Derivative and Hedging Instruments (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) yr swaps	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	$ (141,000)
Fair Value	(10,302,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	950,000,000
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	11,700,000
Assets Needed for Immediate Settlement, Aggregate Fair Value	11,700,000
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	12,700,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	2,400,000
Fair Value	$ (10,302,000)
Boston Properties Limited Partnership [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements entered into | swaps	17
Term of anticipated mortgage loan (in years) | yr	10
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.423%
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 550,000,000
Maximum period of hedging exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions (in years) | yr	10
Fair Value	$ (4,231,000)
767 Fifth Partners LLC [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage by Parent	60.00%
767 Fifth Partners LLC [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements entered into | swaps	14
Term of anticipated mortgage loan (in years) | yr	10
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate	2.646%
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 400,000,000
Maximum period of hedging exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions (in years) | yr	10
Fair Value	$ (6,071,000)
Boston Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ (10,302,000)	$ 0	$ 0