Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real estate, at cost:
Land	$ 44,971	$ 44,971
Buildings and leasehold improvements	864,552	860,833
Development and construction in progress	1,930	1,103
Total	911,453	906,907
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(154,717)	(136,460)
Real estate, net	756,736	770,447
Cash and cash equivalents	508,363	506,619
Short-term investments	0	5,000
Restricted cash	89,185	88,769
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,306 and $1,039, respectively	3,270	2,552
Receivable arising from the straight-lining of rents	173,043	169,536
Deferred lease and other property costs, net (including unamortized leasing fees to Vornado of $40,768 and $42,678, respectively)	55,629	58,244
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $16,250 and $14,638, respectively	6,107	7,470
Assets related to discontinued operations	133,525	137,418
Other assets	39,619	25,252
Total assets	1,765,477	1,771,307
Liabilities and Equity
Mortgages Payable	1,069,776	1,080,932
Amounts due to Vornado	39,794	41,340
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	40,597	34,577
Liabilities related to discontinued operations	250,000	250,000
Other liabilities	1,213	1,213
Total liabilities	1,401,380	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	32,101	31,801
Retained earnings	321,973	322,201
Alexander's equity before treasury stock	359,247	359,175
Treasury stock: 67,514 shares, at cost	(375)	(375)
Total Alexander's equity	358,872	358,800
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary	5,225	4,445
Total equity	364,097	363,245
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,765,477	$ 1,771,307