XML 77 R6.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Consolidated Statements of Beneficiaries' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data | Total | Preferred Stock [Member] | Common Stock | Deferred Compensation Payable in Common Shares | Common Shares in Grantor Trust | Additional Paid-in Capital | Cumulative Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Cumulative Distributions | Non-Controlling Interests | Subsidiaries [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Controlling Interests | Subsidiaries [Member] Series D Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] Total partners equity [Member] | Subsidiaries [Member] Series E-linked Preferred Stock [Member]
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011 | $ 1,889,696 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | $ 43 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | $ 1,424 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | $ 5,631 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember | $ (5,631)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_CommonStockInGrantorTrustMember | $ 2,776,197 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | $ 477,338 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | $ (6,079)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | $ (1,392,332)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember | $ 33,105 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  | $ (6,426)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember |  | $ 47,912 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember | $ 1,851,326 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember | $ 0 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Beginning Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011 |  | 4,300,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | 142,690,755 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 292,646 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Net income (loss) | 6,529 us-gaap_ProfitLoss |  |  |  |  |  | 6,595 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  | (66)us-gaap_ProfitLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | 6,529 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember |  |  |  | 6,529 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Comprehensive income (loss) | (10,026)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax |  |  |  |  |  |  | (9,839)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember |  | (187)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | (10,026)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember | (10,026)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember |  |  | (10,026)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Issuance of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, shares |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Issuance of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest | 96,850 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues | 40 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember |  |  |  | 96,810 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 96,850 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember | 96,850 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Preferred share issuance costs | (613)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts |  |  |  |  | (613)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (613)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Redemption of preferred shares | (103,448)us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue | (43)us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember |  |  |  | (103,405)us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (47,912)us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember | (103,450)us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Conversion of LP Units to Common Shares | (167)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits |  | 1 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 149 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | (49)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  | (268)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  | (49)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other |  |  | 35,703 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesOther / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Conversion of LP Units to Common Shares, shares |  |  | 20,464 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Redemption of preferred shares, Shares |  | (4,300,000)us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,000,000)us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember |  |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures |  |  | 797,375 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 9,036 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Conversion of LP units to cash | (9,741)us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions |  |  |  |  |  | (4,185)us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  | (5,556)us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  | (9,741)us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan, shares |  |  | (5,564)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlanShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | (10,937)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlanShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan | 0 bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan |  |  | (279)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember | 279 bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_CommonStockInGrantorTrustMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Bonus share issuance | 387 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueOther |  |  |  |  | 387 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueOther / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 387 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueOther / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Share-based compensation activity | 6,432 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation |  | 9 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 6,388 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | 35 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,432 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Adjustment to Non-controlling Interest | 0 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance |  |  |  |  | 4,281 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  | (4,281)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred Share distributions | (10,405)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10,405)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember |  |  |  |  |  | (10,405)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Preferred share/unit redemption charge | (4,052)us-gaap_RedemptionPremium |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,052)us-gaap_RedemptionPremium / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember |  | (4,052)us-gaap_RedemptionPremium / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember |  |  |  | (4,052)us-gaap_RedemptionPremium / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Distributions declared ($0.60) per share in each of 2014, 2013, and 2012 | (87,926)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (86,417)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember | (1,509)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012 | 1,773,516 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 40 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | 1,434 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 5,352 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember | (5,352)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_CommonStockInGrantorTrustMember | 2,780,194 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | 479,734 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | (15,918)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | (1,493,206)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember | 21,238 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  | (16,452)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | 0 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | 0 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember | 1,746,739 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember | 96,850 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012 |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | 143,538,733 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 290,745 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Net income (loss) | 43,189 us-gaap_ProfitLoss |  |  |  |  |  | 42,777 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  | 412 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | 43,189 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember |  |  |  | 43,189 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Comprehensive income (loss) | 13,075 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12,923 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember |  | 152 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | 13,075 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember | 13,075 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember |  |  | 13,075 us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Issuance of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, shares |  |  | 12,650,000 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest | 182,034 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues |  | 127 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 181,907 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred share issuance costs | (744)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts |  |  |  |  | (744)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination | 946 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 946 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  | 946 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  | 946 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Conversion of LP Units to Common Shares | 0 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits |  | 1 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 1,239 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  | (1,240)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  | 1,240 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other |  |  | 27,918 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesOther / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Conversion of LP Units to Common Shares, shares |  |  | 81,998 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures |  |  | 438,356 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 34,117 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan, shares |  |  | (5,012)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlanShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | (12,583)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlanShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan | 0 bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan |  |  | 55 bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember | (55)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_CommonStockInGrantorTrustMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Bonus share issuance | 361 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueOther |  |  |  |  | 361 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueOther / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 361 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueOther / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Share-based compensation activity | 9,438 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation |  | 4 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 9,417 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | 17 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9,437 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Adjustment to Non-controlling Interest | 0 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance |  |  |  |  | (778)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  | 778 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred Share distributions | (6,900)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,900)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember |  |  |  |  |  | (6,900)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Preferred share/unit redemption charge | 0 us-gaap_RedemptionPremium |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RedemptionPremium / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember |  |  |  |  |
