View Filing Data

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ALEXANDERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000003499
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	5,105,936
Entity Public Float		$ 907,163
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real estate, at cost:
Land	$ 44,971	$ 44,971
Buildings and leasehold improvements	864,609	860,833
Development and construction in progress	2,212	1,103
Total	911,792	906,907
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(160,826)	(136,460)
Real estate, net	750,966	770,447
Cash and cash equivalents	353,396	506,619
Restricted cash	90,395	88,769
Short-term investments	0	5,000
Marketable securities	31,206	0
Tenant and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,219 and $1,039, respectively	1,953	2,552
Receivable arising from the straight-lining of rents	173,694	169,536
Deferred lease and other property costs, net, including unamortized leasing fees to Vornado of $39,910 and $42,678, respectively	54,461	58,244
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $16,834 and $14,638, respectively	5,522	7,470
Assets related to discontinued operations	0	137,418
Other assets	20,217	25,252
Total assets	1,481,810	1,771,307
Liabilities and Equity
Mortgages payable	1,065,916	1,080,932
Amounts due to Vornado	46,445	41,340
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	33,621	34,577
Liabilities related to discontinued operations	0	250,000
Other liabilities, including $2,348 of deferred income from the sale of Kings Plaza in 2012	3,675	1,213
Total liabilities	1,149,657	1,408,062
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock: $1.00 par value per share; authorized, 3,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none
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	29,352	31,801
Retained earnings	296,797	322,201
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,206	0
Alexander's equity before treasury stock	332,528	359,175
Treasury stock: 67,514 shares, at cost	(375)	(375)
Total Alexander's equity	332,153	358,800
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary	0	4,445
Total equity	332,153	363,245
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,481,810	$ 1,771,307

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,219	$ 1,039
Unamortized leasing fees to Vornado	39,910	42,678
Deferred debt issuance costs, accumulated amortization	$ 16,834	$ 14,638
Perferred stock: par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred stock: authorized shares	3,000,000	3,000,000
Preferred stock: issued shares	0	0
Preferred stock: outstanding shares	0	0
Common stock: par value per share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock: authorized shares	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock: issued shares	5,173,450	5,173,450
Common stock: outstanding shares	5,105,936	5,105,936
Treasury stock: shares	67,514	67,514
Kings Plaza Regional Shopping Center [Member]
Deferred income from the sale of Kings Plaza in 2012	$ 2,348

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
REVENUES
Property rentals	$ 134,847	$ 133,682	$ 127,240
Expense reimbursements	56,465	51,564	46,966
Total revenues	191,312	185,246	174,206
EXPENSES
Operating, including fees to Vornado of $4,318, $3,687, and $3,665, respectively	61,755	55,481	50,153
Depreciation and amortization	28,815	28,083	25,688
General and administrative, including management fees to Vornado of $2,160 in each year	5,162	3,996	7,374
Total expenses	95,732	87,560	83,215
OPERATING INCOME	95,580	97,686	90,991
Interest and other income, net	177	1,001	799
Interest and debt expense	(45,652)	(43,898)	(45,455)
Income before income taxes	50,105	54,789	46,335
Income tax (expense) benefit	(64)	42	2,824
Income from continuing operations	50,041	54,831	49,159
Income from discontinued operations, including a $599,628 net gain on sale of real estate in 2012	624,952	26,215	18,286
Net income	674,993	81,046	67,445
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(606)	(1,623)	(1,016)
Net income attributable to Alexander's	$ 674,387	$ 79,423	$ 66,429
Income per common share- basic and diluted
Income from continuing operations- basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 9.80	$ 10.74	$ 9.63
Income from discontinued operations, net - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	122.24	4.81	3.38
Net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 132.04	$ 15.55	$ 13.01
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	5,107,610	5,106,568	5,105,936

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Income
Fees to Vornado	$ 4,318	$ 3,687	$ 3,665
Management fees to Vornado	2,160	$ 2,160	$ 2,160
Net gain on sale of real estate	$ 599,628

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 674,993	$ 81,046	$ 67,445
Other comprehensive income:
Changes in unrealized net gain on securities available-for-sale	1,206	0	0
Comprehensive income	676,199	81,046	67,445
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(606)	(1,623)	(1,016)
Comprehensive income attributable to Alexander's	$ 675,593	$ 79,423	$ 66,429

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain (loss) before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10A
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=SL7669646-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 24
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock	Alexander's Equity	Non-controlling Interest
Shares Issued, Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2009	5,173,000
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 314,626	$ 5,173	$ 31,501	$ 275,921	$ 0	$ (375)	$ 312,220	$ 2,406
Net income	67,445			66,429			66,429	1,016
Dividends paid	(38,295)			(38,295)			(38,295)
Change in unrealized net gain on securities available-for-sale	$ 0
Shares Issued, Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	5,173,000
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 343,776	5,173	31,501	304,055	0	(375)	340,354	3,422
Net income	81,046			79,423			79,423	1,623
Dividends paid	(61,277)			(61,277)			(61,277)
Change in unrealized net gain on securities available-for-sale	0
Distributions	(600)							(600)
Deferred stock unit grant	$ 300		300				300
Shares Issued, Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	5,173,450
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 363,245	5,173	31,801	322,201	0	(375)	358,800	4,445
Net income	674,993			674,387			674,387	606
Dividends paid	(699,791)			(699,791)			(699,791)
Acquisition of the noncontrolling interest	(7,800)		(2,749)				(2,749)	(5,051)
Change in unrealized net gain on securities available-for-sale	1,206				1,206		1,206
Deferred stock unit grant	$ 300		300				300
Shares Issued, Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	5,173,450
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 332,153	$ 5,173	$ 29,352	$ 296,797	$ 1,206	$ (375)	$ 332,153	$ 0

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parentheticals) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Special long-term capital gain dividend	$ 623,178

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 674,993	$ 81,046	$ 67,445
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net gain on sale of real estate	(599,628)	0	0
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of debt issuance costs	36,363	37,086	34,849
Straight-lining of rental income	(4,475)	(12,609)	(15,182)
Stock-based compensation expense	300	300	0
Reversal of income tax liability	0	(2,561)	(5,113)
Other non-cash adjustments	0	0	1,238
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Tenant and other receivables, net	234	1,672	(2,065)
Other assets	4,318	(5,484)	(6,068)
Amounts due to Vornado	(2,405)	(2,445)	(12,881)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(107)	(4,547)	13,273
Income tax liability of taxable REIT subsidiary	29	87	704
Other liabilities	85	(31)	(178)
Net cash provided by operating activities	109,707	92,514	76,022
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of real estate	714,054	0	0
Construction in progress and real estate additions	(7,351)	(14,415)	(42,310)
Proceeds from maturing short-term investments	5,000	23,000	40,000
Restricted cash	(1,626)	(3,202)	5,917
Purchases of short-term investments	0	(5,000)	(23,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	710,077	383	(19,393)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid, including a special dividend of $623,178, or $122.00 per share in 2012	(699,791)	(61,277)	(38,295)
Debt repayments	(265,016)	(508,479)	(68,619)
Acquisition of the noncontrolling interest	(7,800)	0	0
Debt issuance costs	(400)	(6,142)	(57)
Proceeds from borrowing	0	593,000	34,828
Distributions to the noncontrolling interest	0	(600)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(973,007)	16,502	(72,143)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(153,223)	109,399	(15,514)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	506,619	397,220	412,734
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	353,396	506,619	397,220
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments for interest, of which $1,269 was capitalized in 2010	47,932	53,343	52,889
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS
Marketable securities received in connection with the sale of real estate	30,000	0	0
Commission payable incurred in connection with the sale of real estate	7,510	0	0
Change in unrealized net gain on securities available-for-sale	1,206	0	0
Write-off of fully amortized and/or depreciated assets	648	6,799	0
Non-cash additions to real estate included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 221	$ 3,052	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Special long-term capital gain dividend	$ 623,178
Special long-term capital gain dividend per share	$ 122.00
Cash paid for interest, capitalized in 2010		$ 1,269

Organization

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Organization [Abstract]

Organization [Text Block]

1. ORGANIZATION

Alexander's, Inc. (NYSE: ALX) is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), incorporated in Delaware, engaged in leasing, managing, developing and redeveloping its properties. All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “Alexander's” refer to Alexander's, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. We are managed by, and our properties are leased and developed by, Vornado Realty Trust (“Vornado”) (NYSE: VNO).

