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Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ALEXANDERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000003499
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,106,196

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Real estate, at cost:
Land	$ 44,971	$ 44,971
Buildings and leasehold improvements	871,231	869,681
Development and construction in progress	56,543	4,924
Total	972,745	919,576
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(203,861)	(185,375)
Real estate, net	768,884	734,201
Cash and cash equivalents	308,976	347,718
Restricted cash	84,750	90,044
Marketable securities	34,166	31,522
Tenant and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,487 and $1,993, respectively	2,387	2,925
Receivable arising from the straight-lining of rents	179,306	177,401
Deferred lease and other property costs, net, including unamortized leasing fees to Vornado of $34,892 and $36,728, respectively	47,713	50,273
Deferred debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $10,610 and $19,187, respectively	5,499	3,246
Other assets	33,756	20,394
Total assets	1,465,437	1,457,724
Liabilities and Equity
Mortgages payable	1,033,541	1,049,959
Amounts due to Vornado	44,179	43,307
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	48,348	27,450
Other liabilities	2,994	3,427
Total liabilities	1,129,062	1,124,143
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock: $1.00 par value per share; authorized, 3,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none	0	0
Common stock: $1.00 par value per share; authorized, 10,000,000 shares; issued, 5,173,450 shares; outstanding, 5,106,196 shares	5,173	5,173
Additional capital	30,139	29,745
Retained earnings	297,454	297,515
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,983	1,522
Equity before treasury stock	336,749	333,955
Treasury stock: 67,254 shares, at cost	(374)	(374)
Total equity	336,375	333,581
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,465,437	$ 1,457,724

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in US dollars)	$ 1,487	$ 1,993
Unamortized leasing fees to Vornado (in US dollars)	34,892	36,728
Deferred debt issuance costs, accumulated amortization (in US dollars)	$ 10,610	$ 19,187
Preferred stock: par value per share (in dollars 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 (in dollars 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	5,106,196	5,106,196
Treasury stock: shares	67,254	67,254

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES
Property rentals	$ 33,984	$ 33,918	$ 102,166	$ 101,759
Expense reimbursements	16,093	15,968	47,362	44,204
Total revenues	50,077	49,886	149,528	145,963
EXPENSES
Operating, including fees to Vornado of $1,223, $1,084, $3,369 and $3,068, respectively	17,299	16,978	50,939	47,135
Depreciation and amortization	7,271	7,272	21,812	21,730
General and administrative, including management fees to Vornado of $595 and $1,785 in each three and nine month period	1,127	1,219	3,872	3,858
Total expenses	25,697	25,469	76,623	72,723
OPERATING INCOME	24,380	24,417	72,905	73,240
Interest and other income, net	409	374	1,235	1,147
Interest and debt expense	(7,446)	(11,140)	(24,720)	(33,428)
Income before income taxes	17,343	13,651	49,420	40,959
Income tax benefit	349	173	344	166
Net income	$ 17,692	$ 13,824	$ 49,764	$ 41,125
Income per common share- basic and diluted:
Net income per common share- basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.46	$ 2.71	$ 9.74	$ 8.05
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	5,111,201	5,109,717	5,110,435	5,108,832
Dividends per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25	$ 2.75	$ 9.75	$ 8.25

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income
Fees to Vornado	$ 1,223	$ 1,084	$ 3,369	$ 3,068
Management fees to Vornado	$ 595	$ 595	$ 1,785	$ 1,785

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,692	$ 13,824	$ 49,764	$ 41,125
Other comprehensive income:
Change in unrealized net gain on available-for-sale securities	(1,563)	(2,425)	2,644	(996)
Change in value of interest rate cap	(30)	0	(183)	0
Comprehensive income	$ 16,099	$ 11,399	$ 52,225	$ 40,129

- Definition

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

+ References

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+ Details

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock
Shares Issued, Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		5,173,000
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 332,153	$ 5,173	$ 29,352	$ 296,797	$ 1,206	$ (375)
Net income	41,125			41,125
Dividends paid	(42,145)			(42,145)
Change in unrealized net gain on available-for-sale securities	(996)				(996)
Change in value of interest rate cap	0
Deferred stock unit grant	394		394
Other	0		(1)			1
Shares Issued, Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013		5,173,000
Balance, at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 330,531	$ 5,173	29,745	295,777	210	(374)
Shares Issued, Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	5,173,450	5,173,450
Balance, at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 333,581	$ 5,173	29,745	297,515	1,522	(374)
Net income	49,764			49,764
Dividends paid	(49,825)			(49,825)
Change in unrealized net gain on available-for-sale securities	2,644				2,644
Change in value of interest rate cap	(183)				(183)
Deferred stock unit grant	$ 394		394
Shares Issued, Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	5,173,450	5,173,450
Balance, at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 336,375	$ 5,173	$ 30,139	$ 297,454	$ 3,983	$ (374)

- Definition

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

+ References

+ Details

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 49,764	$ 41,125
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization, including amortization of debt issuance costs	23,838	23,535
Straight-lining of rental income	(1,905)	(3,022)
Stock-based compensation expense	394	394
Reversal of income tax liability	(420)	(206)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Tenant and other receivables, net	538	(348)
Other assets	(14,345)	(10,036)
Amounts due to Vornado	872	(2,413)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,686	5,274
Other liabilities	(13)	(40)
Net cash provided by operating activities	66,409	54,263
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Construction in progress and real estate additions	(39,957)	(5,931)
Restricted cash	5,294	(75)
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,663)	(6,006)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Debt repayments	(316,418)	(11,870)
Proceeds from borrowing	300,000	0
Dividends paid	(49,825)	(42,145)
Debt issuance costs	(4,245)	(85)
Net cash used in financing activities	(70,488)	(54,100)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(38,742)	(5,843)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	347,718	353,396
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	308,976	347,553
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash payments for interest, excluding capitalized interest of $265 in 2014	24,062	31,695
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS
Liability for real estate additions included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	14,296	1,458
Write-off of fully amortized and depreciated assets	$ 10,569	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parentheticals) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash paid for interest, capitalized in 2014	$ 265

Organization

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Organization and Basis of Presentation [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).

Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

2. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited and include the accounts of Alexander's and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany amounts have been eliminated. In our opinion, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and changes in cash flows have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC.

We have made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in order to conform to current year presentation.

We currently operate in one business segment.

Recently Issued Accounting Literature

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Recently Issued Accounting Literature [Abstract]

Recently Issued Accounting Literature [Text Block]

3. Recently Issued Accounting Literature

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update (“ASU 2014-08”) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements and ASC Topic 360, Property Plant and Equipment. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's results and operations would qualify as discontinued operations. In addition, ASU 2014-08 expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this update on January 1, 2015 is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2014-09”) establishing ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and also requires certain additional disclosures. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

+ Details

Relationship with Vornado

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Related Party Transactions [Text Block]

4. Relationship with Vornado

At September 30, 2014, 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.

Management and Development Agreements

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) $280,000, escalating at 3% per annum, for managing the common area of 731 Lexington Avenue. Vornado is also entitled to a development fee equal to 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 one-year LIBOR plus 1.0% (1.58% at September 30, 2014).

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 equal to the cost of such services plus 6%.

The following is a summary of fees to Vornado under the various agreements discussed above.

		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
(Amounts in thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
Company management fees		$	700	$	700	$	2,100	$	2,100
Development fees			1,714		-		2,463		-
Leasing fees			911		225		1,275		903
Property management fees and payments for cleaning, engineering
	and security services		1,012		881		2,723		2,498
		$	4,337	$	1,806	$	8,561	$	5,501

At September 30, 2014, we owed Vornado $41,197,000 for leasing fees, $2,463,000 for development fees and $519,000 for management, property management, cleaning and security 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 + Details

Rego Park II Apartment Tower

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Real Estate Owned Disclosure Of Detailed Components [Abstract]

Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block]

5. Rego Park II Apartment Tower

Above our Rego Park II shopping center, we are in the process of constructing an apartment tower that will contain approximately 300 units aggregating 250,000 square feet, which is expected to be completed in 2015. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $125,000,000, of which $54,029,000 has been incurred as of September 30, 2014. There can be no assurance that the project will be completed on schedule, or within budget.

Marketable Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities [Text Block]

6. Marketable Securities

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we owned 535,265 common shares of The Macerich Company (“Macerich”) (NYSE: MAC), which were received in connection with the sale of the Kings Plaza Regional Shopping Center to Macerich in November 2012. These shares have an economic cost of $56.05 per share, or $30,000,000 in the aggregate. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair values of these shares were $34,166,000 and $31,522,000, respectively, based on Macerich's closing share price of $63.83 per share and $58.89 per share, respectively. These shares are included in “marketable securities” on our consolidated balance sheets and are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are presented at fair value and unrealized gains and losses resulting from the mark-to-market of these securities are included in “other comprehensive income.”

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Significant Tenants

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Significant Tenants [Abstract]

Significant Tenants [Text Block]

7. Significant Tenants

Bloomberg L.P. (“Bloomberg”) accounted for $67,488,000 and $65,938,000, representing 45% of our total revenues in each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. No other tenant accounted for more than 10% of our total revenues. If we were to lose Bloomberg as a tenant, or if Bloomberg were to be unable to fulfill its obligations under its lease, it would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In order to assist us in our continuing assessments of Bloomberg's creditworthiness, we receive and evaluate certain confidential financial information and metrics provided by 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.

In October 2014, Bloomberg exercised its option to extend leases that were scheduled to expire in 2015 covering 188,608 square feet of office space at our 731 Lexington Avenue property for a term of 5 years. We are currently in negotiations with Bloomberg to determine the rental rate for the extension period.

Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]

8. Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock 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.

In May 2014, we granted each of the members of our Board of Directors 212 DSUs with a grant date fair value of $56,250 per grant, or $394,000 in the aggregate. The DSUs entitle the holder to receive shares of our 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 our Board of Directors.

Mortgages Payable

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Mortgages Payable [Abstract]

Mortgages Payable [Text Block]

9. Mortgages Payable

On February 28, 2014, we completed a $300,000,000 refinancing of the office portion of 731 Lexington Avenue. The interest-only loan is at LIBOR plus 0.95% and matures in March 2017, with four one-year extension options. The proceeds of the new loan and existing cash were used to repay the existing loan and closing costs. In connection therewith, we purchased an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $300,000,000 that caps LIBOR at a rate of 6.0%.

The following is a summary of our outstanding mortgages payable. We intend to refinance our maturing debt as it comes due.

						Balance at
				Interest Rate at		September 30,		December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)			Maturity⁽¹⁾	September 30, 2014		2014		2013
First mortgages secured by:
	Rego Park I shopping center (100% cash
		collateralized)	Mar. 2015	0.40	%	$	78,246	$	78,246
	731 Lexington Avenue, retail space⁽²⁾		Jul. 2015	4.93	%		320,000		320,000
	Paramus		Oct. 2018	2.90	%		68,000		68,000
	Rego Park II shopping center⁽³⁾		Nov. 2018	2.00	%		267,295		269,496
	731 Lexington Avenue, office space		Mar. 2021	1.10	%		300,000		314,217
						$	1,033,541	$	1,049,959


(1)	Represents the extended maturity where we have the unilateral right to extend.
(2)	This loan is non-recourse to us, except for $75,000 in the event of a substantial casualty, as defined.
(3)	This loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.85%.

Fair value measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]

10. Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. 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 sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, consist of marketable securities and an interest rate cap, which are presented in the table below, based on their level in the fair value hierarchy. There were no financial liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

			As of September 30, 2014
(Amounts in thousands)			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Marketable securities		$	34,166	$	34,166	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate cap (included in other assets)			17		-		17		-
		Total assets	$	34,183	$	34,166	$	17	$	-

			As of December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands)			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Marketable securities		$	31,522	$	31,522	$	-	$	-

10. 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, mortgages payable and leasing commissions due to Vornado. Cash equivalents 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 is classified as Level 1 and the fair value of 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

		As of September 30, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(Amounts in thousands)		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	300,193	$	300,193	$	184,796	$	184,796

Liabilities:
	Mortgages payable	$	1,033,541	$	1,029,000	$	1,049,959	$	1,072,000
	Leasing commissions (included in amounts due to Vornado)		41,197		41,000		42,924		43,000
		$	1,074,738	$	1,070,000	$	1,092,883	$	1,115,000

- 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 + Details

Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]

11. 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 acts of terrorism, 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, which expires in December 2014. Coverage for acts of terrorism (including NBCR acts) is up to $1.7 billion per occurrence and in the aggregate. 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 incurred by FNSIC.

We continue to monitor the state of the insurance market and the scope and costs of coverage for acts of terrorism. However, we cannot anticipate what coverage will be available on commercially reasonable terms in the future. 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. Although we believe that we have adequate insurance coverage for purposes of these agreements, we may not be able to obtain an equivalent amount of coverage at reasonable costs in the future. If lenders insist on greater coverage than we are able to obtain, it could adversely affect our ability to finance our properties.

