Real Estate (Pro Forma In Connection With Acquisition) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 1,917,292	$ 1,852,446
Income from continuing operations	292,089	315,753
Net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$ 282,737	$ 269,501
Basic earnings per share: Net income per share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 1.88	$ 1.85
Diluted earnings per share: Net income per share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 1.88	$ 1.84

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.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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The pro forma diluted 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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The pro forma income from continuing operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect, for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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The pro forma net Income or Loss for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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The pro forma revenue for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period.

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