Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Schedule of Subsequent Events [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table] Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series Two Preferred Units [Member] Series Two Preferred Units [Member] Series Two Preferred Units [Member] series four preferred units [Member] series four preferred units [Member] Series Four Preferred Units [Member] OP Units [Member] Op Units [Member] OP Units [Member] Redemption Year Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] Redemption Year Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] Redemption Year Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]. Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Op Units [Member] Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items] Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Line Items] Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Number of Joint Venture Partners Number of Joint Venture Partners Number of Joint Venture Partners Maximum Redeemable On Redemption Dates Preferred Units Maximum Redeemable On Redemption Dates Preferred Units Maximum Redeemable On Redemption Dates Preferred Units Series Two Preferred Units (in shares) Series Two Preferred Units Series Two Preferred Units Liquidation preference percentage Preferred Units Liquidation Preference Percentage Preferred Units Liquidation Preference Percentage Operating Units liquidation preference (in dollars per share) Operating Units Conversion Rate Operating Units liquidation preference OP Units for each Preferred Unit (in shares) Op Units For Each Preferred Unit Op Units For Each Preferred Unit Series Two Preferred Units On Converted Basis Series Two Preferred Units On Converted Basis Series Two Preferred Units On Converted Basis Series Two Preferred Units redemption price per unit (in dollars per share) Series Two Preferred Units Redemption Price Series Two Preferred Units Redemption Price Dates Series Two Preferred holders can require Operating Partnership to redeem their units for cash Dates Series Two Preferred Unit Holders Can Require Redemption From Operating Partnership Dates Series Two Preferred Unit Holders Can Require Redemption From Operating Partnership Distributions to Series Two Preferred Units (in dollars per share) Cash Distributions To Preferred Unitholders Per Unit Cash Distributions To Preferred Unitholders Per Unit Maximum portion that may be required for redemption of total Maximum Portion That May Be Required For Redemption Of Total Maximum Portion That May Be Required For Redemption Of Total Value of Series Two Preferred Units assuming conversion Value Of Series Two Preferred Units If Converted To Common Stock value of the Series Two Preferred units if converted to common stock Closing price of common stock (in dollars per share) Closing price of common stock per share Common Stock Marketable Quoted Value Per Share Series Four Preferred Units (in shares) Series Four Preferred Units Series Four Preferred Units Series Four Preferred Units Annual Dividend Payable Rate SeriesFourPreferredUnitsAnnualDividendPayableRate Series Four Preferred Units Annual Dividend Payable Rate Preferred Units Liquidation Preference Preferred Units Liquidation Preference Preferred Units Liquidation Preference First opportunity to redeem Series Four Preferred Units (in days) First opportunity to redeem Series Four Preferred Units (in days) First opportunity to redeem Series Four Preferred Units (in days) Series Four Preferred Units Redeemed Series Four Preferred Units Redeemed Series Four Preferred Units Redeemed Number Of Holders Exercises Number Of Holders Exercises Number Of Holders Exercises Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Depositary [Axis] Depositary [Axis] Depositary [Axis] Depositary [Domain] Depositary [Domain] [Domain] for Depositary [Axis] depositary shares [Member] depositary shares [Member] depositary shares [Member] Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] Series Two Preferred Units [Member] Series B Preferred Units [Member] Series B Preferred Units [Member] Series B Preferred Units [Member] Real Estate Properties [Axis] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Commercial Real Estate Properties [Member] Commercial Real Estate [Member] Total Properties Under Construction [Member] Properties Under Construction [Member] Properties Under Construction [Member]. Total Office Properties [Member] Total Office Properties [Member] Total Office Properties [Member]. Class A Office Properties [Member] Class A Office Properties [Member] Class A Office Properties [Member]. Office Properties Under Construction [Member] Office Properties Under Construction [Member] Office Properties Under Construction [Member]. Office/Technical Properties [Member] Office Technical Properties [Member] Office/Technical Properties [Member]. Hotel Properties [Member] Hotel Property [Member] Hotel Property [Member]. Retail Properties [Member] Retail Properties [Member] Retail Properties [Member]. Residential Properties [Member] Residential Real Estate [Member] Residential Properties Under Construction [Member] Residential Properties Under Construction [Member] Residential Properties Under Construction [Member] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] General and limited partnership interest in the operating partnership (percent) Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Restriction on redemption of OP units from date of issuance (years) Restriction On Redemption Of OP Units From Date Of Issuance In Years Restriction On Redemption Of OP Units From Date Of Issuance In Years One OP unit is equivalent to one share of Common Stock (in shares) Common Stock Conversion Rate Common Stock Conversion Rate OP unit conversion rate (in shares) OP Unit Conversion Rate OP Unit Conversion Rate. Series B, Units Outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Ratio of depository shares to shares of Series B Preferred Stock Ratio of depository shares to shares of Series B Preferred Stock Ratio of depository shares to shares of Series B Preferred Stock Series B, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Number of series of preferred units outstanding Number Of Series Of Preferred Units Outstanding Number Of Series Of Preferred Units Outstanding. Number of real estate properties Number of Real Estate Properties Net Rentable Area Net Rentable Area Number of vehicles in structured parking Vehicles In Structured Parking Vehicles In Structured Parking Area of parking structures (in square feet) Square Feet For Parking Square Feet For Parking Area of undeveloped land parcels owned (in acres) Area Of Undeveloped Land Area Of Undeveloped Land Preferred Stock Dividend Payable Per Share Cash Distribtuions to Preferred Unitholders Per Unit Cash Distribtuions to Preferred Unitholders Per Unit Unsecured Exchangeable Senior Notes [Abstract] Unsecured Exchangeable Senior Notes [Abstract] Unsecured Exchangeable Senior Notes Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] 767 Fifth Avenue (The GM Building) [Member] Seven Sixty Seven Fifth Avenue (The GM Building) [Member] Seven Sixty Seven Fifth Avenue (The GM Building) [Member] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Princeton [Member] Princeton [Member] Princeton [Member] San Francisco [Member] San Francisco [Member] San Francisco [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Reclassification between general and administrative expense and real estate operating expense Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Partners' Capital [Abstract] Partners' Capital Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Redeemable Preferred Units [Member] Redeemable Preferred Units [Member] Redeemable Preferred Units [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Activity of noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Issuance of redeemable preferred units (Series Four Preferred Units) Issuance of redeemable preferred units Issuance of redeemable preferred units Net income Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Preferred Unit Holders, Redeemable Distributions Distributions On The Series Two Preferred Units Distributions On The Series Two Preferred Units Redemption of redeemable preferred units (Series Four Preferred Units) Redemption of redeemable preferred units Redemption of redeemable preferred units Reallocation of partnership interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Ending Balance Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Reconciliation of Net Operating Income to net income attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Net Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Development and management services income Development and management services Development and management services revenue. Income from unconsolidated joint ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Gain on consolidation of joint ventures Gain on Consolidation of Joint Ventures Gain on Consolidation of Joint Ventures Interest and other income Interest and Other Income Gains (Losses) from investments in securities Gain (Loss) on Investments Gains from early extinguishments of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Income from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Gains on sale of real estate from discontinued operations Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Real Estate, Discontinued Operations Gain on forgiveness of debt from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Forgiveness Of Debt Amount of gain (loss), not previously recognized, resulting from the forgiveness of debt pertaining to a real estate property. General and administrative expense General and Administrative Expense Transaction costs Transaction costs expensed Costs expensed to pursue, purchase, lease or otherwise acquire a property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, brokers' fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring or pursuing properties. Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Interest expense Interest Expense Impairment loss Asset Impairment Charges Impairment loss from discontinued operations Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Noncontrolling interest in property partnerships Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Limited Partnerships, Nonredeemable Noncontrolling interest-redeemable preferred units Net income attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Investments In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investments In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Abstract] Investments In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Redeemable common units (in shares) Redeemable Common Units Redeemable Common Units Basic Earnings: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Units (Denominator) (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Discontinued operations attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Income (Numerator) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Discontinued operations attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership, Per Unit Amount (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities (numerator) Allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities Allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities Allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities (in dollars per shares) Allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities ($ per shares) Allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities ($ per share shares) Net income attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders After Discontinued Operations and Allocation of undistributed Earnings,Basic Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders After Discontinued Operations and Allocation of undistributed Earnings,Basic Net income (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Effect of Dilutive Securities: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Stock Based Compensation and Exchangeable Senior Notes, Income (Numerator) Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share Stock Based Compensation and Exchangeable Senior Notes, Units (Denominator) (in shares) Stock Based Compensation And Exchangeable Senior Notes Shares Stock Based Compensation And Exchangeable Senior Notes Shares Stock Based Compensation and Exchangeable Senior Notes, Per Unit Amount (in dollars per share) Dilutive Securities Per Share Amount Dilutive Securities Per Share Amount Diluted Earnings: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted Earnings: Net income attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted Earnings: Net income, Units (Denominator) (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Earnings: Net income, Per Unit Amount (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Beginning Balance NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Unit Common Units Value Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Partnership Unit Common Units Value Contributions Contributions To Noncontrolling Interest Common Units Contributions To Noncontrolling Interest Common Units. Net income Net Income Attributable to Common Units Net Income Attributable to Common Units Distributions Distributions to noncontrolling interest common units Distributions to noncontrolling interest common units Conversion of redeemable partnership units Unearned compensation Noncontrolling Interest, Unearned Compensation Noncontrolling Interest, Unearned Compensation. Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Adjustments to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value Adjustments To Reflect Redeemable Preferred Units At Redemption Value Adjustments To Reflect Redeemable Preferred Units At Redemption Value. Ending Balance Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Real Estate [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Montvale Center, 303 Almaden Blvd, 1301 New York Avenue, One Preserve Parkway and 10 & 20 Burlington Mall Road [Member] Montvale Center, 303 Almaden Blvd, 1301 New York Avenue, One Preserve Parkway and 10 & 20 Burlington Mall Road [Member] Montvale Center, 303 Almaden Blvd, 1301 New York Avenue, One Preserve Parkway and 10 & 20 Burlington Mall Road [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Total revenue Revenues Expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating Operating Expenses Depreciation and amortization Total expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Other expense Other Expenses [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations Gain on forgiveness of debt from discontinued operations attributable to Boston Properties LImited Partnership Impairment loss from discontinued operations attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Statement, Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Boston [Member] Boston [Member] Boston [Member] New York [Member] New York [Member] New York [Member] Washington, DC [Member] Washington D C [Member] Washington D C [Member] Rental Revenue: Class A Office Rental Revenue Class A Office Rental Revenue Class A Office Rental Revenue: Office/Technical Rental Revenue Office Technical Rental Revenue Office Technical Rental Revenue: Residential Rental Revenue Residential Rental Revenue Residential. Rental Revenue: Hotel Revenue from Hotels Rental Revenue Total Rental Revenue Total Rental Revenue Total Rental Revenue: % of Grand Totals Percentage Of Total Revenue These are percentages not monetary value Rental Expenses: Class A Office Rental Expenses Class Office Rental Expenses Class Office Rental Expenses: Office/Technical Rental Expenses Office Technical Rental Expenses Office Technical Rental Expenses: Residential Rental Expenses Residential Rental Expenses Residential. Rental Expenses: Hotel Direct Costs of Hotels Rental Expenses: Total Rental Expenses Operating Expenses Total Rental Expenses Operating Expenses Total. Rental Expenses: % Of Grand Totals Percentage Of Total Rental Expenses Percentage Of Total Rental Expenses. Operating Income Loss From Reportable Segments Operating Income Loss From Reportable Segments Operating Income Loss From Reportable Segments Percentage Of Total Net Operating Income Percentage Of Total Net Operating Income Percentage Of Total Net Operating Income Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Revenues [Abstract] Base rent Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Recoveries from tenants Tenant Reimbursements Parking and other Parking Revenue Total rental revenue Real Estate Revenue, Net Hotel revenue Development and management services Total revenue Expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Rental Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Hotel General and administrative Operating income Other income (expense) Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Gains on Consolidation of Joint Ventures Interest and other income Interest expense Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Discontinued operations Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Impairment loss from discontinued operations Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Noncontrolling interest-redeemable preferred units Basic earnings per common unit attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Net income (in dollars per share) Weighted average number of common units outstanding (in shares) Diluted earnings per common unit attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Weighted average number of common and common equivalent units outstanding (in shares) Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Amortization of interest rate contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Boston Properties Limited Partnership Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] special dividend [Member] special dividend [Member] special dividend [Member] Dividends, by Reporting Period [Axis] Dividends, by Reporting Period [Axis] Dividends, by Reporting Period [Axis] Dividends, by Reporting Period [Domain] Dividends By Reporting Period [Domain] Dividends, by Reporting Period [Domain] Quarter 4 2013 [Member] Quarter 4 2013 [Member] Quarter 4 2013 [Member] Quarter 4 2012 [Member] Quarter 4 2012 [Member] Quarter 4 2012 [Member] Quarter 1 2013 [Member] Quarter 1 2013 [Member] Quarter 1 2013 [Member] Quarter 2 2013 [Member] Quarter 2 2013 [Member] Quarter 2 2013 [Member] Quarter 3 2013 [Member] Quarter 3 2013 [Member] Quarter 3 2013 [Member] Quarter 1 2014 [Member] Quarter 1 2014 [Member] Quarter 1 2014 [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Opp Units Two Thousand And Eleven [Member] Opp Units Two Thousand And Eleven [Member] OPP Units Two Thousand And Eleven [Member]. OPP Units Two Thousand And Twelve [Member] Opp Units Two Thousand And Twelve [Member] Opp Units Two Thousand And Twelve [Member] MYLTIP [Member] MYLTIP two thousand thirteen [Member] MYLTIP two thousand thirteen [Member] MYLTIP Two thousand fourteen [Member] MYLTIP Two thousand fourteen [Member] MYLTIP Two thousand fourteen [Member] Dividend shareholder of record date Dividends Payable, Date of Record OP Units for redemption (in shares) OP Units redeemed for stock from LTIP Units OP Units redeemed for stock from LTIP Units Redemption of OP units issued on conversion of LTIP Units (in shares) Redemption Of OP Units Issued On Conversion Of LTIP Units Redemption Of OP Units Issued On Conversion Of LTIP Units Outperformance awards in LTIP Units (in shares) Outperformance Awards Long Term Incentive Plan Units Outperformance Awards Long Term Incentive Plan Units OPP and MYLTIP Units distribution as percentage of OP Unit distribution prior to measurement date Outperformance Awards Long Term Incentive Plan Units Distribution As Percentage Of Op Unit Distribution Prior To Measurement Date Prior to the measurement date on February 5, 2011, 2008 OPP Units will be entitled to receive per unit distributions equal to one-tenth (10%) of the regular quarterly distributions payable on an OP Unit, but will not be entitled to receive any special distributions. Distributions made to OP and LTIP units per unit (in dollars per share) Distributions Made To OP And LTIP Units Per Unit Distributions Made To OP And LTIP Units Per Unit Distribution paid to outperformance awards, OPP Units (in dollars per share) Distributions Made To OPP and MYLTIP Units Per Unit Distributions Made To OPP and MYLTIP Units Per Unit Distribution declared to OP and LTIP units by Boston Properties, Inc. (in dollars per share) Distributions Declared To OP And LTIP Units Per Unit Distributions Declared To OP And LTIP Units Per Unit Distribution declared to outperformance awards OPP Units by Boston Properties, Inc. (in dollars per share) Distributions Declared To OPP and MYLTIP Units Per Unit Distributions Declared To OPP and MYLTIP Units Per Unit Dividends declared date Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividend payable date Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Holders of record date Distribution Made to Limited Partner, Date of Record Common units of operating partnership if converted value Common Units Of Operating Partnership If Converted Value Common Units Of Operating Partnership If Converted Value 2013 MYLTIP 2013 MYLTIP 2013 MYLTIP Two thousand fourteen MYLTIP Two thousand fourteen MYLTIP 2014 MYLTIP Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Square 407 Limited Partnership [Member] Square Four Zero Seven Limited Partnership [Member] Square 407 Limited Partnership [Member]. The Metropolitan Square Associates LLC [Member] Metropolitan Square Associates Llc [Member] The Metropolitan Square Associates LLC [Member] BP/CRF 901 New York Avenue LLC [Member] Bp Crf Nine Zero One New York Avenue Llc [Member] BP/CRF Nine Zero One New York Avenue LLC [Member] WP Project Developer LLC [Member] Wp Project Developer Llc [Member] WP Project Developer LLC [Member] RBP Joint Venture LLC [Member] Rbp Joint Venture Llc [Member] RBP Joint Venture LLC [Member] Boston Properties Office Value-Added Fund, L.P. [Member] Boston Properties Office Value Added Fund Lp [Member] Boston Properties Office Value Added Fund LP [Member] Annapolis Junction NFM, LLC [Member] Annapolis Junction Nfm Llc [Member] Annapolis Junction NFM LLC [Member] 2 GCT Venture LLC [Member] Two Gct Venture Llc [Member] Two GCT Venture LLC [Member]. 540 Madison Venture LLC [Member] Five Four Zero Madison Venture Llc [Member] Five Four Zero Madison Venture LLC [Member]. 125 West 55th Street Venture LLC [Member] One Two Five West Fifty Fifth Street Venture Llc [Member] One Two Five West Fifty-Fifth Street Venture LLC [Member]. 500 North Capitol LLC [Member] Five Zero Zero North Capitol Llc [Member] Five Zero Zero North Capitol LLC [Member]. Entity Owning Land And Infrastructure Of Project [Member] Entity Owning Land And Infrastructure Of Project [Member] Entity Owning Land And Infrastructure Of Project [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Properties Name of Joint Venture Property Name of Joint Venture Property Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Carrying value of the Company's investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Number of buildings under construction Number of buildings under construction Number of buildings under construction Parcels of undeveloped land Parcels of undeveloped land Parcels of undeveloped land Redeemable Interest in Property Partnership [Abstract] Redeemable Interest in Property Partnership [Abstract] Beginning Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Interest in Property Partnerships Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Interest in Property Partnerships Net loss Net Loss for Redeemable interest in Property Partnership Net Loss for Redeemable interest in Property Partnership Distributions Distributions on Redeemable Property Partnership Distributions on Redeemable Property Partnership Adjustment to reflect redeemable interest at redemption value Adjustment to Reflect Redeemable Interest at Redemption Value Adjustment to Reflect Redeemable Interest at Redemption Value Ending Balance Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Unit Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Time Square Tower [Member] Time Square Tower [Member] Time Square Tower [Member] Salesforece Tower (formerly Transbay Tower) [Member] Salesforece Tower (formerly Transbay Tower) [Member] Salesforece Tower (formerly Transbay Tower) [Member] Difference between net cash proceeds received and noncontrolling interest recognized Difference between net cash proceeds received and noncontrolling interest recognized Difference between net cash proceeds received and noncontrolling interest recognized Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage Ownership Percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners maximum percentage of construction costs to allow partner to have a loan maximum percentage of construction costs to allow partner to have a loan maximum percentage of construction costs to allow partner to have a loan Portion of total costs partner can require the company to fund Portion of total costs partner can require the company to fund Portion of total costs partner can require the company to fund portion of partners equity that can be funded by the company portion of partners equity that can be funded by the company portion of partners equity that can be funded by the company Portion allocation to noncontrolling interest based on carrying value of the total equity of the property prior to the sale Portion allocation to noncontrolling interest based on carrying value of the total equity of the property prior to the sale Portion allocation to noncontrolling interest based on 45% of the carrying value of the total equity of the property prior to the sale Payments to Acquire Land Payments to Acquire Land Noncontrolling interest recorded upon consolidation Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination ownership interest sold (percent) ownership interest sold (percent) ownership interest sold (percent) Net Contractual Sales Price Net Contractual Sales Price Net Contractual Sales Price Proceeds from sale of an interest in a real estate asset Proceeds from sale of an interest in a real estate asset Proceeds from sale of an interest in a real estate asset Noncontrolling interests in property partnerships Noncontrolling Interest in Limited Partnerships Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Plan by Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chief Executive Officer [Member] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Board of Directors Chairman [Member] Executive Vice President [Member] Executive Vice President [Member] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Repurchase Plan [Axis] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Repurchase Plan [Axis] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Repurchase Plan [Axis] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Repurchase Plan [Domain] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Repurchase Plan [Domain] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Repurchase Plan [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] LTIP Units [Member] Ltip Units [Member] LTIP Units [Member]. LTIPs And Restricted Stock [Member] Ltips And Restricted Stock [Member] LTIPs and Restricted Stock [Member]. LTIPs and OPP Awards [Member] Ltips And Opp Awards [Member] LTIPs and OPP Awards [Member]. Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] Unvested 2011, 2012 OPP Units and 2013 MYLTIP Units [Member] Unvested Two Thousand Eleven Two Thousand Twelve Opp Unit and two Thousand Thirteen MYLTIPSs [Member] Unvested Two Thousand Eleven Two Thousand Twelve OPP Units and Two Thousand Thireen MYLTIP [Member] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items] Stock Option And Incentive Plan And Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items] Vesting Date Vesting Date Vesting Date. Method of valuation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used Shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Non-qualified stock options issued (in shares) Non-qualified stock options issued Non Qualified Stock Options Issued LTIP units issued (in shares) LTIP units issued LTIP units issued MYLTIP units issued (in shares) MYLTIP units issued MYLTIP units issued Employee and director payment per share (in dollars per share) Employee and director payment per share Employee and director payment per share Vesting annual installments Vesting Annual Installments Vesting period for grants of restricted stock and LTIP Units made in and after November 2006. Value of shares of common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Employee's weighted average cost per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock Weighted Average Price Common Stock Weighted Average Price. Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected life assumed to calculate per unit fair value per LTIP unit (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Risk-free rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected price volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected dividend rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Value of LTIP units issued Value Of LTIP Units Issued Value Of LTIP Units Issued. Per unit fair value weighted-average (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Per Unit Fair Value Weighted Average Per Unit Fair Value stock based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Accelerated Compensation Expenses Related To two thousand eleven Opp Units Accelerated Compensation Expenses Related To two thousand eleven Opp Units Accelerated Compensation Expenses Related To 2011 Opp Units Acceleration of Stock Basec Compensation and Stock Based Compensation Associated with Transition Agreement Acceleration of Stock Basec Compensation and Stock Based Compensation Associated with Transition Agreement Acceleration of Stock Basec Compensation and Stock Based Compensation Associated with Transition Agreement Unrecognized compensation expenses Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Accounting Policies [Abstract] Carrying Value Of Indebtedness And Corresponding Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Member] Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Member] Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Member] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Real estate and development in process, net Real Estate Investment Property, Net Other assets Other Assets Total assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS'/PARTNERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Mortgage and notes payable Secured Debt Other liabilities Other Liabilities