<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.4.0.3</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>278</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>386</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>108</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>16</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements Of Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005000 - Statement - Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital Statement</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementOfPartnersCapitalStatement</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital Statement</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1006000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Organization</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/Organization</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Real Estate Activity During the  Three Months Ended March 31, 2016</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/RealEstateActivityDuringThreeMonthsEndedMarch312016</Role>
      <ShortName>Real Estate Activity During the  Three Months Ended March 31, 2016</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVentures</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Unsecured Senior Notes Unsecured Senior Notes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/UnsecuredSeniorNotesUnsecuredSeniorNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Unsecured Senior Notes Unsecured Senior Notes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Notes)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Notes)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Commitments And Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments And Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterests</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockholdersEquityPartnersCapital</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2118100 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share / Common Unit</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/EarningsPerShareCommonUnit</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share / Common Unit</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - Stock Option and Incentive Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockOptionAndIncentivePlan</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Option and Incentive Plan</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2202201 - Disclosure - Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesRecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302302 - Disclosure - Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVentures</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - Unsecured Senior Notes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/UnsecuredSeniorNotesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Unsecured Senior Notes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/UnsecuredSeniorNotesUnsecuredSeniorNotes</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterests</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital Tables (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockholdersEquityPartnersCapitalTablesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital Tables (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockholdersEquityPartnersCapital</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2318301 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share / Common Unit (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/EarningsPerShareCommonUnitTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share / Common Unit (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/EarningsPerShareCommonUnit</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2320301 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SegmentInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401401 - Disclosure - Organization (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/OrganizationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/Organization</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402403 - Disclosure - Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402404 - Disclosure - Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Carrying Value Of Indebtedness And Corresponding Estimate Of Fair Value) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCarryingValueOfIndebtednessAndCorrespondingEstimateOfFairValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Carrying Value Of Indebtedness And Corresponding Estimate Of Fair Value) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403401 - Disclosure - Real Estate Activity During the  Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/RealEstateActivityDuringThreeMonthsEndedMarch312016NarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Real Estate Activity During the  Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/RealEstateActivityDuringThreeMonthsEndedMarch312016</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Balance Sheets of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesBalanceSheetsOfUnconsolidatedJointVenturesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Balance Sheets of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405404 - Disclosure - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Statements of Operations of the Joint Ventures) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesStatementsOfOperationsOfJointVenturesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Statements of Operations of the Joint Ventures) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/InvestmentsInUnconsolidatedJointVenturesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - Unsecured Senior Notes Schedule of Unsecured Senior Notes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/UnsecuredSeniorNotesScheduleOfUnsecuredSeniorNotesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Unsecured Senior Notes Schedule of Unsecured Senior Notes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410403 - Disclosure - Unsecured Senior Notes Unsecured Senior Notes (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/UnsecuredSeniorNotesUnsecuredSeniorNotesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Unsecured Senior Notes Unsecured Senior Notes (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/UnsecuredSeniorNotesUnsecuredSeniorNotes</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412403 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activities Notional Table (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentAndHedgingActivitiesNotionalTableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activities Notional Table (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412404 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Gain or Loss Recognized Related to Cash Flow hedges (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesGainOrLossRecognizedRelatedToCashFlowHedgesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Gain or Loss Recognized Related to Cash Flow hedges (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412405 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415401 - Disclosure - Commitments And Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments And Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416403 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests (Redeemable Preferred Units) (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsRedeemablePreferredUnitsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests (Redeemable Preferred Units) (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416404 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests (Redeemable Preferred Units) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsRedeemablePreferredUnitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests (Redeemable Preferred Units) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416405 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable interest in property partnership (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsRedeemableInterestInPropertyPartnershipNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable interest in property partnership (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416406 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Redeemable Property Partnerships (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsNoncontrollingRedeemablePropertyPartnershipsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Redeemable Property Partnerships (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416407 - Disclosure - (Common Units) (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/CommonUnitsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>(Common Units) (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416408 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Common units distributions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsCommonUnitsDistributionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Common units distributions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416409 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Common units for Boston Properties LImited Partnership (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsCommonUnitsForBostonPropertiesLimitedPartnershipDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Common units for Boston Properties LImited Partnership (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416410 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests (Property Partnerships) (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsPropertyPartnershipsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests (Property Partnerships) (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416411 - Disclosure - Noncontrolling Interests Property Partnerships (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/NoncontrollingInterestsPropertyPartnershipsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Noncontrolling Interests Property Partnerships (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockholdersEquityPartnersCapitalNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockholdersEquityPartnersCapitalTablesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417403 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital Stockholders' Equity / Partners' Capital Dividends / Distributions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockholdersEquityPartnersCapitalStockholdersEquityPartnersCapitalDividendsDistributionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity / Partners'' Capital Stockholders' Equity / Partners' Capital Dividends / Distributions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418402 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share / Common Unit (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/EarningsPerShareCommonUnitDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share / Common Unit (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/EarningsPerShareCommonUnitTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419401 - Disclosure - Stock Option and Incentive Plan Stock Option and Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockOptionAndIncentivePlanStockOptionAndIncentivePlanNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Option and Incentive Plan Stock Option and Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419402 - Disclosure - Stock Option and Incentive Plan (Restricted Stock) (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockOptionAndIncentivePlanRestrictedStockNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Option and Incentive Plan (Restricted Stock) (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/StockOptionAndIncentivePlan</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420402 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Schedule Of Segment Reporting By Geographic Area And Property Type) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentReportingByGeographicAreaAndPropertyTypeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Schedule Of Segment Reporting By Geographic Area And Property Type) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420403 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Net Operating Income To Net Income) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfReconciliationOfNetOperatingIncomeToNetIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of Net Operating Income To Net Income) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="bxp-20160331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.bostonproperties.com/role/SubsequentEventsSubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>bxp-20160331.xml</File>
    <File>bxp-20160331.xsd</File>
    <File>bxp-20160331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>bxp-20160331_def.xml</File>
    <File>bxp-20160331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>bxp-20160331_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
