Real Estate Activity During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (Pro Forma In Connection With Acquisition) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 1,403,155	$ 1,348,017
Income from continuing operations	221,617	205,720
Net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$ 243,553	$ 177,788
Basic earnings per share:
Net income per share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$ 1.63	$ 1.23
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income per share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$ 1.62	$ 1.22

The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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