Stock Option and Incentive Plan Stock Option and Incentive Plan and Stock Purchase Plan (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Stock Option and Incentive Plan and Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

A summary of the status of Boston Properties, Inc.’s stock options as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and changes during the years then ended are presented below:

	Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	553,312		$	97.21
Exercised	(11,447	)	$	92.50
Special dividend adjustment	5,264		$	96.38
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	547,129		$	96.38
Exercised	—		$	—
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	547,129		$	96.38
Exercised	(6,688	)	$	99.15
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	540,441		$	96.35

Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes information about Boston Properties, Inc.’s stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017: 

Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Number Outstanding at 12/31/17	Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	Exercise Price		Number Exercisable at 12/31/17	Exercise Price
118,502	3.1 years	$	86.86	118,502	$	86.86
54,282	5.3 years	$	95.69	54,282	$	95.69
202,030	5.1 years	$	98.46	202,030	$	98.46
165,627	4.1 years	$	100.77	165,627	$	100.77