Stock Option and Incentive Plan Stock Option and Incentive Plan and Stock Purchase Plan (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Stock Option and Incentive Plan and Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

A summary of the status of Boston Properties, Inc.’s stock options as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and changes during the years then ended are presented below:

	Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	294,527		$	101.06
Granted	252,220		$	104.50
Special dividend adjustment	12,076		$	100.44
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	558,823		$	100.43
Exercised	(21,459	)	$	97.04
Canceled	(2,444	)	$	103.57
Special dividend adjustment	18,392		$	97.22
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	553,312		$	97.21
Exercised	(11,447	)	$	92.50
Special dividend adjustment	5,264		$	96.38
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	547,129		$	96.38

Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes information about Boston Properties, Inc.’s stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015: 

Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Number Outstanding at 12/31/15	Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	Exercise Price		Number Exercisable at 12/31/15	Exercise Price
118,502	5.1 years	$	86.86	118,502	$	86.86
54,282	7.3 years	$	95.69	27,141	$	95.69
206,728	7.1 years	$	98.46	168,332	$	98.46
167,617	6.1 years	$	100.77	151,396	$	100.77