Members'/Partners' equity Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Equity Excluding Noncontrolling Interests Total liabilities and capital Liabilities and Equity Company's share of equity Company Share Of Equity Company Share Of Equity Basis differentials Basis Differentials This amount represents the aggregate difference between the Company's historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the joint venture level, which is typically amortized over the life of the related assets and liabilities. Basis differentials occur from impairment of investments and upon the transfer of assets that were previously owned by the Company into a joint venture. In addition, certain acquisition, transaction and other costs may not be reflected in the net assets at the joint venture level. Carrying value of the Company's investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Mountain View Research And Technology Parks [Member] Mountain View Research And Technology Parks [Member] Mountain View Research And Technology Parks [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Summary of the Discontinued Operations Related To Montvale Center , 303 Almaden Blvd, 1301 New York Avenue and Bedford Business Park Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Redeemable Interest in Property Partnerships [Table Text Block] Schedule of Redeemable Interest in Property Partnerships [Table Text Block] Schedule of Redeemable Interest in Property Partnerships [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Series Two Preferred Units Schedule Of Redeemable Preferred Units of the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Redeemable Preferred Units of the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests-Redeemable Common Units Schedule Of Noncontrolling Interest Common Units [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Noncontrolling Interest Common Units [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests-Property Partnerships Schedule Of Noncontrolling Interest Property Partnerships [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Noncontrolling Interest Property Partnerships [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Depository shares of Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred [Member] Depository shares of Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred [Member] Depository shares of Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred [Member] Quarter 2 2014 [Member] Quarter 2 2014 [Member] Quarter 2 2014 [Member] ATM Program [Member] Atm Program [Member] Atm Program [Member] Issued in conjunction with debt exchange for 3.75% exchangeable senior notes [Member] Issued in conjunction with debt exchange for 3.75% exchangeable senior notes [Member] Issued in conjunction with debt exchange for 3.75% exchangeable senior notes [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] General partnership units (in units) General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding Limited partnership units (in units) Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding At the market stock offering program, aggregate value of common stock At The Market Stock Offering Program Aggregate Value Of Common Stock At The Market Stock Offering Program, Aggregate Value Of Common Stock At the market stock offering program remaining amount available for issuance At Market Stock Offering Program Remained Available For Issuance At Market Stock Offering Program Remained Available For Issuance. Shares of its Common Stock in connection with the redemption of an equal number of OP Units (in shares) Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Dividend paid on common stock (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividends payable, date declared Dividends payable (in dollars per share) Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Series B, Liquidation Preference Per Unit Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Proceeds from Issuance of Series B Preferred Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Shares issued in conjunction with exchange of 3.75% exchangeable senior notes Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Coupon/Stated Rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Earnings Per Common Unit Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Company [Member] Company [Member] Company [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] 501 K Street [Member] five zero one K Street [Member] 501 K Street [Member] Annapolis Junction Building Eight [Member] Annapolis Junction Building Eight [Member] Annapolis Junction Building Eight [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Capital contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Square Footage Of Signed Lease Square Footage Of Signed Lease Square Footage Of Signed Lease. Number of floors of real estate Number of floors real estate Number of floors real estate Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate Property Type [Domain] Real Estate Property Type [Domain] Real Estate Property Type [Domain] The Avant at Reston Town Center Residential [Member] The Avant at Reston Town Center Residential [Member] The Avant at Reston Town Center Residential [Member] Number of apartment units Number of apartment units Number of apartment units Schedule Of Segment Information By Geographic Area And Property Type Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Net Operating Income To Net Income Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Fountain Square [Member] Fountain Square [Member] Fountain Square [Member] Aggregate purchase price Aggregate purchase price Aggregate purchase price Indebtedness assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Future Fixed Price to Acquire Remaining Portion of Joint venture Future Fixed Price to Acquire Remaining Portion of Joint venture Future Fixed Price to Acquire Remaining Portion of Joint venture Fixed Price Option Expiration Date Fixed Price Option Expiration Date Fixed Price Option Expiration Date Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Non-cash compensation expense Share-based Compensation Income from unconsolidated joint ventures Distributions of net cash flow from operations of unconsolidated joint ventures Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Gains from investments in securities Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments Non-cash portion of interest expense Paid-in-Kind Interest Settlement of accreted debt discount on repurchases of unsecured exchangeable senior notes Settlement of accreted debt discount on repurchases of unsecured exchangeable senior notes Settlement of accreted debt discount on repurchases of unsecured exchangeable senior notes. Gains from early extinguishments of debt Non Cash Portion Of Loss From Early Extinguishment Of Debt Non Cash Portion Of Loss From Early Extinguishment Of Debt Gains on sale of real estate from discontinued operations Gain on forgiveness of debt from discontinued operations Change in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Cash held in escrows Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Tenant and other receivables, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accrued rental income, net Straight Line Rent Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accrued interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Tenant leasing costs Tenant leasing costs Tenant leasing costs Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisitions of real estate Payments to Acquire and Develop Real Estate Construction in progress Construction and Development Costs Building and other capital improvements Payments for Capital Improvements Tenant improvements Payments for Tenant Improvements