Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				$ (52,251)	$ (14,114)	$ (14,114)
Effective portion of interest rate contracts		$ (6,313)	$ (32,351)	(6,133)	(90,997)
Amortization of interest rate contracts	[1]	1,397	628	2,703	1,255
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		2,738	8,681	2,520	24,108
Ending Balance		(53,161)	(79,748)	(53,161)	(79,748)	(52,251)
Boston Properties Limited Partnership
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income or Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance				(60,853)	(18,337)	(18,337)
Effective portion of interest rate contracts		(6,313)	(32,351)	(6,133)	(90,997)
Amortization of interest rate contracts	[2]	1,397	628	2,703	1,255
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests				2,416	16,547
Ending Balance		$ (61,867)	$ (91,532)	$ (61,867)	$ (91,532)	$ (60,853)

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

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