Piedmont Office Realty Trust (PDM) 10-Q 9 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 06, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,042,776
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		145,508,307

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Land	$ 671,832	$ 674,554
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $933,717 and $889,997 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	2,655,581	2,741,583
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $87,633 and $79,860 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	60,770	70,177
Construction in progress	75,083	61,891
Real estate assets held for sale, net	470,847	526,887
Total real estate assets	3,934,113	4,075,092
Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures	7,652	7,798
Cash and cash equivalents	7,702	12,306
Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $86 and $231 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	26,748	27,711
Notes receivable	45,400	0
Straight-line rent receivables	149,060	146,836
Restricted cash and escrows	37,705	5,679
Prepaid expenses and other assets	31,764	25,656
Goodwill	180,097	180,097
Interest rate swaps	0	430
Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $6,971 and $6,067 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	7,220	7,667
Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $143,676 and $129,601 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	231,379	228,953
Other assets held for sale, net	81,034	77,276
Total assets	4,739,874	4,795,501
Liabilities:
Unsecured debt, net of discount of $7,137 and $5,424 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	1,925,863	1,828,544
Secured debt, inclusive of premium of $2,209 and $3,258 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	502,456	449,045
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	132,741	133,988
Deferred income	26,087	22,215
Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $40,542 and $35,628 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	38,896	42,560
Interest rate swaps	20,526	6,417
Other liabilities held for sale, net	567	717
Total liabilities	2,647,136	2,483,486
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders’ Equity:
Shares-in-trust, 150,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding as of September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014	0	0
Preferred stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; none outstanding as of September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 750,000,000 shares authorized; 145,633,869 and 154,324,089 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	1,456	1,543
Additional paid-in capital	3,669,154	3,666,182
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	(1,570,377)	(1,365,620)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(8,524)	8,301
Piedmont stockholders’ equity	2,091,709	2,310,406
Noncontrolling interest	1,029	1,609
Total stockholders’ equity	2,092,738	2,312,015
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 4,739,874	$ 4,795,501

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Intangible lease assets, accumulated amortization	$ 87,633	$ 79,860
Tenant receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	86	231
Deferred financing costs, accumulated amortization	6,971	6,067
Deferred lease costs, accumulated amortization	143,676	129,601
Liabilities:
Unsecured debt- discount on debt	7,137	5,424
Secured debt- premium on debt	2,209	3,258
Intangible lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	$ 40,542	$ 35,628
Stockholders’ Equity:
Shares-in-trust, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Shares-in-trust, shares outstanding	0	0
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	750,000,000	750,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	145,633,869	154,324,089
Common stock, shares outstanding	145,633,869	154,324,089
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Assets:
Buildings and improvements, accumulated depreciation	$ 933,717	$ 889,997

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Rental income		$ 117,994	$ 114,529	$ 353,255	$ 338,720
Tenant reimbursements		30,273	29,579	90,476	79,253
Property management fee revenue		548	533	1,577	1,568
Total revenues		148,815	144,641	445,308	419,541
Expenses:
Property operating costs		61,677	62,027	187,392	177,434
Depreciation		31,199	35,366	103,470	103,154
Amortization		14,021	14,235	43,646	42,407
Impairment loss on real estate assets		34,815	0	40,169	0
General and administrative		8,236	5,814	22,726	17,514
Operating expenses		149,948	117,442	397,403	340,509
Real estate operating income/(loss)		(1,133)	27,199	47,905	79,032
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(18,832)	(18,654)	(56,020)	(55,592)
Other income		803	524	1,218	68
Net recoveries/(loss) from casualty events and litigation settlements		0	(8)	0	4,514
Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures		135	89	418	(510)
Nonoperating income (expense)		(17,894)	(18,049)	(54,384)	(51,520)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations		(19,027)	9,150	(6,479)	27,512
Discontinued operations:
Operating income		16	16	13	996
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets		(2)	0	(2)	1,198
Income from discontinued operations		14	16	11	2,194
Gain on sale of real estate assets		17,142	0	53,826	1,140
Net income/(loss)		(1,871)	9,166	47,358	30,846
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(4)	(4)	(12)	(12)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont		$ (1,875)	$ 9,162	$ 47,346	$ 30,834
Per share information – basic and diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations and gain on sale of real estate assets (in dollars per share)		$ (0.01)	$ 0.06	$ 0.31	$ 0.19
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)		0	0	0	0.01
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ (0.01)	$ 0.06	$ 0.31	$ 0.20
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic		148,855,336	154,325,073	152,231,060	154,495,761
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted	[1]	149,176,207	154,561,362	152,499,430	154,664,834
[1]	Due to repurchases of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont has 145,633,869 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2015.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	$ (1,875)	$ 9,162	$ 47,346	$ 30,834
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Effective portion of gain/(loss) on derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (See Note 5)	(22,263)	1,360	(21,389)	(12,143)
Plus: Reclassification of previously recorded loss included in net income (See Note 5)	1,506	1,295	4,575	3,623
Unrealized loss on investment in available for sale securities	(9)	0	(11)	0
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(20,766)	2,655	(16,825)	(8,520)
Comprehensive income/ (loss) attributable to Piedmont	$ (22,641)	$ 11,817	$ 30,521	$ 22,314

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Cumulative Distributions in Excess of Earnings [Member]	Other Comprehensive Income/ (Loss) [Member]	Non-controlling Interest [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 2,461,159	$ 1,575	$ 3,668,906	$ (1,231,209)	$ 20,278	$ 1,609
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		157,461,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share repurchases as part of an announced plan	(52,796)	$ (32)		(52,764)
Share repurchases as part of an announced plan, shares		(3,190,000)
Retirement of shares returned from escrow	(1,479)	$ (1)	(1,478)
Retirement of shares returned from escrow, shares		(85,000)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in consolidated variable interest entity	(4,054)		(4,054)
Dividends to common stockholders ($0.81 (YTD 2014) and $0.63 (YTD 2015) per share), distributions to noncontrolling interest, and dividends reinvested	(125,198)		(188)	(124,995)		(15)
Shares issued and amortized under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, net of tax	2,997	$ 1	2,996
Shares issued and amortized under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, net of tax (in shares)		138,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	15					15
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	43,348			43,348
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,977)				(11,977)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 2,312,015	$ 1,543	3,666,182	(1,365,620)	8,301	1,609
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	154,324,089	154,324,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share repurchases as part of an announced plan	$ (156,475)	$ (88)		(156,387)
Share repurchases as part of an announced plan, shares		(8,849,000)
Offering costs	(326)		(326)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in consolidated variable interest entity	54		54
Reallocation of noncontrolling interest of subsidiary	544		1,128			(584)
Dividends to common stockholders ($0.81 (YTD 2014) and $0.63 (YTD 2015) per share), distributions to noncontrolling interest, and dividends reinvested	(95,910)		(186)	(95,716)		(8)
Shares issued and amortized under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, net of tax	2,303	$ 1	2,302
Shares issued and amortized under the 2007 Omnibus Incentive Plan, net of tax (in shares)		159,000
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	12					12
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	47,346			47,346
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,825)				(16,825)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 2,092,738	$ 1,456	$ 3,669,154	$ (1,570,377)	$ (8,524)	$ 1,029
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2015	145,633,869	145,634,000

Consolidated Statements of Sto7

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends to common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.63	$ 0.81

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 47,358	$ 30,846
Operating distributions received from unconsolidated joint ventures	565	266
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	103,470	103,237
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,281	1,299
Gain/(loss) on settlement of forward starting interest rate swaps	(1,284)	14,960
Other amortization	44,091	42,007
Impairment loss on real estate assets	40,169	0
Stock compensation expense	5,027	3,046
Equity in (income)/loss of unconsolidated joint ventures	(418)	510
Gain on sale of real estate assets	(53,824)	(2,338)
Retirement of shares returned from escrow	0	(1,479)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net	(22,996)	(29,277)
Increase in restricted cash and escrows	(20,333)	(114)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,845)	(10,588)
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(8,284)	5,617
Increase/(decrease) in deferred income	3,619	(476)
Net cash provided by operating activities	132,596	157,516
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of real estate assets and related intangibles	(75,976)	(109,930)
Capitalized expenditures, net of accruals	(81,917)	(122,804)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity	(4,000)	0
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties	151,564	46,240
Net sales proceeds from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	6,017
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	(42)
Deferred lease costs paid	(23,889)	(20,732)
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,218)	(201,251)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deferred financing costs paid	(1,048)	(1,112)
Proceeds from debt	1,205,857	979,564
Repayments of debt	(1,055,902)	(784,320)
Discount paid due to loan modification	0	(1,135)
Costs of issuance of common stock	(326)	0
Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan	(155,653)	(54,685)
Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments	(95,910)	(92,735)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(102,982)	45,577
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,604)	1,842
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	12,306	6,973
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,702	8,815
Supplemental Disclosures of Significant Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Change in accrued share repurchases as part of an announced plan	(822)	(2,005)
Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	$ 24,588	$ 17,573

Organization

Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (“Piedmont”) (NYSE: PDM) is a Maryland corporation that operates in a manner so as to qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes and engages in the acquisition, development, management, and ownership of commercial real estate properties throughout the United States, including properties that are under construction, are newly constructed, or have operating histories. Piedmont was incorporated in 1997 and commenced operations in 1998. Piedmont conducts business primarily through Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P. (“Piedmont OP”), a Delaware limited partnership, as well as performing the management of its buildings through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Piedmont Government Services, LLC and Piedmont Office Management, LLC. Piedmont owns 99.9% of, and is the sole general partner of, Piedmont OP and as such, possesses full legal control and authority over the operations of Piedmont OP. The remaining 0.1% ownership interest of Piedmont OP is held indirectly by Piedmont through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Piedmont Office Holdings, Inc. ("POH"), the sole limited partner of Piedmont OP. Piedmont OP owns properties directly, through wholly-owned subsidiaries, and through both consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures. References to Piedmont herein shall include Piedmont and all of its subsidiaries, including Piedmont OP and its subsidiaries and joint ventures. As of September 30, 2015 , Piedmont owned 68 office properties, one redevelopment asset and two development assets, and one building through an unconsolidated joint venture. Piedmont's 68 office properties comprise 20.7 million square feet of primarily Class A commercial office space, and were 90.6% leased as of September 30, 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 , approximately 80% of Piedmont's Annualized Lease Revenue was generated from select office sub-markets in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, D.C. Piedmont internally evaluates all of its real estate assets as one operating segment, and accordingly, does not report segment information.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of Piedmont have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the statements for the unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. Results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results. Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Piedmont, Piedmont’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, any variable interest entity ("VIE") of which Piedmont or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries is considered to have the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses/right to receive benefits, or any entity in which Piedmont or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries owns a controlling interest. In determining whether Piedmont or Piedmont OP has a controlling interest, the following factors, among others, are considered: equity ownership, voting rights, protective rights of investors, and participatory rights of investors. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in Piedmont’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Further, Piedmont has formed special purpose entities to acquire and hold real estate. Each special purpose entity is a separate legal entity and consequently the assets of the special purpose entities are not available to all creditors of Piedmont. The assets owned by these special purpose entities are being reported on a consolidated basis with Piedmont’s assets for financial reporting purposes only. Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Income Taxes Piedmont has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and has operated as such, beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, Piedmont must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income. As a REIT, Piedmont is generally not subject to federal income taxes. Piedmont is subject to certain taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, as well as operations conducted by its taxable REIT subsidiary, POH, which have been provided for in the financial statements. Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 change the criteria for the recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services using a five-step determination process. Steps 1 through 5 involve (i) identifying contracts with a customer, (ii) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue as an entity satisfies a performance obligation. Additionally, lease contracts are specifically excluded from ASU 2014-09. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective in the first quarter of 2018 for Piedmont, and Piedmont is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of adoption. The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). The amendments in ASU 2015-02 modify the consolidation analysis of certain types of entities. Specifically, ASU 2015-02 changes the assessment criteria of whether limited partnerships are VIEs, eliminates the presumption that general partners should consolidate a limited partner, eliminates certain conditions from the evaluation of whether a fee paid to a decision maker constitutes a VIE, and changes the evaluation regarding the impact of related parties in the primary beneficiary determination of a VIE. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for Piedmont, and Piedmont does not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption. The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction to the underlying debt instrument, as opposed to a separate asset. The amendments do not change the method by which such costs are amortized against earnings, nor do they change their classification in the consolidated statements of income, as a component of interest expense. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for Piedmont, and Piedmont is currently evaluating the potential impact of adoption.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , Piedmont acquired 100% ownership of the following properties and land parcel using proceeds from the $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit, proceeds from the sales of other properties (see Note 9), and cash on hand, as noted below: Property Metropolitan Statistical Area Date of Acquisition Rentable Square Feet Percentage Leased as of Acquisition Purchase Price (in millions) Park Place on Turtle Creek Dallas, Texas January 16, 2015 177,844 88 % $ 46.6 80 Central Street Boxborough, Massachusetts July 24, 2015 149,661 93 % $ 13.5 Land Parcel Metropolitan Statistical Area Date of Acquisition Acreage Contractual Purchase Price Two Pierce Land Parcel Chicago, Illinois June 2, 2015 4.73 $ 3.7

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont replaced its existing $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit with a new $500 million line of credit facility (the " $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit"). The existing $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit was scheduled to expire on August 19, 2016, and was terminated concurrently with the closing of the new facility. The term of the new $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit is four years with a maturity date of June 18, 2019, and Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six -month extensions) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees. As of September 30, 2015 , the stated interest rate spread over LIBOR on the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit is 1.00% , down from 1.175% on the prior line of credit. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont entered into a $160 million note payable secured by a mortgage against its 1901 Market Street building located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (the " $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan"). The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan replaced the $105 Million Fixed-Rate Loan secured by the US Bancorp Center building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was paid in full in April 2015, and the remaining proceeds were used to pay down outstanding borrowings on the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit. The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan bears interest at 3.48% per year and matures on July 5, 2022. Finally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont entered into a $170 million unsecured term loan facility (the “ $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan”) with a consortium of lenders. The term of the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan is approximately three years with a maturity date of May 15, 2018. Piedmont may prepay the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty. As of September 30, 2015, the stated interest rate spread on the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan was 1.125% . During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , Piedmont incurred additional working capital borrowings on its $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit (which was subsequently replaced with the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit) of $408.0 million and, utilizing a portion of the proceeds of the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan and the $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan described above, as well as other cash on hand, made repayments totaling $429.0 million on its line of credit facility. As of September 30, 2015, Piedmont believes it was in compliance with all financial covenants associated with its debt instruments. Additionally, see Note 7 for a description of Piedmont’s estimated fair value of debt as of September 30, 2015 . Piedmont also made interest payments on all debt facilities, including interest rate swap cash settlements, of approximately $20.1 million and $20.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and approximately $58.8 million and $54.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Piedmont capitalized interest of approximately $1.0 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and approximately $2.7 million and $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The following table summarizes the terms of Piedmont’s indebtedness outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): Facility Collateral Stated Rate (1) Maturity Amount Outstanding as of September 30, December 31, Secured (Fixed) $105 Million Fixed-Rate Loan US Bancorp Center 5.29 % 5/11/2015 $ — $ 105,000 $125 Million Fixed-Rate Loan Four Property Collateralized Pool (2) 5.50 % 4/1/2016 125,000 125,000 $42.5 Million Fixed-Rate Loan Las Colinas Corporate Center I & II 5.70 % 10/11/2016 42,525 42,525 $140 Million WDC Fixed-Rate Loans 1201 & 1225 Eye Street 5.76 % 11/1/2017 140,000 140,000 $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan 5 Wall Street 5.55 % (3) 9/1/2021 35,617 36,520 $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan 1901 Market Street 3.48 % (4) 7/5/2022 159,314 — Subtotal/Weighted Average (5) 4.95 % 502,456 449,045 Unsecured (Variable and Fixed) $50 Million Unsecured Term Loan LIBOR + 1.15% 4/1/2015 — 49,968 $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit LIBOR + 1.175% 8/19/2016 — 434,000 $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan LIBOR + 1.125% (6) 5/15/2018 169,645 — $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan LIBOR + 1.20% (7) 1/31/2019 300,000 300,000 $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit LIBOR + 1.00% (8) 6/18/2019 (9) 411,145 0 $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan LIBOR + 1.15% (10) 1/15/2020 299,101 298,944 $350 Million Unsecured Senior Notes 3.40 % (11) 6/1/2023 348,893 348,800 $400 Million Unsecured Senior Notes 4.45 % (12) 3/15/2024 397,079 396,832 Subtotal/Weighted Average (5) 2.71 % 1,925,863 1,828,544 Total/ Weighted Average (5) 3.17 % $ 2,428,319 $ 2,277,589 (1) Other than the $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan, all of Piedmont’s outstanding debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is interest-only. (2) Property collateralized pool includes 1430 Enclave Parkway in Houston, Texas, Windy Point I and II in Schaumburg, Illinois, and 1055 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. (3) The $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a contractual fixed rate of 5.55% ; however, the amortization of the premium recorded in order to adjust the note to its estimated fair value, results in an effective interest rate of 3.75% . (4) The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a fixed coupon rate of 3.48% , however, after consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.58% . (5) Weighted average is based on contractual balance of outstanding debt and interest rates in the table as of September 30, 2015 . (6) On a periodic basis, Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread ( 1.125% as of September 30, 2015 ) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The principal balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of the 30-day LIBOR rate of 0.20% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above). (7) The $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, absent any changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.78% . (8) Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options with each draw, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread ( 1.00% as of September 30, 2015 ) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The outstanding balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of 30-day LIBOR draws at an average rate of 0.21% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above). (9) Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six month extensions to a final extended maturity date of June 18, 2020) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees. (10) The $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont has entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.39% through the original maturity date of November 22, 2016 and 3.35% from November 22, 2016 to January 15, 2020. (11) The $350 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 3.40% , however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 3.45% . After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.43% . (12) The $400 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 4.45% , however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 4.48% . After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 4.10% .

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives In addition to operational risks which arise in the normal course of business, Piedmont is exposed to economic risks such as interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk. In certain situations, Piedmont has entered into derivative financial instruments such as interest rate swap agreements and other similar agreements to manage interest rate risk exposure arising from current or future debt transactions. Interest rate swap agreements involve the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Piedmont’s objective in using interest rate derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for Piedmont making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without changing the underlying notional amount. As of September 30, 2015 , Piedmont was party to various forward starting interest rate swap agreements which fully hedge the variable cash flows associated with all of its outstanding unsecured, variable-rate debt, other than the $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit and the $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont settled various forward starting swaps with a total notional value of $250 million in conjunction with the issuance of the $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan (see Note 4) for a net loss totaling $1.3 million , of which approximately $0.1 million was expensed immediately upon termination. The remaining loss was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized as an increase to interest expense over the seven -year term of the $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan. Additionally, as of September 30, 2015, Piedmont held $250 million of forward starting interest rate swaps to hedge its exposure to the variability in future cash flows associated with potential future debt issuances in 2016. The maximum length of time over which Piedmont is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions is 125 months. A detail of Piedmont’s interest rate derivatives outstanding as of September 30, 2015 is as follows: Interest Rate Derivatives: Number of Swap Agreements Associated Debt Instrument Total Notional Amount (in millions) Effective Date Maturity Date Interest rate swaps 4 $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan $ 300 11/22/2011 11/22/2016 Interest rate swaps 4 $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan 200 1/30/2014 1/31/2019 Interest rate swaps 2 $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan 100 8/29/2014 1/31/2019 Forward starting interest rate swaps 3 $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan 300 11/22/2016 1/15/2020 Forward starting interest rate swaps 4 Potential Future Issuance 250 2/25/2016 2/25/2026 Total $ 1,150 Piedmont presents its interest rate derivatives on its consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis as interest rate swap assets and interest rate swap liabilities. A detail of Piedmont’s interest rate derivatives on a gross and net basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, is as follows (in thousands): Interest rate swaps classified as: September 30, December 31, Gross derivative assets $ — $ 430 Gross derivative liabilities (20,526 ) (6,417 ) Net derivative liability $ (20,526 ) $ (5,987 ) All of Piedmont's interest rate derivative agreements outstanding for the periods presented were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk. As such, the effective portion of changes in the estimated fair value of these derivatives is recorded in other comprehensive income ("OCI") and is reclassified into earnings as interest expense in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. In addition, in conjunction with the issuance of various unsecured senior notes during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, as well as the issuance of the $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan mentioned above, Piedmont settled various forward starting swap agreements for gains/losses which were recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income during the respective period and are being amortized as an offset to interest expense over the term of the respective notes on a straight line basis (which approximates the effective interest method). Piedmont classifies cash flows from the settlement of hedging derivative instruments in the same category as the underlying exposure which is being hedged. As the settlements were the result of hedging Piedmont's exposure to interest rate changes and their effect on interest expense, they are classified as operating cash flows in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. The effective portion of Piedmont's interest rate derivatives, including the gain/(loss) on settlement of forward swaps described above, and other gains/(losses) associated with the swap that were recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Interest Rate Swaps) (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in OCI on derivative $ (22,263 ) $ 1,360 $ (21,389 ) $ (12,143 ) Amount of previously recorded loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense $ 1,506 $ 1,295 $ 4,575 $ 3,623 Piedmont estimates that approximately $5.0 million will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense over the next twelve months. Piedmont recognized no loss related to hedge ineffectiveness for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and approximately $0.1 million and $0 of loss related to hedge ineffectiveness and terminations of its cash flow hedges was recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 , respectively. See Note 7 for fair value disclosures of Piedmont's derivative instruments. Credit-risk-related Contingent Features Piedmont has agreements with its derivative counterparties that contain a provision whereby if Piedmont defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then Piedmont could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. If Piedmont were to breach any of the contractual provisions of the derivative contracts, it would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value of the estimated fair values plus accrued interest, or approximately $21.0 million as of September 30, 2015 . Additionally, Piedmont has rights of set-off under certain of its derivative agreements related to potential termination fees and amounts payable under the agreements, if a termination were to occur.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities Variable interest holders who have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and have the obligation to absorb the majority of losses of the entity or the right to receive significant benefits of the entity must consolidate the VIE. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont paid $4.0 million to settle the redemption option associated with an equity participation in Medici Atlanta, LLC, eliminating any ongoing third party interest. A summary of Piedmont’s interests in and consolidation treatment of its outstanding VIEs as of September 30, 2015 and their related carrying values as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (net carrying amount in millions): Entity Piedmont’s % Ownership of Entity Related Building Consolidated/ Unconsolidated Net Carrying Amount as of September 30, 2015 Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2014 Primary Beneficiary Considerations 1201 Eye Street NW Associates, LLC 49.5% 1201 Eye Street Consolidated $ (7.2 ) $ (2.8 ) In accordance with the partnership’s governing documents, Piedmont is entitled to 100% of the cash flow of the entity until certain financial returns are achieved and has sole discretion in directing the management and leasing activities of the building. 1225 Eye Street NW Associates, LLC 49.5% 1225 Eye Street Consolidated $ 2.2 $ (1.1 ) In accordance with the partnership’s governing documents, Piedmont is entitled to 100% of the cash flow of the entity until certain financial returns are achieved and has sole discretion in directing the management and leasing activities of the building. Piedmont 500 W. Monroe Fee, LLC 100% 500 W. Monroe Consolidated $ 246.9 $ 245.3 The Omnibus Agreement with the previous owner includes equity participation rights for the previous owner, if certain financial returns are achieved; however, Piedmont has sole decision making authority and is entitled to the economic benefits of the property until such returns are met. Piedmont TownPark Land, LLC 100% Land Parcel Adjacent to 400 TownPark building Consolidated $ 5.9 $ 7.9 The equity participation and service fee agreement includes equity participation rights for the third party manager if certain defined events occur and certain returns on investment are achieved; however, Piedmont has sole decision making authority and is entitled to the economic benefits of the property until such events occur and returns are achieved. Each of the VIEs described above has the sole purpose of holding land and office buildings and their resulting operations, and are classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in the same manner as Piedmont’s wholly-owned properties.

Fair Value Measurement of Finan

Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments Piedmont considers its cash and cash equivalents, tenant receivables, notes receivable, restricted cash and escrows, accounts payable and accrued expenses, interest rate swap agreements, and debt to meet the definition of financial instruments. The following table sets forth the carrying and estimated fair value for each of Piedmont’s financial instruments, as well as its level within the GAAP fair value hierarchy, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Financial Instrument Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level Within Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level Within Fair Value Hierarchy Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (1) $ 7,702 $ 7,702 Level 1 $ 12,306 $ 12,306 Level 1 Tenant receivables, net (1) $ 26,748 $ 26,748 Level 1 $ 27,711 $ 27,711 Level 1 Notes receivable (1) $ 45,400 $ 45,400 Level 1 $ — $ — Level 1 Restricted cash and escrows (1) $ 37,705 $ 37,705 Level 1 $ 5,679 $ 5,679 Level 1 Interest rate swap asset $ — $ — Level 2 $ 430 $ 430 Level 2 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1) $ 17,200 $ 17,200 Level 1 $ 14,395 $ 14,395 Level 1 Interest rate swap liability $ 20,526 $ 20,526 Level 2 $ 6,417 $ 6,417 Level 2 Debt $ 2,428,319 $ 2,450,580 Level 2 $ 2,277,589 $ 2,314,020 Level 2 (1) For the periods presented, the carrying value of these financial instruments approximates estimated fair value due to their short-term maturity. Piedmont's debt was carried at book value as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 ; however, Piedmont's estimate of its fair value is disclosed in the table above. Piedmont uses widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis based on the contractual terms of the debt facilities, including the period to maturity of each instrument, and uses observable market-based inputs for similar debt facilities which have transacted recently in the market. Therefore, the estimated fair values determined are considered to be based on significant other observable inputs (Level 2). Scaling adjustments are made to these inputs to make them applicable to the remaining life of Piedmont's outstanding debt. Piedmont has not changed its valuation technique for estimating the fair value of its debt. Piedmont’s interest rate swap and forward starting interest rate swap agreements presented above, and further discussed in Note 5, are classified as “Interest rate swap” assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and were carried at estimated fair value as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . The valuation of these derivative instruments was determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis based on the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity of each instrument, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. Therefore, the estimated fair values determined are considered to be based on significant other observable inputs (Level 2). In addition, Piedmont considered both its own and the respective counterparties’ risk of nonperformance in determining the estimated fair value of its derivative financial instruments by estimating the current and potential future exposure under the derivative financial instruments that both Piedmont and the counterparties were at risk for as of the valuation date. The credit risk of Piedmont and its counterparties was factored into the calculation of the estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps; however, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , this credit valuation adjustment did not comprise a material portion of the estimated fair value. Therefore, Piedmont believes that any unobservable inputs used to determine the estimated fair values of its derivative financial instruments are not significant to the fair value measurements in their entirety, and does not consider any of its derivative financial instruments to be Level 3 assets or liabilities.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Under Existing Lease Agreements Certain lease agreements include provisions that, at the option of the tenant, may obligate Piedmont to provide funding for capital improvements. Under its existing lease agreements, Piedmont may be required to fund significant tenant improvements, leasing commissions, and building improvements. In addition, certain agreements contain provisions that require Piedmont to issue corporate or property guarantees to provide funding for capital improvements or other financial obligations. Further, Piedmont classifies such tenant and building improvements into two categories: (i) improvements which incrementally enhance the building's asset value by expanding its revenue generating capacity (“incremental capital expenditures”) and (ii) improvements which maintain the building's existing asset value and its revenue generating capacity (“non-incremental capital expenditures”). As of September 30, 2015 , commitments for funding potential non-incremental capital expenditures over the next five years for tenant improvements totaled approximately $52.3 million related to Piedmont's existing lease portfolio over the respective lease terms, the majority of which Piedmont estimates may be required to be funded over the next three years based on when the underlying leases commence. For most of Piedmont’s leases, the timing of the actual funding of these tenant improvements is largely dependent upon tenant requests for reimbursement. In some cases, these obligations may expire with the leases without further recourse to Piedmont. Additionally, as of September 30, 2015 , commitments for incremental capital expenditures for tenant improvements associated with new and existing leases totaled approximately $55.9 million . Contingencies Related to Tenant Audits/Disputes Certain lease agreements include provisions that grant tenants the right to engage independent auditors to audit their annual operating expense reconciliations. Such audits may result in the re-interpretation of language in the lease agreements which could result in the refund of previously recognized tenant reimbursement revenues, resulting in financial loss to Piedmont. Piedmont recorded no reductions in reimbursement revenues related to such tenant audits/disputes during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , and approximately $0.1 million and $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Letters of Credit As of September 30, 2015 , Piedmont was subject to a letter of credit of approximately $0.4 million , which reduces the total available capacity under its $500 Million 2015 Unsecured Line of Credit. This letter of credit is scheduled to expire in December 2015 .

Property Dispositions, Assets H

Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations	Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations Property Dispositions Since April 1, 2014, we have sold nine properties which did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. The operational results for these properties for periods prior to their sale date are presented as continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, and the gain on sale is presented separately on the face of the income statement unless otherwise indicated below. Details of such properties sold are presented below (in thousands): Buildings Sold Location Date of Sale Gain/(Loss) on Sale Net Sales Proceeds 2020 W. 89th Street Leawood, Kansas May 19, 2014 $ 1,132 $ 5,515 Two Park Center (1) Hoffman Estates, Illinois May 29, 2014 $ (169 ) $ 6,017 3900 Dallas Parkway Plano, Texas January 30, 2015 $ 10,073 $ 25,801 5601 Headquarters Drive Plano, Texas April 28, 2015 $ 7,959 $ 33,326 River Corporate Center Tempe, Arizona April 29, 2015 $ 5,303 $ 24,228 Copper Ridge Center Lyndhurst, New Jersey May 1, 2015 $ 13,753 $ 4,972 (2) Eastpoint I & II Mayfield Heights, Ohio July 28, 2015 $ (177 ) $ 17,342 3750 Brookside Parkway Alpharetta, Georgia August 10, 2015 $ 1,406 $ 13,624 Chandler Forum Chandler, Arizona September 1, 2015 $ 15,509 $ 32,271 (1) Property was owned as part of the unconsolidated joint venture, Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture. As such, the loss on sale was presented as equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures. (2) As part of the transaction, Piedmont accepted a secured promissory note from the buyer for the remaining $45.4 million owed on the sale. The note bears interest at a rate of 8.45% and a matures on December 31, 2015. The maturity date may be extended for two terms of six months each upon 30 days prior written notice and a 25 bps extension fee. Assets Held for Sale During the three months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont reclassified the Aon Center building located in Chicago, Illinois, from real estate assets held for use to real estate assets held for sale as a result of entering into a binding agreement to sell the property. The sale of the Aon Center building subsequently closed on October 29, 2015. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, Piedmont recognized net income from Aon Center of approximately $8.3 million and $1.1 million , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, Piedmont recognized net income/(loss) from Aon Center of approximately $8.8 million and $(0.8) million , respectively. Assets held for sale as of December 31, 2014 include the Aon Center building (mentioned above), the 3900 Dallas Parkway building (sold on January 30, 2015), the Eastpoint I and II buildings (sold on July 28, 2015), and the 3750 Brookside Parkway building (sold on August 10, 2015). Details of assets held for sale as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented below (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Real estate assets held for sale, net: Land $ 23,966 $ 29,763 Building and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $198,150 and $208,408 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively 444,099 495,622 Construction in progress 2,782 1,502 Total real estate assets held for sale, net $ 470,847 $ 526,887 Other assets held for sale, net: Straight-line rent receivables $ 25,790 $ 23,464 Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,870 2,164 Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $14,990 and $14,866 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively 53,374 51,648 Total other assets held for sale, net $ 81,034 $ 77,276 Other liabilities held for sale, net: Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $2,486 and $2,335 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively $ 567 $ 717 In addition, Piedmont entered into a binding contract to sell the 2 Gatehall Drive building located in Parsippany, New Jersey on October 2, 2015. The contract did not meet the requirements for held for sale classification as of September 30, 2015; however, as the contracted sales price, less estimated selling costs, was less than the carrying value of the asset, Piedmont recognized a loss on impairment of approximately $34.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015. Further, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont recognized an impairment loss of approximately $5.4 million due to the reclassification of the Eastpoint I & II buildings upon meeting the held for sale criteria. The fair value measurements used in the evaluation of both of these non-financial assets are considered to be Level 1 valuations within the fair value hierarchy as defined by GAAP, as there are direct observations and transactions involving the assets by unrelated, potential third-party purchasers. Piedmont expects the 2 Gatehall Drive building to close during fourth quarter 2015, while the Eastpoint I & II buildings were sold in July 2015. Discontinued Operations Asset disposals in previous periods that were previously classified as, and that continue to be reported as, discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Buildings Sold Location Date of Sale Gain/(Loss) on Sale Net Sales Proceeds 11107 and 11109 Sunset Hills Road Reston, Virginia March 19, 2014 $ (102 ) $ 22,326 1441 West Long Lake Road Troy, Michigan April 30, 2014 $ 562 $ 7,202 4685 Investment Drive Troy, Michigan April 30, 2014 $ 747 $ 11,198 Details comprising income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are presented below (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Revenues: Rental income $ 19 $ — $ 19 $ 1,365 Tenant reimbursements — 12 (3 ) 126 Property management fee revenue — — — 1 19 12 16 1,492 Expenses: Property operating costs 3 3 2 185 Depreciation — — — 83 Amortization — — — 223 General and administrative — (7 ) 1 (1 ) 3 (4 ) 3 490 Other income/(expense) — — — (6 ) Operating income, excluding gain on sale 16 16 13 996 Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets (2 ) — (2 ) 1,198 Income from discontinued operations $ 14 $ 16 $ 11 $ 2,194

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation From time to time, Piedmont has granted equity awards to all of its employees. The deferred stock awards are determined by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Piedmont and typically vest on the award anniversary date ratably over a multi-year period. Piedmont also has a multi-year performance share program for certain of its employees whereby equity awards may be earned based on the relative performance of Piedmont's total stockholder return ("TSR") as compared with a predetermined peer group's total stockholder return over the same multi-year period. Shares are not awarded until after the end of the multi-year performance period and vest upon award. A rollforward of Piedmont's equity based award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows: Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested Deferred Stock Awards as of December 31, 2014 506,404 $ 18.12 Deferred Stock Awards Granted During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 299,360 $ 17.59 Adjustment to Estimated Future Grants of Performance Share Awards During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 386,536 $ 18.01 Deferred Stock Awards Vested During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (228,734 ) $ 17.96 Deferred Stock Awards Forfeited During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (8,405 ) $ 18.04 Unvested Deferred Stock Awards as of September 30, 2015 955,161 $ 17.88 The following table provides additional information regarding stock award activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively (in thousands except for per share data): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value of Shares Granted During the Period (per share) $ 18.31 $ — $ 17.59 $ 17.78 Total Grant Date Fair Value of Shares Vested During the Period $ 32 $ 28 $ 4,109 $ 3,223 Share-based Liability Awards Paid During the Period (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) Amount reflects the issuance of performance share awards during the period, if any. A detail of Piedmont’s outstanding employee stock awards as of September 30, 2015 is as follows: Date of grant Type of Award Net Shares Granted (1) Grant Date Fair Value Vesting Schedule Unvested Shares as of September 30, 2015 November 7, 2012 Deferred Stock Award 14,836 $ 18.04 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on April 4, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. 4,989 April 2, 2013 Deferred Stock Award 118,174 $ 19.47 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on April 2, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. 37,084 April 2, 2013 Fiscal Year 2013-2015 Performance Share Program — $ 18.91 Shares awarded, if any, will vest immediately upon determination of award in 2016. 53,287 (2) January 3, 2014 Deferred Stock Award 95,476 $ 16.45 Of the shares granted, 20% will vest on January 3, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. 82,673 May 9, 2014 Deferred Stock Award 163,222 $ 18.47 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on May 9, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. 96,032 May 9, 2014 Fiscal Year 2014-2016 Performance Share Program — $ 22.00 Shares awarded, if any, will vest immediately upon determination of award in 2017. 159,271 (2) May 1, 2015 Deferred Stock Award 271,970 $ 17.59 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on May 1, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. 219,403 May 1, 2015 Fiscal Year 2015-2017 Performance Share Program — $ 18.42 Shares awarded, if any, will vest immediately upon determination of award in 2018. 302,422 (2) Total 955,161 (1) Amounts reflect the total grant to employees, net of shares surrendered upon vesting to satisfy required minimum tax withholding obligations through September 30, 2015 . (2) Estimated based on Piedmont's cumulative TSR for the respective performance period through September 30, 2015 . Share estimates are subject to change in future periods based on both Piedmont's and its peers' stock performance and dividends paid. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , Piedmont recognized approximately $2.6 million and $1.1 million of compensation expense related to stock awards, all of which related to the amortization of unvested shares, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , Piedmont recognized approximately $6.8 million and $4.3 million of compensation expense related to stock awards, of which $5.0 million and $2.9 million related to the amortization of unvested shares, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , a net total of 159,047 shares were issued to employees, directors, and officers. As of September 30, 2015 , approximately $4.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested deferred stock awards remained, which Piedmont will record in its consolidated statements of income over a weighted-average vesting period of approximately two years.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share There are no adjustments to “Net income attributable to Piedmont” or “Income from continuing operations” for the diluted earnings per share computations. Net income per share-basic is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Net income per share-diluted is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including unvested deferred stock awards. Diluted weighted average number of common shares reflects the potential dilution under the treasury stock method that would occur if the remaining unvested deferred stock awards vested and resulted in additional common shares outstanding. Certain unvested deferred stock awards are not included in the calculation because they would be anti-dilutive and have no effect for the periods presented. The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Weighted-average common shares – basic 148,855 154,325 152,231 154,496 Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions: Deferred stock awards 321 236 268 169 Weighted-average common shares – diluted (1) 149,176 154,561 152,499 154,665 (1) Due to repurchases of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont has 145,633,869 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2015.

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Fin

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information	Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information The following condensed consolidating financial information for Piedmont Operating Partnership, L.P. (the "Issuer"), Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Guarantor"), and the other directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries of the Guarantor (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries") is provided pursuant to the requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X regarding financial statements of guarantors and issuers of guaranteed registered securities. The Issuer is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Guarantor, and all guarantees by the Guarantor of securities issued by the Issuer are full and unconditional. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions, including transactions with the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As of September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ 64,218 $ — $ 607,614 $ — $ 671,832 Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation 340,658 — 2,315,223 (300 ) 2,655,581 Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization 1,405 — 59,365 — 60,770 Construction in progress 37 — 75,046 — 75,083 Real estate assets held for sale, net — — 470,847 — 470,847 Total real estate assets 406,318 — 3,528,095 (300 ) 3,934,113 Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures 7,652 — — — 7,652 Cash and cash equivalents 3,935 151 3,616 — 7,702 Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net 27,561 — 148,247 — 175,808 Advances to affiliates 6,447,352 1,253,328 — (7,700,680 ) — Investment in subsidiary — 3,783,080 189 (3,783,269 ) — Notes receivable 134,750 — 23,890 (113,240 ) 45,400 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets 43,597 52 27,531 (1,711 ) 69,469 Goodwill 180,097 — — — 180,097 Interest rate swaps — — — — — Deferred financing costs, net 6,467 — 753 — 7,220 Deferred lease costs, net 20,829 — 210,550 — 231,379 Other assets held for sale, net — — 81,034 — 81,034 Total assets $ 7,278,558 $ 5,036,611 $ 4,023,905 $ (11,599,200 ) $ 4,739,874 Liabilities: Debt, net $ 1,949,753 $ — $ 591,806 $ (113,240 ) $ 2,428,319 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures 15,809 1,365 117,279 (1,712 ) 132,741 Advances from affiliates 566,461 5,032,684 2,173,303 (7,772,448 ) — Deferred income 4,065 — 22,022 — 26,087 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 38,896 — 38,896 Interest rate swaps 20,526 — — — 20,526 Liabilities held for sale, net — — 567 — 567 Total liabilities 2,556,614 5,034,049 2,943,873 (7,887,400 ) 2,647,136 Stockholders’ Equity: Common stock — 1,456 — — 1,456 Additional paid-in capital 3,779,080 3,672,038 1,304 (3,783,268 ) 3,669,154 Retained/(cumulative distributions in excess of) earnings 951,388 (3,670,932 ) 1,077,699 71,468 (1,570,377 ) Other comprehensive loss (8,524 ) — — — (8,524 ) Piedmont stockholders’ equity 4,721,944 2,562 1,079,003 (3,711,800 ) 2,091,709 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,029 — 1,029 Total stockholders’ equity 4,721,944 2,562 1,080,032 (3,711,800 ) 2,092,738 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,278,558 $ 5,036,611 $ 4,023,905 $ (11,599,200 ) $ 4,739,874 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ 77,125 $ — $ 597,429 $ — $ 674,554 Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation 414,515 — 2,327,368 (300 ) 2,741,583 Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization 1,812 — 68,365 — 70,177 Construction in progress 1,345 — 60,546 — 61,891 Real estate assets held for sale, net 46,354 — 480,533 — 526,887 Total real estate assets 541,151 — 3,534,241 (300 ) 4,075,092 Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures 7,798 — — — 7,798 Cash and cash equivalents 8,143 1,790 2,373 — 12,306 Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net 35,363 — 139,184 — 174,547 Advances to affiliates 6,084,243 1,282,443 — (7,366,686 ) — Investment in subsidiary — 3,878,811 192 (3,879,003 ) — Notes receivable 161,350 — 23,890 (185,240 ) — Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets 10,897 — 21,392 (954 ) 31,335 Goodwill 180,097 — — — 180,097 Interest rate swaps 430 — — — 430 Deferred financing costs, net 7,242 — 425 — 7,667 Deferred lease costs, net 29,696 — 199,257 — 228,953 Other assets held for sale, net 4,798 — 72,478 — 77,276 Total assets $ 7,071,208 $ 5,163,044 $ 3,993,432 $ (11,432,183 ) $ 4,795,501 Liabilities: Debt, net $ 1,852,434 $ — $ 610,395 $ (185,240 ) $ 2,277,589 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures 19,403 465 115,074 (954 ) 133,988 Advances from affiliates 376,122 4,909,362 2,138,140 (7,423,624 ) — Deferred income 4,998 — 17,217 — 22,215 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 42,560 — 42,560 Interest rate swaps 6,417 — — — 6,417 Liabilities held for sale, net — — 717 — 717 Total liabilities 2,259,374 4,909,827 2,924,103 (7,609,818 ) 2,483,486 Stockholders’ Equity: Common stock — 1,543 — — 1,543 Additional paid-in capital 3,874,757 3,670,236 192 (3,879,003 ) 3,666,182 Retained/(cumulative distributions in excess of) earnings 928,776 (3,418,562 ) 1,067,528 56,638 (1,365,620 ) Other comprehensive loss 8,301 — — — 8,301 Piedmont stockholders’ equity 4,811,834 253,217 1,067,720 (3,822,365 ) 2,310,406 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,609 — 1,609 Total stockholders’ equity 4,811,834 253,217 1,069,329 (3,822,365 ) 2,312,015 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,071,208 $ 5,163,044 $ 3,993,432 $ (11,432,183 ) $ 4,795,501 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the three months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 15,841 $ — $ 102,888 $ (735 ) $ 117,994 Tenant reimbursements 3,369 — 26,935 (31 ) 30,273 Property management fee revenue — — 4,603 (4,055 ) 548 19,210 — 134,426 (4,821 ) 148,815 Expenses: Property operating costs 9,253 — 57,455 (5,031 ) 61,677 Depreciation 4,943 — 26,256 — 31,199 Amortization 1,126 — 12,895 — 14,021 Impairment loss on real estate assets — — 34,815 — 34,815 General and administrative 8,103 71 9,497 (9,435 ) 8,236 23,425 71 140,918 (14,466 ) 149,948 Real estate operating income/(loss) (4,215 ) (71 ) (6,492 ) 9,645 (1,133 ) Other income (expense): Interest expense (12,963 ) — (8,413 ) 2,544 (18,832 ) Other income/(expense) 3,199 — 148 (2,544 ) 803 Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures 135 — — — 135 (9,629 ) — (8,265 ) — (17,894 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations (13,844 ) (71 ) (14,757 ) 9,645 (19,027 ) Discontinued operations: Operating loss 16 — — — 16 Loss on sale of real estate assets, net (2 ) — — — (2 ) Income from discontinued operations 14 — — — 14 Gain on sale of real estate assets 17,142 — — — 17,142 Net income/(loss) 3,312 (71 ) (14,757 ) 9,645 (1,871 ) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (4 ) — (4 ) Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont $ 3,312 $ (71 ) $ (14,761 ) $ 9,645 $ (1,875 ) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the three months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 19,178 $ — $ 96,656 $ (1,305 ) $ 114,529 Tenant reimbursements 4,526 — 25,167 (114 ) 29,579 Property management fee revenue — — 4,098 (3,565 ) 533 23,704 — 125,921 (4,984 ) 144,641 Expenses: Property operating costs 11,355 — 55,868 (5,196 ) 62,027 Depreciation 5,963 — 29,403 — 35,366 Amortization 1,225 — 13,010 — 14,235 General and administrative 5,638 74 6,951 (6,849 ) 5,814 24,181 74 105,232 (12,045 ) 117,442 Real estate operating income (477 ) (74 ) 20,689 7,061 27,199 Other income (expense): Interest expense (12,776 ) — (9,013 ) 3,135 (18,654 ) Other income/(expense) 3,433 35 191 (3,135 ) 524 Net loss from casualty events and litigation settlements (8 ) — — — (8 ) Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures 89 — — — 89 (9,262 ) 35 (8,822 ) — (18,049 ) Income from continuing operations (9,739 ) (39 ) 11,867 7,061 9,150 Discontinued operations: Operating income 16 — — — 16 Income from discontinued operations 16 — — — 16 Net income (9,723 ) (39 ) 11,867 7,061 9,166 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (4 ) — (4 ) Net income attributable to Piedmont $ (9,723 ) $ (39 ) $ 11,863 $ 7,061 $ 9,162 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 51,824 $ — $ 303,603 $ (2,172 ) $ 353,255 Tenant reimbursements 11,171 — 79,634 (329 ) 90,476 Property management fee revenue — — 13,543 (11,966 ) 1,577 62,995 — 396,780 (14,467 ) 445,308 Expenses: Property operating costs 29,464 — 172,996 (15,068 ) 187,392 Depreciation 15,904 — 87,566 — 103,470 Amortization 3,477 — 40,169 — 43,646 Impairment loss on real estate assets 5,354 — 34,815 — 40,169 General and administrative 22,206 266 26,485 (26,231 ) 22,726 76,405 266 362,031 (41,299 ) 397,403 Real estate operating income (13,410 ) (266 ) 34,749 26,832 47,905 Other income (expense): Interest expense (39,592 ) — (25,130 ) 8,702 (56,020 ) Other income/(expense) 9,357 — 563 (8,702 ) 1,218 Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures 418 — — — 418 (29,817 ) — (24,567 ) — (54,384 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations (43,227 ) (266 ) 10,182 26,832 (6,479 ) Discontinued operations: Operating income 13 — — — 13 Loss on sale of real estate assets, net (2 ) — — — (2 ) Income from discontinued operations 11 — — — 11 Gain on sale of real estate assets 53,826 — — — 53,826 Net income 10,610 (266 ) 10,182 26,832 47,358 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (12 ) — (12 ) Net income attributable to Piedmont $ 10,610 $ (266 ) $ 10,170 $ 26,832 $ 47,346 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 53,687 $ — $ 289,507 $ (4,474 ) $ 338,720 Tenant reimbursements 12,304 — 67,268 (319 ) 79,253 Property management fee revenue — — 12,208 (10,640 ) 1,568 65,991 — 368,983 (15,433 ) 419,541 Expenses: Property operating costs 31,730 — 161,754 (16,050 ) 177,434 Depreciation 17,453 — 85,701 — 103,154 Amortization 3,441 — 38,966 — 42,407 General and administrative 17,057 218 20,762 (20,523 ) 17,514 69,681 218 307,183 (36,573 ) 340,509 Real estate operating income (3,690 ) (218 ) 61,800 21,140 79,032 Other income (expense): Interest expense (34,378 ) — (30,616 ) 9,402 (55,592 ) Other income/(expense) 8,993 105 372 (9,402 ) 68 Net recoveries from casualty events and litigation settlements 1,344 1,479 1,691 — 4,514 Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures (510 ) — — — (510 ) (24,551 ) 1,584 (28,553 ) — (51,520 ) Income from continuing operations (28,241 ) 1,366 33,247 21,140 27,512 Discontinued operations: Operating income 957 — 39 — 996 Gain on sale of real estate assets, net 451 — 747 — 1,198 Income from discontinued operations 1,408 — 786 — 2,194 Gain on sale of real estate assets — — 1,140 — 1,140 Net income (26,833 ) 1,366 35,173 21,140 30,846 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (12 ) — (12 ) Net income attributable to Piedmont $ (26,833 ) $ 1,366 $ 35,161 $ 21,140 $ 30,834 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ (41,584 ) $ 2,107 $ 145,240 $ 26,833 $ 132,596 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals (28,249 ) — (129,644 ) — (157,893 ) Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity — — (4,000 ) — (4,000 ) Intercompany note receivable 72,000 — — (72,000 ) — Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties 151,564 — — — 151,564 Deferred lease costs paid (2,577 ) — (21,312 ) — (23,889 ) Net cash used in investing activities 192,738 — (154,956 ) (72,000 ) (34,218 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Deferred financing costs paid (545 ) — (503 ) — (1,048 ) Proceeds from debt 1,046,578 — 159,279 — 1,205,857 Repayments of debt (950,000 ) — (177,902 ) 72,000 (1,055,902 ) Costs of issuance of common stock — (326 ) — — (326 ) Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan — (155,653 ) — — (155,653 ) (Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates (251,395 ) 248,135 30,093 (26,833 ) — Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments — (95,902 ) (8 ) — (95,910 ) Net cash used in financing activities (155,362 ) (3,746 ) 10,959 45,167 (102,982 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (4,208 ) (1,639 ) 1,243 — (4,604 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 8,143 1,790 2,373 — 12,306 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 3,935 $ 151 $ 3,616 $ — $ 7,702 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 11,529 $ 2,165 $ 122,682 $ 21,140 $ 157,516 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals (15,144 ) — (217,590 ) — (232,734 ) Intercompany note receivable (100 ) — — 100 — Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties 29,519 — 16,721 — 46,240 Net sales proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures 6,017 — — — 6,017 Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (42 ) — — — (42 ) Deferred lease costs paid (3,667 ) — (17,065 ) — (20,732 ) Net cash used in investing activities 16,583 — (217,934 ) 100 (201,251 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Deferred financing costs paid (1,112 ) — — — (1,112 ) Proceeds from debt 979,564 — — — 979,564 Repayments of debt (209,000 ) — (575,320 ) — (784,320 ) Discount due to loan modification (1,135 ) — — — (1,135 ) Intercompany note payable — — 100 (100 ) — Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan — (54,685 ) — — (54,685 ) (Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates (796,271 ) 145,328 672,083 (21,140 ) — Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments — (92,729 ) (6 ) — (92,735 ) Net cash provided by financing activities (27,954 ) (2,086 ) 96,857 (21,240 ) 45,577 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 158 79 1,605 — 1,842 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 3,261 150 3,562 — 6,973 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 3,419 $ 229 $ 5,167 $ — $ 8,815

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Fourth Quarter Dividend Declaration On November 9, 2015 , the board of directors of Piedmont declared dividends for the fourth quarter 2015 in the amount of $0.21 per common share outstanding to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 27, 2015 . Such dividends are to be paid on December 18, 2015 . Acquisitions On November 4, 2015, Piedmont acquired a two asset portfolio for $259.1 million comprised of: Galleria 300, an approximately 430,000 square foot Class A office building prominently located within the master-planned "Galleria" development in Atlanta's Cumberland/Galleria office submarket; and SunTrust Center, a two -building, approximately 650,000 square foot Class A office complex located in Orlando's central business district. Dispositions On October 2, 2015, Piedmont entered into a binding contract to sell 2 Gatehall Drive, an approximately 400,000 square foot office building and 100% leased to two tenants, for $51 million ( $126 per square foot). As the agreed upon sales price was less than the carrying value of the asset, Piedmont recorded a $34.8 million impairment loss which is reflected in Piedmont's statement of income for the three months ended September 30, 2015. See Note 9 for further detail. On October 29, 2015, Piedmont closed on the sale of Aon Center, a 2.7 million square foot tower located at 200 East Randolph Street in downtown Chicago and 87% leased to multiple tenants for a gross sales price of $712 million (approximately $260 per square foot). Net sales proceeds from the transaction were $646.1 million after deducting closing costs, buyer-assumed lease abatements, and contractual tenant capital improvements and leasing commissions. See Note 9 for further information.

Summary of Significant Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The consolidated financial statements of Piedmont have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the statements for the unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. Results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.
Principles of Consolidation	Piedmont’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Piedmont, Piedmont’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, any variable interest entity ("VIE") of which Piedmont or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries is considered to have the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses/right to receive benefits, or any entity in which Piedmont or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries owns a controlling interest. In determining whether Piedmont or Piedmont OP has a controlling interest, the following factors, among others, are considered: equity ownership, voting rights, protective rights of investors, and participatory rights of investors. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in Piedmont’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Further, Piedmont has formed special purpose entities to acquire and hold real estate. Each special purpose entity is a separate legal entity and consequently the assets of the special purpose entities are not available to all creditors of Piedmont. The assets owned by these special purpose entities are being reported on a consolidated basis with Piedmont’s assets for financial reporting purposes only.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Piedmont has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and has operated as such, beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, Piedmont must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income. As a REIT, Piedmont is generally not subject to federal income taxes. Piedmont is subject to certain taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, as well as operations conducted by its taxable REIT subsidiary, POH, which have been provided for in the financial statements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). The amendments in ASU 2014-09 change the criteria for the recognition of revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services using a five-step determination process. Steps 1 through 5 involve (i) identifying contracts with a customer, (ii) identifying the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue as an entity satisfies a performance obligation. Additionally, lease contracts are specifically excluded from ASU 2014-09. The amendments in ASU 2014-09 are effective in the first quarter of 2018 for Piedmont, and Piedmont is currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of adoption. The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). The amendments in ASU 2015-02 modify the consolidation analysis of certain types of entities. Specifically, ASU 2015-02 changes the assessment criteria of whether limited partnerships are VIEs, eliminates the presumption that general partners should consolidate a limited partner, eliminates certain conditions from the evaluation of whether a fee paid to a decision maker constitutes a VIE, and changes the evaluation regarding the impact of related parties in the primary beneficiary determination of a VIE. The amendments in ASU 2015-02 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for Piedmont, and Piedmont does not anticipate any material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of adoption. The FASB has issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction to the underlying debt instrument, as opposed to a separate asset. The amendments do not change the method by which such costs are amortized against earnings, nor do they change their classification in the consolidated statements of income, as a component of interest expense. The amendments in ASU 2015-03 are effective in the first quarter of 2016 for Piedmont, and Piedmont is currently evaluating the potential impact of adoption.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , Piedmont acquired 100% ownership of the following properties and land parcel using proceeds from the $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit, proceeds from the sales of other properties (see Note 9), and cash on hand, as noted below: Property Metropolitan Statistical Area Date of Acquisition Rentable Square Feet Percentage Leased as of Acquisition Purchase Price (in millions) Park Place on Turtle Creek Dallas, Texas January 16, 2015 177,844 88 % $ 46.6 80 Central Street Boxborough, Massachusetts July 24, 2015 149,661 93 % $ 13.5 Land Parcel Metropolitan Statistical Area Date of Acquisition Acreage Contractual Purchase Price Two Pierce Land Parcel Chicago, Illinois June 2, 2015 4.73 $ 3.7

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The following table summarizes the terms of Piedmont’s indebtedness outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands): Facility Collateral Stated Rate (1) Maturity Amount Outstanding as of September 30, December 31, Secured (Fixed) $105 Million Fixed-Rate Loan US Bancorp Center 5.29 % 5/11/2015 $ — $ 105,000 $125 Million Fixed-Rate Loan Four Property Collateralized Pool (2) 5.50 % 4/1/2016 125,000 125,000 $42.5 Million Fixed-Rate Loan Las Colinas Corporate Center I & II 5.70 % 10/11/2016 42,525 42,525 $140 Million WDC Fixed-Rate Loans 1201 & 1225 Eye Street 5.76 % 11/1/2017 140,000 140,000 $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan 5 Wall Street 5.55 % (3) 9/1/2021 35,617 36,520 $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan 1901 Market Street 3.48 % (4) 7/5/2022 159,314 — Subtotal/Weighted Average (5) 4.95 % 502,456 449,045 Unsecured (Variable and Fixed) $50 Million Unsecured Term Loan LIBOR + 1.15% 4/1/2015 — 49,968 $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit LIBOR + 1.175% 8/19/2016 — 434,000 $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan LIBOR + 1.125% (6) 5/15/2018 169,645 — $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan LIBOR + 1.20% (7) 1/31/2019 300,000 300,000 $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit LIBOR + 1.00% (8) 6/18/2019 (9) 411,145 0 $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan LIBOR + 1.15% (10) 1/15/2020 299,101 298,944 $350 Million Unsecured Senior Notes 3.40 % (11) 6/1/2023 348,893 348,800 $400 Million Unsecured Senior Notes 4.45 % (12) 3/15/2024 397,079 396,832 Subtotal/Weighted Average (5) 2.71 % 1,925,863 1,828,544 Total/ Weighted Average (5) 3.17 % $ 2,428,319 $ 2,277,589 (1) Other than the $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan, all of Piedmont’s outstanding debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is interest-only. (2) Property collateralized pool includes 1430 Enclave Parkway in Houston, Texas, Windy Point I and II in Schaumburg, Illinois, and 1055 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. (3) The $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a contractual fixed rate of 5.55% ; however, the amortization of the premium recorded in order to adjust the note to its estimated fair value, results in an effective interest rate of 3.75% . (4) The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a fixed coupon rate of 3.48% , however, after consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.58% . (5) Weighted average is based on contractual balance of outstanding debt and interest rates in the table as of September 30, 2015 . (6) On a periodic basis, Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread ( 1.125% as of September 30, 2015 ) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The principal balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of the 30-day LIBOR rate of 0.20% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above). (7) The $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, absent any changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.78% . (8) Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options with each draw, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread ( 1.00% as of September 30, 2015 ) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The outstanding balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of 30-day LIBOR draws at an average rate of 0.21% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above). (9) Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six month extensions to a final extended maturity date of June 18, 2020) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees. (10) The $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont has entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.39% through the original maturity date of November 22, 2016 and 3.35% from November 22, 2016 to January 15, 2020. (11) The $350 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 3.40% , however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 3.45% . After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.43% . (12) The $400 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 4.45% , however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 4.48% . After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 4.10% .

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	A detail of Piedmont’s interest rate derivatives outstanding as of September 30, 2015 is as follows: Interest Rate Derivatives: Number of Swap Agreements Associated Debt Instrument Total Notional Amount (in millions) Effective Date Maturity Date Interest rate swaps 4 $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan $ 300 11/22/2011 11/22/2016 Interest rate swaps 4 $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan 200 1/30/2014 1/31/2019 Interest rate swaps 2 $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan 100 8/29/2014 1/31/2019 Forward starting interest rate swaps 3 $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan 300 11/22/2016 1/15/2020 Forward starting interest rate swaps 4 Potential Future Issuance 250 2/25/2016 2/25/2026 Total $ 1,150
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives	A detail of Piedmont’s interest rate derivatives on a gross and net basis as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, is as follows (in thousands): Interest rate swaps classified as: September 30, December 31, Gross derivative assets $ — $ 430 Gross derivative liabilities (20,526 ) (6,417 ) Net derivative liability $ (20,526 ) $ (5,987 )
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The effective portion of Piedmont's interest rate derivatives, including the gain/(loss) on settlement of forward swaps described above, and other gains/(losses) associated with the swap that were recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, were as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Interest Rate Swaps) (in thousands) September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in OCI on derivative $ (22,263 ) $ 1,360 $ (21,389 ) $ (12,143 ) Amount of previously recorded loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense $ 1,506 $ 1,295 $ 4,575 $ 3,623

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	A summary of Piedmont’s interests in and consolidation treatment of its outstanding VIEs as of September 30, 2015 and their related carrying values as of December 31, 2014 is as follows (net carrying amount in millions): Entity Piedmont’s % Ownership of Entity Related Building Consolidated/ Unconsolidated Net Carrying Amount as of September 30, 2015 Net Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2014 Primary Beneficiary Considerations 1201 Eye Street NW Associates, LLC 49.5% 1201 Eye Street Consolidated $ (7.2 ) $ (2.8 ) In accordance with the partnership’s governing documents, Piedmont is entitled to 100% of the cash flow of the entity until certain financial returns are achieved and has sole discretion in directing the management and leasing activities of the building. 1225 Eye Street NW Associates, LLC 49.5% 1225 Eye Street Consolidated $ 2.2 $ (1.1 ) In accordance with the partnership’s governing documents, Piedmont is entitled to 100% of the cash flow of the entity until certain financial returns are achieved and has sole discretion in directing the management and leasing activities of the building. Piedmont 500 W. Monroe Fee, LLC 100% 500 W. Monroe Consolidated $ 246.9 $ 245.3 The Omnibus Agreement with the previous owner includes equity participation rights for the previous owner, if certain financial returns are achieved; however, Piedmont has sole decision making authority and is entitled to the economic benefits of the property until such returns are met. Piedmont TownPark Land, LLC 100% Land Parcel Adjacent to 400 TownPark building Consolidated $ 5.9 $ 7.9 The equity participation and service fee agreement includes equity participation rights for the third party manager if certain defined events occur and certain returns on investment are achieved; however, Piedmont has sole decision making authority and is entitled to the economic benefits of the property until such events occur and returns are achieved.

Fair Value Measurement of Fin27

Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The following table sets forth the carrying and estimated fair value for each of Piedmont’s financial instruments, as well as its level within the GAAP fair value hierarchy, as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Financial Instrument Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level Within Fair Value Hierarchy Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level Within Fair Value Hierarchy Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (1) $ 7,702 $ 7,702 Level 1 $ 12,306 $ 12,306 Level 1 Tenant receivables, net (1) $ 26,748 $ 26,748 Level 1 $ 27,711 $ 27,711 Level 1 Notes receivable (1) $ 45,400 $ 45,400 Level 1 $ — $ — Level 1 Restricted cash and escrows (1) $ 37,705 $ 37,705 Level 1 $ 5,679 $ 5,679 Level 1 Interest rate swap asset $ — $ — Level 2 $ 430 $ 430 Level 2 Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1) $ 17,200 $ 17,200 Level 1 $ 14,395 $ 14,395 Level 1 Interest rate swap liability $ 20,526 $ 20,526 Level 2 $ 6,417 $ 6,417 Level 2 Debt $ 2,428,319 $ 2,450,580 Level 2 $ 2,277,589 $ 2,314,020 Level 2 (1) For the periods presented, the carrying value of these financial instruments approximates estimated fair value due to their short-term maturity.

Property Dispositions, Assets28

Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Properties Sold	Details of such properties sold are presented below (in thousands): Buildings Sold Location Date of Sale Gain/(Loss) on Sale Net Sales Proceeds 2020 W. 89th Street Leawood, Kansas May 19, 2014 $ 1,132 $ 5,515 Two Park Center (1) Hoffman Estates, Illinois May 29, 2014 $ (169 ) $ 6,017 3900 Dallas Parkway Plano, Texas January 30, 2015 $ 10,073 $ 25,801 5601 Headquarters Drive Plano, Texas April 28, 2015 $ 7,959 $ 33,326 River Corporate Center Tempe, Arizona April 29, 2015 $ 5,303 $ 24,228 Copper Ridge Center Lyndhurst, New Jersey May 1, 2015 $ 13,753 $ 4,972 (2) Eastpoint I & II Mayfield Heights, Ohio July 28, 2015 $ (177 ) $ 17,342 3750 Brookside Parkway Alpharetta, Georgia August 10, 2015 $ 1,406 $ 13,624 Chandler Forum Chandler, Arizona September 1, 2015 $ 15,509 $ 32,271 (1) Property was owned as part of the unconsolidated joint venture, Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture. As such, the loss on sale was presented as equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures. (2) As part of the transaction, Piedmont accepted a secured promissory note from the buyer for the remaining $45.4 million owed on the sale. The note bears interest at a rate of 8.45% and a matures on December 31, 2015. The maturity date may be extended for two terms of six months each upon 30 days prior written notice and a 25 bps extension fee.
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale	Details of assets held for sale as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented below (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Real estate assets held for sale, net: Land $ 23,966 $ 29,763 Building and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $198,150 and $208,408 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively 444,099 495,622 Construction in progress 2,782 1,502 Total real estate assets held for sale, net $ 470,847 $ 526,887 Other assets held for sale, net: Straight-line rent receivables $ 25,790 $ 23,464 Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,870 2,164 Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $14,990 and $14,866 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively 53,374 51,648 Total other assets held for sale, net $ 81,034 $ 77,276 Other liabilities held for sale, net: Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $2,486 and $2,335 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively $ 567 $ 717
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Results Of Operations	Asset disposals in previous periods that were previously classified as, and that continue to be reported as, discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows (in thousands): Buildings Sold Location Date of Sale Gain/(Loss) on Sale Net Sales Proceeds 11107 and 11109 Sunset Hills Road Reston, Virginia March 19, 2014 $ (102 ) $ 22,326 1441 West Long Lake Road Troy, Michigan April 30, 2014 $ 562 $ 7,202 4685 Investment Drive Troy, Michigan April 30, 2014 $ 747 $ 11,198
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	Details comprising income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are presented below (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Revenues: Rental income $ 19 $ — $ 19 $ 1,365 Tenant reimbursements — 12 (3 ) 126 Property management fee revenue — — — 1 19 12 16 1,492 Expenses: Property operating costs 3 3 2 185 Depreciation — — — 83 Amortization — — — 223 General and administrative — (7 ) 1 (1 ) 3 (4 ) 3 490 Other income/(expense) — — — (6 ) Operating income, excluding gain on sale 16 16 13 996 Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets (2 ) — (2 ) 1,198 Income from discontinued operations $ 14 $ 16 $ 11 $ 2,194

Stock Based Compensation (Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	A rollforward of Piedmont's equity based award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is as follows: Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested Deferred Stock Awards as of December 31, 2014 506,404 $ 18.12 Deferred Stock Awards Granted During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 299,360 $ 17.59 Adjustment to Estimated Future Grants of Performance Share Awards During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 386,536 $ 18.01 Deferred Stock Awards Vested During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (228,734 ) $ 17.96 Deferred Stock Awards Forfeited During Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (8,405 ) $ 18.04 Unvested Deferred Stock Awards as of September 30, 2015 955,161 $ 17.88 The following table provides additional information regarding stock award activity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively (in thousands except for per share data): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value of Shares Granted During the Period (per share) $ 18.31 $ — $ 17.59 $ 17.78 Total Grant Date Fair Value of Shares Vested During the Period $ 32 $ 28 $ 4,109 $ 3,223 Share-based Liability Awards Paid During the Period (1) $ — $ — $ — $ — (1) Amount reflects the issuance of performance share awards during the period, if any.
Schedule of Outstanding Employee Deferred Stock Awards	A detail of Piedmont’s outstanding employee stock awards as of September 30, 2015 is as follows: Date of grant Type of Award Net Shares Granted (1) Grant Date Fair Value Vesting Schedule Unvested Shares as of September 30, 2015 November 7, 2012 Deferred Stock Award 14,836 $ 18.04 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on April 4, 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. 4,989 April 2, 2013 Deferred Stock Award 118,174 $ 19.47 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on April 2, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. 37,084 April 2, 2013 Fiscal Year 2013-2015 Performance Share Program — $ 18.91 Shares awarded, if any, will vest immediately upon determination of award in 2016. 53,287 (2) January 3, 2014 Deferred Stock Award 95,476 $ 16.45 Of the shares granted, 20% will vest on January 3, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. 82,673 May 9, 2014 Deferred Stock Award 163,222 $ 18.47 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on May 9, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. 96,032 May 9, 2014 Fiscal Year 2014-2016 Performance Share Program — $ 22.00 Shares awarded, if any, will vest immediately upon determination of award in 2017. 159,271 (2) May 1, 2015 Deferred Stock Award 271,970 $ 17.59 Of the shares granted, 25% vested on the date of grant, and 25% vested or will vest on May 1, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. 219,403 May 1, 2015 Fiscal Year 2015-2017 Performance Share Program — $ 18.42 Shares awarded, if any, will vest immediately upon determination of award in 2018. 302,422 (2) Total 955,161 (1) Amounts reflect the total grant to employees, net of shares surrendered upon vesting to satisfy required minimum tax withholding obligations through September 30, 2015 . (2) Estimated based on Piedmont's cumulative TSR for the respective performance period through September 30, 2015 . Share estimates are subject to change in future periods based on both Piedmont's and its peers' stock performance and dividends paid.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Weighted-average common shares – basic 148,855 154,325 152,231 154,496 Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions: Deferred stock awards 321 236 268 169 Weighted-average common shares – diluted (1) 149,176 154,561 152,499 154,665 (1) Due to repurchases of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont has 145,633,869 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2015.

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor F31

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As of September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ 64,218 $ — $ 607,614 $ — $ 671,832 Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation 340,658 — 2,315,223 (300 ) 2,655,581 Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization 1,405 — 59,365 — 60,770 Construction in progress 37 — 75,046 — 75,083 Real estate assets held for sale, net — — 470,847 — 470,847 Total real estate assets 406,318 — 3,528,095 (300 ) 3,934,113 Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures 7,652 — — — 7,652 Cash and cash equivalents 3,935 151 3,616 — 7,702 Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net 27,561 — 148,247 — 175,808 Advances to affiliates 6,447,352 1,253,328 — (7,700,680 ) — Investment in subsidiary — 3,783,080 189 (3,783,269 ) — Notes receivable 134,750 — 23,890 (113,240 ) 45,400 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets 43,597 52 27,531 (1,711 ) 69,469 Goodwill 180,097 — — — 180,097 Interest rate swaps — — — — — Deferred financing costs, net 6,467 — 753 — 7,220 Deferred lease costs, net 20,829 — 210,550 — 231,379 Other assets held for sale, net — — 81,034 — 81,034 Total assets $ 7,278,558 $ 5,036,611 $ 4,023,905 $ (11,599,200 ) $ 4,739,874 Liabilities: Debt, net $ 1,949,753 $ — $ 591,806 $ (113,240 ) $ 2,428,319 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures 15,809 1,365 117,279 (1,712 ) 132,741 Advances from affiliates 566,461 5,032,684 2,173,303 (7,772,448 ) — Deferred income 4,065 — 22,022 — 26,087 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 38,896 — 38,896 Interest rate swaps 20,526 — — — 20,526 Liabilities held for sale, net — — 567 — 567 Total liabilities 2,556,614 5,034,049 2,943,873 (7,887,400 ) 2,647,136 Stockholders’ Equity: Common stock — 1,456 — — 1,456 Additional paid-in capital 3,779,080 3,672,038 1,304 (3,783,268 ) 3,669,154 Retained/(cumulative distributions in excess of) earnings 951,388 (3,670,932 ) 1,077,699 71,468 (1,570,377 ) Other comprehensive loss (8,524 ) — — — (8,524 ) Piedmont stockholders’ equity 4,721,944 2,562 1,079,003 (3,711,800 ) 2,091,709 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,029 — 1,029 Total stockholders’ equity 4,721,944 2,562 1,080,032 (3,711,800 ) 2,092,738 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,278,558 $ 5,036,611 $ 4,023,905 $ (11,599,200 ) $ 4,739,874 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ 77,125 $ — $ 597,429 $ — $ 674,554 Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation 414,515 — 2,327,368 (300 ) 2,741,583 Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization 1,812 — 68,365 — 70,177 Construction in progress 1,345 — 60,546 — 61,891 Real estate assets held for sale, net 46,354 — 480,533 — 526,887 Total real estate assets 541,151 — 3,534,241 (300 ) 4,075,092 Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures 7,798 — — — 7,798 Cash and cash equivalents 8,143 1,790 2,373 — 12,306 Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net 35,363 — 139,184 — 174,547 Advances to affiliates 6,084,243 1,282,443 — (7,366,686 ) — Investment in subsidiary — 3,878,811 192 (3,879,003 ) — Notes receivable 161,350 — 23,890 (185,240 ) — Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets 10,897 — 21,392 (954 ) 31,335 Goodwill 180,097 — — — 180,097 Interest rate swaps 430 — — — 430 Deferred financing costs, net 7,242 — 425 — 7,667 Deferred lease costs, net 29,696 — 199,257 — 228,953 Other assets held for sale, net 4,798 — 72,478 — 77,276 Total assets $ 7,071,208 $ 5,163,044 $ 3,993,432 $ (11,432,183 ) $ 4,795,501 Liabilities: Debt, net $ 1,852,434 $ — $ 610,395 $ (185,240 ) $ 2,277,589 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures 19,403 465 115,074 (954 ) 133,988 Advances from affiliates 376,122 4,909,362 2,138,140 (7,423,624 ) — Deferred income 4,998 — 17,217 — 22,215 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 42,560 — 42,560 Interest rate swaps 6,417 — — — 6,417 Liabilities held for sale, net — — 717 — 717 Total liabilities 2,259,374 4,909,827 2,924,103 (7,609,818 ) 2,483,486 Stockholders’ Equity: Common stock — 1,543 — — 1,543 Additional paid-in capital 3,874,757 3,670,236 192 (3,879,003 ) 3,666,182 Retained/(cumulative distributions in excess of) earnings 928,776 (3,418,562 ) 1,067,528 56,638 (1,365,620 ) Other comprehensive loss 8,301 — — — 8,301 Piedmont stockholders’ equity 4,811,834 253,217 1,067,720 (3,822,365 ) 2,310,406 Noncontrolling interest — — 1,609 — 1,609 Total stockholders’ equity 4,811,834 253,217 1,069,329 (3,822,365 ) 2,312,015 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 7,071,208 $ 5,163,044 $ 3,993,432 $ (11,432,183 ) $ 4,795,501
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the three months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 15,841 $ — $ 102,888 $ (735 ) $ 117,994 Tenant reimbursements 3,369 — 26,935 (31 ) 30,273 Property management fee revenue — — 4,603 (4,055 ) 548 19,210 — 134,426 (4,821 ) 148,815 Expenses: Property operating costs 9,253 — 57,455 (5,031 ) 61,677 Depreciation 4,943 — 26,256 — 31,199 Amortization 1,126 — 12,895 — 14,021 Impairment loss on real estate assets — — 34,815 — 34,815 General and administrative 8,103 71 9,497 (9,435 ) 8,236 23,425 71 140,918 (14,466 ) 149,948 Real estate operating income/(loss) (4,215 ) (71 ) (6,492 ) 9,645 (1,133 ) Other income (expense): Interest expense (12,963 ) — (8,413 ) 2,544 (18,832 ) Other income/(expense) 3,199 — 148 (2,544 ) 803 Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures 135 — — — 135 (9,629 ) — (8,265 ) — (17,894 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations (13,844 ) (71 ) (14,757 ) 9,645 (19,027 ) Discontinued operations: Operating loss 16 — — — 16 Loss on sale of real estate assets, net (2 ) — — — (2 ) Income from discontinued operations 14 — — — 14 Gain on sale of real estate assets 17,142 — — — 17,142 Net income/(loss) 3,312 (71 ) (14,757 ) 9,645 (1,871 ) Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (4 ) — (4 ) Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont $ 3,312 $ (71 ) $ (14,761 ) $ 9,645 $ (1,875 ) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the three months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 19,178 $ — $ 96,656 $ (1,305 ) $ 114,529 Tenant reimbursements 4,526 — 25,167 (114 ) 29,579 Property management fee revenue — — 4,098 (3,565 ) 533 23,704 — 125,921 (4,984 ) 144,641 Expenses: Property operating costs 11,355 — 55,868 (5,196 ) 62,027 Depreciation 5,963 — 29,403 — 35,366 Amortization 1,225 — 13,010 — 14,235 General and administrative 5,638 74 6,951 (6,849 ) 5,814 24,181 74 105,232 (12,045 ) 117,442 Real estate operating income (477 ) (74 ) 20,689 7,061 27,199 Other income (expense): Interest expense (12,776 ) — (9,013 ) 3,135 (18,654 ) Other income/(expense) 3,433 35 191 (3,135 ) 524 Net loss from casualty events and litigation settlements (8 ) — — — (8 ) Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures 89 — — — 89 (9,262 ) 35 (8,822 ) — (18,049 ) Income from continuing operations (9,739 ) (39 ) 11,867 7,061 9,150 Discontinued operations: Operating income 16 — — — 16 Income from discontinued operations 16 — — — 16 Net income (9,723 ) (39 ) 11,867 7,061 9,166 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (4 ) — (4 ) Net income attributable to Piedmont $ (9,723 ) $ (39 ) $ 11,863 $ 7,061 $ 9,162 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 51,824 $ — $ 303,603 $ (2,172 ) $ 353,255 Tenant reimbursements 11,171 — 79,634 (329 ) 90,476 Property management fee revenue — — 13,543 (11,966 ) 1,577 62,995 — 396,780 (14,467 ) 445,308 Expenses: Property operating costs 29,464 — 172,996 (15,068 ) 187,392 Depreciation 15,904 — 87,566 — 103,470 Amortization 3,477 — 40,169 — 43,646 Impairment loss on real estate assets 5,354 — 34,815 — 40,169 General and administrative 22,206 266 26,485 (26,231 ) 22,726 76,405 266 362,031 (41,299 ) 397,403 Real estate operating income (13,410 ) (266 ) 34,749 26,832 47,905 Other income (expense): Interest expense (39,592 ) — (25,130 ) 8,702 (56,020 ) Other income/(expense) 9,357 — 563 (8,702 ) 1,218 Equity in income of unconsolidated joint ventures 418 — — — 418 (29,817 ) — (24,567 ) — (54,384 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations (43,227 ) (266 ) 10,182 26,832 (6,479 ) Discontinued operations: Operating income 13 — — — 13 Loss on sale of real estate assets, net (2 ) — — — (2 ) Income from discontinued operations 11 — — — 11 Gain on sale of real estate assets 53,826 — — — 53,826 Net income 10,610 (266 ) 10,182 26,832 47,358 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (12 ) — (12 ) Net income attributable to Piedmont $ 10,610 $ (266 ) $ 10,170 $ 26,832 $ 47,346 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental income $ 53,687 $ — $ 289,507 $ (4,474 ) $ 338,720 Tenant reimbursements 12,304 — 67,268 (319 ) 79,253 Property management fee revenue — — 12,208 (10,640 ) 1,568 65,991 — 368,983 (15,433 ) 419,541 Expenses: Property operating costs 31,730 — 161,754 (16,050 ) 177,434 Depreciation 17,453 — 85,701 — 103,154 Amortization 3,441 — 38,966 — 42,407 General and administrative 17,057 218 20,762 (20,523 ) 17,514 69,681 218 307,183 (36,573 ) 340,509 Real estate operating income (3,690 ) (218 ) 61,800 21,140 79,032 Other income (expense): Interest expense (34,378 ) — (30,616 ) 9,402 (55,592 ) Other income/(expense) 8,993 105 372 (9,402 ) 68 Net recoveries from casualty events and litigation settlements 1,344 1,479 1,691 — 4,514 Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint ventures (510 ) — — — (510 ) (24,551 ) 1,584 (28,553 ) — (51,520 ) Income from continuing operations (28,241 ) 1,366 33,247 21,140 27,512 Discontinued operations: Operating income 957 — 39 — 996 Gain on sale of real estate assets, net 451 — 747 — 1,198 Income from discontinued operations 1,408 — 786 — 2,194 Gain on sale of real estate assets — — 1,140 — 1,140 Net income (26,833 ) 1,366 35,173 21,140 30,846 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (12 ) — (12 ) Net income attributable to Piedmont $ (26,833 ) $ 1,366 $ 35,161 $ 21,140 $ 30,834
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ (41,584 ) $ 2,107 $ 145,240 $ 26,833 $ 132,596 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals (28,249 ) — (129,644 ) — (157,893 ) Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity — — (4,000 ) — (4,000 ) Intercompany note receivable 72,000 — — (72,000 ) — Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties 151,564 — — — 151,564 Deferred lease costs paid (2,577 ) — (21,312 ) — (23,889 ) Net cash used in investing activities 192,738 — (154,956 ) (72,000 ) (34,218 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Deferred financing costs paid (545 ) — (503 ) — (1,048 ) Proceeds from debt 1,046,578 — 159,279 — 1,205,857 Repayments of debt (950,000 ) — (177,902 ) 72,000 (1,055,902 ) Costs of issuance of common stock — (326 ) — — (326 ) Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan — (155,653 ) — — (155,653 ) (Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates (251,395 ) 248,135 30,093 (26,833 ) — Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments — (95,902 ) (8 ) — (95,910 ) Net cash used in financing activities (155,362 ) (3,746 ) 10,959 45,167 (102,982 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (4,208 ) (1,639 ) 1,243 — (4,604 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 8,143 1,790 2,373 — 12,306 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 3,935 $ 151 $ 3,616 $ — $ 7,702 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands) Issuer Guarantor Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 11,529 $ 2,165 $ 122,682 $ 21,140 $ 157,516 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals (15,144 ) — (217,590 ) — (232,734 ) Intercompany note receivable (100 ) — — 100 — Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties 29,519 — 16,721 — 46,240 Net sales proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures 6,017 — — — 6,017 Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (42 ) — — — (42 ) Deferred lease costs paid (3,667 ) — (17,065 ) — (20,732 ) Net cash used in investing activities 16,583 — (217,934 ) 100 (201,251 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Deferred financing costs paid (1,112 ) — — — (1,112 ) Proceeds from debt 979,564 — — — 979,564 Repayments of debt (209,000 ) — (575,320 ) — (784,320 ) Discount due to loan modification (1,135 ) — — — (1,135 ) Intercompany note payable — — 100 (100 ) — Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan — (54,685 ) — — (54,685 ) (Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates (796,271 ) 145,328 672,083 (21,140 ) — Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments — (92,729 ) (6 ) — (92,735 ) Net cash provided by financing activities (27,954 ) (2,086 ) 96,857 (21,240 ) 45,577 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 158 79 1,605 — 1,842 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 3,261 150 3,562 — 6,973 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 3,419 $ 229 $ 5,167 $ — $ 8,815

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details) ft² in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015ft²SegmentpropertysubsidiaryRedevelopment_Asset
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries | subsidiary	2
Percentage ownership by sole general partner	99.90%
Percentage ownership by sole limited partner	0.10%
Percentage of annualized lease revenue	80.00%
Number of operating segments | Segment	1
Unconsolidated Joint Venture [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	1
Office properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties	68
Number of redevelopment assets | Redevelopment_Asset	1
Number of office properties under development	2
Square footage of real estate property | ft²	20.7
Percentage leased	90.60%

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)aft²
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership of properties acquired	100.00%
$500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of line of credit	$ 500,000,000
Park Place on Turtle Creek [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet | ft²	177,844
Percentage Leased as of Acquisition	88.00%
Purchase Price (in millions)	$ 46,600,000
Central Street 80 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet | ft²	149,661
Percentage Leased as of Acquisition	93.00%
Purchase Price (in millions)	$ 13,500,000
Two Pierce Land Parcel [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase Price (in millions)	$ 3,700,000
Acreage | a	4.73

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details)		Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)period	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payments on debt facilities			$ 20,100,000	$ 20,900,000	$ 58,800,000	$ 54,100,000
Capitalized interest			1,000,000	$ 500,000	$ 2,700,000	$ 1,400,000
$170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					1.125%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net borrowings					$ 408,000,000
Repayments					$ (429,000,000)
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of loan					3 years
Face amount of debt instrument			170,000,000		$ 170,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[1],[2]				1.125%
Secured Debt [Member] | $160 Million Fixed Rate Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of loan					7 years
Face amount of debt instrument			$ 160,000,000		$ 160,000,000
Rate	[2],[3]		3.48%		3.48%
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed-Rate $105 Million Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument			$ 105,000,000		$ 105,000,000
Amount repaid		$ 105,000,000
Rate	[2]		5.29%		5.29%
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of line of credit			$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Face amount of debt instrument			500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[2]				1.175%
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of line of credit			500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Term of loan					4 years
Maximum extension period					1 year
Number of extension periods | period					2
Extension period					6 months
Face amount of debt instrument			$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[2],[4]				1.00%
[1]	On a periodic basis, Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread (1.125% as of September 30, 2015) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The principal balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of the 30-day LIBOR rate of 0.20% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above).
[2]	Other than the $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan, all of Piedmont’s outstanding debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is interest-only.
[3]	The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a fixed coupon rate of 3.48%, however, after consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.58%.
[4]	Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options with each draw, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread (1.00% as of September 30, 2015) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The outstanding balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of 30-day LIBOR draws at an average rate of 0.21% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above).

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details)		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)period	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Rate	[1],[2]	3.17%
Amount Outstanding	[2]	$ 2,428,319,000	$ 2,277,589,000
$170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		1.125%
LIBOR rate in effect		0.20%
Secured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Rate	[1],[2]	4.95%
Amount Outstanding	[2]	$ 502,456,000	449,045,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed-Rate $105 Million Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 105,000,000
Rate	[1]	5.29%
Amount Outstanding		$ 0	105,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed-Rate $125 Million Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 125,000,000
Rate	[1],[3]	5.50%
Amount Outstanding	[3]	$ 125,000,000	125,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Fixed-Rate $42.5 Million Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 42,500,000
Rate	[1]	5.70%
Amount Outstanding		$ 42,525,000	42,525,000
Secured Debt [Member] | $140 Million WDC Fixed Rate Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 140,000,000
Rate	[1]	5.76%
Amount Outstanding		$ 140,000,000	140,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 35,000,000		$ 35,000,000
Rate	[1],[4]	5.55%
Amount Outstanding	[4]	$ 35,617,000	36,520,000
Effective interest rate		3.75%
Secured Debt [Member] | $160 Million Fixed Rate Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 160,000,000
Rate	[1],[5]	3.48%
Amount Outstanding	[5]	$ 159,314,000	0
Effective interest rate		3.58%
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted Average Rate	[1],[2]	2.71%
Amount Outstanding	[2]	$ 1,925,863,000	1,828,544,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $50 Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		50,000,000
Amount Outstanding		$ 0	49,968,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $50 Million Unsecured Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[1]	1.15%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 170,000,000
Amount Outstanding	[6]	$ 169,645,000	0
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[1],[6]	1.125%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan Maturing 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 300,000,000
Amount Outstanding	[7]	$ 300,000,000	300,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan Maturing 2019 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[1],[7]	1.20%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan Maturing 2019 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.78%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 300,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2016 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		2.39%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 300,000,000
Amount Outstanding	[8]	$ 299,101,000	298,944,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2020 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[1],[6]	1.15%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2020 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate		3.35%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $350 Million Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 350,000,000
Rate	[1],[9]	3.40%
Amount Outstanding	[9]	$ 348,893,000	348,800,000
Effective interest rate		3.45%
Effective interest rate		3.43%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $400 Million Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 400,000,000
Rate	[1],[10]	4.45%
Amount Outstanding	[10]	$ 397,079,000	396,832,000
Effective interest rate		4.48%
Effective interest rate		4.10%
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 500,000,000
Amount Outstanding		$ 0	434,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[1]	1.175%
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument		$ 500,000,000
Amount Outstanding	[11],[12]	$ 411,145,000	$ 0
LIBOR rate in effect		0.21%
Maximum extension period		1 year
Number of extension periods | period		2
Extension period		6 months
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured 2015 Line of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	[1],[12]	1.00%
[1]	Other than the $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan, all of Piedmont’s outstanding debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is interest-only.
[2]	Weighted average is based on contractual balance of outstanding debt and interest rates in the table as of September 30, 2015.
[3]	Property collateralized pool includes 1430 Enclave Parkway in Houston, Texas, Windy Point I and II in Schaumburg, Illinois, and 1055 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California.
[4]	The $35 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a contractual fixed rate of 5.55% ; however, the amortization of the premium recorded in order to adjust the note to its estimated fair value, results in an effective interest rate of 3.75%.
[5]	The $160 Million Fixed-Rate Loan has a fixed coupon rate of 3.48%, however, after consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.58%.
[6]	On a periodic basis, Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread (1.125% as of September 30, 2015) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The principal balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of the 30-day LIBOR rate of 0.20% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above).
[7]	The $300 Million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, absent any changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.78%.
[8]	The $300 Million Unsecured 2011 Term Loan has a stated variable rate; however, Piedmont has entered into interest rate swap agreements which effectively fix, exclusive of changes to Piedmont's credit rating, the rate on this facility to 2.39% through the original maturity date of November 22, 2016 and 3.35% from November 22, 2016 to January 15, 2020.
[9]	The $350 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 3.40%, however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 3.45%. After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 3.43%.
[10]	The $400 Million Senior Notes have a fixed coupon rate of 4.45%, however, as a result of the issuance of the notes at a discount, Piedmont recognizes an effective interest rate on this debt issuance of 4.48%. After consideration of the impact of settled interest rate swap agreements, in addition to the issuance discount, the effective interest rate on this debt is 4.10%.
[11]	Piedmont may extend the term for up to one additional year (through two available six month extensions to a final extended maturity date of June 18, 2020) provided Piedmont is not then in default and upon payment of extension fees.
[12]	Piedmont may select from multiple interest rate options with each draw, including the prime rate and various-length LIBOR locks. All LIBOR selections are subject to an additional spread (1.00% as of September 30, 2015) over the selected rate based on Piedmont’s current credit rating. The outstanding balance as of September 30, 2015 consisted of 30-day LIBOR draws at an average rate of 0.21% (subject to the additional spread mentioned above).

Derivative Instruments (Details

Derivative Instruments (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)contract	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of loss recognized related to hedge ineffectiveness and terminations	$ 0	$ 0	$ 100,000	$ 0
Maximum period of extension term			125 months
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Gross derivative assets	0		$ 0		$ 430,000
Gross derivative liabilities	(20,526,000)		(20,526,000)		(6,417,000)
Net derivative liability	(20,526,000)		(20,526,000)		$ (5,987,000)
Loss to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense over next twelve months	5,000,000		5,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional value	1,150,000,000		1,150,000,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in OCI on derivative	(22,263,000)	1,360,000	(21,389,000)	(12,143,000)
Amount of previously recorded loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense	1,506,000	$ 1,295,000	4,575,000	$ 3,623,000
Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional value	250,000,000		250,000,000
Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap 4 through 8 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional value	$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Number of Swap Agreements | contract	4		4
Credit Risk Contract [Member]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Assets needed for immediate settlement, aggregate fair value	$ 21,000,000		$ 21,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $170 Million Unsecured 2015 Term Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	170,000,000		$ 170,000,000
Term of loan			3 years
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2016 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2016 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap 1 through 4 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional value	$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Number of Swap Agreements | contract	4		4
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan Maturing 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan Maturing 2019 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap 5 through 8 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional value	$ 200,000,000		$ 200,000,000
Number of Swap Agreements | contract	4		4
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 million Unsecured 2013 Term Loan Maturing 2019 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap 9 through 10 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional value	$ 100,000,000		$ 100,000,000
Number of Swap Agreements | contract	2		2
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2020 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | $300 Million 2011 Unsecured Term Loan Maturing 2020 [Member] | Forward Starting Interest Rate Swap 1 through 3 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total notional value	$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Number of Swap Agreements | contract	3		3
Secured Debt [Member] | $160 Million Fixed Rate Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 160,000,000		$ 160,000,000
Total notional value	250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in OCI on derivative	1,300,000
Term of loan			7 years
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of line of credit	500,000,000		$ 500,000,000
Face amount of debt instrument	$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000

Variable Interest Entities (Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Payment to settle redemption option	$ 4,000	$ 0
Medici Atlanta LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Payment to settle redemption option	$ 4,000
Eye Street 1201 NW Associates LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Piedmont’s % Ownership of Entity	49.50%
Net Carrying Amount	$ (7,200)		$ (2,800)
Variable interest entity, cash flow percent entitled to entity	100.00%
Eye Street 1225 NW Associates LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Piedmont’s % Ownership of Entity	49.50%
Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,200		(1,100)
Variable interest entity, cash flow percent entitled to entity	100.00%
Piedmont 500 W. Monroe Fee LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Piedmont’s % Ownership of Entity	100.00%
Net Carrying Amount	$ 246,900		245,300
Piedmont TownPark Land, LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Piedmont’s % Ownership of Entity	100.00%
Net Carrying Amount	$ 5,900		$ 7,900

Fair Value Measurement of Fin38

Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps		$ 0	$ 430
Interest rate swap liability		20,526	6,417
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	[1]	7,702	12,306
Restricted cash and escrows	[1]	37,705	5,679
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	[1]	17,200	14,395
Debt		2,428,319	2,277,589
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps		0	430
Interest rate swap liability		20,526	6,417
Tenant receivables, net [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Receivables	[1]	26,748	27,711
Notes receivable [Member] | Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Receivables	[1]	45,400	0
Level 1 [Member] | Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	[1]	7,702	12,306
Restricted cash and escrows	[1]	37,705	5,679
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	[1]	17,200	14,395
Level 1 [Member] | Tenant receivables, net [Member] | Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Receivables	[1]	26,748	27,711
Level 1 [Member] | Notes receivable [Member] | Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Receivables	[1]	45,400	0
Level 2 [Member] | Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt		2,450,580	2,314,020
Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps		0	430
Interest rate swap liability		$ 20,526	$ 6,417
[1]	For the periods presented, the carrying value of these financial instruments approximates estimated fair value due to their short-term maturity.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)category	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)category	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of tenant and building improvement categories | category	2		2
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 400,000		$ 400,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | $500 Million Unsecured Line of Credit [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount of line of credit	500,000,000		500,000,000
Tenant Audits and Disputes [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Tenant audit dispute expense	0	$ 0	$ 100,000	$ 600,000
Non-Incremental Capital Expenditures [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period for commitments for funding non-incremental capital expenditures			3 years
Potential obligations for tenant improvements	52,300,000		$ 52,300,000
Incremental Capital Expenditures [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Potential obligations for tenant improvements	$ 55,900,000		$ 55,900,000
Maximum [Member] | Non-Incremental Capital Expenditures [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Period for commitments for funding non-incremental capital expenditures			5 years

Property Dispositions, Assets40

Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations (Property Dispositions) (Details) $ in Thousands

Sep. 01, 2015USD ($)

Aug. 10, 2015USD ($)

Jul. 28, 2015USD ($)

May. 01, 2015USD ($)term

Apr. 29, 2015USD ($)

Apr. 28, 2015USD ($)

Jan. 30, 2015USD ($)

May. 29, 2014USD ($)

May. 19, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)property

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Number of real estate properties sold that do not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations | property

9

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 151,564

$ 46,240

Notes receivable

$ 45,400

$ 0

2020 W. 89th Street [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ 1,132

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 5,515

Two Park Center [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

[1]

$ (169)

Net Sales Proceeds

[1]

$ 6,017

3900 Dallas Parkway Building [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ 10,073

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 25,801

5601 Headquarters Drive [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ 7,959

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 33,326

River Corporate Center [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ 5,303

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 24,228

Copper Ridge Center [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ 13,753

Net Sales Proceeds

[2]

4,972

Copper Ridge Center [Member] | Notes receivable [Member] | Unsecured Promissory Note [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Notes receivable

$ 45,400

Interest rate percentage for unsecured promissory note

8.45%

Number of terms in which unsecured promissory note may be extended | term

2

Duration of extension period

6 months

Duration of prior written notice

30 days

Extension fee (bps)

0.25%

Eastpoint I and II [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ (177)

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 17,342

3750 Brookside Parkway [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ 1,406

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 13,624

Chandler Forum [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gain/(Loss) on Sale

$ 15,509

Net Sales Proceeds

$ 32,271

[1]

Property was owned as part of the unconsolidated joint venture, Fund XIII and REIT Joint Venture. As such, the loss on sale was presented as equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures.

[2]

As part of the transaction, Piedmont accepted a secured promissory note from the buyer for the remaining $45.4 million owed on the sale. The note bears interest at a rate of 8.45% and a matures on December 31, 2015. The maturity date may be extended for two terms of six months each upon 30 days prior written notice and a 25 bps extension fee.

Property Dispositions, Assets41

Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations (Assets Held for Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total real estate assets held for sale, net	$ 470,847		$ 470,847		$ 526,887
Straight-line rent receivables	25,790		25,790		23,464
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,870		1,870		2,164
Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $14,990 and $14,866 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	53,374		53,374		51,648
Accumulated amortization on deferred lease costs	14,990		14,990		14,866
Total other assets held for sale, net	81,034		81,034		77,276
Impairment loss on real estate assets	34,815	$ 0	40,169	$ 0
Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $2,486 and $2,335 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	567		567		717
Accumulated amortization on Intangible lease liabilities	2,486		2,486		2,335
AON CENTER [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net income (loss) from assets held for sale	8,300	$ 1,100	8,800	$ (800)
GATEHALL DRIVE 2 [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets	34,800
Eastpoint I and II [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets			5,400
Land [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Real estate assets held for sale, net:	23,966		23,966		29,763
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Real estate assets held for sale, net:	444,099		444,099		495,622
Accumulated depreciation (building improvements)	198,150		198,150		208,408
Construction in Progress [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Real estate assets held for sale, net:	$ 2,782		$ 2,782		$ 1,502

Property Dispositions, Assets42

Property Dispositions, Assets Held for Sale, and Discontinued Operations (Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 19, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets			$ (2)	$ 0	$ (2)	$ 1,198
Net Sales Proceeds					151,564	46,240
Revenues:
Rental income			19	0	19	1,365
Tenant reimbursements			0	12	(3)	126
Property management fee revenue			0	0	0	1
Revenue			19	12	16	1,492
Expenses:
Property operating costs			3	3	2	185
Depreciation			0	0	0	83
Amortization			0	0	0	223
General and administrative			0	(7)	1	(1)
Expenses			3	(4)	3	490
Other income/(expense)
Other income/(expense)			0	0	0	(6)
Operating income, excluding gain on sale			16	16	13	996
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets			(2)	0	(2)	1,198
Income from discontinued operations			$ 14	$ 16	$ 11	$ 2,194
11107 and 11109 Sunset Hills Road [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets		$ (102)
Net Sales Proceeds		22,326
Other income/(expense)
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets		$ (102)
1441 West Long Lake Road [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	$ 562
Net Sales Proceeds	7,202
Other income/(expense)
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	562
4685 Investment Drive [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	747
Net Sales Proceeds	11,198
Other income/(expense)
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	$ 747

Stock Based Compensation (Rollf

Stock Based Compensation (Rollforward of Deferred Stock Awards) (Details) - Stock Awards [Member] - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Unvested Deferred Stock Awards, Beginning of period (in shares)			506,404
Deferred Stock Awards Granted (in shares)			299,360
Adjustment to Estimated Future Grants of Performance Share Awards (in shares)			386,536
Deferred Stock Awards Vested (in shares)			(228,734)
Deferred Stock Awards Forfeited (in shares)			(8,405)
Unvested Deferred Stock Awards, End of period (in shares)	955,161		955,161
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Unvested Deferred Stock Awards, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning of period (in dollars per share)			$ 18.12
Deferred Stock Awards Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 18.31	$ 0	17.59	$ 17.78
Adjustment to Estimated Future Grants of Performance Share Awards (Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, in dollars per share)			18.01
Deferred Stock Awards Vested, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)			17.96
Deferred Stock Awards Forfeited, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)			18.04
Unvested Deferred Stock Awards, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, End of period (in dollars per share)	$ 17.88		$ 17.88

Stock Based Compensation (Addit

Stock Based Compensation (Additional Information Regarding Stock Award Activity) (Details) - Stock Awards [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value of Shares Granted During the Period (per share)		$ 18.31	$ 0	$ 17.59	$ 17.78
Total Grant Date Fair Value of Shares Vested During the Period		$ 32	$ 28	$ 4,109	$ 3,223
Share-based Liability Awards Paid During the Period	[1]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Amount reflects the issuance of performance share awards during the period, if any.

Stock Based Compensation (Outst

Stock Based Compensation (Outstanding Employee Deferred Stock Awards) (Details) - $ / shares		May. 01, 2015	May. 09, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014	Apr. 02, 2013	Nov. 07, 2012	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted November 7, 2012 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]					14,836
Grant Date Fair Value						$ 18.04
Unvested Shares							4,989
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted November 7, 2012 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted November 7, 2012 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted November 7, 2012 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted November 7, 2012 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage						25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted April 2, 2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]				118,174
Grant Date Fair Value					$ 19.47
Unvested Shares							37,084
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted April 2, 2013 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted April 2, 2013 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted April 2, 2013 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted April 2, 2013 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage					25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted January 3, 2014 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]			95,476
Grant Date Fair Value				$ 16.45
Unvested Shares							82,673
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted January 3, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				20.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted January 3, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				20.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted January 3, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				20.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted January 3, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				20.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted January 3, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage				20.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 9, 2014 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]		163,222
Grant Date Fair Value			$ 18.47
Unvested Shares							96,032
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 9, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 9, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 9, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 9, 2014 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 1, 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]	271,970
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 17.59
Unvested Shares							219,403
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 1, 2015 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 1, 2015 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 1, 2015 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		25.00%
Deferred Stock Award [Member] | Deferred Stock Award, Granted May 1, 2015 [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		25.00%
Performance Share Program Award [Member] | Performance Share Program Award, Granted April 2, 2013 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]				0
Grant Date Fair Value					$ 18.91
Unvested Shares	[2]						53,287
Performance Share Program Award [Member] | Performance Share Program Award, Granted May 9, 2014 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]		0
Grant Date Fair Value			$ 22
Unvested Shares	[2]						159,271
Performance Share Program Award [Member] | Performance Share Program Award, Granted May 1, 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Net Shares Granted	[1]	0
Grant Date Fair Value		$ 18.42
Unvested Shares	[2]						302,422
Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant Date Fair Value							$ 17.88	$ 18.12
Unvested Shares							955,161	506,404
[1]	Amounts reflect the total grant to employees, net of shares surrendered upon vesting to satisfy required minimum tax withholding obligations through September 30, 2015.
[2]	Estimated based on Piedmont's cumulative TSR for the respective performance period through September 30, 2015. Share estimates are subject to change in future periods based on both Piedmont's and its peers' stock performance and dividends paid.

Stock Based Compensation (Narra

Stock Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Compensation expense related to stock awards	$ 2.6	$ 1.1	$ 6.8	$ 4.3
Amortization of unvested shares			$ 5	$ 2.9
Total shares issued to employees, directors, and officers			159,047
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested	$ 4.3		$ 4.3
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested, weighted-average vesting period (in years)			2 years

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares – basic		148,855,336	154,325,073	152,231,060	154,495,761
Deferred stock awards (in shares)		321,000	236,000	268,000	169,000
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted	[1]	149,176,207	154,561,362	152,499,430	154,664,834
Common stock, shares outstanding		145,633,869		145,633,869		154,324,089
[1]	Due to repurchases of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Piedmont has 145,633,869 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2015.

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor F48

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:
Land	$ 671,832	$ 674,554
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation	2,655,581	2,741,583
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization	60,770	70,177
Construction in progress	75,083	61,891
Real estate assets held for sale, net	470,847	526,887
Total real estate assets	3,934,113	4,075,092
Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures	7,652	7,798
Cash and cash equivalents	7,702	12,306	$ 8,815	$ 6,973
Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net	175,808	174,547
Advances to affiliates	0	0
Investment in subsidiary	0	0
Notes receivable	45,400	0
Notes receivable		0
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets	69,469	31,335
Goodwill	180,097	180,097
Interest rate swaps	0	430
Deferred financing costs, net	7,220	7,667
Deferred lease costs, net	231,379	228,953
Other assets held for sale, net	81,034	77,276
Total assets	4,739,874	4,795,501
Liabilities:
Debt, net	2,428,319	2,277,589
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	132,741	133,988
Advances from affiliates	0	0
Deferred income	26,087	22,215
Intangible lease liabilities, net	38,896	42,560
Interest rate swaps	20,526	6,417
Liabilities held for sale, net	567	717
Total liabilities	2,647,136	2,483,486
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock	1,456	1,543
Additional paid-in capital	3,669,154	3,666,182
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	(1,570,377)	(1,365,620)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(8,524)	8,301
Piedmont stockholders’ equity	2,091,709	2,310,406
Noncontrolling interest	1,029	1,609
Total stockholders’ equity	2,092,738	2,312,015		2,461,159
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,739,874	4,795,501
Issuer [Member]
Assets:
Land	64,218	77,125
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation	340,658	414,515
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization	1,405	1,812
Construction in progress	37	1,345
Real estate assets held for sale, net	0	46,354
Total real estate assets	406,318	541,151
Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures	7,652	7,798
Cash and cash equivalents	3,935	8,143	3,419	3,261
Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net	27,561	35,363
Advances to affiliates	6,447,352	6,084,243
Investment in subsidiary	0	0
Notes receivable	134,750
Notes receivable		161,350
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets	43,597	10,897
Goodwill	180,097	180,097
Interest rate swaps	0	430
Deferred financing costs, net	6,467	7,242
Deferred lease costs, net	20,829	29,696
Other assets held for sale, net	0	4,798
Total assets	7,278,558	7,071,208
Liabilities:
Debt, net	1,949,753	1,852,434
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	15,809	19,403
Advances from affiliates	566,461	376,122
Deferred income	4,065	4,998
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Interest rate swaps	20,526	6,417
Liabilities held for sale, net	0	0
Total liabilities	2,556,614	2,259,374
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	3,779,080	3,874,757
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	951,388	928,776
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(8,524)	8,301
Piedmont stockholders’ equity	4,721,944	4,811,834
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	4,721,944	4,811,834
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	7,278,558	7,071,208
Guarantor [Member]
Assets:
Land	0	0
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation	0	0
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization	0	0
Construction in progress	0	0
Real estate assets held for sale, net	0	0
Total real estate assets	0	0
Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	151	1,790	229	150
Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net	0	0
Advances to affiliates	1,253,328	1,282,443
Investment in subsidiary	3,783,080	3,878,811
Notes receivable	0
Notes receivable		0
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets	52	0
Goodwill	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Other assets held for sale, net	0	0
Total assets	5,036,611	5,163,044
Liabilities:
Debt, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	1,365	465
Advances from affiliates	5,032,684	4,909,362
Deferred income	0	0
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Liabilities held for sale, net	0	0
Total liabilities	5,034,049	4,909,827
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock	1,456	1,543
Additional paid-in capital	3,672,038	3,670,236
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	(3,670,932)	(3,418,562)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	0	0
Piedmont stockholders’ equity	2,562	253,217
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	2,562	253,217
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	5,036,611	5,163,044
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets:
Land	607,614	597,429
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation	2,315,223	2,327,368
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization	59,365	68,365
Construction in progress	75,046	60,546
Real estate assets held for sale, net	470,847	480,533
Total real estate assets	3,528,095	3,534,241
Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	3,616	2,373	5,167	3,562
Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net	148,247	139,184
Advances to affiliates	0	0
Investment in subsidiary	189	192
Notes receivable	23,890
Notes receivable		23,890
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets	27,531	21,392
Goodwill	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net	753	425
Deferred lease costs, net	210,550	199,257
Other assets held for sale, net	81,034	72,478
Total assets	4,023,905	3,993,432
Liabilities:
Debt, net	591,806	610,395
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	117,279	115,074
Advances from affiliates	2,173,303	2,138,140
Deferred income	22,022	17,217
Intangible lease liabilities, net	38,896	42,560
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Liabilities held for sale, net	567	717
Total liabilities	2,943,873	2,924,103
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,304	192
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	1,077,699	1,067,528
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	0	0
Piedmont stockholders’ equity	1,079,003	1,067,720
Noncontrolling interest	1,029	1,609
Total stockholders’ equity	1,080,032	1,069,329
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	4,023,905	3,993,432
Eliminations [Member]
Assets:
Land	0	0
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation	(300)	(300)
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization	0	0
Construction in progress	0	0
Real estate assets held for sale, net	0	0
Total real estate assets	(300)	(300)
Investments in and amounts due from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Tenant and straight-line rent receivables, net	0	0
Advances to affiliates	(7,700,680)	(7,366,686)
Investment in subsidiary	(3,783,269)	(3,879,003)
Notes receivable	(113,240)
Notes receivable		(185,240)
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, escrows, and other assets	(1,711)	(954)
Goodwill	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Other assets held for sale, net	0	0
Total assets	(11,599,200)	(11,432,183)
Liabilities:
Debt, net	(113,240)	(185,240)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	(1,712)	(954)
Advances from affiliates	(7,772,448)	(7,423,624)
Deferred income	0	0
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Interest rate swaps	0	0
Liabilities held for sale, net	0	0
Total liabilities	(7,887,400)	(7,609,818)
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	(3,783,268)	(3,879,003)
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	71,468	56,638
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	0	0
Piedmont stockholders’ equity	(3,711,800)	(3,822,365)
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	(3,711,800)	(3,822,365)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ (11,599,200)	$ (11,432,183)

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor F49

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Rental income	$ 117,994	$ 114,529	$ 353,255	$ 338,720
Tenant reimbursements	30,273	29,579	90,476	79,253
Property management fee revenue	548	533	1,577	1,568
Total revenues	148,815	144,641	445,308	419,541
Expenses:
Property operating costs	61,677	62,027	187,392	177,434
Depreciation	31,199	35,366	103,470	103,154
Amortization	14,021	14,235	43,646	42,407
Impairment loss on real estate assets	34,815	0	40,169	0
General and administrative	8,236	5,814	22,726	17,514
Operating expenses	149,948	117,442	397,403	340,509
Real estate operating income/(loss)	(1,133)	27,199	47,905	79,032
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(18,832)	(18,654)	(56,020)	(55,592)
Other income/(expense)	803	524	1,218	68
Net recoveries/(loss) from casualty events and litigation settlements	0	(8)	0	4,514
Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	135	89	418	(510)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(17,894)	(18,049)	(54,384)	(51,520)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations	(19,027)	9,150	(6,479)	27,512
Discontinued operations:
Operating income	16	16	13	996
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	(2)	0	(2)	1,198
Income from discontinued operations	14	16	11	2,194
Gain on sale of real estate assets	17,142	0	53,826	1,140
Net income/(loss)	(1,871)	9,166	47,358	30,846
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4)	(4)	(12)	(12)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	(1,875)	9,162	47,346	30,834	$ 43,348
Issuer [Member]
Revenues:
Rental income	15,841	19,178	51,824	53,687
Tenant reimbursements	3,369	4,526	11,171	12,304
Property management fee revenue	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	19,210	23,704	62,995	65,991
Expenses:
Property operating costs	9,253	11,355	29,464	31,730
Depreciation	4,943	5,963	15,904	17,453
Amortization	1,126	1,225	3,477	3,441
Impairment loss on real estate assets	0		5,354
General and administrative	8,103	5,638	22,206	17,057
Operating expenses	23,425	24,181	76,405	69,681
Real estate operating income/(loss)	(4,215)	(477)	(13,410)	(3,690)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(12,963)	(12,776)	(39,592)	(34,378)
Other income/(expense)	3,199	3,433	9,357	8,993
Net recoveries/(loss) from casualty events and litigation settlements		(8)		1,344
Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	135	89	418	(510)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(9,629)	(9,262)	(29,817)	(24,551)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations	(13,844)	(9,739)	(43,227)	(28,241)
Discontinued operations:
Operating income	16	16	13	957
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	(2)		(2)	451
Income from discontinued operations	14	16	11	1,408
Gain on sale of real estate assets	17,142		53,826	0
Net income/(loss)	3,312	(9,723)	10,610	(26,833)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	3,312	(9,723)	10,610	(26,833)
Guarantor [Member]
Revenues:
Rental income	0	0	0	0
Tenant reimbursements	0	0	0	0
Property management fee revenue	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Expenses:
Property operating costs	0	0	0	0
Depreciation	0	0	0	0
Amortization	0	0	0	0
Impairment loss on real estate assets	0		0
General and administrative	71	74	266	218
Operating expenses	71	74	266	218
Real estate operating income/(loss)	(71)	(74)	(266)	(218)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other income/(expense)	0	35	0	105
Net recoveries/(loss) from casualty events and litigation settlements		0		1,479
Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)	0	35	0	1,584
Income/(loss) from continuing operations	(71)	(39)	(266)	1,366
Discontinued operations:
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	0		0	0
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Gain on sale of real estate assets	0		0	0
Net income/(loss)	(71)	(39)	(266)	1,366
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	(71)	(39)	(266)	1,366
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Revenues:
Rental income	102,888	96,656	303,603	289,507
Tenant reimbursements	26,935	25,167	79,634	67,268
Property management fee revenue	4,603	4,098	13,543	12,208
Total revenues	134,426	125,921	396,780	368,983
Expenses:
Property operating costs	57,455	55,868	172,996	161,754
Depreciation	26,256	29,403	87,566	85,701
Amortization	12,895	13,010	40,169	38,966
Impairment loss on real estate assets	34,815		34,815
General and administrative	9,497	6,951	26,485	20,762
Operating expenses	140,918	105,232	362,031	307,183
Real estate operating income/(loss)	(6,492)	20,689	34,749	61,800
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(8,413)	(9,013)	(25,130)	(30,616)
Other income/(expense)	148	191	563	372
Net recoveries/(loss) from casualty events and litigation settlements		0		1,691
Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)	(8,265)	(8,822)	(24,567)	(28,553)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations	(14,757)	11,867	10,182	33,247
Discontinued operations:
Operating income	0	0	0	39
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	0		0	747
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	786
Gain on sale of real estate assets	0		0	1,140
Net income/(loss)	(14,757)	11,867	10,182	35,173
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4)	(4)	(12)	(12)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	(14,761)	11,863	10,170	35,161
Eliminations [Member]
Revenues:
Rental income	(735)	(1,305)	(2,172)	(4,474)
Tenant reimbursements	(31)	(114)	(329)	(319)
Property management fee revenue	(4,055)	(3,565)	(11,966)	(10,640)
Total revenues	(4,821)	(4,984)	(14,467)	(15,433)
Expenses:
Property operating costs	(5,031)	(5,196)	(15,068)	(16,050)
Depreciation	0	0	0	0
Amortization	0	0	0	0
Impairment loss on real estate assets	0		0
General and administrative	(9,435)	(6,849)	(26,231)	(20,523)
Operating expenses	(14,466)	(12,045)	(41,299)	(36,573)
Real estate operating income/(loss)	9,645	7,061	26,832	21,140
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	2,544	3,135	8,702	9,402
Other income/(expense)	(2,544)	(3,135)	(8,702)	(9,402)
Net recoveries/(loss) from casualty events and litigation settlements		0		0
Equity in income/(loss) of unconsolidated joint ventures	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Income/(loss) from continuing operations	9,645	7,061	26,832	21,140
Discontinued operations:
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Gain/(loss) on sale of real estate assets	0		0	0
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Gain on sale of real estate assets	0		0	0
Net income/(loss)	9,645	7,061	26,832	21,140
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income/(loss) attributable to Piedmont	$ 9,645	$ 7,061	$ 26,832	$ 21,140

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor F50

Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$ 132,596	$ 157,516
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals	(157,893)	(232,734)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity	(4,000)	0
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties	151,564	46,240
Net sales proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures	0	6,017
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures	0	(42)
Deferred lease costs paid	(23,889)	(20,732)
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,218)	(201,251)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deferred financing costs paid	(1,048)	(1,112)
Proceeds from debt	1,205,857	979,564
Repayments of debt	(1,055,902)	(784,320)
Discount due to loan modification	0	(1,135)
Intercompany note payable		0
Net costs of issuance of common stock	(326)	0
Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan	(155,653)	(54,685)
(Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates	0	0
Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments	(95,910)	(92,735)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(102,982)	45,577
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,604)	1,842
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,702	8,815
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	12,306	6,973
Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	(41,584)	11,529
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals	(28,249)	(15,144)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity	0
Intercompany note receivable	72,000	(100)
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties	151,564	29,519
Net sales proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures		6,017
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		(42)
Deferred lease costs paid	(2,577)	(3,667)
Net cash used in investing activities	192,738	16,583
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deferred financing costs paid	(545)	(1,112)
Proceeds from debt	1,046,578	979,564
Repayments of debt	(950,000)	(209,000)
Discount due to loan modification		(1,135)
Intercompany note payable		0
Net costs of issuance of common stock	0
Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan	0	0
(Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates	(251,395)	(796,271)
Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments	0	0
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(155,362)	(27,954)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,208)	158
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,935	3,419
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,143	3,261
Guarantor [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	2,107	2,165
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals	0	0
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity	0
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties	0	0
Net sales proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures		0
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		0
Deferred lease costs paid	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deferred financing costs paid	0	0
Proceeds from debt	0	0
Repayments of debt	0	0
Discount due to loan modification		0
Intercompany note payable		0
Net costs of issuance of common stock	(326)
Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan	(155,653)	(54,685)
(Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates	248,135	145,328
Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments	(95,902)	(92,729)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(3,746)	(2,086)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,639)	79
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	151	229
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,790	150
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	145,240	122,682
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals	(129,644)	(217,590)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity	(4,000)
Intercompany note receivable	0	0
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties	0	16,721
Net sales proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures		0
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		0
Deferred lease costs paid	(21,312)	(17,065)
Net cash used in investing activities	(154,956)	(217,934)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deferred financing costs paid	(503)	0
Proceeds from debt	159,279	0
Repayments of debt	(177,902)	(575,320)
Discount due to loan modification		0
Intercompany note payable		100
Net costs of issuance of common stock	0
Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan	0	0
(Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates	30,093	672,083
Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments	(8)	(6)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	10,959	96,857
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,243	1,605
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,616	5,167
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,373	3,562
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	26,833	21,140
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Investment in real estate assets and real estate related intangibles, net of accruals	0	0
Redemption of noncontrolling interest in unconsolidated variable interest entity	0
Intercompany note receivable	(72,000)	100
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties	0	0
Net sales proceeds received from unconsolidated joint ventures		0
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures		0
Deferred lease costs paid	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(72,000)	100
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Deferred financing costs paid	0	0
Proceeds from debt	0	0
Repayments of debt	72,000	0
Discount due to loan modification		0
Intercompany note payable		(100)
Net costs of issuance of common stock	0
Repurchases of common stock as part of announced plan	0	0
(Distributions to)/repayments from affiliates	(26,833)	(21,140)
Dividends paid and discount on dividend reinvestments	0	0
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	45,167	(21,240)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	$ 0	$ 0

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ / shares in Units, ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 09, 2015$ / shares	Nov. 04, 2015USD ($)ft²buildingasset	Oct. 29, 2015USD ($)ft²$ / squarefeet	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2015USD ($)ft²tenant$ / squarefeet
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets				$ 34,815	$ 0	$ 40,169	$ 0
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties						$ 151,564	$ 46,240
GATEHALL DRIVE 2 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets				$ 34,800
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.21
Subsequent Event [Member] | GATEHALL DRIVE 2 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property | ft²								400
Percentage leased								100.00%
Number of tenants | tenant								2
Gross sales price								$ 51,000
Sales price per square foot | $ / squarefeet								126
Subsequent Event [Member] | AON CENTER [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property | ft²			2,700
Percentage leased			87.00%
Gross sales price			$ 712,000
Sales price per square foot | $ / squarefeet			260
Net sales proceeds from wholly-owned properties			$ 646,100
Subsequent Event [Member] | Galleria 300 and SunTrust Center [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of assets in portfolio | asset		2
Purchase Price (in millions)		$ 259,100
Subsequent Event [Member] | Galleria 300 and SunTrust Center [Member] | Galleria 300 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property | ft²		430
Subsequent Event [Member] | Galleria 300 and SunTrust Center [Member] | SunTrust Center [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property | ft²		650
Number of buildings | building		2