,105,936 shares	5,173	5,173
Additional capital	31,801	31,801
Retained earnings	322,532	322,201
Alexander's equity before treasury stock	359,506	359,175
Treasury stock: 67,514 shares, at cost	(375)	(375)
Total Alexander's equity	359,131	358,800
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary	4,387	4,445
Total equity	363,518	363,245
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,772,990	$ 1,771,307