Whitestone REIT (WSR) 10-Q 4 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 01, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Whitestone REIT
Entity Central Index Key	0001175535
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		40,633,725

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Real estate assets, at cost
Property		$ 1,062,283	$ 1,052,238
Accumulated depreciation		(131,508)	(113,300)
Total real estate assets		930,775	938,938
Investment in real estate partnership		26,423	26,236
Cash and cash equivalents		5,539	13,658
Restricted cash		106	128
Escrows and acquisition deposits		8,163	8,211
Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts		22,232	21,642
Receivable due from related party		379	394
Financed receivable due from related party		5,661	5,661
Unamortized lease commissions, legal fees and loan costs		9,011	6,698
Prepaid expenses and other assets	[1]	3,471	7,306
Operating lease right of use assets		697
Total assets		1,011,760	1,028,872
Liabilities:
Notes payable		621,737	618,205
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	[2]	38,933	33,729
Total lease liabilities		701
Payable due to related party		73	58
Tenants' security deposits		6,440	6,130
Dividends and distributions payable		11,820	11,600
Total liabilities		679,003	669,722
Commitments and contingencies:		0	0
Equity:
Preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018		0	0
Common shares, $0.001 par value per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 40,517,569 and 39,778,029 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively		40	39
Additional paid-in capital		540,116	527,662
Accumulated deficit		(207,824)	(181,361)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)		(7,356)	4,116
Total Whitestone REIT shareholders' equity		324,976	350,456
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary		7,781	8,694
Total equity		332,757	359,150
Total liabilities and equity		$ 1,011,760	$ 1,028,872
[1]	Operating lease right of use assets (net) (related to adoption of Topic 842)
[2]	Operating lease liabilities (related to adoption of Topic 842)

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred shares, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred shares, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred shares, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred shares, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common shares, par value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common shares, authorized (in shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common shares, issued (in shares)	40,517,569	39,778,029
Common shares, outstanding (in shares)	40,517,569	39,778,029

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues
Rental	[1]	$ 29,368		$ 87,527
Rental	[1]		$ 30,085		$ 88,211
Management, transaction, and other fees		511	619	1,624	1,751
Total revenues		29,879	30,704	89,151	89,962
Property expenses
Depreciation and amortization		6,789	6,477	19,865	19,044
Operating and maintenance		5,118	5,452	14,760	15,325
Real estate taxes		4,410	4,379	12,474	12,260
General and administrative	[2]	5,597	4,982	16,514	17,987
Total operating expenses		21,914	21,290	63,613	64,616
Other expenses (income)
Interest expense		6,679	6,419	19,738	18,705
Gain on sale of properties		(37)	(4,380)	(37)	(4,629)
Loss on sale or disposal of assets		37	3	152	256
Interest, dividend and other investment income		(141)	(251)	(550)	(792)
Total other expense		6,538	1,791	19,303	13,540
Income before equity investments in real estate partnerships and income tax		1,427	7,623	6,235	11,806
Equity in earnings of real estate partnership		524	502	1,480	1,762
Provision for income tax		(102)	(92)	(324)	(261)
Income from continuing operations		1,849	8,033	7,391	13,307
Gain on sale of property from discontinued operations		0	0	701	0
Income from discontinued operations		0	0	701	0
Net income		1,849	8,033	8,092	13,307
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		42	198	184	342
Net income attributable to Whitestone REIT		$ 1,807	$ 7,835	$ 7,908	$ 12,965
Basic Earnings Per Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)		$ 0.04	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.33
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT (in dollars per share)		0	0	0.02	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)		0.04	0.20	0.20	0.33
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)		0.04	0.19	0.17	0.31
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT (in dollars per share)		0	0	0.02	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)		$ 0.04	$ 0.19	$ 0.19	$ 0.31
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)		40,187	39,327	39,942	39,200
Diluted (in shares)		41,446	40,635	41,084	40,541
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net income		$ 1,849	$ 8,033	$ 8,092	$ 13,307
Other comprehensive gain
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging activities		(2,235)	605	(11,740)	4,163
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale marketable securities		0	0	0	18
Comprehensive income (loss)		(386)	8,638	(3,648)	17,488
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		42	198	184	342
Less: Comprehensive gain (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(51)	15	(266)	107
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Whitestone REIT		(377)	8,425	(3,566)	17,039
Rental revenues (under Topic 842)
Rental revenues		21,623		64,752
Recoveries		8,240		23,701
Bad debt		(495)		(926)
Total rental	[1]	$ 29,368		$ 87,527
Rental revenues (under Topic 840)
Rental revenues			21,964		65,018
Recoveries			8,121		23,193
Total rental	[1]		30,085		88,211
Bad debt (prior to adoption of Topic 842)			$ 308		$ 970
[1]	(1) Rental Rental revenues $21,623 $21,964 $64,752 $65,018Recoveries 8,240 8,121 23,701 23,193Bad debt (495) N/A (926) N/ATotal rental $29,368 $30,085 $87,527 $88,211
[2]	Bad debt included in general and administrative expenses prior to adoption of Topic 842

Consolidated Statement of Chang

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain [Member]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017			39,222,000
Beginning Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2017								1,084,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 358,404	$ 38	$ 521,314	$ (176,684)	$ 2,936	$ 347,604	$ 10,800
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares (in shares)			(1,000)					(1,000)
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares		0		4			4	$ (4)
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)			2,000
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan		33		33			33
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)	[1]		(45,000)
Repurchase of common shares	[1]	(466)		(466)			(466)
Share-based compensation		1,845		1,845			1,845
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit		(11,506)			(11,197)		(11,197)	(309)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		2,645				2,574	2,574	71
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities		18				18	18
Net income		3,269			3,181		3,181	$ 88
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018			39,180,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Mar. 31, 2018								1,083,000
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2018		373,361	$ 38	522,730	(165,581)	5,528	362,715	$ 10,646
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017			39,222,000
Beginning Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2017								1,084,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		358,404	$ 38	521,314	(176,684)	2,936	347,604	$ 10,800
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		4,163
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities		18
Net income		13,307
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		342
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018			39,772,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Sep. 30, 2018								929,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		363,178	$ 38	525,780	(178,493)	7,034	354,359	$ 8,819
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018			39,180,000
Beginning Balance (in units) at Mar. 31, 2018								1,083,000
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2018		373,361	$ 38	522,730	(165,581)	5,528	362,715	$ 10,646
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares (in shares)			(74,000)					(74,000)
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares		0		748			748	$ (748)
Stock issuance costs		(128)		(128)			(128)
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)			4,000
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan		33		33			33
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)	[1]		(47,000)
Repurchase of common shares	[1]	(593)		(593)			(593)
Share-based compensation (in shares)			533,000
Share-based compensation		1,401		1,401			1,401
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit		(11,665)			(11,378)		(11,378)	(287)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		913				890	890	23
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities		0				0	0
Reallocation of ownership between parent and subsidiary		0				12	12	(12)
Net income		2,005			1,954		1,954	$ 51
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2018			39,744,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Jun. 30, 2018								1,009,000
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2018		365,327	$ 38	524,191	(175,005)	6,430	355,654	$ 9,673
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares (in shares)			(80,000)					(80,000)
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares		0		793			793	$ (793)
Stock issuance costs		0			(5)		(5)	5
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)			2,000
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan		35		35			35
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)	[1]		(47,000)
Repurchase of common shares	[1]	(640)		(640)			(640)
Share-based compensation (in shares)			(7,000)
Share-based compensation		1,401		1,401			1,401
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit		(11,583)			(11,318)		(11,318)	(265)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		605				592	592	13
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities		0				0	0
Reallocation of ownership between parent and subsidiary		0				12	12	(12)
Net income		8,033			7,835		7,835	$ 198
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		198
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018			39,772,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Sep. 30, 2018								929,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018		$ 363,178	$ 38	525,780	(178,493)	7,034	354,359	$ 8,819
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		39,778,029	39,778,000
Beginning Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2018								929,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 359,150	$ 39	527,662	(181,361)	4,116	350,456	$ 8,694
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares (in shares)			(1,000)					(1,000)
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares		0		5			5	$ (5)
Stock issuance costs		(6)		(6)			(6)
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)			3,000
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan		34		34			34
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)	[1]		(64,000)
Repurchase of common shares	[1]	(762)		(762)			(762)
Share-based compensation (in shares)			111,000
Share-based compensation		1,883	$ 1	1,882			1,883
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit		(11,615)			(11,351)		(11,351)	(264)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		(3,470)				(3,390)	(3,390)	(80)
Net income		2,839			2,774		2,774	$ 65
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019			39,829,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Mar. 31, 2019								928,000
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2019		$ 348,053	$ 40	528,815	(189,938)	726	339,643	$ 8,410
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		39,778,029	39,778,000
Beginning Balance (in units) at Dec. 31, 2018								929,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 359,150	$ 39	527,662	(181,361)	4,116	350,456	$ 8,694
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		(11,740)
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities		0
Net income		8,092
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$ 184
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019		40,517,569	40,517,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Sep. 30, 2019								925,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019		$ 332,757	$ 40	540,116	(207,824)	(7,356)	324,976	$ 7,781
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019			39,829,000
Beginning Balance (in units) at Mar. 31, 2019								928,000
Beginning Balance at Mar. 31, 2019		348,053	$ 40	528,815	(189,938)	726	339,643	$ 8,410
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares		0		5			5	(5)
Issuance of common shares under ATM program, net of costs (in shares)			305,000
Issuance of common shares under ATM program, net of costs		3,716		3,716			3,716
Stock issuance costs		1		1			1
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)			2,000
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan		35		35			35
Repurchase of common shares	[1]	(14)		(14)			(14)
Share-based compensation		1,025		1,025			1,025
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit		(11,710)			(11,445)		(11,445)	(265)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		(6,035)				(5,898)	(5,898)	(137)
Net income		3,404			3,327		3,327
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests								$ 77
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2019			40,136,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Jun. 30, 2019								928,000
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2019		338,475	$ 40	533,583	(198,056)	(5,172)	330,395	$ 8,080
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares (in shares)			(3,000)					(3,000)
Exchange of noncontrolling interest OP units for common shares		0		27			27	$ (27)
Issuance of common shares under ATM program, net of costs (in shares)			374,000
Issuance of common shares under ATM program, net of costs		4,830		4,830			4,830
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan (in shares)			3,000
Issuance of shares under dividend reinvestment plan		35		35			35
Share-based compensation (in shares)			1,000
Share-based compensation		1,641		1,641			1,641
Distributions - $0.285 per common share / OP unit		(11,838)			(11,575)		(11,575)	(263)
Unrealized loss on change in value of cash flow hedge		(2,235)				(2,184)	(2,184)	(51)
Unrealized gain on change in fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities		0
Net income		1,849			1,807		1,807	$ 42
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$ 42
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019		40,517,569	40,517,000
Ending Balance (in units) at Sep. 30, 2019								925,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2019		$ 332,757	$ 40	$ 540,116	$ (207,824)	$ (7,356)	$ 324,976	$ 7,781
[1]	The Company acquired common shares held by employees who tendered owned common shares to satisfy the tax withholding on the lapse of certain restrictions on restricted common shares.