Proceeds from sales of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment Cash recorded upon consolidation Cash Acquired from Acquisition Deposits on real estate Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions Repayments of notes receivable, net Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Capital contributions to unconsolidated joint ventures Capital distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Investments in securities, net Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayments of mortgage notes payable Repayments of Secured Debt Proceeds from unsecured senior notes Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Redemption of unsecured senior notes Repayments of Unsecured Debt Redemption/Repurchase of unsecured exchangeable senior notes Repayments of Convertible Debt Deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Net proceeds from preferred units issuance Net proceeds from ATM stock issuances At Market Stock Offering Program Net Proceeds At Market Stock Offering Program Net Proceeds Net proceeds from equity transactions Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Payments for redemption of preferred units Payments for redemption of preferred units Payments for redemption of preferred units Distributions Payments of Dividends Proceeds from noncontrolling interest in property partnership Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Distributions to noncontrolling interest in property partnerships Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease)in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Interest capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Additions to real estate included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Additions to real estate included in accounts payable and accrued expenses Additions to real estate included in accounts payable and accrued espenses. Real estate and related intangibles recorded upon consolidation Aggregate Consideration Due to Consolidation Aggregate Consideration Due to Consolidation Debt recorded upon consolidation Total debt recorded upon consolidation Total debt recorded upon consolidation Working capital recorded upon consolidation Working capital recorded upon consolidation Working capital recorded upon consolidation investment in unconsolidated joint venture elminated upon consolidation investment in unconsolidated joint venture elminated upon consolidation investment in unconsolidated joint venture elminated upon consolidation Mortgage note payable extinguished through foreclosure Transfer Mortgage Payable Real estate transferred upon foreclosure Real Estate Owned, Transfer from Real Estate Owned Land improvements contributed by noncontrolling property partnership Land improvements contributed by noncontrolling property partnership Land improvements contributed by noncontrolling property partnership Preferred Units Issued In Connection With Acquisition Of Real Estate Preferred Units Issued In Connection With Acquisition Of Real Estate Preferred Units Issued In Connection With Acquisition Of Real Estate Distributions declared but not paid Dividends Payable Issuance of common stock in connection with the exchange of exchangeable senior notes Issuance of common stock in connection with the exchange of exchangeable senior notes Issuance of common stock in connection with the exchange of exchangeable senior notes Conversions of redeemable partnership units to partners' capital Conversions of noncontrolling interests to Stockholders' Equity Conversions of noncontrolling interests to Stockholders' Equity Conversion of redeemable preferred units to common units Conversions of redeemable partnership units to partners' capital Conversions of Redeemable partnership units to Partners' capital Issuance of restricted securities to employees and directors Issuance Of Restricted Units To Employees And Directors Issuance Of Restricted Units To Employees And Directors Stock and incentive plan [Abstract] Stock and incentive plan [Abstract] Vesting Period [Axis] Vesting Period [Axis] Vesting Period [Axis] Vesting Period [Domain] Vesting Period [Domain] [Domain] for Vesting Period [Axis] MYLTIP Vesting 2016 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2016 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2016 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2017 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2017 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2017 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2018 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2018 [Member] MYLTIP Vesting 2018 [Member] MYLTIP vesting two thousand eighteen [Member] MYLTIP vesting two thousand eighteen [Member] MYLTIP vesting 2018 [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Threshold [Member] Threshold [Member] Threshold [Member] Target [Member] Target [Member] Target [Member] Exceptional [Member] Exceptional [Member] Exceptional [Member] High [Member] High [Member] High [Member] Performance Index [Axis] Performance Index [Axis] Performance Index [Axis] Performance Index [Domain] Performance Index [Domain] Performance Index [Domain] Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Portfolio Index [Member] Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Portfolio Index [Member] Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Portfolio Index [Member] NAREIT Office Index adjusted [Member] NAREIT Office Index adjusted [Member] NAREIT Office Index adjusted [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Non-qualified stock options issued TRS Measurement, Years TRS Measurement, Years TRS Measurement, Years. Weighted Percentage of Index Used to Compare to TRS Weighted Percentage of Index Used to Compare to TRS Weighted Percentage of Index Used to Compare to TRS Potential Awards Earned Potential Awards Earned Potential Awards Earned Indices Used to Compare TRS Indices Used to Compare TRS Indices Used to Compare TRS Number of Tiers Number of Tiers Number of Tiers Amount of Each Tier Amount of Each Tier Amount of Each Tier Percentage of annualized TRS for Reduction of Earned Awards Percentage of annualized TRS for Reduction of Earned Awards Percentage of annualized TRS for Reduction of Earned Awards Percentage to Cause Some Awards to be Earned Even if on a Relative Basis it Would Not Result in any Earned Awards Percentage to Cause Some Awards to be Earned Even if on a Relative Basis it Would Not Result in any Earned Awards Percentage to Cause Some Awards to be Earned Even if on a Relative Basis it Would Not Result in any Earned Awards Vesting Percentage Vesting Percentage Vesting percentage Distributions Percent Before Measurement Date Distributions Percent Before Measurement Date Distributions Percent Before Measurement Date Value of MYLTIP Awards Value of MYLTIP Awards Value of MYLTIP Awards MYLTIP Value Amortized Into Earnings, Years MYLTIP Value Amortized Into Earnings, Years MYLTIP Value Amortized Into Earnings, Years Cash Payment Related to Transition Agreement Cash Payment Related to Transition Agreement Cash Payment Related to Transition Agreement Target Equity Award Compensation Associated with Transition Agreement Target Equity Award Compensation Associated with Transition Agreement Target Equity Award Compensation Associated with Transition Agreement Compensation Expense associated with Transition Agreement Compensation Expense associated with Transition Agreement Compensation Expense associated with Transition Agreement Acceleration of Stock Based Compensation in Association with Transition Agreement Acceleration of Stock Based Compensation in Association with Transition Agreement Acceleration of Stock Based Compensation in Association with