We have six properties in the greater New York City metropolitan area consisting of:

Operating properties

731 Lexington Avenue, a 1,307,000 square foot multi-use building, comprising the entire square block bounded by Lexington Avenue, East 59th Street, Third Avenue and East 58th Street in Manhattan. The building contains 885,000 and 174,000 of net rentable square feet of office and retail space, respectively, which we own, and 248,000 square feet of residential space consisting of 105 condominium units, which we sold. Bloomberg L.P. (“Bloomberg”) occupies all of the office space. The Home Depot (83,000 square feet), The Container Store (34,000 square feet) and Hennes & Mauritz (27,000 square feet) are the principal retail tenants;
Rego Park I, a 343,000 square foot shopping center, located on Queens Boulevard and 63rd Road in Queens. The center is anchored by a 195,000 square foot Sears department store, a 50,000 square foot Burlington Coat Factory, a 46,000 square foot Bed Bath & Beyond and a 36,000 square foot Marshalls;
Rego Park II, a 610,000 square foot shopping center, adjacent to the Rego Park I shopping center in Queens. The center is anchored by a 145,000 square foot Costco, a 135,000 square foot Century 21 and a 133,000 square foot Kohl's. In addition, 47,000 square feet is leased to Toys “R” Us/Babies “R” Us, a one-third owned affiliate of Vornado;
Paramus, located at the intersection of Routes 4 and 17 in Paramus, New Jersey, consists of 30.3 acres of land that is leased to IKEA Property, Inc.; and
Flushing, a 167,000 square foot building, located at Roosevelt Avenue and Main Street in Queens, that is sub-leased to New World Mall LLC for the remainder of our ground lease term.

Properties to be developed

Rego Park II Apartment Tower; we are considering a proposed development containing approximately 300 units aggregating 250,000 square feet, to be constructed above our Rego Park II shopping center. The funding required for the proposed development will be approximately $100,000,000 to $120,000,000. There can be no assurance that the project will commence, or if commenced, be completed on schedule or within budget.

Rego Park III, a 3.4 acre land parcel adjacent to the Rego Park II shopping center in Queens, at the intersection of Junction Boulevard and the Horace Harding Service Road.

We have determined that our properties have similar economic characteristics and meet the criteria which permit the properties to be aggregated into one reportable segment (the leasing, management, development and redeveloping of properties in the greater New York City metropolitan area). Our chief operating decision-maker assesses and measures segment operating results based on a performance measure referred to as net operating income at the individual operating segment. Net operating income for each property represents net rental revenues less operating expenses.

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany amounts have been eliminated. Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in order to conform to current year presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Literature – In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Update No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU No. 2011-04”). ASU No. 2011-04 provides a uniform framework for fair value measurements and related disclosures between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and requires additional disclosures, including: (i) quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used, and a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of the measurements to changes in the unobservable inputs, for Level 3 fair value measurements; (ii) fair value of financial instruments not measured at fair value but for which disclosure of fair value is required, based on their levels in the fair value hierarchy; and (iii) transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The adoption of this update on January 1, 2012, did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, but resulted in additional fair value measurement disclosures (see Note 8 - Fair Value Measurements).

In June 2011, the FASB issued Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU No. 2011-05”). ASU No. 2011-05 requires the presentation of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements. The adoption of this update on January 1, 2012, resulted in the presentation of comprehensive income as a separate financial statement.

Real Estate – Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation requires an estimate by management of the useful life of each property and improvement as well as an allocation of the costs associated with a property to its various components. If we do not allocate these costs appropriately or incorrectly estimate the useful lives of our real estate, depreciation expense may be misstated. As real estate is undergoing development activities, all property operating expenses directly associated with and attributable to, the development and construction of a project, including interest expense, are capitalized to the cost of the real property to the extent that we believe such costs are recoverable through the value of the property. The capitalization period begins when development activities are underway and ends when the project is substantially complete. General and administrative costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which range from 5 to 40 years. Tenant allowances are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases, which approximate the useful lives of the assets.

Our properties and related intangible assets, including properties to be developed in the future, are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. Estimates of future cash flows are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. For our development properties, estimates of future cash flows also include all future expenditures necessary to develop the asset, including interest payments that will be capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and is measured based on the excess of the property's carrying amount over its estimated fair value. If our estimates of future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or fair values change, based on market conditions or otherwise, our evaluation of impairment charges may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Estimates of future cash flows are subjective and are based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, due to their short-term maturities. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents consist of (i) deposits at major commercial banks, which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit, (ii) money market funds, which invest in obligations of the United States government and (iii) certificates of deposit placed through an account registry service (“CDARS”). To date we have not experienced any losses on our invested cash.

Short-term Investments – Short-term investments consist of CDARS with original maturities greater than three but less than six months. These investments are FDIC insured and classified as available-for-sale.

Restricted Cash – Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in a non-interest bearing escrow account in connection with our Rego Park I 100% cash collateralized mortgage, as well as security deposits and other cash escrowed under loan agreements for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance and capital improvements.

Marketable Securities – Our marketable securities consist of common shares of The Macerich Company (NYSE: MAC) (“Macerich”), which are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are presented at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from the mark-to-market of these securities are included in “other comprehensive income” and are recognized in earnings only upon the sale of the securities. We evaluate our marketable securities for impairment at the end of each reporting period. If investments have unrealized losses, we evaluate the underlying cause of the decline in value and the estimated recovery period, as well as the severity and duration of the decline. In our evaluation, we consider our ability and intent to hold our investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for us to recover our cost basis, as well as the near-term prospects for the investment in relation to the severity and duration of the decline.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – We periodically evaluate the collectibility of amounts due from tenants, including the receivable arising from the straight-lining of rents, and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts ($2,219,000 and $1,039,000 as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively) for the estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under the lease agreements. We exercise judgment in establishing these allowances and consider payment history and current credit status in developing these estimates.

Deferred Charges – Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest and debt expense. Direct costs related to leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest rate method, in accordance with the terms of the agreements to which they relate.

Revenue Recognition – We have the following revenue sources and revenue recognition policies:

Base Rent – revenue arising from tenant leases. These rents are recognized over the non-cancelable term of the related leases on a straight-line basis, which includes the effects of rent steps and free rent abatements under the leases. We commence rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. In addition, in circumstances where we provide a tenant improvement allowance for improvements that are owned by the tenant, we recognize the allowance as a reduction of rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Percentage Rent – revenue arising from retail tenant leases that is contingent upon the sales of tenants exceeding defined thresholds. These rents are recognized only after the contingency has been removed (i.e., when tenant sales thresholds have been achieved).

Expense Reimbursements – revenue arising from tenant leases which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes of the respective properties. This revenue is accrued in the same periods as the expenses are incurred.

Parking Income – revenue arising from the rental of parking space at our properties. This income is recognized as cash is received.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Income Taxes – We operate in a manner intended to enable us to continue to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) under Sections 856 – 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Code, we must distribute at least 90% of our taxable income to stockholders each year. We distribute to our stockholders 100% of our taxable income and therefore, no provision for Federal income taxes is required. If we fail to distribute the required amount of income to our stockholders, or fail to meet other REIT requirements, we may fail to qualify as a REIT, which may result in substantial adverse tax consequences.

The following table reconciles our net income to estimated taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.


(Unaudited and in thousands)		Years Ended December 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to Alexander’s		$	674,387	$	79,423	$	66,429
Additional tax gain on sale of the Kings Plaza Regional
	Shopping Center		23,928		-		-
Straight-line rent adjustments			(4,475)		(12,609)		(15,182)
Depreciation and amortization timing differences			910		1,263		602
Interest expense			29		(2,425)		-
Reversal of liability for income taxes			-		-		(3,162)
Other			4,396		(3,429)		6,245
Taxable income before net operating loss ("NOL")			699,175		62,223		54,932
NOL carried forward			-		-		(16,939)
Estimated taxable income		$	699,175	$	62,223	$	37,993

At December 31, 2012, the net basis of our assets and liabilities for tax purposes are approximately $184,806,000 lower than the amount reported for financial statement purposes.

Income Per Share – Basic income per share is computed based on weighted average shares of common stock (including deferred stock units) outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is computed based on the weighted average shares of common stock (including deferred stock units) outstanding during the period, and assumes all potentially dilutive securities were converted into common stock at the earliest date possible. There were no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Text Block]

3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Vornado

At December 31, 2012, Vornado owned 32.4% of our outstanding common stock. We are managed by, and our properties are leased and developed by, Vornado, pursuant to the agreements described below, which expire in March of each year and are automatically renewable.

Steven Roth is the Chairman of our Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, the Managing General Partner of Interstate Properties (“Interstate”), a New Jersey general partnership, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Vornado. At December 31, 2012, Mr. Roth, Interstate and its other two general partners, David Mandelbaum and Russell B. Wight, Jr. (who are also directors of the Company and trustees of Vornado) owned, in the aggregate, 26.3% of our outstanding common stock, in addition to the 2.1% they indirectly own through Vornado. Michael D. Fascitelli, our President and a member of our Board of Directors, is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Trustees of Vornado. Joseph Macnow, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, holds the same position with Vornado.

Management and Development Agreements

Effective December 1, 2012, as a result of the sale of the Kings Plaza Regional Shopping Center (“Kings Plaza”) (see Note 4 – Discontinued Operations), the management and development agreement with Vornado was amended. Pursuant to the amended agreement, we pay Vornado an annual management fee equal to the sum of (i) $2,800,000, (ii) 2% of gross revenue from the Rego Park II shopping center, (iii) $0.50 per square foot of the tenant-occupied office and retail space at 731 Lexington Avenue, and (iv) $264,000, escalating at 3% per annum, for managing the common area of 731 Lexington Avenue.

In addition, Vornado is entitled to a development fee of 6% of development costs, as defined.

Leasing Agreements

Vornado also provides us with leasing services for a fee of 3% of rent for the first ten years of a lease term, 2% of rent for the eleventh through the twentieth year of a lease term, and 1% of rent for the twenty-first through thirtieth year of a lease term, subject to the payment of rents by tenants. In the event third-party real estate brokers are used, the fees to Vornado increase by 1% and Vornado is responsible for the fees to the third-party real estate brokers. Vornado is also entitled to a commission upon the sale of any of our assets equal to 3% of gross proceeds, as defined, for asset sales less than $50,000,000 and 1% of gross proceeds, as defined, for asset sales of $50,000,000 or more. The total of these amounts is payable in annual installments in an amount not to exceed $4,000,000, with interest on the unpaid balance at LIBOR plus 1% (2.13% at December 31, 2012). As a result of the sale of Kings Plaza (see Note 4 – Discontinued Operations), we accrued a $7,510,000 sales commission payable to Vornado, which is responsible for the fee to a third-party broker.

Other Agreements

We also have agreements with Building Maintenance Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Vornado, to supervise (i) cleaning, engineering and security services at our Lexington Avenue property and (ii) security services at our Rego Park I and Rego Park II properties, for an annual fee of the cost for such services plus 6%.

3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS – continued

The following is a summary of fees to Vornado under the agreements discussed above, which includes property management and leasing fees related to Kings Plaza of $2,261,000, $3,385,000 and $1,758,000 in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

		Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)		2012		2011		2010
Company management fees		$	2,983	$	3,000	$	3,000
Development fees			438		750		727
Leasing fees			2,217		4,472		4,267
Commission on sale of real estate			7,510		-		-
Property management fees and payments for cleaning, engineering
	and security services		5,103		4,648		4,342
		$	18,251	$	12,870	$	12,336

At December 31, 2012, we owed Vornado $45,803,000 for leasing fees (including the $7,510,000 Kings Plaza sales commission) and $642,000 for management, property management and cleaning fees.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39603-107864

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39678-107864

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39691-107864

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph b
-Article 3A

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph k
-Article 4

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 1-4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations [Text Block]

4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On November 28, 2012, we completed the sale of Kings Plaza located in Brooklyn, New York, to Macerich, for $751,000,000. Net proceeds from the sale, after repaying the existing loan and closing costs, were $479,000,000, of which $30,000,000 was in Macerich common shares. The financial statement gain was $601,976,000, of which $599,628,000 was recognized in the fourth quarter and the remaining $2,348,000 was deferred and will be recognized upon the disposition of the Macerich common shares. Prior to the sale, in November 2012, we acquired the remaining 75% interest in our consolidated subsidiary, the Kings Plaza energy plant joint venture (which was sold with Kings Plaza), for $7,800,000 in cash. Pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, we have recorded the difference between the acquisition price and the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest as a reduction of “additional capital” on our consolidated balance sheet.

On November 30, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a special long-term capital gain dividend of $122.00 per share, or $623,178,000 in the aggregate, to distribute the tax gain resulting from the sale of Kings Plaza.

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, we have reclassified the revenues and expenses of Kings Plaza to “income from discontinued operations” and the related assets and liabilities to “assets related to discontinued operations” and “liabilities related to discontinued operations”, respectively, for all of the periods presented in the accompanying financial statements. The tables below set forth the assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations at December 31, 2012 and 2011 and their combined results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

			Assets Related to			Liabilities Related to
		Discontinued Operations as of				Discontinued Operations as of
		December 31,				December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)			2012		2011		2012		2011
Kings Plaza		$	-	$	137,418	$	-	$	250,000

				For the Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)					2012		2011		2010
Total revenues				$	61,836	$	69,006	$	67,144
Total expenses⁽¹⁾					36,512		42,791		48,858
					25,324		26,215		18,286
Net gain on sale					599,628		-		-
Income from discontinued operations				$	624,952	$	26,215	$	18,286
___________________
(1)	Includes fees to Vornado of $1,608, $1,801 and $1,517 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1436-107760

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1510-107760

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1474-107760

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1020-107759

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1012-107759

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2443-110228

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2941-110230

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43-48
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Marketable Securities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities [Text Block]

5. MARKETABLE SECURITIES

As of December 31, 2012, we own 535,265 Macerich common shares, or approximately 0.39% of its outstanding common shares. These shares were received as part of the consideration for the sale of Kings Plaza and have an economic basis of $56.05 per share, or $30,000,000 in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2012, these shares have an aggregate fair value of $31,206,000, based on Macerich's closing share price of $58.30 per share at December 31, 2012. These shares are included in “marketable securities” on our consolidated balance sheet and are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are presented at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from the mark-to-market of these securities are included in “other comprehensive income” and are recognized in earnings only upon the sale of the securities. Other comprehensive income includes a $1,206,000 unrealized gain for the year ended December 31, 2012.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for investments in certain debt and equity securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-Glossary Debt Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27290-111563

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-Glossary Equity Security
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957658&loc=d3e62557-112803

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Mortgages Payable

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Mortgages Payable [Abstract]

Notes and Mortgages Payable [Text Block]

6. MORTGAGES PAYABLE

The following is a summary of outstanding mortgages payable.

			Interest Rate at		Balance at December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)		Maturity	December 31, 2012		2012		2011
First mortgages secured by:
	Rego Park I shopping center (100% cash
	collateralized)	Mar. 2013	0.50	%	$	78,246	$	78,246
	731 Lexington Avenue, office space	Feb. 2014	5.33	%		327,425		339,890
	731 Lexington Avenue, retail space⁽¹⁾	Jul. 2015	4.93	%		320,000		320,000
	Paramus	Oct. 2018	2.90	%		68,000		68,000
	Rego Park II shopping center⁽²⁾	Nov. 2018	2.06	%		272,245		274,796
					$	1,065,916	$	1,080,932
___________________

(1)	In the event of a substantial casualty, as defined, up to $75,000 of this loan may become recourse to us.
(2)	This loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.85%.

All of our debt is secured by mortgages and/or pledges of the stock of the subsidiaries holding the properties. The net carrying value of real estate collateralizing the debt amounted to $746,867,000 at December 31, 2012. Our existing financing documents contain covenants that limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness on these properties, provide for lender approval of tenants' leases in certain circumstances, and provide for yield maintenance to prepay them. As of December 31, 2012, the principal repayments for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)
Year Ending December 31,	Amount
2013	$	94,203
2014		317,179
2015		323,193
2016		3,440
2017		3,707
Thereafter		324,194

We may refinance our maturing debt as it comes due or choose to repay it at maturity.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]

7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Our Omnibus Stock Plan (the “Plan”) provides for grants of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, deferred stock units (“DSUs”) and performance shares, as defined, to the directors, officers and employees of the Company and Vornado, and any other person or entity as designated by the Omnibus Stock Plan Committee of our Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2012, there were 2,080 DSUs outstanding and 892,920 shares were available for future grant. We account for all stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation.