Consolidated Statement of Cha_2

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Common Stock [Member]
Distributions (in usd per share)	$ 0.285	$ 0.285	$ 0.285	$ 0.285
OP Units [Member]
Distributions (in usd per share)	$ 0.285	$ 0.285	$ 0.285	$ 0.285

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income from continuing operations	$ 7,391	$ 13,307
Net income from discontinued operations	701	0
Net income	8,092	13,307
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19,865	19,044
Amortization of deferred loan costs	814	902
Loss on sale of marketable securities	0	20
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets and properties	115	(4,373)
Bad debt	926	970
Share-based compensation	4,548	4,894
Equity in earnings of real estate partnership	(1,480)	(1,762)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Escrows and acquisition deposits	48	214
Accrued rents and accounts receivable	(1,762)	(1,724)
Receivable due from related party	15	696
Distributions from real estate partnership	1,005	505
Unamortized lease commissions and loan costs	(202)	(1,396)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(6,838)	619
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,206	(2,979)
Payable due to related party	15	(403)
Tenants' security deposits	310	226
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,976	28,760
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to real estate	(9,953)	(8,733)
Proceeds from sales of properties	0	12,574
Proceeds from financed receivable due from related party	0	1,000
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	0	30
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(9,953)	4,871
Gain on sale of property from discontinued operations	701	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distributions paid to common shareholders	(34,047)	(33,642)
Distributions paid to OP unit holders	(793)	(890)
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of offering costs	8,546	0
Payments of exchange offer costs	(5)	(128)
Proceeds from bonds payable	100,000	0
Net proceeds from (payments to) credit facility	(90,200)	9,000
Repayments of notes payable	(7,502)	(1,972)
Payments of loan origination costs	(4,088)	(30)
Repurchase of common shares	(776)	(1,699)
Net cash used in financing activities	(28,865)	(29,361)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(8,141)	4,270
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	13,786	5,210
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	5,645	9,480
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	19,176	18,181
Cash paid for taxes	396	304
Non cash investing and financing activities:
Disposal of fully depreciated real estate	203	904
Financed insurance premiums	1,238	1,273
Value of shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan	104	101
Value of common shares exchanged for OP units	37	1,545
Change in fair value of available-for-sale securities	0	18
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge	(11,740)	4,163
Reallocation of ownership percentage between parent and subsidiary	$ 0	$ 24