Distributions declared ($0.60) per share in each of 2014, 2013, and 2012 | (93,480)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (92,409)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember | (1,071)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | 1,921,435 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | 40 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | 1,566 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 5,407 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember | (5,407)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_CommonStockInGrantorTrustMember | 2,971,596 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | 522,528 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | (2,995)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | (1,592,515)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember | 21,215 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | 1,894,949 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember | (3,377)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | 946 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | 0 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember | 1,894,949 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember | 96,850 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013 |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | 156,731,993 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 312,279 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Net income (loss) | 6,942 us-gaap_ProfitLoss |  |  |  |  |  | 6,975 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  | (33)us-gaap_ProfitLoss / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | 6,942 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember |  | (44)us-gaap_ProfitLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  | 6,898 us-gaap_ProfitLoss / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Comprehensive income (loss) | (1,630)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,612)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember |  | (18)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | (1,630)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember | (1,630)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember |  |  | (1,630)us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Issuance of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, shares | 21,850,000 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues |  | 21,850,000 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuance of Common Shares of Beneficial Interest | 335,398 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues |  | 219 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 335,179 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred share issuance costs | (495)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts |  |  |  |  | (495)us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Conversion of LP Units to Common Shares | 0 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits |  | 2 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 3,612 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  | (3,614)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  | 3,614 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Conversion of LP Units to Common Shares, shares |  |  | 228,536 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures |  |  | 403,902 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan, shares |  |  | 80,152 bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlanShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 72,257 bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlanShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan | (90)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan |  |  | 812 bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember | (812)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_CommonStockInGrantorTrustMember | (90)bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share Choice Plan Issuance Shares | 0 bdn_ShareChoicePlanIssuanceShares |  | (1,423)bdn_ShareChoicePlanIssuanceShares / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation activity | 6,847 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation |  | 6 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember |  |  | 6,857 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | (16)us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,847 us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Adjustment to Non-controlling Interest | 0 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance |  |  |  |  | (1,966)us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember |  |  |  | 1,966 us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Preferred Share distributions | (6,900)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,900)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember |  |  |  |  |  | (6,900)us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember |
Preferred share/unit redemption charge | 0 us-gaap_RedemptionPremium |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_RedemptionPremium / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember |  |  |  |  |
Distributions declared ($0.60) per share in each of 2014, 2013, and 2012 | (102,181)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (101,164)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember | (1,017)us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014 | $ 2,159,326 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest | $ 40 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | $ 1,793 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | $ 6,219 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember | $ (6,219)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_CommonStockInGrantorTrustMember | $ 3,314,693 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember | $ 529,487 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember | $ (4,607)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | $ (1,700,579)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember | $ 18,499 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | $ 2,134,755 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember | $ (5,007)us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember | $ 1,010 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember | $ 0 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember | $ 2,134,755 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_TotalPartnersEquityMember | $ 96,850 us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember
Ending Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014 |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_PreferredStockMember | 179,293,160 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_CommonStockMember | 384,536 us-gaap_SharesIssued / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_DeferredCompensationShareBasedPaymentsMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = us-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMember |  | 4,000,000 us-gaap_SharesIssued / dei_LegalEntityAxis = us-gaap_SubsidiariesMember / us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis = bdn_SeriesELinkedPreferredStockMember

X
- Definition Share choice plan issuance shares. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bdn_ShareChoicePlanIssuanceShares
Namespace Prefix: | bdn_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlan
Namespace Prefix: | bdn_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share Issuance from/to Deferred Compensation Plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bdn_ShareIssuanceFromDeferredCompensationPlanShares
Namespace Prefix: | bdn_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of decrease in additional paid in capital (APIC) resulting from direct costs associated with issuing stock. Includes, but is not limited to, legal and accounting fees and direct costs associated with stock issues under a shelf registration. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalStockIssuedIssuanceCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of paid and unpaid common stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of paid and unpaid preferred stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 405 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957935&loc=d3e64057-112817 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DividendsPreferredStockCash
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromBusinessCombination
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from subsidiary issuance of equity interests to noncontrolling interest holders. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestIncreaseFromSubsidiaryEquityIssuance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36458714&loc=SL7669619-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total change in each class of partners' capital accounts during the year due to redemptions and adjustments to redemption value. All partners include general, limited and preferred partners. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187171-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountRedemptions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4K -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591552-111686 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 19 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4591551-111686 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The excess of the (1) fair value of consideration transferred to the holders of a security in excess of (2) the carrying amount of the security reported on the registrant's balance sheet, which will be deducted from net earnings to derive net earnings available to common shareholders. This amount is generally an adjustment considered in the computation of earnings per share. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RedemptionPremium
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SharesIssued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4568447-111683 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4568740-111683 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4I -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35736750&loc=SL4590271-111686 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The number of shares issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust unit (UPREIT unit). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfUnits
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of new stock issued during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares of stock issued during the period that is attributable to transactions involving issuance of stock not separately disclosed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of shares (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), net of any shares forfeited. Shares issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust unit (UPREIT unit). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueConversionOfUnits
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Equity impact of the value of new stock issued during the period. Includes shares issued in an initial public offering or a secondary public offering. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of shares of stock issued during the period that is attributable to transactions involving issuance of stock not separately disclosed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of stock (or other type of equity) issued during the period as a result of any equity-based compensation plan other than an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), net of stock value of such awards forfeited. Stock issued could result from the issuance of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options, stock issued under employee stock purchase plans, and/or other employee benefit plans. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of stock bought back by the entity at the exercise price or redemption price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodShares
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Equity impact of the value of stock bought back by the entity at the exercise price or redemption price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockRedeemedOrCalledDuringPeriodValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration