Significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Reconciliation Of Net Income Attributable To Common Stockholders To Estimated Taxable Income [Table Text Block]

(Unaudited and in thousands)		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
Net income attributable to Alexander’s		$	56,915	$	674,387	$	79,423
Straight-line rent adjustments			(3,707)		(4,475)		(12,609)
Depreciation and amortization timing differences			2,134		910		1,263
Interest expense			27		29		(2,425)
Reversal of liability for income taxes			(206)		-		-
Additional tax gain on sale of the Kings Plaza
	Regional Shopping Center		-		23,928		-
Other			(2,213)		4,396		(3,429)
Estimated taxable income		$	52,950	$	699,175	$	62,223