Interim Financial Statements

Interim Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Interim Financial Statements	INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The consolidated financial statements included in this report are unaudited; however, amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. The unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended September 30, 2019 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. The consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Whitestone and our subsidiaries as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , and the results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the consolidated statements of changes in equity for the three months periods ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2019 and 2018 and cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 . All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full year. The statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 . Business . Whitestone was formed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) pursuant to the Texas Real Estate Investment Trust Act on August 20, 1998. In July 2004, we changed our state of organization from Texas to Maryland pursuant to a merger where we merged directly with and into a Maryland REIT formed for the sole purpose of the reorganization and the conversion of each of the outstanding common shares of beneficial interest of the Texas entity into 1.42857 common shares of beneficial interest of the Maryland entity. We serve as the general partner of Whitestone REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), which was formed on December 31, 1998 as a Delaware limited partnership. We currently conduct substantially all of our operations and activities through the Operating Partnership. As the general partner of the Operating Partnership, we have the exclusive power to manage and conduct the business of the Operating Partnership, subject to certain customary exceptions. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , Whitestone wholly-owned 57 commercial properties in and around Austin, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix and San Antonio. These properties consist of: Consolidated Operating Portfolio • 52 wholly-owned properties that meet our Community Centered Properties ® strategy; and Redevelopment, New Acquisitions Portfolio • five parcels of land held for future development that meet our Community Centered Properties ® strategy. As of September 30, 2019 , we, through our investment in Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP (“Pillarstone” or “Pillarstone OP”), owned a majority interest in 11 properties that do not meet our Community Centered Property® strategy containing approximately 1.3 million square feet of GLA (the “Pillarstone Properties”). We own 81.4% of the total outstanding units of Pillarstone OP, which we account for using the equity method. We also manage the day-to-day operations of Pillarstone OP.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Consolidation. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and possess full legal control and authority over the operations of the Operating Partnership. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , we owned a majority of the partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. Consequently, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Operating Partnership. Noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements represents the share of equity and earnings of the Operating Partnership allocable to holders of partnership interests other than us. Net income or loss is allocated to noncontrolling interests based on the weighted-average percentage ownership of the Operating Partnership during the period. Issuance of additional common shares of beneficial interest in Whitestone (the “common shares”) and units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership that are convertible into cash or, at our option, common shares on a one -for- one basis (the “OP units”) changes the percentage of ownership interests of both the noncontrolling interests and Whitestone. Equity Method. For the years prior to December 31, 2017, Pillarstone OP was accounted for under the profit-sharing method. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance applicable to sales of real estate or interests therein, specifically FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360-20, “ Real Estate Sales, ” Topic 606, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers ” and ASC 610, “ Other Income–Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ,” we adopted Topic 606 and ASC 610 as of January 1, 2018, resulting in the derecognition of the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution (defined below) as of January 1, 2018 and the recognition of the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method. See Note 7 (Investment in Real Estate Partnership) for additional disclosure on Pillarstone OP. Basis of Accounting. Our financial records are maintained on the accrual basis of accounting whereby revenues are recognized when earned and expenses are recorded when incurred. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates that we use include the estimated fair values of properties acquired, the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets and costs, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, the estimated fair value of interest rate swaps and the estimates supporting our impairment analysis for the carrying values of our real estate assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications. We have reclassified certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in order to be consistent with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, total assets, total liabilities or equity. Restricted Cash. We classify all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. During 2015, pursuant to the terms of our $15.1 million 4.99% Note, due January 6, 2024 (see Note 8 (Debt)), which is collateralized by our Anthem Marketplace property, we were required by the lenders thereunder to establish a cash management account controlled by the lenders to collect all amounts generated by our Anthem Marketplace property in order to collateralize such promissory note. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We utilize derivative financial instruments, principally interest rate swaps, to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. We have established policies and procedures for risk assessment, and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instruments. We recognize our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges with the effective portion of the changes in fair value recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedges’ change in fair value is recorded immediately into earnings. Our cash flow hedges are determined using Level 2 inputs under ASC 820. Level 2 inputs represent quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable. As of September 30, 2019 , we consider our cash flow hedges to be highly effective. Development Properties. Land, buildings and improvements are recorded at cost. Expenditures related to the development of real estate are carried at cost which includes capitalized carrying charges and development costs. Carrying charges (interest, real estate taxes, loan fees, and direct and indirect development costs related to buildings under construction), are capitalized as part of construction in progress. The capitalization of such costs ceases when the property, or any completed portion, becomes available for occupancy. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 , approximately $127,000 and $77,000 in interest expense and real estate taxes, respectively, were capitalized, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , approximately $365,000 and $251,000 in interest expense and real estate taxes, respectively, were capitalized. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 , approximately $149,000 and $145,000 in interest expense and real estate taxes, respectively, were capitalized, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , approximately $440,000 and $274,000 in interest expense and real estate taxes, respectively, were capitalized. Real Estate Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. We consider a commercial property to be held for sale when it meets all of the criteria established under ASC 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements.” For commercial properties classified as held for sale, assets and liabilities are presented separately for all periods presented. In accordance with ASC 205, a discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is classified as held for sale, disposed of by sale or disposed of other than by sale. In addition, ASC 205 requires us to provide additional disclosures about both discontinued operations and the disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not meet the criteria for a discontinued operation. Share-Based Compensation. From time to time, we grant nonvested restricted common share awards or restricted common share unit awards, which may be converted into common shares, to executive officers and employees under our 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The vast majority of the granted shares and units vest when certain performance conditions are met. We recognize compensation expense when achievement of the performance conditions is probable based on management’s most recent estimates using the fair value of the shares as of the grant date. We recognized $1,719,000 and $1,497,000 in share-based compensation for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and we recognized $4,770,000 and $4,894,000 in share-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. We recognize forfeitures as they occur. Noncontrolling Interests. Noncontrolling interests are the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable to a parent. Accordingly, we have reported noncontrolling interests in equity on the consolidated balance sheets but separate from Whitestone’s equity. On the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), subsidiaries are reported at the consolidated amount, including both the amount attributable to Whitestone and noncontrolling interests. The consolidated statements of changes in equity is included for quarterly financial statements, including beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for shareholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity. Accrued Rents and Accounts Receivable. Included in accrued rents and accounts receivable are base rents, tenant reimbursements and receivables attributable to recording rents on a straight-line basis. We review the collectability of charges under our tenant operating leases on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. With the adoption of ASC No. 842, Leases (“Topic 842”), as of January 1, 2019 we recognize an adjustment to rental revenue if we deem it probable that the receivable will not be collected. Prior to the adoption of Topic 842, we recognized an allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense of the specific rents receivable. Our review of collectability under our operating leases includes any accrued rental revenues related to the straight-line method of reporting rental revenue. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , we had an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $10.7 million and $9.7 million , respectively. During the three and nine months ending September 30, 2019 , we recorded an adjustment to rental revenue in the amount of $0.5 million and $0.9 million , respectively. During the three and nine months ending September 30, 2018 , we recorded bad debt expense in the amount of $0.3 million and $1.0 million , respectively. Revenue Recognition. All leases on our properties are classified as operating leases, and the related rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Differences between rental income earned and amounts due per the respective lease agreements are capitalized or charged, as applicable, to accrued rents and accounts receivable. Percentage rents are recognized as rental income when the thresholds upon which they are based have been met. Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the corresponding costs are incurred. We combine lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent, recoveries, and percentage rents into a single line item, Rental , within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, we have tenants who pay real estate taxes directly to the taxing authority. We exclude these costs paid directly by the tenant to third parties on our behalf from revenue recognized and the associated property operating expense. Other property income primarily includes amounts recorded in connection with management fees and lease termination fees. Pillarstone OP pays us management fees for property management, leasing and day-to-day advisory and administrative services. Their obligations are satisfied over time. Pillarstone OP is billed monthly and typically pays quarterly. Revenues are governed by the Management Agreements (as defined in Note 7 (Investment in Real Estate Partnership)). Refer to Note 7 (Investment in Real Estate Partnership) for additional information regarding the Management Agreements with Pillarstone OP. Additionally, we recognize lease termination fees in the year that the lease is terminated and collection of the fee is probable. Amounts recorded within other property income are accounted for at the point in time when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer and our performance obligation is satisfied. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for further discussion on significant accounting policies. Recent Accounting Pronouncements . In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance, as amended in subsequent updates, establishing a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and superseded most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard also required an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and also required certain additional disclosures. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and have derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and have recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method of accounting. The Company made an adjustment which decreased the Company’s accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 by $19.1 million . In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2 which provided the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. Additional guidance and targeted improvements to Topic 842 were made through the issuance of supplementary ASUs in July 2018, December 2018 and March 2019. Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting guidance in Topic 842. As the lessee and lessor, we have elected the package of practical expedients permitted in Topic 842. Accordingly, we have accounted for our existing operating leases as operating leases under the new guidance, without reassessing (a) whether the contract contains a lease under Topic 842, (b) whether classification of the operating lease would be different in accordance with Topic 842, or (c) whether the unamortized initial direct costs before transition adjustments (as of December 31, 2018) would have met the definition of initial direct costs in Topic 842 at lease commencement. Additionally, as the lessee and lessor we will use hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of our right-of-use assets. As a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting guidance, as the lessee, we recognized on January 1, 2019 (a) a lease liability of approximately $1.1 million , which represents the present value of the remaining lease payments of approximately $1.2 million discounted using our incremental borrowing rate of 4.5% , and (b) a right-of-use asset of approximately $1.1 million . The adoption of Topic 842 did not have a material impact to our net income and related per share amounts. Upon adoption of Topic 842, lessees and lessors are required to apply a modified retrospective transition approach. Reporting entities are permitted to choose one of two methods to recognize and measure leases within the scope of Topic 842: • Apply Topic 842 to each lease that existed at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as well as leases that commenced after that date. Under this method, prior comparative periods presented are adjusted. For leases that commenced prior to the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, a cumulative-effect adjustment is recognized at that date. • Apply the guidance to each lease that had commenced as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the leases standard with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of that date. Prior comparative periods would not be adjusted under this method. We have elected an optional transition method that allows entities to initially apply Topic 842 at January 1, 2019, the date of adoption, and to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. As the lessor, we have not assessed unamortized legal costs as part of the package of practical expedients, and we will not make any adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption to write off unamortized legal costs. We will continue to amortize unamortized legal costs as of December 31, 2018 over the life of the respective leases. We did not have a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the adoption date. Additionally, the optional transition method does allow us to not have to apply the new standard (including disclosure requirements) to comparative periods presented. Those periods can continue to be presented in accordance with prior generally accepted accounting principles. Topic 842 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases and operating leases. Based on our election of the package of practical expedients, our existing commercial leases, where we are the lessor, continue to be accounted for as operating leases under the new standard. However, Topic 842 changed certain requirements regarding the classification of leases that could result in us recognizing certain long-term leases entered into or modified after January 1, 2019 as sales-type leases or finance leases, as opposed to operating leases. We will continue to monitor our leases following the adoption date to ensure that they are classified in accordance with the new lease standards. We elected a practical expedient which allows lessors to not separate non-lease components from the lease component when the timing and pattern of transfer for the lease components and non-lease components are the same and if the lease component is classified as an operating lease. As a result, we now present all rentals and reimbursements from tenants as a single line item, Rental , within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For the three months ended September 30, 2019 , we had rent revenues of $21.6 million and rental recoveries of $8.2 million compared to $22.0 million and $8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , we had rent revenues of $64.8 million and rental recoveries of $23.7 million compared to $65.0 million and $23.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. We review the collectability of charges under our tenant operating leases on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. With the adoption of Topic 842, we will recognize an adjustment to rental revenue if we deem it probable that the receivable will not be collected. Prior to the adoption of Topic 842, we recognized an allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense of the specific rents receivable. Our review of collectability under our operating leases includes any accrued rental revenues related to the straight-line method of reporting rental revenue. In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018, and we have reconciled cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on a retrospective basis, whereas under the previous guidance, we reported restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents under cash flows from financing activities. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or dispositions) of assets or businesses. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a prospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and believe the majority of our future acquisitions will qualify as asset acquisitions and the associated transaction costs will be capitalized as opposed to expensed under previous guidance. In February 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the scope of asset derecognition guidance, adding guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets and clarifying recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and have derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and have recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method of accounting. The Company made an adjustment which decreased the Company’s accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 by $19.1 million .

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	LEASES As a Lessor. All leases on our properties are classified as noncancelable operating leases, and the related rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Differences between rental income earned and amounts due per the respective lease agreements are capitalized or charged, as applicable, to accrued rents and accounts receivable. Percentage rents are recognized as rental income when the thresholds upon which they are based have been met. Recoveries from tenants for taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses are recognized as revenues in the period the corresponding costs are incurred. We combine lease and nonlease components in lease contracts, which includes combining base rent, recoveries, and percentage rents into a single line item, Rental , within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). A summary of minimum future rents to be received (exclusive of renewals, tenant reimbursements, contingent rents, and collectability adjustments under Topic 842 under noncancelable operating leases in existence as of September 30, 2019 is as follows (in thousands)): Years Ended December 31, Minimum Future Rents (1) 2019 $ 20,984 2020 78,204 2021 66,964 2022 55,423 2023 43,924 Thereafter 135,616 Total $ 401,115 (1) These amounts do not reflect future rental revenues from the renewal or replacement of existing leases and exclude reimbursements of operating expenses and rental increases that are not fixed. As a Lessee. We have office space, automobile, and office machine leases, which qualify as operating leases, with remaining lease terms of one to four years. The following table summarizes the fixed, future minimum rental payments, excluding variable costs, which are discounted by our weighted average incremental borrowing rates to calculate the lease liabilities for our operating leases in which we are the lessee (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 $ 122 2020 362 2021 243 2022 6 Total undiscounted rental payments 733 Less imputed interest 32 Total lease liabilities $ 701 For the three months ended September 30, 2019 , the total lease costs were $245,000 , and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the total lease costs were $740,000 . The weighted average remaining lease term for our operating leases was 1.9 years at September 30, 2019 . We do not include renewal options in the lease term for calculating the lease liability unless we are reasonably certain we will exercise the option or the lessor has the sole ability to exercise the option. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate was 4.5% at September 30, 2019 .

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	MARKETABLE SECURITIES In January 2018, we sold all of our remaining marketable securities and had no marketable securities as of September 30, 2019 . All of our marketable securities were classified as available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , available-for-sale securities were sold for total proceeds of $30,000 . The gross realized loss on these sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $20,000 . For purposes of determining gross realized gains and losses, the cost of securities sold is based on specific identification.

Accrued Rents and Accounts Rece

Accrued Rents and Accounts Receivable, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Accrued Rents and Accounts Receivable, Net	ACCRUED RENTS AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net consists of amounts accrued, billed and due from tenants, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Tenant receivables $ 16,376 $ 14,686 Accrued rents and other recoveries 16,334 16,423 Allowance for doubtful accounts (10,681 ) (9,746 ) Other receivables 203 279 Total $ 22,232 $ 21,642

Unamortized Leasing Commissions

Unamortized Leasing Commissions, Legal Fees and Loan Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Unamortized Leasing Commissions, Legal Fees and Loan Costs	UNAMORTIZED LEASE COMMISSIONS, LEGAL FEES AND LOAN COSTS Costs which have been deferred consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Leasing commissions $ 9,499 $ 8,789 Deferred legal cost 395 406 Deferred financing cost 3,916 4,076 Total cost 13,810 13,271 Less: leasing commissions accumulated amortization (4,011 ) (3,534 ) Less: deferred legal cost accumulated amortization (166 ) (125 ) Less: deferred financing cost accumulated amortization (622 ) (2,914 ) Total cost, net of accumulated amortization $ 9,011 $ 6,698

Investment in Real Estate Partn

Investment in Real Estate Partnership	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Investment in Real Estate Partnership	INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE PARTNERSHIP On December 8, 2016, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into a Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with Pillarstone OP and Pillarstone Capital REIT (“Pillarstone REIT”) pursuant to which we contributed all of the equity interests in four of our wholly-owned subsidiaries: Whitestone CP Woodland Ph. 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“CP Woodland”); Whitestone Industrial-Office, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Industrial-Office”); Whitestone Offices, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (“Whitestone Offices”); and Whitestone Uptown Tower, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Uptown Tower,” and together with CP Woodland, Industrial-Office and Whitestone Offices, the “Entities”) that own 14 non-core properties that do not fit our Community Centered Property ® strategy (the “Pillarstone Properties”), to Pillarstone OP for aggregate consideration of approximately $84 million , consisting of (1) approximately $18.1 million of Class A units representing limited partnership interests in Pillarstone OP (“Pillarstone OP Units”), issued at a price of $1.331 per Pillarstone OP Unit; and (2) the assumption of approximately $65.9 million of liabilities, consisting of (a) approximately $15.5 million of our liability under the 2018 Facility (as defined in Note 8); (b) an approximately $16.3 million promissory note of Uptown Tower under the Loan Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2013, between Uptown Tower, as borrower, and U.S. Bank, National Association, as successor to Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, as lender; and (c) an approximately $34.1 million promissory note (the “Industrial-Office Promissory Note”) of Industrial-Office issued under the Loan Agreement, dated as of November 26, 2013 (the “Industrial-Office Loan Agreement”), between Industrial-Office, as borrower, and Jackson National Life Insurance Company, as lender (collectively, the “Contribution”). In connection with the Contribution, (1) with respect to each Pillarstone Property (other than Uptown Tower), Whitestone TRS, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“Whitestone TRS”), entered into a Management Agreement with the Entity that owns such Pillarstone Property and (2) with respect to Uptown Tower, Whitestone TRS entered into a Management Agreement with Pillarstone OP (collectively, the “Management Agreements”). Pursuant to the Management Agreements with respect to each Pillarstone Property (other than Uptown Tower), Whitestone TRS agreed to provide certain property management, leasing and day-to-day advisory and administrative services to such Pillarstone Property in exchange for (x) a monthly property management fee equal to 5.0% of the monthly revenues of such Pillarstone Property and (y) a monthly asset management fee equal to 0.125% of GAV (as defined in each Management Agreement as, generally, the purchase price of the respective Pillarstone Property based upon the purchase price allocations determined pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, excluding all indebtedness, liabilities or claims of any nature) of such Pillarstone Property. Pursuant to the Management Agreement with respect to Uptown Tower, Whitestone TRS agreed to provide certain property management, leasing and day-to-day advisory and administrative services to Pillarstone OP in exchange for (x) a monthly property management fee equal to 3.0% of the monthly revenues of Uptown Tower and (y) a monthly asset management fee equal to 0.125% of GAV of Uptown Tower. The initial term of each Management Agreement expired on December 31, 2017, after which each Management Agreement became automatically renewable on a month to month basis; provided that each Management Agreement can be terminated by either party thereto upon not less than thirty days’ prior written notice to the other party. None of the Management Agreements had been terminated as of September 30, 2019 . In connection with the Contribution, on December 8, 2016, the Operating Partnership entered into a Tax Protection Agreement with Pillarstone REIT and Pillarstone OP pursuant to which Pillarstone OP agreed to indemnify the Operating Partnership for certain tax liabilities resulting from its recognition of income or gain prior to December 8, 2021 if such liabilities result from a transaction involving a direct or indirect taxable disposition of all or a portion of the Pillarstone Properties or if Pillarstone OP fails to maintain and allocate to the Operating Partnership for taxation purposes minimum levels of liabilities as specified in the Tax Protection Agreement, the result of which causes such recognition of income or gain and the Company incurs taxes that must be paid to maintain its REIT status for federal income tax purposes. As a result of the adoption of Topic 606 and ASC 610, the Company derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method. The table below presents the real estate partnership investment in which the Company holds an ownership interest (in thousands): Company’s Investment as of September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Real estate partnership Ownership Interest Pillarstone OP (1) 81.4% $ 26,423 $ 26,236 Total real estate partnership (2) $ 26,423 $ 26,236 (1) The Company manages these real estate partnership investments and, where applicable, earns acquisition fees, leasing commissions, property management fees, and asset management fees. (2) Representing 11 property interests and 1.3 million square feet of GLA, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . The table below presents the Company’s share of net income from its investment in the real estate partnership which is included in equity in earnings of real estate partnership, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Pillarstone OP $ 524 $ 502 $ 1,480 $ 1,762 Summarized financial information for the Company’s investment in real estate partnership is as follows (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2019 2018 Assets: Real estate, net $ 72,096 $ 72,661 Other assets 7,548 6,617 Total assets 79,644 79,278 Liabilities and equity: Notes payable 46,281 47,064 Other liabilities 4,676 4,322 Equity 28,687 27,892 Total liabilities and equity 79,644 79,278 Company’s share of equity 23,365 22,717 Cost of investment in excess of the Company’s share of underlying net book value 3,058 3,519 Carrying value of investment in real estate partnership $ 26,423 $ 26,236 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenues $ 3,863 $ 4,550 $ 11,536 $ 12,991 Operating expenses (2,410 ) (2,935 ) (7,218 ) (7,857 ) Other expenses (776 ) (967 ) (2,341 ) (2,872 ) Net income $ 677 $ 648 $ 1,977 $ 2,262 The amortization of the basis difference between the cost of investment and the Company's share of underling net book value for both of the three months periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 is $27,000 and for both of the nine months periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 is $81,000 . The Company amortized the difference into equity in earnings of real estate partnership on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Company has evaluated its guarantee to Pillarstone OP pursuant to ASC 460, Guarantees , and has determined the guarantee to be a performance guarantee, for which ASC 460 contains initial recognition and measurement requirements, and related disclosure requirements. The Company is obligated in two respects: (i) a noncontingent liability, which represents the Company’s obligation to stand ready to perform under the terms of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering event(s) occur; and (ii) the contingent liability, which represents the Company’s obligation to make future payments if those triggering events occur. The fair value of our loan guarantee to Pillarstone OP is estimated on a Level 3 basis (as provided by ASC 820, “ Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” ), using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow analysis based on a discount rate, discounting the loan balance. The Company recognized a noncontingent liability of $462,000 at the inception of the guarantee at fair value which is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, net of accumulated amortization. The Company will amortize the guarantee liability into income over seven years . For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the amortization of the guarantee liability was $23,000 and $18,000 , respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , the amortization of the guarantee liability was $140,000 and $55,000 , respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT Certain subsidiaries of Whitestone are the borrowers under various financing arrangements. These subsidiaries are separate legal entities, and their respective assets and credit are not available to satisfy the debt of Whitestone or any of its other subsidiaries. Debt consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands): Description September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Fixed rate notes $10.5 million, 4.85% Note, due September 24, 2020 (1) $ 9,320 $ 9,500 $50.0 million, 1.75% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2020 (2) — 50,000 $50.0 million, 1.50% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 29, 2021 (3) — 50,000 $100.0 million, 1.73% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2022 (4) 100,000 100,000 $165.0 million, 2.24% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 31, 2024 (5) 165,000 — $80.0 million, 3.72% Note, due June 1, 2027 80,000 80,000 $6.5 million 3.80% Note, due January 1, 2019 — 5,657 $19.0 million 4.15% Note, due December 1, 2024 19,000 19,000 $20.2 million 4.28% Note, due June 6, 2023 18,713 18,996 $14.0 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024 13,542 13,718 $14.3 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024 14,300 14,300 $15.1 million 4.99% Note, due January 6, 2024 14,469 14,643 $2.6 million 5.46% Note, due October 1, 2023 2,397 2,430 $50.0 million, 5.09% Note, due March 22, 2029 50,000 — $50.0 million, 5.17% Note, due March 22, 2029 50,000 — $1.2 million 4.35% Note, due November 28, 2019 248 — Floating rate notes Unsecured line of credit, LIBOR plus 1.40% to 1.90%, due January 1, 2023 (6) 86,000 241,200 Total notes payable principal 622,989 619,444 Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization (1,252 ) (1,239 ) Total notes payable $ 621,737 $ 618,205 (1) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the interest rate at 3.55% for the duration of the term through September 24, 2018 and 4.85% beginning September 24, 2018 through September 24, 2020. (2) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan 1 (as defined below) at 0.84% through February 3, 2017 and 1.75% beginning February 3, 2017 through October 30, 2020. (3) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan 2 (as defined below) at 1.50% . (4) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 1.73% . (5) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at an average rate of 2.24% for the duration of the term through January 31, 2024. (6) Unsecured line of credit includes certain Pillarstone Properties as of December 31, 2018, in determining the amount of credit available under the 2018 Facility which were released from collateral during 2019. LIBOR is expected to be discontinued after 2021. A number of our current debt agreements have an interest rate tied to LIBOR. Some of these agreements provide procedures for determining an alternative base rate in the event that LIBOR is discontinued, but not all do so. Regardless, there can be no assurances as to what alternative base rates may be and whether such base rate will be more or less favorable than LIBOR and any other unforeseen impacts of the potential discontinuation of LIBOR. The Company intends to monitor the developments with respect to the potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 and work with its lenders to ensure any transition away from LIBOR will have minimal impact on its financial condition, but can provide no assurances regarding the impact of the discontinuation of LIBOR. On March 22, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into a Note Purchase and Guarantee Agreement (the “Note Agreement”) together with certain subsidiary guarantors as initial guarantor parties thereto (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) and The Prudential Insurance Company of America and the various other purchasers named therein (collectively, the “Purchasers”) providing for the issuance and sale of $100 million of senior unsecured notes of the Operating Partnership, of which (i) $50 million are designated as 5.09% Series A Senior Notes due March 22, 2029 (the “Series A Notes”) and (ii) $50 million are designated as 5.17% Series B Senior Notes due March 22, 2029 (the “Series B Notes” and, together with the Series A Notes, the “Notes”) pursuant to a private placement that closed on March 22, 2019 (the “Private Placement”). Obligations under the Notes are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and by the Subsidiary Guarantors. The principal of the Series A Notes will begin to amortize on March 22, 2023 with annual principal payments of approximately $7.1 million . The principal of the Series B Notes will begin to amortize on March 22, 2025 with annual principal payments of $10.0 million . The Notes will pay interest quarterly on the 22nd day of March, June, September and December in each year until maturity. The Operating Partnership may prepay at any time all, or from time to time part of, the Notes, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 in the case of a partial prepayment, at 100% of the principal amount so prepaid, plus a make-whole amount. The make-whole amount is equal to the excess, if any, of the discounted value of the remaining scheduled payments with respect to the Notes being prepaid over the aggregate principal amount of such Notes (as described in the Note Agreement). In addition, in connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement), the Operating Partnership is required to offer to prepay the Notes at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Note Agreement contains representations, warranties, covenants, terms and conditions customary for transactions of this type and substantially similar to the Operating Partnership’s existing senior revolving credit facility, including limitations on liens, incurrence of investments, acquisitions, loans and advances and restrictions on dividends and certain other restricted payments. In addition, the Note Agreement contains certain financial covenants substantially similar to the Operating Partnership’s existing senior revolving credit facility, including the following: • maximum total indebtedness to total asset value ratio of 0.60 to 1.00; • maximum secured debt to total asset value ratio of 0.40 to 1.00; • minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) to fixed charges ratio of 1.50 to 1.00; • maximum other recourse debt to total asset value ratio of 0.15 to 1.00; and • maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth (adjusted for accumulated depreciation and amortization) of $372 million plus 75% of the net proceeds from additional equity offerings (as defined therein). In addition, the Note Agreement contains a financial covenant requiring that maximum unsecured debt not exceed the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 60% of the aggregate unencumbered asset value and (ii) the debt service coverage amount (as described in the Note Agreement). That covenant is substantially similar to the borrowing base concept contained in the Operating Partnership’s existing senior revolving credit facility. The Note Agreement also contains default provisions, including defaults for non-payment, breach of representations and warranties, insolvency, non-performance of covenants, cross-defaults with other indebtedness and guarantor defaults. The occurrence of an event of default under the Note Agreement could result in the Purchasers accelerating the payment of all obligations under the Notes. The financial and restrictive covenants and default provisions in the Note Agreement are substantially similar to those contained in the Operating Partnership’s existing credit facility. Net proceeds from the Private Placement were used to refinance existing indebtedness. The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Notes were sold in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an unsecured credit facility (the “2019 Facility”) with the lenders party thereto, Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent (the “Agent”), SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, as syndication agent, and BMO Capital Markets Corp., U.S. Bank National Association, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey and Regions Capital Markets, as co-lead arrangers and joint book runners. The 2019 Facility amended and restated the 2018 Facility (as defined below). The 2019 Facility is comprised of the following three tranches: • $250.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a maturity date of January 1, 2023 (the “2019 Revolver”); • $165.0 million unsecured term loan with a maturity date of January 31, 2024 (“Term Loan A”); and • $100.0 million unsecured term loan with a maturity date of October 30, 2022 (“Term Loan B” and together with Term Loan A, the “2019 Term Loans”). Borrowings under the 2019 Facility accrue interest (at the Operating Partnership's option) at a Base Rate or an Adjusted LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon our then existing leverage. As of September 30, 2019 , the interest rate on the 2019 Revolver was 3.76% . The applicable margin for Adjusted LIBOR borrowings ranges from 1.40% to 1.90% for the 2019 Revolver and 1.35% to 1.90% for the 2019 Term Loans. Base Rate means the higher of: (a) the Agent’s prime commercial rate, (b) the sum of (i) the average rate quoted by the Agent by two or more federal funds brokers selected by the Agent for sale to the Agent at face value of federal funds in the secondary market in an amount equal or comparable to the principal amount for which such rate is being determined, plus (ii) 1/2 of 1.00% , and (c) the LIBOR rate for such day plus 1.00% . Adjusted LIBOR means LIBOR divided by one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage. The Eurodollar Reserve Percentage means the maximum reserve percentage at which reserves are imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on eurocurrency liabilities. Pursuant to the 2019 Facility, in the event of certain circumstances that result in the unavailability of LIBOR, including but not limited to LIBOR no longer being a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated dollar loans in the U.S. market, the Operating Partnership and the Agent will establish an alternate interest rate to LIBOR giving due consideration to prevailing market conventions and will amend the 2019 Facility to give effect to such alternate interest rate. The 2019 Facility includes an accordion feature that will allow the Operating Partnership to increase the borrowing capacity by $200.0 million , upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. As of September 30, 2019 , $351.0 million was drawn on the 2019 Facility and our unused borrowing capacity was $164.0 million , assuming that we use the proceeds of the 2019 Facility to acquire properties, or to repay debt on properties, that are eligible to be included in the unsecured borrowing base. The Company used $446.2 million of proceeds from the 2019 Facility to repay amounts outstanding under the 2018 Facility and intends to use the remaining proceeds from the 2019 Facility for general corporate purposes, including property acquisitions, debt repayment, capital expenditures, the expansion, redevelopment and re-tenanting of properties in its portfolio and working capital. The Company, each direct and indirect material subsidiary of the Operating Partnership and any other subsidiary of the Operating Partnership that is a guarantor under any unsecured ratable debt will serve as a guarantor for funds borrowed by the Operating Partnership under the 2019 Facility. The 2019 Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including, without limitation, customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants including, without limitation, information reporting requirements, limitations on investments, acquisitions, loans and advances, mergers, consolidations and sales, incurrence of liens, dividends and restricted payments. In addition, the 2019 Facility contains certain financial covenants including the following: • maximum total indebtedness to total asset value ratio of 0.60 to 1.00; • maximum secured debt to total asset value ratio of 0.40 to 1.00; • minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) to fixed charges ratio of 1.50 to 1.00; • maximum other recourse debt to total asset value ratio of 0.15 to 1.00; and • maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth (adjusted for accumulated depreciation and amortization) of $372 million plus 75% of the net proceeds from additional equity offerings (as defined therein). We serve as the guarantor for funds borrowed by the Operating Partnership under the 2019 Facility. The 2019 Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting requirements, maximum secured indebtedness to total asset value, minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization or extraordinary items) to fixed charges, and maintenance of a minimum net worth. The 2019 Facility also contains customary events of default with customary notice and cure, including, without limitation, nonpayment, breach of covenant, misrepresentation of representations and warranties in a material respect, cross-default to other major indebtedness, change of control, bankruptcy and loss of REIT tax status. On November 7, 2014, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility (the “2014 Facility”) with the lenders party thereto, with BMO Capital Markets Corp., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and U.S. Bank, National Association, as co-lead arrangers and joint book runners, and Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent (the “Agent”). The 2014 Facility amended and restated our previous unsecured revolving credit facility. On October 30, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into the First Amendment to the 2014 Facility (the “First Amendment”) with the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. We refer to the 2014 Facility, as amended by the First Amendment, as the “2018 Facility.” Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company made the following amendments to the 2014 Facility: • extended the maturity date of the $300 million unsecured revolving credit facility under the 2014 Facility (the “2018 Revolver”) to October 30, 2019 from November 7, 2018; • converted $100 million of outstanding borrowings under the Revolver to a new $100 million unsecured term loan under the 2014 Facility (“Term Loan 3”) with a maturity date of October 30, 2022; • extended the maturity date of the first $50 million unsecured term loan under the 2014 Facility (“Term Loan 1”) to October 30, 2020 from February 17, 2017; and • extended the maturity date of the second $50 million unsecured term loan under the 2014 Facility (“Term Loan 2” and together with Term Loan 1 and Term Loan 3, the “2018 Term Loans”) to January 29, 2021 from November 7, 2019. Borrowings under the 2018 Facility accrued interest (at the Operating Partnership's option) at a Base Rate or an Adjusted LIBOR plus an applicable margin based upon our then existing leverage. The applicable margin for Adjusted LIBOR borrowings ranged from 1.40% to 1.95% for the 2018 Revolver and 1.35% to 2.25% for the 2018 Term Loans. Base Rate means the higher of: (a) the Agent’s prime commercial rate, (b) the sum of (i) the average rate quoted by the Agent by two or more federal funds brokers selected by the Agent for sale to the Agent at face value of federal funds in the secondary market in an amount equal or comparable to the principal amount for which such rate is being determined, plus (ii) 1/2 of 1.00% , and (c) the LIBOR rate for such day plus 1.00% . Adjusted LIBOR means LIBOR divided by one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage. The Eurodollar Reserve Percentage means the maximum reserve percentage at which reserves are imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on eurocurrency liabilities. Proceeds from the 2018 Facility were used for general corporate purposes, including property acquisitions, debt repayment, capital expenditures, the expansion, redevelopment and re-tenanting of properties in our portfolio and working capital. On May 26, 2017, we, through our subsidiary, Whitestone BLVD Place LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, issued a $80.0 million promissory note to American General Life Insurance Company (the “BLVD Note”). The BLVD Note has a fixed interest rate of 3.72% and a maturity date of June 1, 2027. Proceeds from the BLVD Note were used to fund a portion of the purchase price of the acquisition of BLVD Place. On December 8, 2016, in connection with the Contribution, the Operating Partnership entered into the Second Amendment to the 2018 Facility and Reaffirmation of Guaranties (the “Second Amendment”) with Pillarstone OP, the Company and the other Guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto and the Agent. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, following the Contribution, Whitestone Offices, LLC and Whitestone CP Woodland Ph. 2, LLC were permitted to remain Material Subsidiaries (as defined in the 2018 Facility) and Guarantors under the 2018 Facility and their respective Pillarstone Properties were each permitted to remain an Eligible Property (as defined in the 2018 Facility) and be included in the Borrowing Base (as defined in the 2018 Facility) under the 2018 Facility. In addition, on December 8, 2016, Pillarstone OP entered into the Limited Guarantee (the “Limited Guarantee”) with the Agent, pursuant to which Pillarstone OP agreed to be joined as a party to the 2018 Facility to provide a limited guarantee up to the amount of availability generated by the Pillarstone Properties owned by Whitestone Offices, LLC and Whitestone CP Woodland Ph. 2, LLC. As of September 30, 2019 , our $171.7 million in secured debt was collateralized by 8 properties with a carrying value of $271.4 million . Our loans contain restrictions that would require the payment of prepayment penalties for the acceleration of outstanding debt and are secured by deeds of trust on certain of our properties and by assignment of the rents and leases associated with those properties. In 2018, we were not in compliance with respect to the tangible Net Worth covenant as defined in the 2018 Facility and had received two waivers in 2018. Had we been unable to obtain a waiver or other suitable relief from the lenders under the 2018 Facility, an Event of Default (as defined in the 2018 Facility) would have occurred, permitting the lenders holding a majority of the commitments under the 2018 Facility to, among other things, accelerate the outstanding indebtedness, which would make it immediately due and payable. The 2019 Facility and the Notes contain similar tangible Net Worth covenants that reset at a new threshold and change the definition of Net Worth to add back accumulated depreciation. However, we can make no assurances that we will be in compliance with these covenants or other covenants under the 2019 Facility or the Notes in future periods or, if we are not in compliance, that we will be able to obtain a waiver. As of September 30, 2019 , we were in compliance with all loan covenants. Scheduled maturities of our outstanding debt as of September 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Year Amount Due 2019 $ 743 2020 10,801 2021 1,611 2022 101,683 2023 113,863 Thereafter 394,288 Total $ 622,989

Derivatives and Hedging Activit

Derivatives and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and Hedging Activities	DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES The fair value of our interest rate swaps is as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Location Estimated Fair Value Prepaid expenses and other assets $ 62 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ (7,574 ) December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Location Estimated Fair Value Prepaid expenses and other assets $ 4,286 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ (59 ) On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $65 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A under the 2019 Facility at 2.43% . Pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $12.9 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $11.6 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $15.7 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank, and $5.9 million of the swap to Associated Bank. See Note 8 (Debt) for additional information regarding the 2019 Facility. The swap began on February 7, 2019 and will mature on November 9, 2020. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $115 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A under the 2019 Facility at 2.43% . Pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $22.7 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $20.5 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $27.9 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank, and $10.5 million of the swap to Associated Bank. See Note 8 (Debt) for additional information regarding the 2019 Facility. The swap will begin on November 9, 2020 and will mature on February 8, 2021. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. On January 31, 2019, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $165 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A under the 2019 Facility at 2.43% . Pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $32.6 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $29.4 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $40.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank, and $15.0 million of the swap to Associated Bank. See Note 8 (Debt) for additional information regarding the 2019 Facility. The swap will begin on February 8, 2021 and will mature on January 31, 2024. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. On September 5, 2018, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap with Bank of America that fixed the LIBOR portion of the $9.6 million extension loan on the Whitestone Terravita Marketplace property at 2.85% . The swap began on September 24, 2018 and will mature on September 24, 2020. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. On November 19, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan B at 1.73% . In the fourth quarter of 2015, pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $35.0 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, and $15.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank. See Note 8 (Debt) for additional information regarding the 2018 Facility. The swap began on November 30, 2015 and will mature on October 28, 2022. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. On November 19, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $50 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A at 1.75% . In the fourth quarter of 2015, pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $3.8 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $6.5 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Bank of America, N.A., and $5.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank. The swap began on February 3, 2017 and will mature on October 30, 2020. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. On November 19, 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, entered into an interest rate swap of $50 million with Bank of Montreal that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan A at 1.50% . In the fourth quarter of 2015, pursuant to the terms of the agreement governing the interest rate swap, Bank of Montreal assigned $3.8 million of the swap to Regions Bank, $6.5 million of the swap to U.S. Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, $14.0 million of the swap to Bank of America, N.A., and $5.0 million of the swap to SunTrust Bank. The swap began on December 7, 2015 and will mature on January 29, 2021. We have designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge with the effective portion of the changes in fair value to be recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value, if any, will be recognized directly in earnings. The Company does not expect any amount of the existing gains or losses to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. A summary of our interest rate swap activity is as follows (in thousands): Amount Recognized as Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location of Income (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (1) Three months ended September 30, 2019 $ (2,235 ) Interest expense $ 274 Three months ended September 30, 2018 $ 606 Interest expense $ 231 Nine months ended September 30, 2019 $ (11,740 ) Interest expense $ 1,091 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 $ 4,163 — Interest expense $ 335 (1) There was no ineffective portion of our interest rate swaps to recognize in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share for our common shareholders is calculated by dividing income from continuing operations excluding the net income attributable to unvested restricted common shares and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, by our weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common shareholders, excluding the net income attributable to unvested restricted common shares and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, by the weighted average number of common shares including any dilutive unvested restricted common shares. Certain of our performance-based restricted common shares are considered participating securities that require the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , 926,639 and 1,002,026 OP units, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , 926,986 and 1,039,147 OP units, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 , distributions of $121,000 were made to holders of certain restricted common shares, $4,000 of which were charged against earnings, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , distributions of $41,000 and $237,000 , respectively, were made to holders of certain restricted common shares, $12,000 of which were charged against earnings during the nine months ending September 30, 2018 . See Note 13 (Incentive Share Plan) for information related to restricted common shares under the 2018 Plan and the 2008 Plan. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share data) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 1,849 $ 8,033 $ 7,391 $ 13,307 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (42 ) (198 ) (168 ) (342 ) Distributions paid on unvested restricted shares — (117 ) (41 ) (225 ) Income from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares 1,807 7,718 7,182 12,740 Income from discontinued operations — — 701 — Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16 ) — Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT — — 685 — Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 1,807 $ 7,718 $ 7,867 $ 12,740 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares - basic 40,187 39,327 39,942 39,200 Effect of dilutive securities: Unvested restricted shares 1,259 1,308 1,142 1,341 Weighted average number of common shares - dilutive 41,446 40,635 41,084 40,541 Earnings Per Share: Basic: Income from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.20 $ 0.18 $ 0.33 Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.33 Diluted: Income from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.19 $ 0.17 $ 0.31 Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.19 $ 0.19 $ 0.31

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES With the exception of our taxable REIT subsidiaries, federal income taxes are generally not provided because we intend to and believe we continue to qualify as a REIT under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and because we have distributed and intend to continue to distribute all of our taxable income to our shareholders. As a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our shareholders and meet certain income sources and investment restriction requirements. In addition, REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates. We are subject to the Texas Margin Tax, which is computed by applying the applicable tax rate ( 0.75% for us) to the profit margin, which generally will be determined for us as total revenue less a 30% standard deduction. Although the Texas Margin Tax is not an income tax, FASB ASC 740, “ Income Taxes ” applies to the Texas Margin Tax. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , we recognized approximately $101,000 and $89,000 in margin tax provision, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , we recognized approximately $324,000 and $263,000 in margin tax provision, respectively.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity	EQUITY Common Shares Under our declaration of trust, as amended, we have authority to issue up to 400,000,000 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share, and up to 50,000,000 preferred shares of beneficial interest, $0.001 par value per share. Equity Offerings On June 4, 2015, we entered into nine amended and restated equity distribution agreements for an at-the-market equity distribution program (the “2015 equity distribution agreements”) providing for the issuance and sale of up to an aggregate of $50 million of our common shares pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-203727), which expired on April 29, 2018. Actual sales depended on a variety of factors determined by us from time to time, including (among others) market conditions, the trading price of our common shares, capital needs and our determinations of the appropriate sources of funding for us, and were made in transactions that will be deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. We had no obligation to sell any of our common shares and could at any time suspend offers under the 2015 equity distribution agreements or terminate the 2015 equity distribution agreements. We did no t sell any common shares under the 2015 equity distribution agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . On May 31, 2019, we entered into nine equity distribution agreements for an at-the-market equity distribution program (the “2019 equity distribution agreements”) providing for the issuance and sale of up to an aggregate of $100 million of the Company’s common shares pursuant to our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-225007). Actual sales will depend on a variety of factors determined by us from time to time, including (among others) market conditions, the trading price of our common shares, capital needs and our determinations of the appropriate sources of funding for us, and were made in transactions that will be deemed to be “at-the-market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. We have no obligation to sell any of our common shares and can at any time suspend offers under the 2019 equity distribution agreements or terminate the 2019 equity distribution agreements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , we sold 679,216 common shares under the 2019 equity distribution agreements, with net proceeds to us of approximately $8.7 million . In connection with such sales, we paid compensation of approximately $132,000 to the sales agents. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 , we sold 374,077 common shares under the 2019 equity distribution agreements, with net proceeds to us of approximately $4.8 million . In connection with such sales, we paid compensation of approximately $74,000 to the sales agents. Operating Partnership Units Substantially all of our business is conducted through our Operating Partnership. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. As of September 30, 2019 , we owned a 97.8% interest in the Operating Partnership. Limited partners in the Operating Partnership holding OP units have the right to redeem their OP units for cash or, at our option, common shares at a ratio of one OP unit for one common share. Distributions to OP unit holders are paid at the same rate per unit as distributions per share to holders of Whitestone common shares. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , there were 41,321,272 and 40,585,688 OP units outstanding, respectively. We owned 40,396,729 and 39,657,207 OP units as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , respectively. The balance of the OP units is owned by third parties, including certain members of our board of trustees. Our weighted average share ownership in the Operating Partnership was approximately 97.7% and 97.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and approximately 97.7% and 97.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , 2,857 and 79,565 OP units, respectively, were redeemed for an equal number of c ommon shares, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , 3,938 and 154,974 OP units, respectively, were redeemed for an equal number of c ommon shares . Distributions The following table summarizes the cash distributions paid or payable to holders of common shares and to holders of noncontrolling OP units during each quarter of 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands, except per share/per OP unit data): Common Shares Noncontrolling OP Unit Holders Total Quarter Paid Distributions Per Common Share Amount Paid Distributions Per OP Unit Amount Paid Amount Paid 2019 Third Quarter $ 0.2850 $ 11,430 $ 0.2850 $ 264 $ 11,694 Second Quarter 0.2850 11,316 0.2850 265 11,581 First Quarter 0.2850 11,301 0.2850 264 11,565 Total $ 0.8550 $ 34,047 $ 0.8550 $ 793 $ 34,840 2018 Fourth Quarter $ 0.2850 $ 11,302 $ 0.2850 $ 265 $ 11,567 Third Quarter 0.2850 11,294 0.2850 286 11,580 Second Quarter 0.2850 11,203 0.2850 295 11,498 First Quarter 0.2850 11,145 0.2850 309 11,454 Total $ 1.1400 $ 44,944 $ 1.1400 $ 1,155 $ 46,099

Incentive Share Plan

Incentive Share Plan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Incentive Share Plan	INCENTIVE SHARE PLAN On July 29, 2008, our shareholders approved the 2008 Plan. On December 22, 2010, our board of trustees amended the 2008 Plan to allow for awards in or related to Class B common shares pursuant to the 2008 Plan. On June 27, 2012, our Class B common shares were redesignated as “common shares.” The 2008 Plan, as amended, expired on July 29, 2018 and provided that awards may be made with respect to common shares of Whitestone or OP units, which may be redeemed for cash or, at our option, common shares of Whitestone. The maximum aggregate number of common shares issuable under the 2008 Plan was increased upon each issuance of common shares by Whitestone so that at any time the maximum number of common shares issuable under the 2008 Plan equaled 12.5% of the aggregate number of common shares of Whitestone and OP units issued and outstanding (other than common shares and/or OP units issued to or held by Whitestone). The Compensation Committee of our board of trustees administered the 2008 Plan, except with respect to awards to non-employee trustees, for which the 2008 Plan was administered by our board of trustees. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant share options, including both incentive share options and non-qualified share options, as well as share appreciation rights, either with or without a related option. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant restricted common shares, restricted common share units, performance awards and other share-based awards. On April 2, 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the modification of the vesting provisions with respect to awards of an aggregate of 633,704 restricted common shares and restricted common share units granted under the 2008 Plan to certain of our employees. The modified time-based shares vested annually in three equal installments. The modified performance-based restricted common shares and restricted common share units were modified to include performance-based vesting based on achievement of certain absolute financial goals, as well as one to two years of time-based vesting post achievement of financial goals. Continued employment was required through the applicable vesting date. Additionally, 2,049,116 restricted performance-based common share units were granted with the same vesting conditions as the modified performance-based grants described above. The performance targets were not met prior to December 31, 2018, any unvested performance-based restricted common shares and restricted common share units were forfeited. The Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 320,000 and 143,000 time-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan on June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, to James C. Mastandrea and David K. Holeman. At the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders on May 11, 2017, its shareholders voted to approve the 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The 2018 Plan provides for the issuance of up to 3,433,831 common shares and OP units pursuant to awards under the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan became effective on July 30, 2018, which was the day after the 2008 Plan expired. The Compensation Committee administers the 2018 Plan, except with respect to awards to non-employee trustees, for which the 2018 Plan is administered by the board of trustees. The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant share options, including both incentive share options and non-qualified share options, as well as share appreciation rights, either with or without a related option. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to grant restricted common shares, restricted common share units, performance awards and other share-based awards. On September 6, 2017, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 267,783 performance-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan with market-based vesting conditions (the “TSR Units”) to certain of our employees. Vesting is contingent upon achieving Total Shareholder Return relative to the peer group defined in the TSR Unit award agreements over a three -year performance period. At the end of the performance period, the number of common shares awarded for each vested TSR Unit will vary from 0% to 200% depending on the Company’s ranking in the peer group (the “TSR Peer Group Ranking”). Continued employment is required through the vesting date. The grant date fair value for each TSR Unit of $12.37 was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation method and is being recognized as share-based compensation expense ratably from the September 30, 2017 grant date to the end of the performance period, December 31, 2019. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award grant and calculates the fair value of the award. Expected volatilities utilized in the model were estimated using a historical period consistent with the performance period of approximately three years. The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury rate for a term commensurate with the expected life of the grant. On September 6, 2017, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 965,000 performance-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan which only vest immediately prior to the consummation of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2008 Plan) that occurs on or before September 30, 2024 (the “CIC Units”) to certain of our employees. Continued employment is required through the vesting date. If a Change in Control does not occur on or before September 30, 2024, the CIC Units shall be immediately forfeited. The Company considers a Change in Control on or before September 30, 2024 to be improbable, and no expense has been recognized for the CIC Units. If a Change in Control occurs, any outstanding CIC Units would be expensed immediately on the date of the Change in Control using the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value for each CIC Unit of $13.05 was determined based on the Company’s closing share price on the grant date. On March 16, 2018, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 387,499 time-based restricted common share units under the 2008 Plan, which vest annually in three equal installments, and 4,300 performance-based restricted common share units to certain of our employees. On December 1, 2018, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 229,684 TSR Units under the 2018 Plan to certain of our employees. Vesting is contingent upon achieving Total Shareholder Return relative to the peer group defined in the TSR Unit award agreements over a three -year performance period. At the end of the performance period, the number of common shares awarded for each vested TSR Unit will vary from 0% to 200% depending on the Company’s TSR Peer Group Ranking. Continued employment is required through the vesting date. The grant date fair value for each TSR Unit of $14.89 was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation method and is being recognized as share-based compensation expense ratably from the December 1, 2018 grant date to the end of the performance period, December 31, 2020. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award grant and calculates the fair value of the award. Expected volatilities utilized in the model were estimated using a historical period consistent with the performance period of approximately three years. The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury rate for a term commensurate with the expected life of the grant. On June 30, 2019, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of an aggregate of 405,417 TSR Units and 317,184 time-based restricted common share units under the 2018 Plan to certain of our employees. Vesting of the TSR Units is contingent upon achieving Total Shareholder Return relative to the peer group defined in the TSR Unit award agreements over a three-year performance period. At the end of the performance period, the number of common shares awarded for each vested TSR Unit will vary from 0% to 200% depending on the Company’s TSR Peer Group Ranking. Continued employment is required through the vesting date. The grant date fair value for each TSR Unit of $8.22 was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation method and is being recognized as share-based compensation expense ratably from the June 30, 2019 grant date to the end of the performance period, December 31, 2021. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award grant and calculates the fair value of the award. Expected volatilities utilized in the model were estimated using a historical period consistent with the performance period of approximately three years . The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury rate for a term commensurate with the expected life of the grant. The time-based restricted common share units have a grant date fair value of $10.63 and vest annually in three equal installments. A summary of the share-based incentive plan activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1, 2019 1,923,382 $ 12.41 Granted 739,670 9.33 Vested (262,004 ) 11.61 Forfeited (61,116 ) 12.62 Non-vested at September 30, 2019 2,339,932 $ 11.52 Available for grant at September 30, 2019 2,449,942 A summary of our non-vested and vested shares activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below: Shares Granted Shares Vested Non-Vested Shares Issued Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Vested Shares Total Vest-Date Fair Value (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 739,670 $ 9.33 (262,004 ) $ 3,041 Year Ended December 31, 2018 653,472 $ 11.07 (560,126 ) $ 7,978 Year Ended December 31, 2017 1,354,534 $ 12.92 (881,710 ) $ 12,829 Total compensation recognized in earnings for share-based payments was $1,719,000 and $1,497,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively, and $4,770,000 and $4,894,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Based on our current financial projections, we expect approximately 100% of the unvested awards, exclusive of 895,000 CIC Units, to vest over the next 36 months. As of September 30, 2019 , there was approximately $5.2 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding non-vested TSR Units, which are expected to vest over a period of 27 months, and approximately $4.8 million in unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding non-vested time-based shares, which are expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 36 months beginning on October 1, 2019 . We expect to record approximately $6.4 million in non-cash share-based compensation expense in 2019 and $8.4 million subsequent to 2019 . The unrecognized share-based compensation cost is expected to vest over a weighted average period of 25 months. The dilutive impact of the performance-based shares will be included in the denominator of the earnings per share calculation beginning in the period that the performance conditions are expected to be met. The dilutive impact of the TSR Units is based on the Company’s TSR Peer Group Ranking as of the reporting date and weighted according to the number of days outstanding in the period. As of September 30, 2019 , the TSR Peer Group Ranking called for 200% attainment for the shares issued in 2017, 100% attainment for the shares issued in 2018, and 0% attainment for the shares issued in 2019. The dilutive impact of the CIC Units is based on the probability of a Change in Control. Because the Company considers a Change in Control on or before September 30, 2024 to be improbable, no CIC Units are included in the Company’s dilutive shares.

