Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 332,139	$ 313,826	$ 190,327
Other comprehensive income:
Net effective portion of interset rate contracts	0	0	421
Amortization of interest rate contracts	2,594	2,595	3,408
Other Comprehensive income	2,594	2,595	3,829
Comprehensive income	334,733	316,421	194,156
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(42,489)	(41,147)	(31,255)
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(273)	(297)	(487)
Comprehensive income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$ 291,971	$ 274,977	$ 162,414