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Real Estate Activity During The Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 (Summary Of The Discontinued Operations Related To Montvale Center) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Total revenue $ 447,662 $ 417,214
Depreciation and amortization expense 109,673 109,237
Total expenses 303,001 279,321
Operating income 144,661 137,893
Interest expense (103,237) (98,525)
Noncontrolling interest in loss from discontinued operations - common units of the Operating Partnership 1,942 (61)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. 15,709 (436)
Gain on forgiveness of debt from discontinued operations 17,807  
Montvale Center [Member]
    
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Total revenue 222 661
Operating expenses 92 341
Depreciation and amortization expense 64 191
Total expenses 156 532
Operating income 66 129
Interest expense (222) (626)
Loss from discontinued operations (156) (497)
Noncontrolling interest in loss from discontinued operations - common units of the Operating Partnership 17 61
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Boston Properties, Inc. (139) (436)
Gain on forgiveness of debt from discontinued operations 17,807  
Noncontrolling interest in gain on forgiveness of debt from discontinued operations - common units of the Operating Partnership (1,959)  
Gain on forgiveness of debt from discontinued operations attributable to Boston Properties, Inc $ 15,848