Elme Communities (ELME) 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000104894	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	66,521,481

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Land	$418,008	$418,008
Income producing property	1,624,617	1,587,375
Real estate investment property, at cost	2,042,625	2,005,383
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-548,549	-497,057
Net income producing property	1,494,076	1,508,326
Properties under development or held for future development	55,580	45,270
Total real estate held for investment, net	1,549,656	1,553,596
Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net	346,157	364,999
Cash and cash equivalents	7,923	19,105
Restricted cash	7,547	13,423
Rents and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,271 and $10,442, respectively	48,619	46,904
Prepaid expenses and other assets	110,116	107,303
Other assets related to properties sold or held for sale	18,337	19,046
Total assets	2,088,355	2,124,376
Liabilities	'	'
Notes payable	846,576	906,190
Mortgage notes payable	290,838	319,025
Lines of credit	85,000	0
Accounts payable and other liabilities	57,116	50,094
Advance rents	11,749	12,925
Tenant security deposits	7,639	7,642
Liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale	31,275	32,357
Total liabilities	1,330,193	1,328,233
Shareholders’ equity	'	'
Preferred shares; $0.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Shares of beneficial interest; $0.01 par value; 100,000 shares authorized: 66,500 and 66,437 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	665	664
Additional paid in capital	1,148,837	1,145,515
Distributions in excess of net income	-395,816	-354,122
Total shareholders’ equity	753,686	792,057
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	4,476	4,086
Total equity	758,162	796,143
Total liabilities and equity	$2,088,355	$2,124,376

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Rents and other receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$8,271	$10,442
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)	10,000	10,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Shares of beneficial interest, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Shares of beneficial interest, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000	100,000
Shares of beneficial interest, shares issued (in shares)	66,500	66,437
Shares of beneficial interest, shares outstanding (in shares)	66,500	66,437

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue	'	'	'	'
Real estate rental revenue	$65,828	$64,471	$196,303	$190,134
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Real estate expenses	23,243	22,527	69,467	64,820
Depreciation and amortization	21,168	21,682	63,328	63,593
Acquisition Costs	148	-164	448	144
General and administrative	3,850	3,173	11,717	10,943
Total expenses	48,409	47,218	144,960	139,500
Real estate operating income	17,419	17,253	51,343	50,634
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-15,930	-14,886	-47,944	-43,983
Other income	220	237	705	733
Total other income (expense)	-15,710	-14,649	-47,239	-43,250
Income from continuing operations	1,709	2,604	4,104	7,384
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale	4,131	3,233	11,139	9,642
Gain on sale of real estate	0	3,724	3,195	3,724
Net income	5,840	9,561	18,438	20,750
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	$0	$0	$0	$0
Basic net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04	$0.06	$0.11
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.10	$0.21	$0.20
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.14	$0.27	$0.31
Diluted net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04	$0.06	$0.11
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.10	$0.21	$0.20
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.14	$0.27	$0.31
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	66,410	66,246	66,403	66,227
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	66,561	66,379	66,545	66,363
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.30	$0.90	$1.17

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Shares of Beneficial Interest at Par Value [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Net Income Attributable to the Controlling Interests [Member]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$796,143	$664	$1,145,515	($354,122)	$792,057	$4,086
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	66,437	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to the controlling interests	18,438	'	'	18,438	18,438	'
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	390	'	'	'	'	390
Dividends	-60,132	'	'	-60,132	-60,132	'
Share grants, net of share grant amortization and forfeitures	3,323	1	3,322	'	3,323	'
Share grants, net of share grant amortization and forfeitures (in shares)	'	63	'	'	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$758,162	$665	$1,148,837	($395,816)	$753,686	$4,476
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	66,500	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'
Net income	$18,438	$20,750
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations	75,489	77,803
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	3,012	2,847
Gain on sale of real estate	-3,195	-3,724
Amortization of share grants, net	3,615	3,996
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and related financing costs	2,980	2,836
Changes in operating other assets	-8,856	-14,317
Changes in operating other liabilities	2,002	2,574
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,485	92,765
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'
Real estate acquisitions, net	0	-52,142
Net cash received for sale of real estate	15,161	13,399
Capital improvements to real estate	-39,348	-36,310
Development in progress	-9,385	-4,525
Real estate deposits, net	-6,800	0
Non-real estate capital improvements	-125	-510
Net cash used in investing activities	-40,497	-80,088
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'
Line of credit borrowings, net	85,000	-99,000
Dividends paid	-60,132	-77,805
Net contributions from noncontrolling interests	390	211
Financing costs	0	-4,647
Proceeds from dividend reinvestment program	0	1,315
Net proceeds from debt offering	0	298,314
Principal payments – mortgage notes payable	-32,461	-25,527
Proceeds from construction loan	3,033	0
Notes payable repayments	-60,000	-50,000
Net proceeds from exercise of share options	0	100
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-64,170	42,961
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-11,182	55,638
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	19,105	12,765
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	7,923	68,403
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	42,075	42,415
Decrease (increase) in accrued capital improvements and development costs	$2,978	$1,989

Nature_of_Business

Nature of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature Of Business [Abstract]	'
Nature of Business	'
	NOTE 1: NATURE OF BUSINESS
	Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (“WRIT”), a Maryland real estate investment trust, is a self-administered, self-managed equity real estate investment trust, successor to a trust organized in 1960. Our business consists of the ownership and operation of income-producing real estate properties in the greater Washington metro region. We own a diversified portfolio of office buildings, medical office buildings, multifamily buildings and retail centers. We have entered into purchase and sale agreements to effectuate the sale of our medical office segment, and have classified this segment as discontinued operations (see note 3).
	Federal Income Taxes
	We believe that we qualify as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code and intend to continue to qualify as such. To maintain our status as a REIT, we are required to distribute 90% of our ordinary taxable income to our shareholders. When selling properties, we have the option of (a) reinvesting the sales proceeds of properties sold, allowing for a deferral of income taxes on the sale, (b) paying out capital gains to the shareholders with no tax to WRIT or (c) treating the capital gains as having been distributed to the shareholders, paying the tax on the gain deemed distributed and allocating the tax paid as a credit to the shareholders.
	Generally, and subject to our ongoing qualification as a REIT, no provisions for income taxes are necessary except for taxes on undistributed REIT taxable income and taxes on the income generated by our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). Our TRSs are subject to corporate federal and state income tax on their taxable income at regular statutory rates. There were no material income tax provisions or material net deferred income tax items for our TRSs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	'
	NOTE 2: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Significant Accounting Policies
	We have prepared our consolidated financial statements using the accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of WRIT, our majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which WRIT has a controlling interest, including where WRIT has been determined to be a primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). See note 3 for additional information on the properties for which there is a noncontrolling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We have prepared the accompanying unaudited financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In addition, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Within these notes to the financial statements, we refer to the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 as the “2013 Quarter” and the “2012 Quarter,” respectively, and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 as the “2013 Period” and the “2012 Period,” respectively.
	Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation due to the reclassification of certain properties as discontinued operations (see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

Real_Estate

Real Estate	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Real Estate	'
	NOTE 3: REAL ESTATE
	Variable Interest Entities
	In June 2011, we executed a joint venture operating agreement with a real estate development company to develop a mid-rise multifamily property at 650 North Glebe Road in Arlington, Virginia. We estimate the total cost of the project to be $49.9 million. During the first quarter of 2013, we secured third-party debt financing for approximately 70% of the project's cost. WRIT is the 90% owner of the joint venture, and will have management and leasing responsibilities when the project is completed and stabilized (defined as 90% of the residential units leased). The real estate development company owns 10% of the joint venture and is responsible for the development and construction of the property. The joint venture currently expects to complete this development project during the fourth quarter of 2014.
	In November 2011, we executed a joint venture operating agreement with a real estate development company to develop a high-rise multifamily property at 1225 First Street (formerly 1219 First Street) in Alexandria, Virginia. We estimate the total cost of the project to be $95.3 million, with approximately 70% of the project to be financed with debt. WRIT is the 95% owner of the joint venture and will have management and leasing responsibilities when the project is completed and stabilized. The real estate development company owns 5% of the joint venture and is responsible for the development and construction of the property. During the first quarter of 2013, we decided to delay commencement of construction, due to market conditions and concerns of oversupply, and stopped capitalizing interest costs on this project. We will reassess this project on a periodic basis going forward.
	We have determined that the 650 North Glebe Road and 1225 First Street joint ventures are variable interest entities (“VIE's”) primarily based on the fact that the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit either entity to finance its activities without additional financial support. We expect that 70% of the total development costs will be financed through debt. We have also determined that WRIT is the primary beneficiary of each VIE due to the fact that WRIT is providing 90% to 95% of the equity contributions and will manage each property after stabilization.
	We include the joint venture land acquisitions on our consolidated balance sheets in properties under development or held for future development. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the land and capitalized development costs are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	650 North Glebe	$	24,185			$	15,646
	1225 First Street	21,409				19,807
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to the joint ventures are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	650 North Glebe	$	2,584			$	115
	1225 First Street	249				1,676
	On February 21, 2013, WRIT, through its consolidated joint venture to develop a mid-rise multifamily property at 650 North Glebe Road, entered into a construction loan agreement with Citizens Bank for $33.0 million. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.15%, which decreases to LIBOR plus 2.0% upon completion of construction and the joint venture not being in default. The loan matures on February 21, 2016, with two one year extension options exercisable by the joint venture, subject to fees and compliance with certain provisions in the loan agreement. As of September 30, 2013, the consolidated joint venture had $3.0 million outstanding on this construction loan agreement.
	Discontinued Operations
	We dispose of assets that no longer meet our long-term strategy or return objectives and where market conditions for sale are favorable. The proceeds from the sales may be reinvested into other properties, used to fund development operations or to support other corporate needs, or distributed to our shareholders. Properties are considered held for sale when they meet the criteria specified (see "Discontinued Operations" in note 2 of the consolidated financial statements included in WRIT's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012). Depreciation on these properties is discontinued at that time, but operating revenues, other operating expenses and interest continue to be recognized until the date of sale.
	In September 2013, we entered into four separate purchase and sale agreements to effectuate the sale of our entire medical office segment (including land held for development at 4661 Kenmore Avenue) and two office buildings (Woodholme Center and 6565 Arlington Boulevard) for an aggregate purchase price of $500.8 million. The sale will be structured as four transactions with projected closing dates in the fourth quarter 2013 and first quarter 2014.
	The results of our medical office segment are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Real estate revenues	$	10,889			$	11,282			$	32,928			$	33,580
	Net income	$	3,820			$	2,463			$	10,080			$	7,456
	Basic net income per share	$	0.06			$	0.04			$	0.15			$	0.11
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.06			$	0.04			$	0.15			$	0.11
	We classified as held for sale or sold the following properties in 2013 and 2012:
	Disposition Date		Property Name		Segment		Rentable Square Feet			Contract
										Purchase  Price
										(In thousands)
	March 19, 2013		Atrium Building		Office		79,000			$	15,750
	N/A		Medical Office Portfolio (1)		Medical Office / Office		1,520,000			500,750
					Total 2013		1,599,000			$	516,500
	August 31, 2012		1700 Research Boulevard		Office		101,000			$	14,250
	December 20, 2012		Plumtree Medical Center		Medical Office		33,000			8,750
					Total 2012		134,000			$	23,000
	(1) The Medical Office Portfolio consists of every property in our medical office segment (including land held for development at 4661 Kenmore Avenue) and two office buildings (6565 Arlington Boulevard and Woodholme Center).
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investment in real estate for properties sold or held for sale were as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Office	$	55,049			$	71,605
	Medical office	409,486				406,873
	Total	464,535				478,478
	Less accumulated depreciation	(118,378		)		(113,479		)
	Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net	$	346,157			$	364,999
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale were as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Mortgage notes	$	23,467			$	23,945
	Other liabilities	7,808				8,412
	Liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale	$	31,275			$	32,357
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Revenues	$	12,073			$	13,725			37,141				41,338
	Property expenses	(4,398		)		(4,793		)		(12,856		)		(13,992		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(3,215		)		(4,536		)		(12,161		)		(14,210		)
	Interest expense	(329		)		(1,163		)		(985		)		(3,494		)
		$	4,131			$	3,233			$	11,139			$	9,642
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale by property for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
					Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
					September 30,								September 30,
	Property		Segment		2013				2012				2013				2012
	1700 Research Boulevard		Office		$	—			$	106			—				225
	Atrium Building		Office		—				320				185				833
Plumtree Medical Center		Medical Office		—				88				—				117
Medical Office Portfolio		Medical Office / Office		4,131				2,719				10,954				8,467
				$	4,131			$	3,233			$	11,139			$	9,642

Mortgage_Notes_Payable

Mortgage Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Mortgage Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Mortgage Notes Payable	'
	NOTE 4: MORTGAGE NOTES PAYABLE
	On January 11, 2013, we repaid without penalty the remaining $30.0 million of principal on the mortgage note secured by West Gude Drive.

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Unsecured Debt [Abstract]	'
Unsecured Lines Of Credit Payable	'
	NOTE 5: UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT PAYABLE
	As of September 30, 2013, we maintained a $100.0 million unsecured line of credit maturing in June 2015 ("Credit Facility No. 1") and a $400.0 million unsecured line of credit maturing in July 2016 ("Credit Facility No. 2"). Credit Facilities No. 1 and No. 2 have accordion features that allow us to increase the facilities to $200.0 million and $600.0 million, respectively, subject to additional lender commitments. The amounts of these lines of credit unused and available at September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility			Credit Facility
		No. 1			No. 2
	Committed capacity	$	100,000		$	400,000
	Borrowings outstanding	(25,000		)	(60,000		)
	Unused and available	$	75,000		$	340,000
	We executed borrowings and repayments on the unsecured lines of credit during the 2013 Period as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility			Credit Facility
		No. 1			No. 2
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—
	Borrowings	50,000			60,000
	Repayments	(25,000		)	—
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	25,000		$	60,000
	We made borrowings during the 2013 Period to pay off the West Gude mortgage note, repay our 5.125% unsecured notes and for general corporate purposes. We made repayments during the 2013 Period using proceeds from the sale of The Atrium Building and cash from operations.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	NOTE 6: NOTES PAYABLE
	We repaid without penalty the remaining $60.0 million of our 5.125% unsecured notes on their due date of March 15, 2013, using borrowings on our unsecured line of credit.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	NOTE 7: STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
	WRIT maintains short-term ("STIP") and long-term ("LTIP") incentive plans that allow for stock-based awards to officers and non-officer employees. Stock based awards are provided to officers and non-officer employees, as well as trustees, under the Washington Real Estate Investment Trust 2007 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan which allows for awards in the form of restricted shares, restricted share units, options and other awards up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares over the ten year period in which the plan will be in effect. Restricted share units are converted into shares of our stock upon full vesting through the issuance of new shares.
	Total Compensation Expense
	Total compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements for all outstanding share based awards was $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the 2013 and 2012 Quarters, respectively, and $3.6 million and $4.0 million for the 2013 and 2012 Periods, respectively.
	Restricted Share Awards
	During the 2013 Period, 103,312 restricted share grants were awarded at a weighted average grant date fair value of $26.97.
	The total fair values of restricted share grants vested was $0.7 million and $0.3 million for the 2013 and 2012 Periods, respectively.
	The total unvested restricted share awards at September 30, 2013 was 224,484 shares, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $27.24 per share.
	As of September 30, 2013, the total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted share awards was $2.1 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 15 months.
	During the first quarter of 2013, Mr. George F. “Skip” McKenzie, our prior president and Chief Executive Officer, announced his intention to retire from WRIT at the end of 2013. As such, we have entered into a separation and general release agreement with the executive dated July 23, 2013, the terms of which were previously disclosed on a Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 28, 2013. On September 30, 2013, Mr. McKenzie resigned from WRIT's Board of Trustees and from his positions as WRIT's President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McKenzie will remain an employee of WRIT through December 31, 2013. The separation and release agreement includes a modification to certain of his stock awards. In addition, the agreement provides for the payment of consulting fees during 2014 and 2015 totaling $0.5 million, which will be expensed during the fourth quarter of 2013.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	NOTE 8: FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
	For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements are required to be disclosed separately for each major category of assets and liabilities, as follows:
	Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
	Level 2: Significant other observable inputs
	Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs
	The only assets or liabilities we had at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are the assets held in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Program (“SERP”). We base the valuations related to this asset on assumptions derived from significant other observable inputs and accordingly these valuations fall into Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of these assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Value								Value
	Assets:
	SERP	$	3,004	$	—	$	3,004	$	—	$	2,421	$	—	$	2,421	$	—
	Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
	The following disclosures of estimated fair value were determined by management using available market information and established valuation methodologies, including discounted cash flow. Many of these estimates involve significant judgment. The estimated fair value disclosed may not necessarily be indicative of the amounts we could realize on disposition of the financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions or estimation methodologies could have an effect on the estimated fair value amounts. In addition, fair value estimates are made at a point in time and thus, estimates of fair value subsequent to September 30, 2013 may differ significantly from the amounts presented.
	Following is a summary of significant methodologies used in estimating fair values and a schedule of fair values at September 30, 2013.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash include cash and commercial paper with original maturities of less than 90 days, which are valued at the carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments (Level 1 inputs).
	Notes Receivable
	We acquired a note receivable ("2445 M Street note") in 2008 with the purchase of 2445 M Street. We estimate the fair value of the 2445 M Street note based on a discounted cash flow methodology using market discount rates (Level 3 inputs).
	Debt
	Mortgage notes payable consist of instruments in which certain of our real estate assets are used for collateral. We estimate the fair value of the mortgage notes payable by discounting the contractual cash flows at a rate equal to the relevant treasury rates (with respect to the timing of each cash flow) plus credit spreads estimated through independent comparisons to real estate assets or loans with similar characteristics. Lines of credit payable consist of bank facilities which we use for various purposes including working capital, acquisition funding or capital improvements. The lines of credit advances are priced at a specified rate plus a spread. We estimate the market value based on a comparison of the spreads of the advances to market given the adjustable base rate. We estimate the fair value of the notes payable by discounting the contractual cash flows at a rate equal to the relevant treasury rates (with respect to the timing of each cash flow) plus credit spreads derived using the relevant securities’ market prices. We classify these fair value measurements as Level 3 as we use significant unobservable inputs and management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	7,923	$	7,923	$	19,324	$	19,324
	Restricted cash (1)	7,674		7,674		14,582		14,582
	2445 M Street note	6,166		6,990		6,617		6,654
	Mortgage notes payable (1)	314,305		337,266		342,970		374,591
	Lines of credit	85,000		85,000		—		—
	Notes payable	846,576		873,702		906,190		968,040
	(1) Includes amounts that have been reclassified to "Other assets related to properties sold or held for sale" or "Other liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale" on the consolidated balance sheets (see note 3).

Earnings_per_Common_Share

Earnings per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Common Share	'
	NOTE 9: EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	We determine “Basic earnings per share” using the two-class method as our unvested restricted share awards have non-forfeitable rights to dividends, and are therefore considered participating securities. We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income attributable to the controlling interest less the allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
	We also determine “Diluted earnings per share” under the two-class method with respect to the unvested restricted share awards. We further evaluate any other potentially dilutive securities at the end of the period and adjust the basic earnings per share calculation for the impact of those securities that are dilutive. Our diluted earnings per share calculation includes the dilutive impact of employee stock options based on the treasury stock method and our incentive share awards with performance or market conditions under the contingently issuable method. The diluted earnings per share calculation also considers our operating partnership units under the if-converted method.
	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
								September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1,709		$	2,604		$	4,104		$	7,384
	Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards	(32		)	(34		)	(83		)	(173		)
	Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	1,677			2,570			4,021			7,211
	Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate, net of taxes	4,131			6,957			14,334			13,366
	Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards	(77		)	(91		)	(288		)	(312		)
	Adjusted income from discontinuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	4,054			6,866			14,046			13,054
	Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests	$	5,731		$	9,436		$	18,067		$	20,265
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	66,410			66,246			66,403			66,227
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Operating partnership units	117			117			117			117
	Employee stock options and restricted share awards	34			16			25			19
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	66,561			66,379			66,545			66,363
	Earnings per common share, basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.03		$	0.04		$	0.06		$	0.11
	Discontinued operations	0.06			0.1			0.21			0.2
		$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27		$	0.31
	Earnings per common share, diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.03		$	0.04		$	0.06		$	0.11
	Discontinued operations	0.06			0.1			0.21			0.2
		$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27		$	0.31

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	NOTE 10: SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We have four reportable segments: office, retail, multifamily and medical office. Office buildings provide office space for various types of businesses and professions. Retail shopping centers are typically grocery store anchored neighborhood centers that include other small shop tenants or regional power centers with several junior box tenants. Multifamily properties provide rental housing for individuals and families throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Medical office buildings provide offices and facilities for a variety of medical services. We have entered into purchase and sale agreements to effectuate the sale of our medical office segment, and have classified this segment as discontinued operations (see note 3).
	We evaluate performance based upon operating income from the combined properties in each segment. Our reportable operating segments are consolidations of similar properties. GAAP requires that segment disclosures present the measure(s) used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of assessing segments’ performance. Net operating income is a key measurement of our segment profit and loss. Net operating income is defined as segment real estate rental revenue less segment real estate expenses.
	The following tables present revenues, net operating income, capital expenditures and total assets for the 2013 and 2012 Quarters and Periods from these segments, and reconciles net operating income of reportable segments to net income attributable to the controlling interests as reported (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Office		Medical Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	38,221	$	—	$	13,990	$	13,617	$	—	$	65,828
	Real estate expenses	14,517		—		3,207		5,519		—		23,243
	Net operating income	$	23,704	$	—	$	10,783	$	8,098	$	—	$	42,585
	Depreciation and amortization											(21,168		)
	General and administrative											(3,850		)
	Acquisition costs											(148		)
	Interest expense											(15,930		)
	Other income											220
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											4,131
	Net income											5,840
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	5,840
	Capital expenditures	$	9,535	$	505	$	198	$	4,041	$	16	$	14,295
	Total assets	$	1,116,087	$	319,928	$	348,490	$	258,027	$	45,823	$	2,088,355
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Office		Medical		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate		Consolidated
				Office						and Other
	Real estate rental revenue	$	37,477	$	—	$	13,604	$	13,390	$	—	$	64,471
	Real estate expenses	14,114		—		3,015		5,398		—		22,527
	Net operating income	$	23,363	$	—	$	10,589	$	7,992	$	—	$	41,944
	Depreciation and amortization											(21,682		)
	Acquisition costs											164
	General and administrative											(3,173		)
	Interest expense											(14,886		)
	Other income											237
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											3,233
	Gain on sale of real estate											3,724
	Net income											9,561
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	9,561
	Capital expenditures	$	10,058	$	2,399	$	832	$	1,496	$	95	$	14,880
	Total assets	$	1,144,975	$	343,876	$	361,383	$	247,508	$	101,053	$	2,198,795
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Office		Medical Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	113,849	$	—	$	42,105	$	40,349	$	—	$	196,303
	Real estate expenses	42,697		—		10,355		16,415		—		69,467
	Net operating income	$	71,152	$	—	$	31,750	$	23,934	$	—	$	126,836
	Depreciation and amortization											(63,328		)
	General and administrative											(11,717		)
	Acquisition costs											(448		)
	Interest expense											(47,944		)
	Other income											705
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											11,139
	Gain on sale of real estate											3,195
	Net income											18,438
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	18,438
	Capital expenditures	$	26,773	$	3,035	$	2,732	$	6,808	$	125	$	39,473
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Office		Medical Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	109,632	$	—	$	41,019	$	39,483	$	—	$	190,134
	Real estate expenses	39,905		—		9,488		15,427		—		64,820
	Net operating income	$	69,727	$	—	$	31,531	$	24,056	$	—	$	125,314
	Depreciation and amortization											(63,593		)
General and administrative											(10,943		)
Acquisition costs											(144		)
Interest expense											(43,983		)
Other income											733
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											9,642
Gain on sale of real estate											3,724
Net income											20,750
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	20,750
Capital expenditures	$	25,076	$	5,020	$	2,246	$	3,968	$	510	$	36,820

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	NOTE 11: SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On October 1, 2013, we closed on the purchase of The Paramount, a 135-unit residential building in Arlington, Virginia, for $48.2 million. We funded the acquisition through borrowings of $50.0 million on our unsecured line of credit.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Significant Accounting Policies
	We have prepared our consolidated financial statements using the accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of WRIT, our majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which WRIT has a controlling interest, including where WRIT has been determined to be a primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). See note 3 for additional information on the properties for which there is a noncontrolling interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	We have prepared the accompanying unaudited financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In addition, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Within these notes to the financial statements, we refer to the three months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 as the “2013 Quarter” and the “2012 Quarter,” respectively, and the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 as the “2013 Period” and the “2012 Period,” respectively.
Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements	'
	Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation due to the reclassification of certain properties as discontinued operations (see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).

Real_Estate_Tables

Real Estate (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Land and Capitalized Development Costs	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the land and capitalized development costs are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	650 North Glebe	$	24,185			$	15,646
	1225 First Street	21,409				19,807
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities of Joint Ventures	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to the joint ventures are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	650 North Glebe	$	2,584			$	115
	1225 First Street	249				1,676
Schedule of Income Statement Results for Medical Office Segment	'
	The results of our medical office segment are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Real estate revenues	$	10,889			$	11,282			$	32,928			$	33,580
	Net income	$	3,820			$	2,463			$	10,080			$	7,456
	Basic net income per share	$	0.06			$	0.04			$	0.15			$	0.11
	Diluted net income per share	$	0.06			$	0.04			$	0.15			$	0.11
Schedule of Dispositions	'
	We classified as held for sale or sold the following properties in 2013 and 2012:
	Disposition Date		Property Name		Segment		Rentable Square Feet			Contract
										Purchase  Price
										(In thousands)
	March 19, 2013		Atrium Building		Office		79,000			$	15,750
	N/A		Medical Office Portfolio (1)		Medical Office / Office		1,520,000			500,750
					Total 2013		1,599,000			$	516,500
	August 31, 2012		1700 Research Boulevard		Office		101,000			$	14,250
	December 20, 2012		Plumtree Medical Center		Medical Office		33,000			8,750
					Total 2012		134,000			$	23,000
Schedule of Investment in Real Estate for Properties Sold or Held For Sale and Related Liabilities	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investment in real estate for properties sold or held for sale were as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Office	$	55,049			$	71,605
	Medical office	409,486				406,873
	Total	464,535				478,478
	Less accumulated depreciation	(118,378		)		(113,479		)
	Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net	$	346,157			$	364,999
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale were as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Mortgage notes	$	23,467			$	23,945
	Other liabilities	7,808				8,412
	Liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale	$	31,275			$	32,357
Operating Income (Loss) for Discontinued Operations	'
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Revenues	$	12,073			$	13,725			37,141				41,338
	Property expenses	(4,398		)		(4,793		)		(12,856		)		(13,992		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(3,215		)		(4,536		)		(12,161		)		(14,210		)
	Interest expense	(329		)		(1,163		)		(985		)		(3,494		)
		$	4,131			$	3,233			$	11,139			$	9,642
Operating Income (Loss) By Property Classified As Discontinued Operations	'
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale by property for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
					Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
					September 30,								September 30,
	Property		Segment		2013				2012				2013				2012
	1700 Research Boulevard		Office		$	—			$	106			—				225
	Atrium Building		Office		—				320				185				833
	Plumtree Medical Center		Medical Office		—				88				—				117
	Medical Office Portfolio		Medical Office / Office		4,131				2,719				10,954				8,467
					$	4,131			$	3,233			$	11,139			$	9,642

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya1

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Unsecured Debt [Abstract]	'
Lines of Credit Unused and Available	'
	The amounts of these lines of credit unused and available at September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility			Credit Facility
		No. 1			No. 2
	Committed capacity	$	100,000		$	400,000
	Borrowings outstanding	(25,000		)	(60,000		)
	Unused and available	$	75,000		$	340,000
Repayments and Borrowings on Unsecured Lines of Credit	'
	We executed borrowings and repayments on the unsecured lines of credit during the 2013 Period as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility			Credit Facility
		No. 1			No. 2
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—
	Borrowings	50,000			60,000
	Repayments	(25,000		)	—
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	25,000		$	60,000

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	'
	The fair values of these assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Value								Value
	Assets:
	SERP	$	3,004	$	—	$	3,004	$	—	$	2,421	$	—	$	2,421	$	—
Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents (1)	$	7,923	$	7,923	$	19,324	$	19,324
	Restricted cash (1)	7,674		7,674		14,582		14,582
	2445 M Street note	6,166		6,990		6,617		6,654
	Mortgage notes payable (1)	314,305		337,266		342,970		374,591
	Lines of credit	85,000		85,000		—		—
	Notes payable	846,576		873,702		906,190		968,040

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	'
	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
								September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	1,709		$	2,604		$	4,104		$	7,384
	Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards	(32		)	(34		)	(83		)	(173		)
	Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	1,677			2,570			4,021			7,211
	Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate, net of taxes	4,131			6,957			14,334			13,366
	Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards	(77		)	(91		)	(288		)	(312		)
	Adjusted income from discontinuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	4,054			6,866			14,046			13,054
	Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests	$	5,731		$	9,436		$	18,067		$	20,265
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	66,410			66,246			66,403			66,227
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Operating partnership units	117			117			117			117
	Employee stock options and restricted share awards	34			16			25			19
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	66,561			66,379			66,545			66,363
	Earnings per common share, basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.03		$	0.04		$	0.06		$	0.11
	Discontinued operations	0.06			0.1			0.21			0.2
		$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27		$	0.31
	Earnings per common share, diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.03		$	0.04		$	0.06		$	0.11
	Discontinued operations	0.06			0.1			0.21			0.2
		$	0.09		$	0.14		$	0.27		$	0.31

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Net Operating Income of Reportable Segments	'
	The following tables present revenues, net operating income, capital expenditures and total assets for the 2013 and 2012 Quarters and Periods from these segments, and reconciles net operating income of reportable segments to net income attributable to the controlling interests as reported (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Office		Medical Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	38,221	$	—	$	13,990	$	13,617	$	—	$	65,828
	Real estate expenses	14,517		—		3,207		5,519		—		23,243
	Net operating income	$	23,704	$	—	$	10,783	$	8,098	$	—	$	42,585
	Depreciation and amortization											(21,168		)
	General and administrative											(3,850		)
	Acquisition costs											(148		)
	Interest expense											(15,930		)
	Other income											220
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											4,131
	Net income											5,840
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	5,840
	Capital expenditures	$	9,535	$	505	$	198	$	4,041	$	16	$	14,295
	Total assets	$	1,116,087	$	319,928	$	348,490	$	258,027	$	45,823	$	2,088,355
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Office		Medical		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate		Consolidated
				Office						and Other
	Real estate rental revenue	$	37,477	$	—	$	13,604	$	13,390	$	—	$	64,471
	Real estate expenses	14,114		—		3,015		5,398		—		22,527
	Net operating income	$	23,363	$	—	$	10,589	$	7,992	$	—	$	41,944
	Depreciation and amortization											(21,682		)
	Acquisition costs											164
	General and administrative											(3,173		)
	Interest expense											(14,886		)
	Other income											237
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											3,233
	Gain on sale of real estate											3,724
	Net income											9,561
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	9,561
	Capital expenditures	$	10,058	$	2,399	$	832	$	1,496	$	95	$	14,880
	Total assets	$	1,144,975	$	343,876	$	361,383	$	247,508	$	101,053	$	2,198,795
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Office		Medical Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	113,849	$	—	$	42,105	$	40,349	$	—	$	196,303
	Real estate expenses	42,697		—		10,355		16,415		—		69,467
	Net operating income	$	71,152	$	—	$	31,750	$	23,934	$	—	$	126,836
	Depreciation and amortization											(63,328		)
	General and administrative											(11,717		)
	Acquisition costs											(448		)
	Interest expense											(47,944		)
	Other income											705
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											11,139
	Gain on sale of real estate											3,195
	Net income											18,438
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	18,438
	Capital expenditures	$	26,773	$	3,035	$	2,732	$	6,808	$	125	$	39,473
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Office		Medical Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	109,632	$	—	$	41,019	$	39,483	$	—	$	190,134
	Real estate expenses	39,905		—		9,488		15,427		—		64,820
	Net operating income	$	69,727	$	—	$	31,531	$	24,056	$	—	$	125,314
	Depreciation and amortization											(63,593		)
	General and administrative											(10,943		)
	Acquisition costs											(144		)
	Interest expense											(43,983		)
Other income											733
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale											9,642
Gain on sale of real estate											3,724
Net income											20,750
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries											—
Net income attributable to the controlling interests											$	20,750
Capital expenditures	$	25,076	$	5,020	$	2,246	$	3,968	$	510	$	36,820

Nature_of_Business_Details

Nature of Business (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Percentage of distribution of ordinary taxable income	90.00%

Real_Estate_Variable_Interest_

Real Estate - Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		650 North Glebe Road [Member]	650 North Glebe Road [Member]	650 North Glebe Road [Member]	650 North Glebe Road [Member]	1225 First Street [Member]	1225 First Street [Member]	1225 First Street [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated development costs	'	$49,900,000	'	'	'	$95,300,000	'	'
Percentage of capital contribution through debt	70.00%	'	70.00%	'	'	'	70.00%	'
Variable interest entity, qualitative or quantitative information, ownership percentage	'	'	'	90.00%	'	'	95.00%	'
Percentage of residential property to be leased to achieve project stabilization stage	'	'	'	90.00%	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	5.00%	'
Land and capitalized development costs related to joint ventures	'	'	'	24,185,000	15,646,000	'	21,409,000	19,807,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to joint ventures	'	'	'	$2,584,000	$115,000	'	$249,000	$1,676,000

Real_Estate_Discontinued_Opera

Real Estate - Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

sqft

sqft

sqft

Medical Office Porfolio [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office Building [Member]

Office [Member]

Office [Member]

Office [Member]

Medical Office / Office

Medical Office / Office

Medical Office / Office

Medical Office / Office

Medical Office

Medical Office

Medical Office

Medical Office

Medical Office

agreements

1700 Research Boulevard [Member]

1700 Research Boulevard [Member]

1700 Research Boulevard [Member]

1700 Research Boulevard [Member]

Atrium Building [Member]

Atrium Building [Member]

Atrium Building [Member]

Atrium Building [Member]

1700 Research Boulevard [Member]

Atrium Building [Member]

Medical Office Porfolio [Member]

Medical Office Porfolio [Member]

Medical Office Porfolio [Member]

Medical Office Porfolio [Member]

Medical Office Porfolio [Member]

Plumtree Medical Center [Member]

Plumtree Medical Center [Member]

Plumtree Medical Center [Member]

Plumtree Medical Center [Member]

Plumtree Medical Center [Member]

sqft

sqft

buildings

sqft

sqft

sqft

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Purchase and Sale Agreements

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of Buildings Sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rentable square feet

1,599,000

'

1,599,000

'

134,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101,000

79,000

'

1,520,000

[1]

'

1,520,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

33,000

Contract sale price

$516,500

'

$516,500

'

$23,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,250

$15,750

'

$500,750

[1]

'

$500,750

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

$8,750

Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

12,073

13,725

37,141

41,338

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property expenses

-4,398

-4,793

-12,856

-13,992

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

-3,215

-4,536

-12,161

-14,210

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

-329

-1,163

-985

-3,494

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale

$4,131

$3,233

$11,139

$9,642

'

'

$0

$106

$0

$225

$0

$320

$185

$833

'

'

'

$4,131

$2,719

$10,954

$8,467

$0

$88

$0

$117

'

[1]

The Medical Office Portfolio consists of every property in our medical office segment (including land held for development at 4661 Kenmore Avenue) and two office buildings (6565 Arlington Boulevard and Woodholme Center).

Real_Estate_Assets_and_liabili

Real Estate - Assets and liabilities of real estate held for sale (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net	$464,535	$478,478
Less accumulated depreciation	-118,378	-113,479
Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net	346,157	364,999
Mortgage notes	23,467	23,945
Other liabilities	7,808	8,412
Liabilities related to properties sold or held for sale	31,275	32,357
Office [Member]	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net	55,049	71,605
Medical Office [Member]	'	'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Investment in real estate sold or held for sale, net	$409,486	$406,873

Real_Estate_Income_statement_r

Real Estate - Income statement results of assets held for sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Impact of potential sale on operating results	'	'	'	'
Real estate revenues	$65,828	$64,471	$196,303	$190,134
Net income	5,840	9,561	18,438	20,750
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.14	$0.27	$0.31
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.14	$0.27	$0.31
Medical Office [Member]	'	'	'	'
Impact of potential sale on operating results	'	'	'	'
Real estate revenues	10,889	11,282	32,928	33,580
Net income	$3,820	$2,463	$10,080	$7,456
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.04	$0.15	$0.11
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.04	$0.15	$0.11

Real_Estate_Secured_Debt_Detai

Real Estate - Secured Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 21, 2013	Feb. 21, 2013	Feb. 21, 2013
			650 N Glebe [Member]	650 N Glebe [Member]	650 N Glebe [Member]	650 N Glebe [Member]
			extension_option		Secured Debt [Member]	Secured Debt [Member]
					LIBOR [Member]	LIBOR [Member]
					Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Construction loan agreement	'	'	'	$33,000,000	'	'
Basis spread on variable interest rate	'	'	'	'	2.15%	2.00%
Mortgage notes payable	$290,838,000	$319,025,000	$3,000,000	'	'	'
Number of extension options	'	'	2	'	'	'
Length of extension period	'	'	'1 year	'	'	'

Mortgage_Notes_Payable_Details

Mortgage Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 11, 2013
			West Gude Drive [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Repayment of mortgage notes payable	$32,461	$25,527	$30,000

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya2

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 15, 2013
	Credit Facility No. 1 [Member]	Credit Facility No. 1 [Member]	Credit Facility No. 2 [Member]	Credit Facility No. 2 [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	5.125% unsecured notes [Member]
					Credit Facility No. 1 [Member]	Credit Facility No. 2 [Member]	Unsecured Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expiration date	30-Jun-15	'	31-Jul-16	'	'	'	'
Committed capacity	$100,000	'	$400,000	'	$200,000	$600,000	'
Borrowings outstanding	-25,000	0	-60,000	0	'	'	'
Unused and available	75,000	'	340,000	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	0	'	0	'	'	'
Borrowings	50,000	'	60,000	'	'	'	'
Repayments	-25,000	'	0	'	'	'	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	$25,000	$0	$60,000	$0	'	'	'
Interest rate, stated percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	5.13%

Notes_Payable_Details

Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 15, 2013
			Unsecured Debt [Member]
			5.125% unsecured notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Repayments of Unsecured Debt	$60,000	$50,000	$60,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	'	'	5.13%

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	$1.20	$1.30	$3.60	$4
CEO consulting fees	0.5	'	'	'	'
Restricted Share Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	'	103,312	'
Share grants awarded at weighted average grant date fair	'	'	'	$26.97	'
Fair value of share grants vested	'	'	'	0.7	0.3
Total unvested restricted share awards (in shares)	'	224,484	'	224,484	'
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	$27.24	'	$27.24	'
Total compensation costs, non-vested restricted share awards	'	$2.10	'	$2.10	'
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition (in months)	'	'	'	'15 months	'
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust 2007 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Stock based plan, aggregate number of shares authorized (in shares)	'	2,000,000	'	2,000,000	'
Stock based plan, period in effect (in years)	'	'	'	'10 years	'

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Financi

Fair Value Disclosures - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Assets: SERP	$3,004	$2,421
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Assets: SERP	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Assets: SERP	3,004	2,421
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Assets: SERP	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Financi1

Fair Value Disclosures - Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Carrying Value	Carrying Value	Carrying Value	Carrying Value	Fair Value	Fair Value	Fair Value	Fair Value
				2445 M Street Note Receivable [Member]	2445 M Street Note Receivable [Member]			2445 M Street Note Receivable [Member]	2445 M Street Note Receivable [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Commercial paper, maturity	'90	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	'	$7,923	$19,324	'	'	$7,923	$19,324	'	'
Restricted Cash, Fair Value	'	7,674	14,582	'	'	7,674	14,582	'	'
2445 M Street note receivable, Fair Value	'	'	'	6,166	6,617	'	'	6,990	6,654
Mortgage notes payable, Fair Value	'	314,305	342,970	'	'	337,266	374,591	'	'
Lines of credit payable, Fair Value	'	85,000	0	'	'	85,000	0	'	'
Notes payable, Fair Value	'	$846,576	$906,190	'	'	$873,702	$968,040	'	'

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$1,709	$2,604	$4,104	$7,384
Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards	-32	-34	-83	-173
Adjusted income from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	1,677	2,570	4,021	7,211
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate, net of taxes	4,131	6,957	14,334	13,366
Allocation of undistributed earnings to unvested restricted share awards	-77	-91	-288	-312
Adjusted income from discontinuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	4,054	6,866	14,046	13,054
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests	$5,731	$9,436	$18,067	$20,265
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	66,410	66,246	66,403	66,227
Effect of dilutive securities: Operating partnership units	117	117	117	117
Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options and restricted share awards	34	16	25	19
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	66,561	66,379	66,545	66,363
Earnings per common share, basic, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04	$0.06	$0.11
Earnings per common share, basic, Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.10	$0.21	$0.20
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.14	$0.27	$0.31
Earnings per common share, diluted, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.04	$0.06	$0.11
Earnings per common share, diluted, Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0.06	$0.10	$0.21	$0.20
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.14	$0.27	$0.31

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
			segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	4	'	'
Real estate rental revenue	$65,828	$64,471	$196,303	$190,134	'
Real estate expenses	23,243	22,527	69,467	64,820	'
Net operating income	42,585	41,944	126,836	125,314	'
Depreciation and amortization	-21,168	-21,682	-63,328	-63,593	'
General and administrative	-3,850	-3,173	-11,717	-10,943	'
Acquisition costs	-148	164	-448	-144	'
Interest expense	-15,930	-14,886	-47,944	-43,983	'
Other income	220	237	705	733	'
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale	4,131	3,233	11,139	9,642	'
Gain on sale of real estate	0	3,724	3,195	3,724	'
Net income	5,840	9,561	18,438	20,750	'
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	0	0	0	0	'
Net income attributable to the controlling interests	5,840	9,561	18,438	20,750	'
Capital expenditures	14,295	14,880	39,473	36,820	'
Total assets	2,088,355	2,198,795	2,088,355	2,198,795	2,124,376
Office [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate rental revenue	38,221	37,477	113,849	109,632	'
Real estate expenses	14,517	14,114	42,697	39,905	'
Net operating income	23,704	23,363	71,152	69,727	'
Capital expenditures	9,535	10,058	26,773	25,076	'
Total assets	1,116,087	1,144,975	1,116,087	1,144,975	'
Medical Office [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate rental revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Real estate expenses	0	0	0	0	'
Net operating income	0	0	0	0	'
Capital expenditures	505	2,399	3,035	5,020	'
Total assets	319,928	343,876	319,928	343,876	'
Retail [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate rental revenue	13,990	13,604	42,105	41,019	'
Real estate expenses	3,207	3,015	10,355	9,488	'
Net operating income	10,783	10,589	31,750	31,531	'
Capital expenditures	198	832	2,732	2,246	'
Total assets	348,490	361,383	348,490	361,383	'
Multifamily [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate rental revenue	13,617	13,390	40,349	39,483	'
Real estate expenses	5,519	5,398	16,415	15,427	'
Net operating income	8,098	7,992	23,934	24,056	'
Capital expenditures	4,041	1,496	6,808	3,968	'
Total assets	258,027	247,508	258,027	247,508	'
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Real estate rental revenue	0	0	0	0	'
Real estate expenses	0	0	0	0	'
Net operating income	0	0	0	0	'
Capital expenditures	16	95	125	510	'
Total assets	$45,823	$101,053	$45,823	$101,053	'

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (The Paramount, Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 02, 2013
	units
The Paramount | Subsequent Event	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Number of residential units	135
Purchase price	$48.20
Borrowings incurred on acquisition	$50