Derivative and Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		$ (9,304)	$ (11,556)	$ (13,817)
Amortization of interest rate contracts	[1],[2]	2,510	2,508	2,513
Effective portion of interest rate contracts		(10,302)	0	0
Other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		2,982	(256)	(252)
Ending Balance		(14,114)	(9,304)	(11,556)
Boston Properties Limited Partnership [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		(12,973)	(15,481)	(17,994)
Amortization of interest rate contracts	[2],[3]	2,510	2,508	2,513
Effective portion of interest rate contracts		(10,302)	0	0
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		2,428
Ending Balance		$ (18,337)	$ (12,973)	$ (15,481)

[1] Amounts reclassified from comprehensive income primarily to interest expense within Boston Properties, Inc.’s Consolidated Statements of Operations

[2] Consists of amounts from interest rate hedging programs entered into prior to 2015.

[3] Amounts reclassified from comprehensive income primarily to interest expense within Boston Properties Limited Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Operations.