Elme Communities (ELME) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
Entity Central Index Key	104894
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		68,142,406

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Land	$543,247	$543,546
Income producing property	1,932,908	1,927,407
Real estate investment property, at cost	2,476,155	2,470,953
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-649,279	-640,434
Net income producing property	1,826,876	1,830,519
Properties under development or held for future development	65,656	76,235
Total real estate held for investment, net	1,892,532	1,906,754
Cash and cash equivalents	40,025	15,827
Restricted cash	13,095	10,299
Rents and other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,912 and $3,392, respectively	60,215	59,745
Prepaid expenses and other assets	117,367	121,082
Total assets	2,123,234	2,113,707
Liabilities
Notes payable	747,335	747,208
Mortgage notes payable	419,250	418,525
Lines of credit	30,000	50,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	65,447	54,318
Advance rents	14,471	12,528
Tenant security deposits	8,892	8,899
Total liabilities	1,285,395	1,291,478
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: 68,126 and 67,819 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	681	678
Additional paid in capital	1,191,123	1,184,395
Distributions in excess of net income	-356,531	-365,518
Total shareholders’ equity	835,273	819,555
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	2,566	2,674
Total equity	837,839	822,229
Total liabilities and equity	$2,123,234	$2,113,707

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Rents and other receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,912	$3,392
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)	68,126	67,819
Shares of beneficial interest, shares outstanding (in shares)	68,126	67,819

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue
Real estate rental revenue	$74,856	$68,611
Expenses
Real estate expenses	29,208	26,342
Depreciation and amortization	25,275	22,753
Acquisition costs	16	3,045
General and administrative	6,080	4,429
Operating Expenses	60,579	56,569
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	30,277	0
Real estate operating income	44,554	12,042
Other income (expense)
Interest expense	-15,348	-14,530
Other income	192	223
Total other income (expense)	-15,156	-14,307
Income (loss) from continuing operations	29,398	-2,265
Discontinued operations:
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale	0	546
Gain on sale of real estate	0	106,273
Net income	29,398	104,554
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-108	0
Net income attributable to the controlling interests	$29,506	$104,554
Basic net income per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	($0.04)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$1.60
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$1.56
Diluted net income per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	($0.04)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$1.60
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$1.56
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	68,141	66,701
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	68,191	66,701
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.30

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, 2014	$822,229	$678	$1,184,395	($365,518)	$819,555	$2,674
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		67,819
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to the controlling interests	29,506			29,506	29,506
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-108					-108
Dividends	-20,519			-20,519	-20,519
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		184
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	5,091	2	5,089
Share grants, net of share grant amortization and forfeitures	1,640	1	1,639		1,640
Share grants, net of share grant amortization and forfeitures (in shares)		123
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$837,839	$681	$1,191,123	($356,531)	$835,273	$2,566
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015		68,126

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net income	$29,398	$104,554
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations	25,275	22,753
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	441	568
Gain on sale of real estate	-30,277	-106,273
Amortization of share grants, net	1,852	1,058
Amortization of debt premiums, discounts and related financing costs	872	937
Changes in operating other assets	932	3,152
Changes in operating other liabilities	9,075	2,040
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,704	22,485
Cash flows from investing activities
Real estate acquisitions, net	0	-48,051
Net cash received for sale of real estate	37,013	189,386
Escrow Deposits Related to Property Sales	0	-96,610
Capital improvements to real estate	-4,781	-10,369
Development in progress	-6,390	-4,203
Real estate deposits, net	0	-2,500
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash	-996	0
Non-real estate capital improvements	-1,376	-17
Net cash provided by investing activities	23,470	27,636
Cash flows from financing activities
Line of credit repayments	-20,000	0
Dividends paid	-20,519	-20,091
Payment of financing costs	-238	-660
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	5,091	0
Principal payments – mortgage notes payable	-1,155	-830
Borrowings under construction loan	1,845	3,197
Notes payable repayments	0	-100,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-34,976	-118,384
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	24,198	-68,263
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	15,827	130,343
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	40,025	62,080
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	7,531	8,970
Decrease in accrued capital improvements and development costs	4,104	2,616
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed	$0	$100,861

