Stockholders' Equity / Partners' Capital Partners' Capital Change in Series B Preferred Units (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 200,000
Ending Balance	200,000	$ 200,000
Boston Properties Limited Partnership
Entity Information [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	193,623	193,623	$ 193,623
Net Income	10,500	10,500	10,500
Distributions	(10,500)	(10,500)	(10,500)
Ending Balance	$ 193,623	$ 193,623	$ 193,623