Transition Agreement Real Estate Activity During The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] OPP Units Two Thousand And Eleven [Member] OPP Units Two Thousand And Twelve [Member] Operating Partnership (OP) Units (in shares) OP Units OP Units Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) Units (in shares) Long Term Incentive Plan Units Long Term Incentive Plan Units Convertible Operating Partnership (OP) Units (in shares) Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Table] Gain Contingencies, Nature [Axis] Gain Contingencies, Nature [Axis] Gain Contingency, Nature [Domain] Gain Contingency, Nature [Domain] Lehman [Member] Lehman [Member] Lehman [Member] Real Estate Property Type [Axis] Real Estate Property Type [Axis] Real Estate Property Type [Axis] John Hancock Tower [Member] John Hancock Tower [Member] John Hancock Tower [Member] 601 Lexington Avenue [Member] Six Zero One Lexington Avenue [Member] Six Zero One Lexington Avenue [Member] 767 Venture, LLC [Member] Seven Six Seven Venture Llc [Member] Seven Six Seven Venture LLC [Member] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Letter of credit and performance obligations Letter Of Credit And Performance Obligation Letter Of Credit And Performance Obligation Maximum funding obligation Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Guarantee Obligation Related To Tenant Re-Leasing Costs Guarantee Obligation Related To Tenant Re-Leasing Costs Guarantee Obligation Related To Tenant Re-Leasing Costs Property insurance program per occurrence limits Insurance Policy Limit Insurance Policy Limit Coverage For Acts Of Terrorism Under TRIA Covered in Excess of Amount Covered by IXP Coverage For Acts Of Terrorism Under TRIA Covered in Excess of Amount Covered by IXP Coverage For Acts Of Terrorism Under TRIA Covered in Excess of Amount Covered by IXP Coverage for acts of Terrorism certified under TRIA in excess of amount provided by NYIXP, LLC, as a direct insurer Coverage For Acts Of Terrorism Under TRIA Coverage For Acts Of Terrorism Under TRIA Coverage for acts of terrorism certified under TRIA in excess Coverage for acts of Terrorism certified under TRIA provided by NYXP, LLC, as a direct insurer The property insurance program per occurrence limits for 767 Fifth Avenue are $1.625 billion, including coverage for acts of terrorism certified under TRIA, with $1.375 billion of coverage for losses in excess of $250 million being provided by NYXP, LLC, as a direct insurer. Per occurrence limit for NBCR Coverage Per occurrence limit for NBCR Coverage Per occurrence limit for NBCR Coverage Value of program trigger Program Trigger Value Program Trigger Value Coinsurance of program trigger (percent) Program Trigger Coinsurance Program Trigger Coinsurance Deductible in insurance as a percentage of the value of the affected property, San Francisco (percent) Earthquake Deductible Insurance Percentage Of Value Of The Affected Property San Francisco Earthquake Deductible Insurance Percentage Of Value Of The Affected Property San Francisco Per occurrence limit of the earthquake insurance which covers San Francisco region Per Occurrence Limit Of Earth Quake Insurance San Francisco Per Occurrence Limit Of Earth Quake Insurance San Francisco Annual aggregate limit of the earthquake insurance which covers San Francisco region Annual Aggregate Limit Of Earth Quake Insurance San Francisco Annual Aggregate Limit Of Earth Quake Insurance San Francisco Amount of earthquake insurance provided by IXP, LLC as direct insurer San Francisco Amount Of Earthquake Insurance Provided By IXP LLC As Direct Insurer San Francisco Amount Of Earthquake Insurance Provided By IXP LLC As Direct Insurer San Francisco. Earthquake Coverage Included in Builders Risk Policy for 680 Folsom Earthquake Coverage Included in Builders Risk Policy for 680 Folsom Earthquake Coverage Included in Builders Risk Policy for 680 Folsom Earthquake Coverage Included In Builders Risk Policy For 535 Mission Earthquake Coverage Included In Builders Risk Policy For 535 Mission Earthquake Coverage Included In Builders Risk Policy For 535 Mission Earthquake Coverage Included In Builders Risk Policy For Below Grade improvements for Transbay Tower Earthquake Coverage Included In Builders Risk Policy For Below Grade improvements for Transbay Tower Earthquake Coverage Included In Builders Risk Policy For Below Grade Improvements for Transbay Tower Operating partnership guarantee to cover liabilities of IXP Operating partnership guarantee to cover liabilities of subsidiary Operating partnership guarantee to cover liabilities of subsidiary Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Bankruptcy claim, amount filed by general creditor Bankruptcy claim, amount filed by general creditor Bankruptcy claim, amount filed by general creditor Bankruptcy claim amount allowed by court to creditor Bankruptcy claim amount allowed by court to creditor Bankruptcy claim amount allowed by court to creditor Bankruptcy claim, price on the private market Bankruptcy claim, price on the private market Bankruptcy claim, price on the private market Bankruptcy claim, denominator used to evaluate claim price amount Bankruptcy claim, denominator used to evaluate claim price amount Bankruptcy claim, denominator used to evaluate claim price amount Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Total expenses Losses from Early Extinguishment of Debt Gain on sale of real estate Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Company's share of net income (loss) Companys share of net income (loss) Company's share of net income (loss) Gain on sale of real estate Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Basis differential Income Statement Basis Differential Income Statement Basis Differential Elimination of inter-entity interest on partner loan Elimination Of Inter Entity Interest On Partner Loan Elimination Of Inter Entity Interest On Partner Loan Income from unconsolidated joint ventures Straight Line Rent Adjustments Straight Line Rent Adjustments Below market rent adjustments, net Above And Below Market Rent Adjustments Above And Below Market Rent Adjustments Termination income Termination income Termination income related to a lease termination with a Tenant at the General Motors Building. Company Share Of Termination Income Company Share Of Termination Income Company's share of termination income related to a lease termination with a Tenant at the General Motors Building. Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Real estate, at cost Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Land held for future development Land Available for Development Less: accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Total real estate Cash and cash equivalents Cash held in escrows Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Investments in securities Marketable Securities Tenant and other receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,625 and $1,636, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net Related party notes receivable Notes Receivable, Related Parties Interest receivable from related party notes receivable Interest Receivable From Related Party Note Receivable Interest Receivable From Related Party Note Receivable. Accrued rental income (net of allowance of $3,448 and $3,636, respectively) Deferred Rent Receivables, Net Deferred charges, net Deferred Costs, Noncurrent Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Mortgage notes payable Unsecured senior notes (net of discount of $13,710 and $14,146 respectively Senior Notes Unsecured exchangeable senior notes (net of discount of $0 and $182, respectively) Convertible Notes Payable Unsecured line of credit Long-term Line