Nature_of_Business

Nature of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Nature Of Business [Abstract]
Nature of Business	NOTE 1: NATURE OF BUSINESS
	Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (“Washington REIT”), a Maryland real estate investment trust, is a self-administered 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, multifamily buildings and retail centers.
	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 among other things required to distribute 90% of our REIT taxable income (which is, generally, our ordinary taxable income, with certain modifications), excluding any net taxable gains and any deductions for dividends to our shareholders on an annual basis. When selling a property, we generally have the option of (a) reinvesting the sales proceeds of the property sold, in a way that allows us to defer recognition of some or all capital gain realized on the sale, (b) distributing gains to the shareholders with no tax to us or (c) treating net long-term 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 taxable income and taxes on the income generated by our taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS's”). Our TRS's are subject to corporate federal and state income tax on their taxable income at regular statutory rates, or as calculated under the alternative minimum tax, as appropriate. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, our TRS's had no net deferred tax assets and a net deferred tax liability of $0.6 million. This deferred tax liability is primarily related to temporary differences in the timing of the recognition of revenue, amortization and depreciation.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the new standard. The new standard is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods therein. We do not expect this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which creates a single source of revenue guidance. The new standard provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to their customers (unless the contracts are in the scope of other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requirements, such as the leasing literature). The guidance also provides a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets, such as property and equipment, including real estate. The new standard is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods therein. Early adoption is not permitted for public entities. We are currently evaluating the impact the new standard may have on Washington REIT.
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Washington REIT, our majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which Washington REIT has a controlling interest, including where Washington REIT 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 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, 2014.
	Within these notes to the financial statements, we refer to the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 as the “2015 Quarter” and the “2014 Quarter,” 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.

Real_Estate

Real Estate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate	NOTE 3: REAL ESTATE
	Redevelopment
	In the office segment, we have a redevelopment project to renovate Silverline Center. Our investment in the renovation at Silverline Center is included in properties under development on our consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had invested $35.1 million and $27.9 million, respectively, in the renovation. We substantially completed major construction activities on this project in April 2015.
	Variable Interest Entities
	In June 2011, we executed a joint venture operating agreement with a real estate development company to develop The Maxwell, a mid-rise multifamily property at 650 North Glebe Road in Arlington, Virginia. Major construction activities at The Maxwell ended during December 2014, and the building became available for occupancy by the end of the 2015 Quarter. Washington REIT is the 90% owner of the joint venture. The real estate development company owns 10% of the joint venture and was responsible for the development and construction of the property.
	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 in Alexandria, Virginia. We estimate the total cost of the project to be $95.3 million
	. Washington REIT is the 95% owner of the joint venture and will have management and leasing responsibilities if the project is completed and stabilized. The real estate development company owns 5% of the joint venture and will be responsible for the development and construction of the property, if the property is developed. In the first quarter of 2013, we decided to delay commencement of construction due to market conditions and concerns of oversupply. We continue to reassess this project on a periodic basis going forward.
	We have determined that The Maxwell 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. As of March 31, 2015, $29.5 million was outstanding on The Maxwell's construction loan, and we expect that 70% of the total development costs for 1225 First Street would be financed through debt. We have also determined that Washington REIT is the primary beneficiary of each VIE due to the fact that Washington REIT is providing 90% to 95% of the equity contributions and will oversee management of each property no later than stabilization.
	We include the joint venture land acquisition for 1225 First Street on our consolidated balance sheets in properties under development or held for future development. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the land and capitalized development costs for 1225 First Street were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Properties under development or held for future development	$	20,807			$	20,807
	Cash and cash equivalents	390				395
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the liabilities for 1225 First Street were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	$	81			$	38
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, The Maxwell's assets were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Land	$	12,851			$	12,851
	Income producing property	37,647				18,432
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(543		)		—
	Properties under development or held for future development	—				17,947
	Other assets	393				$	—
		$	50,348			$	49,230
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, The Maxwell's liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Mortgage notes payable	$	29,535			$	27,690
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	2,006				2,196
	Tenant security deposits	35				17
		$	31,576			$	29,903
	Sold Properties and 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.
	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 was structured as four transactions. Transactions I and II closed in November 2013 and Transactions III and IV closed in January 2014.
	The results of the assets in our former medical office segment sold in January 2014 are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Real estate rental revenue	$	—			$	892
	Net income	—				546
	Basic net income per share	—				0.01
	Diluted net income per share	—				0.01
	We sold the following properties in 2015 and 2014:
	Property Name		Segment		Rentable Square Feet		Contract		Gain on Sale
							Purchase  Price		(in thousands)
							(in thousands)
	Country Club Towers (227 units) (1)		Multifamily		N/A		$	37,800	$	30,277
			Total 2015				$	37,800	$	30,277
	Medical Office Portfolio Transactions III & IV (2)		Medical Office		427,000		$	193,561	$	105,985
	5740 Columbia Road (1)		Retail		3,000		1,600		570
			Total 2014		430,000		$	195,161	$	106,555
	(1)	These properties are classified as continuing operations.
	(2) Woodburn Medical Park I and II and Prosperity Medical Center I, II and III, which are classified as discontinued operations.
	Income from operations of properties classified as discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Real estate rental revenue	$	—			$	892
	Real estate expenses	—				(346		)
	Income from operations classified as discontinued operations	$	—			$	546

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Unsecured Debt [Abstract]
Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable	NOTE 4: UNSECURED LINES OF CREDIT PAYABLE
	As of March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility No. 1				Credit Facility No. 2
	Committed capacity	$	100,000			$	400,000
	Borrowings outstanding	—				(30,000		)
	Letters of credit issued (1)	—				(15,474		)
	Unused and available	$	100,000			$	354,526
	(1) The letter of credit under Credit Facility No. 2 is provided to the lender for John Marshall II relating to tenant improvements.
	We executed repayments on the unsecured lines of credit during the 2015 Quarter as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility No. 1			Credit Facility No. 2
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	5,000		$	45,000
	Repayments	(5,000		)	(15,000		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	—		$	30,000

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	NOTE 5: STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
	Washington REIT 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 $1.9 million and $1.1 million for the 2015 and 2014 Quarters, respectively.
	Restricted Share Awards
	The total fair values of restricted share awards vested was $1.7 million and $0.2 million for the 2015 and 2014 Quarters, respectively.
	The total unvested restricted share awards at March 31, 2015 was 230,237 shares, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $27.26 per share. As of March 31, 2015, the total compensation cost related to unvested restricted share awards was $3.7 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 23 months.

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	NOTE 6: 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are the assets held in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Program (“SERP”), which primarily consists of investments in mutual funds. We base the valuations related to this asset on the observable market values of the investments that comprise the SERP (Level 2 inputs).
	The fair values of these assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Value								Value
	Assets:
	SERP	$	2,459	$	—	$	2,459	$	—	$	2,778	$	—	$	2,778	$	—
	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 March 31, 2015 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	40,025	$	40,025	$	15,827	$	15,827
	Restricted cash	13,095		13,095		10,299		10,299
	2445 M Street note	4,592		5,216		4,404		5,113
	Mortgage notes payable	419,250		433,712		418,525		433,762
	Lines of credit	30,000		30,000		50,000		50,000
	Notes payable	747,335		784,342		747,208		782,042

Earnings_per_Common_Share

Earnings per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Common Share	NOTE 7: EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	We determine “Basic earnings per share” using the two-class method as our unvested restricted share awards and units 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 and units by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
	We determine “Diluted earnings per share” as the more dilutive of the two-class method or the treasury stock 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 (prior to their expiration at December 31, 2014) based on the treasury stock method and our share based awards with performance conditions prior to the grant date and all market condition awards under the contingently issuable method. We had a loss from continuing operations for the 2014 Quarter and therefore diluted earnings per share is calculated in the same manner as basic earnings per share for that quarter.
	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	29,398		$	(2,265	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	108			—
	Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards	(108		)	(10		)
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	29,398			(2,275		)
	Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate, net of taxes	—			106,819
	Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards	—			(285		)
	Adjusted income from discontinuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	—			106,534
	Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests	$	29,398		$	104,259
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	68,141			66,701
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee restricted share awards	50			—
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	68,191			66,701
	Earnings per common share, basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.43		$	(0.04	)
	Discontinued operations	—			1.6
		$	0.43		$	1.56
	Earnings per common share, diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.43		$	(0.04	)
	Discontinued operations	—			1.6
		$	0.43		$	1.56

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract]
Segment Information	NOTE 8: SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We have three reportable segments: office, retail and multifamily. 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.
	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 2015 and 2014 Quarters 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 March 31, 2015
		Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	42,495	$	16,330	$	16,031	$	—	$	74,856
	Real estate expenses	17,143		4,787		7,278		—		29,208
	Net operating income	$	25,352	$	11,543	$	8,753	$	—	$	45,648
	Depreciation and amortization									(25,275		)
	General and administrative									(6,080		)
	Acquisition costs									(16		)
	Interest expense									(15,348		)
	Other income									192
	Gain on sale of real estate (classified as continuing operations)									30,277
	Net income									29,398
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries									108
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests									$	29,506
	Capital expenditures	$	2,518	$	850	$	1,413	$	1,376	$	6,157
	Total assets	$	1,279,406	$	383,511	$	407,639	$	52,678	$	2,123,234
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate		Consolidated
								and Other
	Real estate rental revenue	$	39,064	$	14,625	$	14,922	$	—	$	68,611
	Real estate expenses	15,696		4,231		6,415		—		26,342
	Net operating income	$	23,368	$	10,394	$	8,507	$	—	$	42,269
	Depreciation and amortization									(22,753		)
	Acquisition costs									(3,045		)
	General and administrative									(4,429		)
	Interest expense									(14,530		)
	Other income									223
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale									546
	Gain on sale of real estate, discontinued operations									106,273
	Net income									104,554
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries									—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests									$	104,554
	Capital expenditures	$	8,703	$	110	$	1,556	$	17	$	10,386
	Total assets	$	1,151,585	$	341,134	$	392,531	$	189,922	$	2,075,172

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest, which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the new standard. The new standard is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods therein. We do not expect this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which creates a single source of revenue guidance. The new standard provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to their customers (unless the contracts are in the scope of other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requirements, such as the leasing literature). The guidance also provides a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets, such as property and equipment, including real estate. The new standard is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods therein. Early adoption is not permitted for public entities. We are currently evaluating the impact the new standard may have on Washington REIT.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy text block]	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Washington REIT, our majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which Washington REIT has a controlling interest, including where Washington REIT 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.
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 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, 2014.
	Within these notes to the financial statements, we refer to the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014 as the “2015 Quarter” and the “2014 Quarter,” 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.

Real_Estate_Tables

Real Estate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Land and Capitalized Development Costs	We include the joint venture land acquisition for 1225 First Street on our consolidated balance sheets in properties under development or held for future development. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the land and capitalized development costs for 1225 First Street were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Properties under development or held for future development	$	20,807			$	20,807
	Cash and cash equivalents	390				395
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities of Joint Ventures	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the liabilities for 1225 First Street were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	$	81			$	38
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, The Maxwell's liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Mortgage notes payable	$	29,535			$	27,690
	Accounts payable and other liabilities	2,006				2,196
	Tenant security deposits	35				17
		$	31,576			$	29,903
schedule of assets in joint venture [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, The Maxwell's assets were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
	Land	$	12,851			$	12,851
	Income producing property	37,647				18,432
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(543		)		—
	Properties under development or held for future development	—				17,947
	Other assets	393				$	—
		$	50,348			$	49,230
Schedule of Income Statement Results for Medical Office Segment	The results of the assets in our former medical office segment sold in January 2014 are summarized as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Real estate rental revenue	$	—			$	892
	Net income	—				546
	Basic net income per share	—				0.01
	Diluted net income per share	—				0.01
Schedule of Dispositions	We sold the following properties in 2015 and 2014:
	Property Name		Segment		Rentable Square Feet		Contract		Gain on Sale
							Purchase  Price		(in thousands)
							(in thousands)
	Country Club Towers (227 units) (1)		Multifamily		N/A		$	37,800	$	30,277
			Total 2015				$	37,800	$	30,277
	Medical Office Portfolio Transactions III & IV (2)		Medical Office		427,000		$	193,561	$	105,985
	5740 Columbia Road (1)		Retail		3,000		1,600		570
			Total 2014		430,000		$	195,161	$	106,555
Operating Income (Loss) for Discontinued Operations	Income from operations of properties classified as discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
	Real estate rental revenue	$	—			$	892
	Real estate expenses	—				(346		)
	Income from operations classified as discontinued operations	$	—			$	546

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya1

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Unsecured Debt [Abstract]
Unsecured Lines Of Credit Unused And Available [Table Text Block]	The amounts of these lines of credit unused and available at March 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility No. 1				Credit Facility No. 2
	Committed capacity	$	100,000			$	400,000
	Borrowings outstanding	—				(30,000		)
	Letters of credit issued (1)	—				(15,474		)
	Unused and available	$	100,000			$	354,526
	(1) The letter of credit under Credit Facility No. 2 is provided to the lender for John Marshall II relating to tenant improvements.
Lines Of Credit Repayments And Borrowings [Table Text Block]	We executed repayments on the unsecured lines of credit during the 2015 Quarter as follows (in thousands):
		Credit Facility No. 1			Credit Facility No. 2
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	5,000		$	45,000
	Repayments	(5,000		)	(15,000		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	—		$	30,000

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	The fair values of these assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015								December 31, 2014
		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Fair		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		Value								Value
	Assets:
	SERP	$	2,459	$	—	$	2,459	$	—	$	2,778	$	—	$	2,778	$	—
Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments were as follows (in thousands):
		March 31, 2015				December 31, 2014
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	40,025	$	40,025	$	15,827	$	15,827
	Restricted cash	13,095		13,095		10,299		10,299
	2445 M Street note	4,592		5,216		4,404		5,113
	Mortgage notes payable	419,250		433,712		418,525		433,762
	Lines of credit	30,000		30,000		50,000		50,000
	Notes payable	747,335		784,342		747,208		782,042

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
	Numerator:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	29,398		$	(2,265	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	108			—
	Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards	(108		)	(10		)
	Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	29,398			(2,275		)
	Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate, net of taxes	—			106,819
	Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards	—			(285		)
	Adjusted income from discontinuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	—			106,534
	Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests	$	29,398		$	104,259
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding – basic	68,141			66,701
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee restricted share awards	50			—
	Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted	68,191			66,701
	Earnings per common share, basic:
	Continuing operations	$	0.43		$	(0.04	)
	Discontinued operations	—			1.6
		$	0.43		$	1.56
	Earnings per common share, diluted:
	Continuing operations	$	0.43		$	(0.04	)
	Discontinued operations	—			1.6
		$	0.43		$	1.56

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 2015 and 2014 Quarters 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 March 31, 2015
		Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate and Other		Consolidated
	Real estate rental revenue	$	42,495	$	16,330	$	16,031	$	—	$	74,856
	Real estate expenses	17,143		4,787		7,278		—		29,208
	Net operating income	$	25,352	$	11,543	$	8,753	$	—	$	45,648
	Depreciation and amortization									(25,275		)
	General and administrative									(6,080		)
	Acquisition costs									(16		)
	Interest expense									(15,348		)
	Other income									192
	Gain on sale of real estate (classified as continuing operations)									30,277
	Net income									29,398
	Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries									108
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests									$	29,506
	Capital expenditures	$	2,518	$	850	$	1,413	$	1,376	$	6,157
	Total assets	$	1,279,406	$	383,511	$	407,639	$	52,678	$	2,123,234
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Office		Retail		Multifamily		Corporate		Consolidated
								and Other
	Real estate rental revenue	$	39,064	$	14,625	$	14,922	$	—	$	68,611
	Real estate expenses	15,696		4,231		6,415		—		26,342
	Net operating income	$	23,368	$	10,394	$	8,507	$	—	$	42,269
	Depreciation and amortization									(22,753		)
	Acquisition costs									(3,045		)
	General and administrative									(4,429		)
	Interest expense									(14,530		)
	Other income									223
	Discontinued operations:
	Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale									546
	Gain on sale of real estate, discontinued operations									106,273
	Net income									104,554
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries									—
	Net income attributable to the controlling interests									$	104,554
	Capital expenditures	$	8,703	$	110	$	1,556	$	17	$	10,386
	Total assets	$	1,151,585	$	341,134	$	392,531	$	189,922	$	2,075,172

Nature_of_Business_Details

Nature of Business (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of distribution of ordinary taxable income	90.00%
Taxable Reit Subsidiary [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	0.6

Real_Estate_Redevelopment_Deta

Real Estate - Redevelopment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Development in Process	$65,656	$76,235
7900 Westpark Drive [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Development in Process	$35,100	$27,900

Real_Estate_Variable_Interest_

Real Estate - Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land	543,247,000		$543,546,000
Mortgage notes payable	419,250,000		418,525,000
First Street 1225 [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, qualitative or quantitative information, ownership percentage	95.00%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	5.00%
Percentage of capital contribution through debt	70.00%
Six Fifty North Glebe Road [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Variable interest entity, qualitative or quantitative information, ownership percentage	90.00%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	10.00%
650 N Glebe [Member] [Domain]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Mortgage notes payable	29,535,000		27,700,000
Six Fifty North Glebe Road [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Land	12,851,000		12,851,000
Investment Building and Building Improvements	37,647,000		18,432,000
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	-543,000		0
Land and capitalized development costs related to joint ventures	0		17,947,000
Other Assets	393,000		0
Real Estate Investments, Joint Ventures	50,348,000		49,230,000
Construction Payable	2,006,000		2,196,000
Accrued Liabilities	35,000		17,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to joint ventures	31,576,000		29,903,000
First Street 1225 [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	390,000		395,000
Land and capitalized development costs related to joint ventures	20,807,000		20,807,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to joint ventures	81,000		38,000
First Street 1225 [Member] | First Street 1225 [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Estimated development costs		$95,300,000

Real_Estate_Discontinued_Opera

Real Estate - Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
				sqft		agreements
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet				430,000
Contract sale price	$37,800			$195,161
Disposal Group, including discontinued operation, gain (loss) on sale of real estate	30,277			106,555
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	30,277		0
Gain on sale of real estate	0		106,273
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Real estate rental revenue	0		892
Real estate expenses	0		-346
Income from operations classified as discontinued operations	0		546
Country Club Towers [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	227
Medical Office Porfolio [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Purchase and Sale Agreements						4
Multifamily [Member] | Country Club Towers [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Sale Price	37,800	[1]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	30,277	[1]
Medical Office Building [Member] | Medical Office Portfolio Transactions III & IV [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet				427,000	[2]
Contract sale price				193,561	[2]
Medical Office [Member] | Medical Office Portfolio Transactions III & IV [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of real estate				105,985
Retail [Member] | Gateway 7-11 [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Rentable Square Feet				3,000	[1]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Sale Price				1,600	[1]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal				570	[1]
Office [Member] | Medical Office Porfolio [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Buildings Sold						2
Medical Office And Office Building [Member] | Medical Office Porfolio [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Contract sale price	$500,800
[1]	(1) These properties are classified as continuing operations.
[2]	(2) Woodburn Medical Park I and II and Prosperity Medical Center I, II and III, which are classified as discontinued operations.

Real_Estate_Income_statement_r

Real Estate - Income statement results of assets held for sale (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Impact of potential sale on operating results
Real estate revenues	$74,856	$68,611
Net income	29,506	104,554
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$1.56
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$1.56
Medical Office [Member]
Impact of potential sale on operating results
Real estate revenues	0	892
Net income	$0	$546
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.01
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.01

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya2

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable - Schedule of Credit Unused and Available (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings outstanding	($30,000)	($50,000)
Line of Credit | Credit Facility No. 1
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Committed capacity	100,000
Borrowings outstanding	0	-5,000
Letters of credit issued (1)	0
Unused and available	100,000
Line of Credit | Credit Facility No. 2
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Committed capacity	400,000
Borrowings outstanding	-30,000	-45,000
Letters of credit issued (1)	15,474
Unused and available	$354,526

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya3

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable - Line of Credit Facility, Increase (decrease), net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) During the Period [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014		$50,000
Balance at March 31, 2015	30,000	50,000
Credit Facility No. 1 | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) During the Period [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	5,000
Repayments	-5,000
Balance at March 31, 2015	0
Credit Facility No. 2 | Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease) During the Period [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2014	45,000
Repayments	-15,000
Balance at March 31, 2015	$30,000

Unsecured_Lines_of_Credit_Paya4

Unsecured Lines of Credit Payable - Narrative (Details) (Line of Credit, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Credit Facility No. 1
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	30-Jun-15
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$100,000
Credit Facility No. 2
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	31-Jul-16
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	400,000
Credit Facility Accordion Feature | Credit Facility No. 1
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	200,000
Credit Facility Accordion Feature | Credit Facility No. 2
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$600,000

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$1.90	$1.10
Restricted Share Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of share grants vested	1.7	0.2
Total unvested restricted share awards (in shares)	230,237
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$27.26
Total compensation costs, non-vested restricted share awards	$3.70
Total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition (in months)	23 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
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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets: SERP	$2,459	$2,778
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	2,459	2,778
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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Commercial paper, maturity	90
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	40,025	$15,827
Restricted Cash, Fair Value	13,095	10,299
Mortgage notes payable, Fair Value	433,712	433,762
Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure	30,000	50,000
Notes payable, Fair Value	784,342	782,042
Fair Value | 2445 M Street Note Receivable [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2445 M Street note receivable, Fair Value	5,216	5,113
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	40,025	15,827
Restricted Cash, Fair Value	13,095	10,299
Mortgage notes payable, Fair Value	419,250	418,525
Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure	30,000	50,000
Notes payable, Fair Value	747,335	747,208
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | 2445 M Street Note Receivable [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
2445 M Street note receivable, Fair Value	4,592	$4,404

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$29,398	($2,265)
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	108	0
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	108	10
Adjusted income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	29,398	-2,275
Income from discontinued operations, including gain on sale of real estate, net of taxes	0	106,819
Allocation of earnings to unvested restricted share awards	0	-285
Adjusted income from discontinuing operations attributable to the controlling interests	0	106,534
Adjusted net income attributable to the controlling interests	$29,398	$104,259
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	68,141	66,701
Effect of dilutive securities: Employee stock options and restricted share awards	50	0
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	68,191	66,701
Earnings per common share, basic, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	($0.04)
Earnings per common share, basic, Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$1.60
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$1.56
Earnings per common share, diluted, Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.43	($0.04)
Earnings per common share, diluted, Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$1.60
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.43	$1.56

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Real estate rental revenue	$74,856	$68,611
Real estate expenses	29,208	26,342
Operating Income Loss Net	45,648	42,269
Depreciation and amortization	-25,275	-22,753
General and administrative	-6,080	-4,429
Acquisition costs	-16	-3,045
Interest expense	-15,348	-14,530
Other income	192	223
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	30,277	0
Income from operations of properties sold or held for sale	0	546
Gain on sale of real estate	0	106,273
Net income	29,398	104,554
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	108	0
Net income attributable to the controlling interests	29,506	104,554
Capital expenditures	6,157	10,386
Total assets	2,123,234	2,075,172	2,113,707
Office [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	42,495	39,064
Real estate expenses	17,143	15,696
Operating Income Loss Net	25,352	23,368
Capital expenditures	2,518	8,703
Total assets	1,279,406	1,151,585
Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	16,330	14,625
Real estate expenses	4,787	4,231
Operating Income Loss Net	11,543	10,394
Capital expenditures	850	110
Total assets	383,511	341,134
Multifamily [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	16,031	14,922
Real estate expenses	7,278	6,415
Operating Income Loss Net	8,753	8,507
Capital expenditures	1,413	1,556
Total assets	407,639	392,531
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Real estate rental revenue	0	0
Real estate expenses	0	0
Operating Income Loss Net	0	0
Capital expenditures	1,376	17
Total assets	$52,678	$189,922