DSUs

In May 2012, the Company granted each of the members of its Board of Directors, 129 DSUs with a grant date fair value of $37,500 per grant, or $300,000 in the aggregate. The DSUs entitle the holder to receive shares of the Company's common stock without the payment of any consideration. The DSUs vested immediately and accordingly were expensed on the date of grant, but the shares of common stock underlying the DSUs are not deliverable to the grantee until the grantee is no longer serving on the Company's Board of Directors.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Fair value measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. The objective of fair value is to determine the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels: Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities; Level 2 – observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets, but corroborated by market data; and Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Financial assets measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012 consists of marketable securities and is presented in the table below, based on its level in the fair value hierarchy. There were no financial assets measured at fair value at December 31, 2011 and no financial liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

		As of December 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Marketable securities	$	31,206	$	31,206	$	-	$	-

8. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - continued

Financial Assets and Liabilities not Measured at Fair Value

Financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets include cash equivalents, short-term investments, mortgages payable and leasing commissions due to Vornado. Cash equivalents and short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, due to their short-term maturities. The fair value of our mortgages payable is calculated by discounting the future contractual cash flows of these instruments using current risk-adjusted rates available to borrowers with similar credit ratings, which are provided by a third-party specialist. The leasing commissions due to Vornado are carried at cost plus interest at variable rates, which approximate fair value. The fair value of cash equivalents (primarily money market funds) is classified as Level 1 and the fair value of short-term investments, mortgages payable and leasing commissions due to Vornado is classified as Level 2. The table below summarizes the carrying amounts and fair value of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

			As of December 31, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(Amounts in thousands)			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	289,054	$	289,054	$	35,000	$	35,000
	Short-term investments		-		-		5,000		5,000
		$	289,054	$	289,054	$	40,000	$	40,000

Liabilities:
	Mortgages payable	$	1,065,916	$	1,097,000	$	1,080,932	$	1,102,000
	Leasing commissions (included in Amounts due to Vornado)		45,803		46,000		40,728		41,000
		$	1,111,719	$	1,143,000	$	1,121,660	$	1,143,000

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Leases [Abstract]

Leases [Text Block]

9. LEASES

As Lessor

We lease space to tenants in an office building and in retail centers. The rental terms range from approximately 5 to 25 years. The leases provide for the payment of fixed base rents payable monthly in advance as well as reimbursements of real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Retail leases may also provide for the payment by the lessee of additional rents based on a percentage of their sales.

Future base rental revenue under these non-cancelable operating leases is as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)

Year Ending December 31,	Amount
2013	$	125,249
2014		125,536
2015		125,642
2016		117,257
2017		118,500
Thereafter		1,124,840

These future minimum amounts do not include additional rents based on a percentage of tenants' sales. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, these rents were $416,000, $427,000, and $418,000, respectively.

Bloomberg accounted for $86,468,000, $84,526,000 and $83,137,000, or 45%, 46% and 48% of our total revenues in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. No other tenant accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues in any of the last three years. If we were to lose Bloomberg as a tenant, or if Bloomberg were to fail or become unable to perform its obligations under its lease, it would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We receive and evaluate certain confidential financial information and metrics from Bloomberg on a semi-annual basis. In addition, we access and evaluate financial information regarding Bloomberg from private sources, as well as publicly available data.

As Lessee

We are a tenant under a long-term ground lease at our Flushing property, which expires in 2027 and has one 10-year extension option. Future lease payments under this operating lease, excluding the extension option, are as follows:

(Amounts in thousands)

Year Ending December 31,	Amount
2013	$	700
2014		700
2015		700
2016		700
2017		792
Thereafter		7,266

Rent expense was $746,000 in each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Insurance

We maintain general liability insurance with limits of $300,000,000 per occurrence and all-risk property and rental value insurance coverage with limits of $1.7 billion per occurrence, including coverage for terrorist acts, with sub-limits for certain perils such as floods and earthquakes on each of our properties.

Fifty Ninth Street Insurance Company, LLC (“FNSIC”), our wholly owned consolidated subsidiary, acts as a direct insurer for coverage for acts of terrorism, including nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological (“NBCR”) acts, as defined by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (“TRIPRA”). Coverage for acts of terrorism (including NBCR acts) is up to $1.7 billion per occurrence. Coverage for acts of terrorism (excluding NBCR acts) is fully reinsured by third party insurance companies with no exposure to FNSIC. For NBCR acts, FNSIC is responsible for a $275,000 deductible and 15% of the balance of a covered loss and the Federal government is responsible for the remaining 85% of a covered loss. We are ultimately responsible for any loss borne by FNSIC.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain similar levels of insurance coverage in the future in amounts and on terms that are commercially reasonable. We are responsible for deductibles and losses in excess of our insurance coverage, which could be material.

Our mortgage loans are non-recourse to us, except for $75,000,000 of the $320,000,000 mortgage on our 731 Lexington Avenue property, in the event of a substantial casualty, as defined. Our mortgage loans contain customary covenants requiring us to maintain insurance. If lenders insist on greater coverage than we are able to obtain, it could adversely affect our ability to finance our properties.

Flushing Property

In 2002 Flushing Expo, Inc. (“Expo”) agreed to purchase the stock of the entity which owns the Flushing property from us (“Purchase of the Property”) and gave us a non-refundable deposit of $1,875,000. Pursuant to a stipulation of settlement, we settled the action Expo brought against us regarding the Purchase of the Property and in June 2011, deposited the settlement amount with the Court, in exchange for which we received a stipulation of discontinuance, with prejudice, as well as general releases. In November 2011, Expo filed another action, this time against our tenant at the Flushing property asserting, among other things, that such tenant interfered with Expo's Purchase of the Property from us and sought $50,000,000 in damages from our tenant, who sought indemnification from us for such amount. In August 2012, the Court entered judgment denying Expo's claim for damages. Expo filed a motion to re-argue the decision, which the Court denied on December 7, 2012. Expo has appealed the Court's original decision. We believe, after consultation with counsel, that the amount or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, cannot be estimated.

Paramus

In 2001, we leased 30.3 acres of land located in Paramus, New Jersey to IKEA Property, Inc. The lease has a 40-year term with a purchase option in 2021 for $75,000,000. The property is encumbered by a $68,000,000 interest-only mortgage loan with a fixed rate of 2.90%, which matures in October 2018. The annual triple-net rent is the sum of $700,000 plus the amount of debt service on the mortgage loan. If the purchase option is exercised, we will receive net cash proceeds of approximately $7,000,000 and recognize a gain on sale of land of approximately $60,000,000. If the purchase option is not exercised, the triple-net rent for the last 20 years would include debt service sufficient to fully amortize $68,000,000 over the remaining 20-year lease term.

Letters of Credit

Approximately $4,058,000 of standby letters of credit were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012.

Other

There are various legal actions against us in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the outcome of such matters will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Multiemployer Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Multiemployer Plans [Abstract]

Multiemployer Plans Disclosure [Text Block]

11. MULTIEMPLOYER BENEFIT PLANS

Our subsidiaries make contributions to certain multiemployer defined benefit plans (“Multiemployer Pension Plans”) and health plans (“Multiemployer Health Plans”) for our union represented employees, pursuant to the respective collective bargaining agreements.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

Multiemployer Pension Plans differ from single-employer pension plans in that (i) contributions to multiemployer plans may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers and (ii) if other participating employers fail to make their contributions, each of our subsidiaries may be required to bear their pro-rata share of unfunded obligations. If a participating subsidiary withdraws from a plan in which it participates, it may be subject to a withdrawal liability. As of December 31, 2012, our subsidiaries' participation in these plans were not significant to our consolidated financial statements.

In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 our subsidiaries contributed $196,000, $215,000 and $229,000, respectively, towards Multiemployer Pension Plans. Of these amounts, $135,000, $140,000 and $149,000, in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, represent contributions associated with continuing operations, which are included as a component of “operating” expenses on our consolidated statements of income. Our subsidiaries' contributions did not represent more than 5% of total employer contributions in any of these plans for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Multiemployer Health Plans

Multiemployer Health Plans in which our subsidiaries participate provide health benefits to eligible active and retired employees. In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 our subsidiaries contributed $734,000, $731,000 and $735,000, respectively, towards these plans. Of these amounts, $484,000, $480,000 and $510,000 in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, represent contributions associated with continuing operations, which are included as a component of “operating” expenses on our consolidated statements of income.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

12. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per share, including a reconciliation of net income and the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted income per share. Basic income per share is determined using the weighted average shares of common stock (including deferred stock units) outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is determined using the weighted average shares of common stock (including deferred stock units) outstanding during the period, and assumes all potentially dilutive securities were converted into common shares at the earliest date possible. There were no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

			For the Years Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)			2012		2011		2010
	Income from continuing operations		$	50,041	$	54,831	$	49,159
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income attributable to
		the noncontrolling interest		624,346		24,592		17,270
	Net income attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted		$	674,387	$	79,423	$	66,429

	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted			5,107,610		5,106,568		5,105,936

	Income from continuing operations		$	9.80	$	10.74	$	9.63
	Income from discontinued operations, net			122.24		4.81		3.38
	Net income per common share – basic and diluted		$	132.04	$	15.55	$	13.01

Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) [Text Block]

13. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

					Net Income
					Attributable to			Net Income Per
					Common			Common Share⁽¹⁾
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)		Revenues		Stockholders			Basic		Diluted
	2012
		December 31	$	48,491	$	617,157	⁽²⁾	$	120.82	$	120.82
		September 30		48,642		18,856			3.69		3.69
		June 30		46,878		18,892			3.70		3.70
		March 31		47,301		19,482			3.81		3.81

	2011
		December 31	$	46,558	$	20,634		$	4.04	$	4.04
		September 30		46,949		20,425			4.00		4.00
		June 30		45,377		20,157			3.95		3.95
		March 31		46,362		18,207			3.57		3.57
_______________________
(1)	The total for the year may differ from the sum of the quarters as a result of weighting.
(2)	Includes a $599,628 net gain on sale of real estate.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Text Block]

ALEXANDER’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Amounts in thousands)

	Column A		Column B		Column C		Column D		Column E
					Additions:		Deductions:
			Balance at		Charged		Uncollectible		Balance
			Beginning		Against		Accounts		at End
	Description		of Year		Operations		Written Off		of Year

	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
		Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	1,039	$	1,304	$	(124)	$	2,219

		Year Ended December 31, 2011	$	1,047	$	427	$	(435)	$	1,039

		Year Ended December 31, 2010	$	1,736	$	(22)	$	(667)	$	1,047

Schedule III: Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule III: Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Text Block]

ALEXANDER’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE III-REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

DECEMBER 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)


COLUMN A			COLUMN B		COLUMN C				COLUMN D		COLUMN E								COLUMN F		COLUMN G	COLUMN H	COLUMN I
											Gross Amount at Which
					Initial Cost to Company⁽¹⁾						Carried at Close of Period												Depreciation
							Building,		Costs				Building,						Accumulated				in Latest
							Leaseholds		Capitalized				Leaseholds						Depreciation				Income
							and Leasehold		Subsequent				and Leasehold		Construction				and		Date of	Date	Statement
Description			Encumbrances		Land		Improvements		to Acquisition		Land		Improvements		In Progress		Total⁽²⁾		Amortization		Construction	Acquired⁽¹⁾	is Computed
Commercial Property:
	New York, NY
		Rego Park I	$	78,246	$	1,647	$	8,953	$	47,568	$	1,647	$	56,400	$	121	$	58,168	$	24,534	1959	1992	3-39 years
		Rego Park II		272,245		3,127		1,467		380,854		3,127		382,041		280		385,448		31,612	2009	1992	3-40 years
		Rego Park III		-		779		-		2,314		779		503		1,811		3,093		42	N/A	1992	5-15 years
		Flushing		-		-		1,660		(107)		-		1,553		-		1,553		672	1975⁽³⁾	1992	N/A
		Lexington Avenue		647,425		14,432		12,355		424,822		27,497		424,112		-		451,609		103,966	2003	1992	9-39 years

	Paramus, NJ			68,000		1,441		-		10,313		11,754		-		-		11,754		-	N/A	1992	N/A

	Other Properties			-		167		1,804		(1,804)		167		-		-		167		-	N/A	1992	N/A
TOTAL			$	1,065,916	$	21,593	$	26,239	$	863,960	$	44,971	$	864,609	$	2,212	$	911,792	$	160,826


		__________________________
(1)		Initial cost is as of May 15, 1992 (the date on which the Company commenced its real estate operations).
(2)		The net basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities for tax purposes is approximately $184,806 lower than the amount reported for financial statement purposes.
(3)		Represents the date the lease was acquired.

ALEXANDER’S, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE III REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
(Amounts in thousands)

				December 31,
				2012		2011		2010
	REAL ESTATE:
		Balance at beginning of period		$	906,907	$	897,312	$	879,833
		Additions (deletions) during the period:
			Land		-		-		-
			Buildings and leasehold improvements		3,776		49,027		94,188
			Development and construction in progress		1,109		(39,432)		(76,646)
					911,792		906,907		897,375
			Less: Fully depreciated assets		-		-		(63)
		Balance at end of period		$	911,792	$	906,907	$	897,312

	ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION:
		Balance at beginning of period		$	136,460	$	112,765	$	91,247
		Additions charged to operating expenses			24,366		23,695		21,581
					160,826		136,460		112,828
			Less: Fully depreciated assets		-		-		(63)
		Balance at end of period		$	160,826	$	136,460	$	112,765

- Definition

The entire disclosure for real estate and accumulated depreciation. This may include a schedule that describes the property and lists the initial cost of land, buildings and improvements, improvements and carrying costs capitalized after acquisition, and the total carrying cost for land, buildings and improvements for each property and in aggregate. The schedule also lists the accumulated depreciation for each property and in aggregate, the date each property was constructed and acquired, the useful life used to calculate depreciation and any encumbrances on the properties. The entity provides a reconciliation of the carrying amount of real estate from the beginning of the period to the end of the period. Any real estate investments that have been written down or reserved against are described, including the basis of the write-down. A material amount of intercompany profit in the total carrying amount of real estate is disclosed. The aggregate cost of all real estate investments for federal income tax purposes is also disclosed.

+ References + Details

Significant accounting policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting [Policy Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Literature [Policy Text Block]

Real Estate [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Policy Text Block]

Short-term Investments [Policy Text Block]

Restricted Cash [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Charges [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition – We have the following revenue sources and revenue recognition policies:

Parking Income – revenue arising from the rental of parking space at our properties. This income is recognized as cash is received.

Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]

The following table reconciles our net income to estimated taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.


(Unaudited and in thousands)		Years Ended December 31,
		2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to Alexander’s		$	674,387	$	79,423	$	66,429
Additional tax gain on sale of the Kings Plaza Regional
	Shopping Center		23,928		-		-
Straight-line rent adjustments			(4,475)		(12,609)		(15,182)
Depreciation and amortization timing differences			910		1,263		602
Interest expense			29		(2,425)		-
Reversal of liability for income taxes			-		-		(3,162)
Other			4,396		(3,429)		6,245
Taxable income before net operating loss ("NOL")			699,175		62,223		54,932
NOL carried forward			-		-		(16,939)
Estimated taxable income		$	699,175	$	62,223	$	37,993

At December 31, 2012, the net basis of our assets and liabilities for tax purposes are approximately $184,806,000 lower than the amount reported for financial statement purposes.