Litigation

Rego Park I

On June 24, 2014, Sears Roebuck and Co. (“Sears”) filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York against Vornado and us (and certain of our subsidiaries) with regard to space that Sears leases at our Rego Park I property. Sears alleges that the defendants are liable for harm Sears has suffered as a result of (a) water intrusions into the premises Sears leases, (b) two fires in February 2014 that caused damages to those premises, and (c) alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the premises' parking garage. Sears asserts various causes of actions for damages and seeks to compel compliance with landlord's obligations to repair the premises and to provide security, and to compel us to abate a nuisance that Sears claims was a cause of the water intrusions into its premises. In addition to injunctive relief, Sears seeks, among other things, damages of not less than $4 million and future damages it estimates will be not less than $25 million. We intend to defend the claims vigorously; the amount or range of reasonably possible losses, if any, cannot be estimated.

Flushing

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 appealed the Court's August 2012 decision, which the Court denied on April 16, 2014.

Paramus

In 2001, we leased 30.3 acres of land located in Paramus, New Jersey to IKEA Property, Inc. The lease has 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 $3,308,000 of standby letters of credit were outstanding as of September 30, 2014.

Other

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

Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

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 DSUs) outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is determined using the weighted average shares of common stock (including DSUs) 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income	$	17,692	$	13,824	$	49,764	$	41,125

	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		5,111,201		5,109,717		5,110,435		5,108,832

	Net income per common share – basic and diluted	$	3.46	$	2.71	$	9.74	$	8.05

Significant accounting policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Significant accounting policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting [Policy Text Block]	The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited and include the accounts of Alexander's and its consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany amounts have been eliminated. In our opinion, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and changes in cash flows have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the SEC. We have made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year. Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in order to conform to current year presentation. We currently operate in one business segment.
Recently Issued Accounting Literature [Policy Text Block]	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update (“ASU 2014-08”) Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements and ASC Topic 360, Property Plant and Equipment. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on the entity's results and operations would qualify as discontinued operations. In addition, ASU 2014-08 expands the disclosure requirements for disposals that meet the definition of a discontinued operation and requires entities to disclose information about disposals of individually significant components that do not meet the definition of discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this update on January 1, 2015 is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2014-09”) establishing ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and also requires certain additional disclosures. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Available-for-sale securities are presented at fair value and unrealized gains and losses resulting from the mark-to-market of these securities are included in “other comprehensive income.”
Fair Value Measurement Policy [Policy Text Block]	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.

Relationship with Vornado (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Fees to Vornado [Table Text Block]

		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
(Amounts in thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
Company management fees		$	700	$	700	$	2,100	$	2,100
Development fees			1,714		-		2,463		-
Leasing fees			911		225		1,275		903
Property management fees and payments for cleaning, engineering
	and security services		1,012		881		2,723		2,498
		$	4,337	$	1,806	$	8,561	$	5,501

Mortgages Payable (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Mortgages Payable [Abstract]

Summary of Notes and Mortgages Payable [Table Text Block]

						Balance at
				Interest Rate at		September 30,		December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)			Maturity⁽¹⁾	September 30, 2014		2014		2013
First mortgages secured by:
	Rego Park I shopping center (100% cash
		collateralized)	Mar. 2015	0.40	%	$	78,246	$	78,246
	731 Lexington Avenue, retail space⁽²⁾		Jul. 2015	4.93	%		320,000		320,000
	Paramus		Oct. 2018	2.90	%		68,000		68,000
	Rego Park II shopping center⁽³⁾		Nov. 2018	2.00	%		267,295		269,496
	731 Lexington Avenue, office space		Mar. 2021	1.10	%		300,000		314,217
						$	1,033,541	$	1,049,959


(1)	Represents the extended maturity where we have the unilateral right to extend.
(2)	This loan is non-recourse to us, except for $75,000 in the event of a substantial casualty, as defined.
(3)	This loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.85%.

- 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 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: 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 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=26873400&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 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: 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 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)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

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

			As of September 30, 2014
(Amounts in thousands)			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Marketable securities		$	34,166	$	34,166	$	-	$	-
	Interest rate cap (included in other assets)			17		-		17		-
		Total assets	$	34,183	$	34,166	$	17	$	-

			As of December 31, 2013
(Amounts in thousands)			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Marketable securities		$	31,522	$	31,522	$	-	$	-

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]

		As of September 30, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
(Amounts in thousands)		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Assets:
	Cash equivalents	$	300,193	$	300,193	$	184,796	$	184,796

Liabilities:
	Mortgages payable	$	1,033,541	$	1,029,000	$	1,049,959	$	1,072,000
	Leasing commissions (included in amounts due to Vornado)		41,197		41,000		42,924		43,000
		$	1,074,738	$	1,070,000	$	1,092,883	$	1,115,000

Earnings per share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

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

		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income	$	17,692	$	13,824	$	49,764	$	41,125

	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted		5,111,201		5,109,717		5,110,435		5,108,832

	Net income per common share – basic and diluted	$	3.46	$	2.71	$	9.74	$	8.05

Basis of Presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014 Segment
Organization and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Number Of Operating Segments	1

Relationship with Vornado (Details) - Vornado [member]	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Relationship with Vornado (Details) - Vornado [member]	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) $ / ft²	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	32.40%		32.40%
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Management Fee Agreement Value (in US dollars)			$ 2,800,000
Leasing Agreement [Abstract]
Asset Sale Commission Threshold (in US dollars)			$ 50,000,000
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. (in US dollars)			$ 4,000,000
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis			LIBOR
Basis spread over LIBOR			1.00%
Unpaid Balance Effective Interest	1.58%		1.58%
Other Agreements [Abstract]
Other Supervisory Fees			6.00%
Summary of fees to Vornado
Fees to related party (in US dollars)	$ 4,337,000	$ 1,806,000	$ 8,561,000	$ 5,501,000
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
Lexington Avenue Property [Member] \| Common Area [Member]
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Property Management Fee Agreement Value (in US dollars)			$ 280,000
Property Management Fee Escalation Percentage Per Annum			3.00%
Rego Park 2 Property [Member]
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Property Management Fee Agreement Percentage Of Income			2.00%
Company Management Fees [Member]
Summary of fees to Vornado
Fees to related party (in US dollars)	700,000	700,000	$ 2,100,000	2,100,000
Development fees [Member]
Managment and Development Agreement [Abstract]
Development fee as percentage of development costs			6.00%
Summary of fees to Vornado
Fees to related party (in US dollars)	1,714,000	0	$ 2,463,000	0
Fees owed to Vornado (in US dollars)	2,463,000		$ 2,463,000
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
Fees to related party (in US dollars)	911,000	225,000	$ 1,275,000	903,000
Fees owed to Vornado (in US dollars)	41,197,000		41,197,000
Property Management Fees [Member]
Summary of fees to Vornado
Fees to related party (in US dollars)	1,012,000	$ 881,000	2,723,000	$ 2,498,000
Fees owed to Vornado (in US dollars)	$ 519,000		$ 519,000

Rego Park II Apartment Tower (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Rego Park II Apartment Tower (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) ft² aptunits	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Development and construction in progress	$ 56,543	$ 4,924
Rego Park 2 Property [Member] \| Property Under Development [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property (in units) \| aptunits	300
Square Footage of Real Estate Property (in square feet) \| ft²	250,000
Estimated Budgeted Cost	$ 125,000
Development and construction in progress	$ 54,029

Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 34,166	$ 31,522
Macerich Interest [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Macerich Common Shares	535,265	535,265
Economic basis per share (in dollars per share)	$ 56.05
GAAP Cost	$ 30,000
Fair Value	$ 34,166	$ 31,522
Closing share price (in dollars per share)	$ 63.83	$ 58.89

Significant Tenants (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Significant Tenants (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2014 ft²	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate revenue, net (in dollars)		$ 50,077	$ 49,886	$ 149,528	$ 145,963
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Sales Revenue Services Net [Member] \| Minimum Threshold [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Percentage Rent Contributed By Tenant, Minimum threshold				10.00%
Bloomberg [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| 731 Lexington Avenue [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Area of property (in square feet) \| ft²	188,608
Lease renewal term	5 years
Bloomberg [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Real estate revenue, net (in dollars)				$ 67,488	$ 65,938
Bloomberg [Member] \| Customer Concentration Risk [Member] \| Sales Revenue Services Net [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Percentage Rent Contributed By Tenant, Minimum threshold				45.00%	45.00%

Stock- Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Stock- Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	May 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expense recognized in connection with the issuance of Deferred Stock Units (in US dollars)		$ 394,000	$ 394,000
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)	212
Expense recognized in connection with the issuance of Deferred Stock Units (in US dollars)	$ 394,000
Expense per grant recognized in connection with the issuance of Deferred Stock Units (in US dollars)	$ 56,250

Mortgages Payable (Details)		9 Months Ended
Mortgages Payable (Details)	Feb. 28, 2014 USD ($) Extensions	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Balance		$ 1,033,541,000	$ 1,049,959,000
Rego Park 1 Shopping [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Percentage of cash mortgage collateralized		100.00%
Debt Instrument Maturity Date String		2015-03
Interest rate (in percentage)		0.40%
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 (in percentage)		2.00%
Balance		$ 267,295,000	269,496,000
Basis spread over LIBOR (in percentage)		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	2017-03	2021-03
Interest rate (in percentage)		1.10%
Balance		$ 300,000,000	314,217,000
Basis spread over LIBOR (in percentage)	0.95%
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt	$ 300,000,000
Number Of Extensions Available \| Extensions	4
Length Of Extension Available	1 year
Derivative Liability Notional Amount	$ 300,000,000
Derivative cap interest rate, LIBOR	6.00%
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 (in percentage)		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] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Secured [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Date String		2018-10
Interest rate (in percentage)		2.90%
Balance		$ 68,000,000	$ 68,000,000

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	$ 34,166	$ 31,522
Interest rate cap (included in other assets)	17
Total assets	34,183
Liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Cash Equivalents	300,193	184,796
Liabilities
Mortgages Payable	1,033,541	1,049,959
Leasing commissions (included in amounts due to Vornado)	41,197	42,924
Total liabilities not measured at fair value	1,074,738	1,092,883
Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Assets
Cash Equivalents	300,193	184,796
Liabilities
Mortgages Payable	1,029,000	1,072,000
Leasing commissions (included in amounts due to Vornado)	41,000	43,000
Total liabilities not measured at fair value	1,070,000	1,115,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	34,166	31,522
Interest rate cap (included in other assets)	0
Total assets	34,166
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	0	0
Interest rate cap (included in other assets)	17
Total assets	17
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value
Marketable securities	0	$ 0
Interest rate cap (included in other assets)	0
Total assets	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Jun. 24, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2001 a
Insurance [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		$ 1,033,541,000		$ 1,049,959,000
Paramus Property [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		1,033,541,000		$ 1,049,959,000
Letters Of Credit [Abstract]
Standby letters of credit, issued and outstanding		3,308,000
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] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Ikea [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Mortgages payable		68,000,000
Paramus Property [Abstract]
Area Of Land (in acre) \| a					30.3
Mortgages payable		$ 68,000,000
Fixed interest rate on the debt (in percentage)		2.90%
Triple-net rent, annual amount		$ 700,000
Paramus Property [Member] \| Tenant Occupant [Member] \| Ikea [Member] \| Scenario Forecast [Member]
Paramus Property [Abstract]
Property purchase option exercisable be leasee with purchase option in 2021			$ 75,000,000
Purchase option exercised, net cash proceeds from sale of land			7,000,000
Purchase option excercised, gain on sale of land			60,000,000
Purchase option not excercised amount included in triple net rent over remainder of lease			$ 68,000,000
Loan Amortization Period			20 years
Flushing Property [Member]
Flushing Property [Abstract]
Non-refundable purchase deposit		1,875,000
Indemnification Sought by Tenant		50,000,000
Rego Park I [Member] \| Sears Roebuck And Company [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 4,000,000
Rego Park I [Member] \| Sears Roebuck And Company [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Estimated Future Damages [Member]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 25,000,000
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]
Insurance [Abstract]
Insurance Maximum Coverage Per Incident		1,700,000,000
NBCR [Member]
Insurance [Abstract]
Deductible		$ 275,000
Self Insured Responsibility (in percentage)		15.00%
Federal Government Responsibility (in percentage)		85.00%

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 17,692	$ 13,824	$ 49,764	$ 41,125
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	5,111,201	5,109,717	5,110,435	5,108,832
Net income per common share- basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 3.46	$ 2.71	$ 9.74	$ 8.05

- Definition

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

+ References

+ Details