Selected Interim Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Selected Interim Financial Information [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Information

	2011 Quarter Ended
	March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
Total revenue	$	417,875	$	436,451	$	452,413	$	452,787
Income from continuing operations	$	48,194	$	69,738	$	80,451	$	115,443
Net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$	40,813	$	60,214	$	70,542	$	101,644
Income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. per share—basic	$	0.29	$	0.41	$	0.48	$	0.69
Income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. per share—diluted	$	0.29	$	0.41	$	0.48	$	0.69

	2010 Quarter Ended
	March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands, except for per share amounts)
Total revenue	$	378,071	$	393,841	$	386,410	$	392,482
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	60,742	$	71,518	$	68,089	$	(12,756	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$	52,714	$	61,412	$	57,668	$	(12,903	)
Income (loss) attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. per share—basic	$	0.38	$	0.44	$	0.41	$	(0.09	)
Income (loss) attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. per share—diluted	$	0.38	$	0.44	$	0.41	$	(0.09	)