v2.4.0.6

Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Redeemable Property Partnerships (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Property Partnership [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 97,558
Net Loss for Redeemable interest in Property Partnership	(525)
Distributions on Redeemable Property Partnership	(1,350)
Adjustment to Reflect Redeemable Interest at Redemption Value	2,533
Ending Balance	$ 98,216

X

- Definition

Adjustment to Reflect Redeemable Interest at Redemption Value

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bxp_AdjustmentToReflectRedeemableInterestAtRedemptionValue
Namespace Prefix:	bxp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Distributions on Redeemable Property Partnership

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bxp_DistributionsOnRedeemablePropertyPartnership
Namespace Prefix:	bxp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Net Loss for Redeemable interest in Property Partnership

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bxp_NetLossForRedeemableInterestInPropertyPartnership
Namespace Prefix:	bxp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	bxp_NoncontrollingInterestRedeemablePropertyPartnershipAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	bxp_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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- Definition

Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Interest in Property Partnerships

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No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	bxp_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountRedeemableInterestInPropertyPartnerships
Namespace Prefix:	bxp_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant