Real Estate (Pro Forma In Connection With Acquisition) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 2,257,098	$ 2,149,391
Income from continuing operations	302,354	634,457
Net income attributable to Boston Properties, Inc.	$ 400,017	$ 626,174
Basic earnings per share: Net income per share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 2.58	$ 4.15
Diluted earnings per share: Net income per share attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$ 2.57	$ 4.13

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

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463

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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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