Income Per Share [Policy Text Block]

Significant accounting policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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,
		2012		2011		2010
Net income attributable to Alexander’s		$	674,387	$	79,423	$	66,429
Additional tax gain on sale of the Kings Plaza Regional
	Shopping Center		23,928		-		-
Straight-line rent adjustments			(4,475)		(12,609)		(15,182)
Depreciation and amortization timing differences			910		1,263		602
Interest expense			29		(2,425)		-
Reversal of liability for income taxes			-		-		(3,162)
Other			4,396		(3,429)		6,245
Taxable income before net operating loss ("NOL")			699,175		62,223		54,932
NOL carried forward			-		-		(16,939)
Estimated taxable income		$	699,175	$	62,223	$	37,993

Related party transaction (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Fees to Vornado [Table Text Block]

		Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)		2012		2011		2010
Company management fees		$	2,983	$	3,000	$	3,000
Development fees			438		750		727
Leasing fees			2,217		4,472		4,267
Commission on sale of real estate			7,510		-		-
Property management fees and payments for cleaning, engineering
	and security services		5,103		4,648		4,342
		$	18,251	$	12,870	$	12,336

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]

			Assets Related to			Liabilities Related to
		Discontinued Operations as of				Discontinued Operations as of
		December 31,				December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)			2012		2011		2012		2011
Kings Plaza		$	-	$	137,418	$	-	$	250,000

				For the Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)					2012		2011		2010
Total revenues				$	61,836	$	69,006	$	67,144
Total expenses⁽¹⁾					36,512		42,791		48,858
					25,324		26,215		18,286
Net gain on sale					599,628		-		-
Income from discontinued operations				$	624,952	$	26,215	$	18,286
___________________
(1)	Includes fees to Vornado of $1,608, $1,801 and $1,517 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Mortgages Payable (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Mortgages Payable [Abstract]

Summary of Notes and Mortgages Payable [Table Text Block]

			Interest Rate at		Balance at December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)		Maturity	December 31, 2012		2012		2011
First mortgages secured by:
	Rego Park I shopping center (100% cash
	collateralized)	Mar. 2013	0.50	%	$	78,246	$	78,246
	731 Lexington Avenue, office space	Feb. 2014	5.33	%		327,425		339,890
	731 Lexington Avenue, retail space⁽¹⁾	Jul. 2015	4.93	%		320,000		320,000
	Paramus	Oct. 2018	2.90	%		68,000		68,000
	Rego Park II shopping center⁽²⁾	Nov. 2018	2.06	%		272,245		274,796
					$	1,065,916	$	1,080,932
___________________

(1)	In the event of a substantial casualty, as defined, up to $75,000 of this loan may become recourse to us.
(2)	This loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.85%.

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]

(Amounts in thousands)
Year Ending December 31,	Amount
2013	$	94,203
2014		317,179
2015		323,193
2016		3,440
2017		3,707
Thereafter		324,194

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Fair value measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

		As of December 31, 2012
(Amounts in thousands)		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Marketable securities	$	31,206	$	31,206	$	-	$	-

			As of December 31, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(Amounts in thousands)			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	289,054	$	289,054	$	35,000	$	35,000
	Short-term investments		-		-		5,000		5,000
		$	289,054	$	289,054	$	40,000	$	40,000

Liabilities:
	Mortgages payable	$	1,065,916	$	1,097,000	$	1,080,932	$	1,102,000
	Leasing commissions (included in Amounts due to Vornado)		45,803		46,000		40,728		41,000
		$	1,111,719	$	1,143,000	$	1,121,660	$	1,143,000

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of assets, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, by class that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ References + Details

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Income From Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

(Amounts in thousands)

Year Ending December 31,	Amount
2013	$	125,249
2014		125,536
2015		125,642
2016		117,257
2017		118,500
Thereafter		1,124,840

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

(Amounts in thousands)

Year Ending December 31,	Amount
2013	$	700
2014		700
2015		700
2016		700
2017		792
Thereafter		7,266

Earnings per share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

			For the Years Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)			2012		2011		2010
	Income from continuing operations		$	50,041	$	54,831	$	49,159
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income attributable to
		the noncontrolling interest		624,346		24,592		17,270
	Net income attributable to common stockholders – basic and diluted		$	674,387	$	79,423	$	66,429

	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted			5,107,610		5,106,568		5,105,936

	Income from continuing operations		$	9.80	$	10.74	$	9.63
	Income from discontinued operations, net			122.24		4.81		3.38
	Net income per common share – basic and diluted		$	132.04	$	15.55	$	13.01

Summary of Quarterly results (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) [Table Text Block]

					Net Income
					Attributable to			Net Income Per
					Common			Common Share⁽¹⁾
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)		Revenues		Stockholders			Basic		Diluted
	2012
		December 31	$	48,491	$	617,157	⁽²⁾	$	120.82	$	120.82
		September 30		48,642		18,856			3.69		3.69
		June 30		46,878		18,892			3.70		3.70
		March 31		47,301		19,482			3.81		3.81

	2011
		December 31	$	46,558	$	20,634		$	4.04	$	4.04
		September 30		46,949		20,425			4.00		4.00
		June 30		45,377		20,157			3.95		3.95
		March 31		46,362		18,207			3.57		3.57
_______________________
(1)	The total for the year may differ from the sum of the quarters as a result of weighting.
(2)	Includes a $599,628 net gain on sale of real estate.

Organization (Details) ft² in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Organization (Details) ft² in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) ft² a condounits aptunits property segment
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Number of properties in greater New York City metropolitan area \| property	6
Number Of Operating Segments \| segment	1
731 Lexington Avenue [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	1,307
731 Lexington Avenue [Member] \| Office Space [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	885
731 Lexington Avenue [Member] \| Office Space [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Bloomberg [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	885
731 Lexington Avenue [Member] \| Retail Space [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	174
731 Lexington Avenue [Member] \| Retail Space [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Container Store [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	34
731 Lexington Avenue [Member] \| Retail Space [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Hennes Mauritz [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	27
731 Lexington Avenue [Member] \| Retail Space [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Home Depot [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	83
731 Lexington Avenue [Member] \| Residential Space [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Number Of Residential Units Sold \| condounits	105
Area of property	248
Rego Park I [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	343
Rego Park I [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Burlington Coat Factory [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	50
Rego Park I [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Marshalls [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	36
Rego Park I [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Bed Bath Beyond [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	46
Rego Park I [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Sears [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	195
Rego Park II [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	610
Rego Park II [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Toys R Us [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Related Party Ownership In Tenant	one-third
Rego Park II [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Toys R Us [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	47
Rego Park II [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Kohls [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	133
Rego Park II [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Century 21 [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	135
Rego Park II [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Costco [Member] \| Anchor [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	145
Rego Park II [Member] \| Apartment Tower [Member] \| Properties to be developed [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	250
Approximate Number Of Apartment Units \| aptunits	300
Rego Park II [Member] \| Apartment Tower [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Properties to be developed [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Estimated future funding \| $	$ 120,000,000
Rego Park II [Member] \| Apartment Tower [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Properties to be developed [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Estimated future funding \| $	$ 100,000,000
Paramus [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Ikea [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area Of Land \| a	30.3
Flushing [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| New World Mall Llc [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area of property	167
Rego Park III [Member] \| Property To Be Developed [Member]
Operating Properties [Abstract]
Area Of Land \| a	3.4

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Real Estate [Abstract]
Interest Paid, Capitalized											$ 1,269,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash And Cash Equivalent Maturity Maximum									3 months
Short-term Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturity, Date Range, Low									3 months
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturity, Date Range, High									6 months
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 2,219,000				$ 1,039,000				$ 2,219,000	$ 1,039,000
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Real Estate Investment Trust Distributable Income Policy									90.00%
Internal Taxable Income Distribution Policy									100.00%
Differences Between Book and Tax Basis	184,806,000								$ 184,806,000
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net	0				0				0	0
Reconciliation of Net Income to Estimated Taxable Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Alexander's	617,157,000	$ 18,856,000	$ 18,892,000	$ 19,482,000	20,634,000	$ 20,425,000	$ 20,157,000	$ 18,207,000	674,387,000	79,423,000	66,429,000
Additional tax gain on the sale of real estate									23,928,000	0	0
Straight-lining of rental income									(4,475,000)	(12,609,000)	(15,182,000)
Depreciation and amortization timing differences									910,000	1,263,000	602,000
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions									0	0	(3,162,000)
Interest expense									29,000	(2,425,000)	0
Other									4,396,000	(3,429,000)	6,245,000
Taxable income before NOL									699,175,000	62,223,000	54,932,000
NOL carried forward	0				0				0	0	(16,939,000)
Taxable income/(NOL)	$ 699,175,000				$ 62,223,000				$ 699,175,000	$ 62,223,000	$ 37,993,000
Maximum [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment estimated useful lives									40
Minimum [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment estimated useful lives									5
Rego Park 1 Shopping [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Percentage of cash mortgage collateralized	100.00%								100.00%

Related Party Transactions (Details)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / ft²	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Property Management Fee agreement	Management and Development Agreements Effective December 1, 2012, as a result of the sale of the Kings Plaza Regional Shopping Center (“Kings Plaza”) (see Note 4 – Discontinued Operations), the management and development agreement with Vornado was amended. Pursuant to the amended agreement, we pay Vornado an annual management fee equal to the sum of (i) $2,800,000, (ii) 2% of gross revenue from the Rego Park II shopping center, (iii) $0.50 per square foot of the tenant-occupied office and retail space at 731 Lexington Avenue, and (iv) $264,000, escalating at 3% per annum, for managing the common area of 731 Lexington Avenue. In addition, Vornado is entitled to a development fee of 6% of development costs, as defined.
Leasing Agreement [Abstract]
Leasing service fee payable, description	Vornado also provides us with leasing services for a fee of 3% of rent for the first ten years of a lease term, 2% of rent for the eleventh through the twentieth year of a lease term, and 1% of rent for the twenty-first through thirtieth year of a lease term, subject to the payment of rents by tenants. In the event third-party real estate brokers are used, the fees to Vornado increase by 1% and Vornado is responsible for the fees to the third-party real estate brokers.
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Kings Plaza Regional Shopping Center [Member]
Leasing Agreement [Abstract]
Kings Plaza sales commission	$ 7,510,000
Summary of fees to Vornado
Property management and leasing fees to Vornado related to Kings Plaza	$ 2,261,000	$ 3,385,000	$ 1,758,000
Mr. Roth, David Mandelbaum, and Russell B. Wight, Jr.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership Interest in the Company	26.30%
IP & Partners Through Vornado
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership Interest in the Company	2.10%
Vornado [member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	32.40%
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Management Fee Agreement Value	$ 2,800,000
Leasing Agreement [Abstract]
Percentage Commissions On Sale Of Assets Under Fifty Million	3.00%
Percentage Commissions On Sale Of Assets Over Fifty Million	1.00%
Leasing services fee and commission on asset sale, annual installment, maximum.	$ 4,000,000
Basis spread over LIBOR	1.00%
Unpaid Balance Effective Interest	2.13%
Other Agreements [Abstract]
Other Supervisory Fees	6.00%
Summary of fees to Vornado
Total	$ 18,251,000	12,870,000	12,336,000
Vornado [member] \| Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Office And Retail Space [Member]
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Property Management Fee Agreement Price Per Square Foot \| $ / ft²	0.5
Vornado [member] \| Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Common Area [Member]
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Property Management Fee Agreement Value	$ 264,000
Property Management Fee Escalation Percentage Per Annum	3.00%
Vornado [member] \| Rego Park 2 Property [Member]
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Property Management Fee Agreement Percentage Of Income	2.00%
Vornado [member] \| Company Management Fees [Member]
Summary of fees to Vornado
Total	$ 2,983,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Vornado [member] \| Development fees [Member]
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Development fee as percentage of development costs	6.00%
Summary of fees to Vornado
Total	$ 438,000	750,000	727,000
Vornado [member] \| Leasing Fees [Member]
Leasing Agreement [Abstract]
Lease Fee Percentage Of Rent One To Ten Years	3.00%
Lease Fee Percentage Of Rent Eleven To Twenty Years	2.00%
Lease Fee Percentage Of Rent Twenty First To Thirty Years	1.00%
Percentage Increase Lease Fee If Broker Used	1.00%
Summary of fees to Vornado
Total	$ 2,217,000	4,472,000	4,267,000
Fees owed to Vornado	45,803,000
Vornado [member] \| Property Management Fees [Member]
Summary of fees to Vornado
Total	5,103,000	$ 4,648,000	$ 4,342,000
Fees owed to Vornado	$ 642,000

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 28, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Description of Transaction
Common Stock From Sale of Real Estate				$ 30,000	$ 0	$ 0
Acquisition of the noncontrolling interest				$ 7,800	0	0
Special long-term capital gain dividend (in dollars per share) per share				$ 122.00
Special long-term capital gain dividend				$ 623,178
Disposal Group Assets And Liabilities
Assets related to discontinued operations				0	137,418
Liabilities related to discontinued operations				0	250,000
Disposal Group Income And Expenses
Net gain on sale of real estate				599,628
Income from discontinued operations				624,952	26,215	18,286
Fees to Vornado				4,318	3,687	3,665
Kings Plaza Energy Joint Venture [Member]
Description of Transaction
Remaining Equity Interest Percentage Acquired	75.00%		75.00%
Acquisition of the noncontrolling interest			$ 7,800
Kings Plaza Regional Shopping Center [Member]
Description of Transaction
Financial Statement Gain		$ 601,976
Disposal Group, Deferred Gain on Disposal		2,348
Special long-term capital gain dividend (in dollars per share) per share	$ 122.00
Special long-term capital gain dividend	$ 623,178
Disposal Group Assets And Liabilities
Assets related to discontinued operations				0	137,418
Liabilities related to discontinued operations				0	250,000
Disposal Group Income And Expenses
Total revenues				61,836	69,006	67,144
Total expenses				36,512	42,791	48,858
Operating income from discontinued operations				25,324	26,215	18,286
Net gain on sale of real estate				599,628	0	0
Income from discontinued operations				624,952	26,215	18,286
Fees to Vornado				$ 1,608	$ 1,801	$ 1,517
Kings Plaza Regional Shopping Center [Member] \| Macerich [Member]
Description of Transaction
Real Estate Property Sold Gross		751,000
Proceeds from sale of real estate		479,000
Common Stock From Sale of Real Estate		$ 30,000

Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable securities received in connection with the sale of real estate	$ 30,000,000	$ 0	$ 0
Macerich Interest [Member]
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Fair Value	31,206,000
GAAP Cost	30,000,000
Unrealized Gain	$ 1,206,000
Economic basis per share	$ 56.05
Closing share price	$ 58.30
Percentage of outstanding common shares owned	0.39%
Macerich common shares	535,265

Mortgages Payable (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Mortgages Payable (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance	$ 1,065,916,000	$ 1,080,932,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	0	593,000,000	$ 34,828,000
Net carrying value of real estate collaterizing the debt	746,867,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2013	94,203,000
2014	317,179,000
2015	323,193,000
2016	3,440,000
2017	3,707,000
Thereafter	$ 324,194,000
Rego Park 1 Shopping [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date String	2013-03
Interest rate	0.50%
Balance	$ 78,246,000	78,246,000
Rego Park 2 Property [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date String	2018-11
Interest rate	2.06%
Balance	$ 272,245,000	274,796,000
Basis spread over LIBOR	1.85%
Lexington Avenue Property [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance	$ 320,000,000
Mortgage Loan Converted To Recourse	$ 75,000,000
Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member] \| Office Space [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date String	2014-02
Interest rate	5.33%
Balance	$ 327,425,000	339,890,000
Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member] \| Retail Space [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date String	2015-07
Interest rate	4.93%
Balance	$ 320,000,000	320,000,000
Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member] \| Retail Space [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Mortgage Loan Converted To Recourse	$ 75,000,000
Paramus Property [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.90%
Balance	$ 68,000,000.00
Paramus Property [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date String	2018-10
Interest rate	2.90%
Balance	$ 68,000,000	$ 68,000,000

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	$ 31,206
Liabilities measured at fair value	0	$ 0
Assets
Short-term Investments	0	5,000
Liabilities
Mortgages payable	1,065,916	1,080,932
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Short-term Investments	0	5,000
Cash Equivalents	289,054	35,000
Total assets not measured at fair value	289,054	40,000
Liabilities
Mortgages payable	1,065,916	1,080,932
Leasing commissions (included in amounts due to Vornado)	45,803	40,728
Total liabilities not measured at fair value	1,111,719	1,121,660
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Short-term Investments	0	5,000
Cash Equivalents	289,054	35,000
Total assets not measured at fair value	289,054	40,000
Liabilities
Mortgages payable	1,097,000	1,102,000
Leasing commissions (included in amounts due to Vornado)	46,000	41,000
Total liabilities not measured at fair value	1,143,000	$ 1,143,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	31,206
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	$ 0

Stock based compensation (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stock based compensation (Details) - USD ($)	May 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Shares available for future grant under the plan		892,920
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense recognized in connection with the issuance of Deferred Stock Units		$ 300,000	$ 300,000	$ 0
Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Granted Per Director (in shares)	129
Expense recognized in connection with the issuance of Deferred Stock Units	$ 300,000
Expense per grant recognized in connection with the issuance of Deferred Stock Units	$ 37,500
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Outstanding Number		2,080

Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) leases options	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) leases options	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2013	$ 125,249								$ 125,249
2014	125,536								125,536
2015	125,642								125,642
2016	117,257								117,257
2017	118,500								118,500
Thereafter	1,124,840								1,124,840
Additional Rent Based on Percentage of Tenant's sales									416	$ 427	$ 418
Real Estate Properties [Abstract]
Total revenues	48,491	$ 48,642	$ 46,878	$ 47,301	$ 46,558	$ 46,949	$ 45,377	$ 46,362	191,312	185,246	174,206
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2013	700								700
2014	700								700
2015	700								700
2016	700								700
2017	792								792
Thereafter	$ 7,266								7,266
Rent expense									$ 746	$ 746	$ 746
Minimum [Member]
Leases Lease Terms [Abstract]
Lease term range as Lessor									5 years
Maximum [Member]
Leases Lease Terms [Abstract]
Lease term range as Lessor									25 years
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Bloomberg [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Abstract]
Percentage Rent Contributed By Tenant									45.00%	46.00%	48.00%
Total revenues									$ 86,468	$ 84,526	$ 83,137
Flushing Property [Member]
Lessee [Abstract]
Number of Ground Leases \| leases	1								1
Expiration year	2027								2027
Flushing Property [Member] \| Ten Year Extension Option [Member]
Lessee [Abstract]
Number Of Extension Options \| options	1								1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) a	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2002 USD ($)
Insurance [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		$ 1,065,916,000	$ 1,080,932,000
Paramus Property [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		1,065,916,000	$ 1,080,932,000
Letters Of Credit [Abstract]
Standby letters of credit, issued and outstanding		4,058,000.00
Lexington Avenue Property [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Mortgage loans, recourse		75,000,000
Mortgages payable		320,000,000
Paramus Property [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		320,000,000
Paramus Property [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		68,000,000.00
Paramus Property [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		$ 68,000,000.00
Fixed interest rate on the debt		2.90%
Paramus Property [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Ikea [Member]
Paramus Property [Abstract]
Area Of Land \| a		30.3
Leases Of Lessor Rental Term Range		40 years
Property purchase option exercisable be leasee with purchase option in 2021	$ 75,000,000.00
Triple-net rent, annual amount		$ 700,000.00
Purchase option exercised, proceeds from sale of land	7,000,000.00
Purchase option excercised, gain on sale of land	60,000,000.00
Purchase option not excercised amount included in triple net rent over remainder of lease	$ 68,000,000.00
Loan Amortization Period	20 years
Flushing Property [Member]
Flushing Property [Abstract]
Non-refundable purchase deposit				$ 1,875,000
Flushing Property [Member] \| New World Mall Llc [Member]
Flushing Property [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value		50,000,000
General Liability [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Maximum Coverage Per Incident		300,000,000
All Risk Property And Rental Value [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Maximum Coverage Per Incident		1,700,000,000
Terrorism Coverage Including Nbcr [Member] \| Self Insured [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Maximum Coverage Per Incident		1,700,000,000
Reinsurance For Terrorism Coverage Excluding Nbcr [Member] \| Third Party Carriers [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Maximum Coverage Per Incident		1,700,000,000
NBCR [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Deductible		$ 275,000
Self Insured Responsibility		15.00%
Federal Government Responsibility		85.00%

Multiemployer Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plans Period Contributions Significance Of Contributions	false
Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions	$ 196	$ 215	$ 229
Multiemployer plan period contributions from continuing operations	135	140	149
Multiemployer Health Plans [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions	734	731	735
Multiemployer plan period contributions from continuing operations	$ 484	$ 480	$ 510

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations									$ 50,041	$ 54,831	$ 49,159
Income from discontinued operations, net of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest									624,346	24,592	17,270
Net income attributable to Alexander's	$ 617,157	$ 18,856	$ 18,892	$ 19,482	$ 20,634	$ 20,425	$ 20,157	$ 18,207	$ 674,387	$ 79,423	$ 66,429
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)									5,107,610	5,106,568	5,105,936
Income from continuing operations- basic and diluted (in dollars per share)									$ 9.80	$ 10.74	$ 9.63
Income from discontinued operations, net - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)									122.24	4.81	3.38
Net income per common share (in dollars per share)									$ 132.04	$ 15.55	$ 13.01

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. Also defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.13)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 18
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4613673-111683

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph b(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Amount of income (loss) from a disposal group, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deduction or consideration of the amount allocable to noncontrolling interests. Includes, net of tax, income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

+ Details

Summary of Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary of Quarterly Results [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 48,491	$ 48,642	$ 46,878	$ 47,301	$ 46,558	$ 46,949	$ 45,377	$ 46,362	$ 191,312	$ 185,246	$ 174,206
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 617,157	$ 18,856	$ 18,892	$ 19,482	$ 20,634	$ 20,425	$ 20,157	$ 18,207	$ 674,387	$ 79,423	$ 66,429
Net Income Per Common Share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 120.82	$ 3.69	$ 3.70	$ 3.81	$ 4.04	$ 4.00	$ 3.95	$ 3.57	$ 132.04	$ 15.55	$ 13.01
Net Income Per Common Share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 120.82	$ 3.69	$ 3.70	$ 3.81	$ 4.04	$ 4.00	$ 3.95	$ 3.57	$ 132.04	$ 15.55	$ 13.01
Net gain on sale of real estate									$ 599,628

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16381557&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7655603&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 18
-Article 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20
-Article 5

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying accounts (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 1,039	$ 1,047	$ 1,736
Additions: Charged Against Operations	1,304	427	(22)
Deductions: Uncollectible Accounts Written Off	(124)	(435)	(667)
Balance at End of Year	$ 2,219	$ 1,039	$ 1,047

Schedule III: Real estate and Accumulated depreciation (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 1,065,916
Initial cost of Land	21,593
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	26,239
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	863,960
Carrying amount of Land	44,971
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	864,609
Construction in progress	2,212
Total carrying value of property	911,792
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	160,826
Differences Between Book and Tax Basis	184,806
Lexington Avenue Property [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	647,425
Initial cost of Land	14,432
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	12,355
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	424,822
Carrying amount of Land	27,497
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	424,112
Construction in progress	0
Total carrying value of property	451,609
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 103,966
Date of construction	2003
Date acquired	1992
Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	9 years
Rego Park 1 Shopping [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 78,246
Initial cost of Land	1,647
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	8,953
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	47,568
Carrying amount of Land	1,647
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	56,400
Construction in progress	121
Total carrying value of property	58,168
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 24,534
Date of construction	1959
Date acquired	1992
Rego Park 1 Shopping [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Rego Park 1 Shopping [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Rego Park 2 Property [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 272,245
Initial cost of Land	3,127
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	1,467
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	380,854
Carrying amount of Land	3,127
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	382,041
Construction in progress	280
Total carrying value of property	385,448
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 31,612
Date of construction	2009
Date acquired	1992
Rego Park 2 Property [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Rego Park 2 Property [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Paramus Property [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 68,000
Initial cost of Land	1,441
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	10,313
Carrying amount of Land	11,754
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	0
Construction in progress	0
Total carrying value of property	11,754
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 0
Date acquired	1992
Flushing Property [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost of Land	0
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	1,660
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	(107)
Carrying amount of Land	0
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	1,553
Construction in progress	0
Total carrying value of property	1,553
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 672
Date of construction	1975
Date acquired	1992
Rego Park 3 Property [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost of Land	779
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	2,314
Carrying amount of Land	779
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	503
Construction in progress	1,811
Total carrying value of property	3,093
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 42
Date acquired	1992
Rego Park 3 Property [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Rego Park 3 Property [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Other Properties [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost of Land	167
Initial cost of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	1,804
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition	(1,804)
Carrying amount of Land	167
Carring amount of Building, Leaseholds and Leasehold improvements	0
Construction in progress	0
Total carrying value of property	167
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 0
Date acquired	1992

Schedule III: Rollforward of Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of carrying amount of real estate investments rollforward
Balance at the beginning of period	$ 906,907	$ 897,312	$ 879,833
Less: Fully depreciated assets	0	0	(63)
Balance at the end of the period	911,792	906,907	897,312
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of period	136,460	112,765	91,247
Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense	24,366	23,695	21,581
Less: Fully depreciated assets	0	0	(63)
Balance at the end of the period	160,826	136,460	112,765
Land Improvements [Member]
Reconciliation of carrying amount of real estate investments rollforward
Real Estate, Improvements	0	0	0
Building Improvements [Member]
Reconciliation of carrying amount of real estate investments rollforward
Real Estate, Improvements	3,776	49,027	94,188
Construction in Progress [Member]
Reconciliation of carrying amount of real estate investments rollforward
Real Estate, Improvements	$ 1,109	$ (39,432)	$ (76,646)