Noncontrolling Interests Common units distributions (Details) - $ / shares	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017	Jan. 30, 2017	Sep. 15, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distributions Declared To OP And LTIP Units Per Unit				$ 0.75
Distributions Declared To MYLTIP Units Per Unit (in dollars per unit)				$ 0.075
Boston Properties Limited Partnership
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distributions made to OP and LTIP units per unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75
Distribution paid to MYLTIP Units (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.075	$ 0.075	$ 0.075