of Credit Mezzanine notes payable Subordinated Debt Outside member's notes payable Outside member's notes payable The amount for notes payable (written promise to pay), payable to outside member's, which are due after one year (or one business cycle). Outside members' notes payable Notes Payable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Distributions payable Accrued interest payable Interest Payable Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Noncontrolling interests: Noncontrolling Interest Items [Abstract] Redeemable interest in property partnerships Redeemable partnership units-666,116 series two preferred units outstanding (874,168 common units at redemption value, if converted) at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Series Two Units Preferred Units Value Amount of Noncontrolling interest redeemable partnership series two preferred units. Redeemable partnership units - 360,126 series four preferred units outstanding at redemption value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Series Four Units Preferred Units Value NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Series Four Units Preferred Units Value Redeemable partnership units-15,583,853 and 15,583,370 common units and 1,554,353 and 1,455,761 long term incentive units outstanding at redemption value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Common Units Value Amount of Noncontrolling interest redeemable partnership common units. Capital: 5.25% Series B cumulative redeemable preferred units, liquidation preference of $2,500 per unit, 80,000 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31,2013 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Boston Properties Limited Partnership partners' capital-1,701,555 and 1,700,222 general partner units and 151,315,756 and 151,282,879 limited partner units outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Partners' Capital Noncontrolling interests in property partnerships Total capital Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stock Option and Incentive Plan Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Property Partnerships [Member] Property Partnerships Member Property Partnerships [Member] Beginning balance Capital contributions Net Income (loss) Distributions Minority Interest Distributions Limited Partnerships Minority Interest Distributions Limited Partnerships. Ending balance Recent Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract] Recent Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract] Recent Accounting Pronouncement [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncement [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncement [Policy Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] ASC 470-20 Adjustment [Member] Asc Four Seven Zero Dash Two Zero Adjustment [Member] ASC Four Seven Zero Dash Two Zero Adjustment [Member]. Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Carrying Amount [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimated Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Mortgage notes payable Unsecured senior notes Unsecured exchangeable senior notes Total Long-term Debt Impact of accounting pronouncement Net Of Adjustment For Equity Component Allocation Net Of The Adjustment For The Equity Component Allocation. Schedule of Unsecured Exchangeable Senior Notes [Abstract] Schedule of Unsecured Exchangeable Senior Notes [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Security [Axis] Debt Security [Axis] Debt Security [Domain] Debt Security [Domain] Debt Security [Domain] 3.625% exchangeable senior notes [Member] Three point six two five percent exchangeable senior notes [Member] Three point six two five percent exchangeable senior notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Redemption of unsecured senior notes Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Aggregate Partners Capital (inclusive of Series B Preferred Units) Aggregate Partners Capital (inclusive of Series B Preferred Units) Contributions Partners' Capital Account, Contributions Net income allocable to general and limited partner units Net income allocable to general and limited partner units Net Income Allocable To General And Limited Partner Units Distributions Partners' Capital Account, Distributions Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Allocable To General And Limited Partner Units Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Allocable To General And Limited Partner Units. Unearned compensation Partners' Capital Account, Deferred Compensation Conversion of redeemable partnership units Partners' Capital Account, Exchanges and Conversions Adjustment to reflect redeemable partnership units at redemption value Partners' Capital Account, Redemptions Ending Balance Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Investments In Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Balance Sheets Of The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Schedule Of Balance Sheets Of The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Text Block] Schedule Of Balance Sheets Of The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Text Block] Statements Of Operations Of The Joint Ventures Schedule Of Statements Of Operations Of The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Text Bock] Schedule Of Statements Of Operations Of The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Text Bock] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Tenant and other receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Accrued rental income, allowance Accrued rental income, allowance Accrued rental income, Allowance Unsecured senior notes, discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unsecured exchangeable senior notes, discount Unsecured exchangeable senior notes, discount The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the unsecured exchangeable senior notes that has yet to be amortized. Redeemable partnership units, series two preferred units outstanding (in units) NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Series Two Preferred Units Shares Outstanding Redeemable Partnership Units, Series Two Preferred Units, Shares, Outstanding Redeemable partnership units, common units at redemption value, if converted (in units) NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Preferred Units Common Units At Redemption Value If Converted Shares Outstanding Redeemable partnership units, preferred units outstanding, common units at redemption value, if converted Redeemable partnership units, series four preferred units outstanding (in units) NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Series Four Preferred Units Shares Outstanding NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Series Four Preferred Units Shares Outstanding Redeemable partnership units, common units (in units) NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Common Units Shares Outstanding NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Common Units Shares Outstanding Redeemable partnership units, long term incentive units outstanding at redemption value (in units) NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Common Units Long Term Incentive Units At Redemption Value Shares Outstanding NonControlling Interest Redeemable Partnership Units Common Units Long Term Incentive Units At Redemption Value Shares Outstanding General Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding (in units) Limited Partners' Capital Account, Units Outstanding (in units) Series B Dividend Rate Percentage Series B Dividend Rate Percentage Series B Dividend Rate Percentage Series B, Unitsssued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued