Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 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		$ 0	$ 5,712	(6,133)	(85,285)
Amortization of interest rate contracts	[1]	1,665	1,190	4,368	2,445
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(300)	(1,097)	2,220	23,011
Ending Balance		(51,796)	(73,943)	(51,796)	(73,943)	(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		0	5,712	(6,133)	(85,285)
Amortization of interest rate contracts	[2]	1,665	1,190	4,368	2,445
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests				2,272	16,134
Ending Balance		$ (60,346)	$ (85,043)	$ (60,346)	$ (85,043)	$ (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.