Grants to Trustees

Grants to Trustees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Grants to Trustees [Abstract]
Grants To Trustees	GRANTS TO TRUSTEES On December 28, 2018, each of our six independent trustees and one trustee emeritus were granted 3,000 common shares, which vest immediately and are prorated based on date appointed. The 21,000 common shares granted to our trustees had a grant fair value of $12.42 per share. On December 28, 2018, two of our independent trustees each elected to receive a total of 4,186 common shares with a grant date fair value of $12.42 in lieu of cash for board fees. The fair value of the shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2018 was determined using quoted prices available on the date of grant. On December 12, 2017, each of our six independent trustees and one trustee emeritus were granted 3,000 common shares, which vested immediately and were prorated based on date appointed. The 16,281 common shares granted to our trustees had a grant date fair value of $14.46 per share. On December 12, 2017, three of our independent trustees each elected to receive a total of 2,320 common shares with a grant date fair value of $14.46 in lieu of cash for board fees. The fair value of the shares granted were determined using quoted prices available on the date of grant.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION Historically, our management has not differentiated results of operations by property type or location and, therefore, does not present segment information.

Real Estate

Real Estate	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate	REAL ESTATE Development. As of September 30, 2019 , we had substantially completed construction at our Anthem Marketplace Phase II property. As of September 30, 2019 , we had incurred approximately $1.4 million in construction costs. The 6,853 square foot Community Centered Property ® was 81% occupied as of September 30, 2019 and is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and adjacent to Anthem Marketplace. Property dispositions. On September 24, 2018, we completed the sale of Torrey Square, located in Houston, Texas, for $8.7 million . We recorded a gain on sale of $4.4 million . We have not included Torrey Square in discontinued operations as it did not meet the definition of discontinued operations. On February 27, 2018, we completed the sale of Bellnott Square, located in Houston, Texas, for $4.7 million . We recorded a gain on sale of $0.3 million . We have not included Bellnott Square in discontinued operations as it did not meet the definition of discontinued operations.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Pillarstone OP. For the periods prior to December 31, 2017, Pillarstone OP was accounted for under the profit-sharing method, and related party transactions between the Company and Pillarstone OP were eliminated. As a result of the adoption of Topic 606 and ASC 610 as of January 1, 2018, the Company derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method. During the ordinary course of business, we have transactions with Pillarstone OP that include, but are not limited to, rental income, interest expense, general and administrative costs, commissions, management and asset management fees, and property expenses. The following table presents the revenue and expenses with Pillarstone OP included in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Location of Revenue (Expense) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Rent Operating and maintenance $ (213 ) $ (201 ) $ (628 ) $ (606 ) Property management fee income Management, transaction, and other fees $ 228 $ 249 $ 693 $ 755 Interest income Interest, dividend and other investment income $ 52 $ 149 $ 161 $ 435 On December 8, 2016, we received a $15.4 million financed receivable from Pillarstone OP to provide the financing for the ordinary course of business transactions for Pillarstone OP. The financed receivable has a interest rate of 1.4% - 1.95% plus Libor and a maturity date of December 31, 2019. As of September 30, 2019 , the balance of the financed receivable is $5.7 million .

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. These matters are generally covered by insurance. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the final outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. On April 16, 2019, a purported shareholder of the Company filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas against the Company, James C. Mastandrea, and David K. Holeman, entitled Clark v. Whitestone REIT, et al ., Case 4:19-cv-01379. A second class action lawsuit was filed but was consolidated into the Clark case. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company and the individual defendants violated certain federal securities laws by making materially false and misleading statements in the Company’s Forms 10-Q for the first three quarterly periods of the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of the accounting errors that required the restatement of our consolidated financial statements for the first three quarterly periods of the year ended December 31, 2018. The purported class period runs from May 9, 2018 through February 27, 2019. The complaint sought, among other things, compensatory damages in an amount to be proven at trial, plus interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs. In August 2019, the complainants in these purported class actions withdrew their claims and the Court issued an order dismissing them with prejudice. On July 17, 2019, the Company received a demand letter from a purported shareholder containing allegations similar to those contained in the purported class actions. Subsequent to the dismissal of the purported class actions, in September 2019, counsel for the purported shareholder withdrew its demand. On December 12, 2017, a property owner that owns a land parcel adjacent to a Whitestone property filed suit against Whitestone Pinnacle of Scottsdale - Phase II, LLC (“Whitestone Pinnacle”) alleging breach of contract and resulting in the delay of the construction of the their assisted living facility. In May 2019, the claimant amended their report of damages and seeks approximately $2.7 million in restitution from Whitestone Pinnacle. The Company intends to vigorously defend the matter as it believes that these claims are without merit and that it has substantial legal and factual defenses to the claims and allegations contained in the complaint. Based upon the present status of this matter, the Company does not believe it is probable that a loss will be incurred. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded a charge as a result of this action.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 8, 2019, Pillarstone OP, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Whitestone Industrial-Office, LLC, sold a portfolio of three properties in Houston, Texas to an unaffiliated third party for $39.7 million in cash. Pillarstone OP used the net proceeds, after customary closing deductions, to pay off mortgage debt on the three properties, and repay the remaining $5.7 million outstanding under its $15.5 million loan from Whitestone. In addition to the $5.7 million loan repayment, Whitestone received a $5.3 million cash distribution from its stake in Pillarstone OP as a result of the sale, and expects to recycle the capital into development and redevelopment of existing assets, acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and possess full legal control and authority over the operations of the Operating Partnership. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , we owned a majority of the partnership interests in the Operating Partnership. Consequently, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Operating Partnership. Noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements represents the share of equity and earnings of the Operating Partnership allocable to holders of partnership interests other than us. Net income or loss is allocated to noncontrolling interests based on the weighted-average percentage ownership of the Operating Partnership during the period. Issuance of additional common shares of beneficial interest in Whitestone (the “common shares”) and units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership that are convertible into cash or, at our option, common shares on a one -for- one basis (the “OP units”) changes the percentage of ownership interests of both the noncontrolling interests and Whitestone.
Basis of Accounting	Basis of Accounting. Our financial records are maintained on the accrual basis of accounting whereby revenues are recognized when earned and expenses are recorded when incurred.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates that we use include the estimated fair values of properties acquired, the estimated useful lives for depreciable and amortizable assets and costs, the estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, the estimated fair value of interest rate swaps and the estimates supporting our impairment analysis for the carrying values of our real estate assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications. We have reclassified certain prior period amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in order to be consistent with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income, total assets, total liabilities or equity.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash. We classify all cash pledged as collateral to secure certain obligations and all cash whose use is limited as restricted cash. During 2015, pursuant to the terms of our $15.1 million 4.99% Note, due January 6, 2024 (see Note 8 (Debt)), which is collateralized by our Anthem Marketplace property, we were required by the lenders thereunder to establish a cash management account controlled by the lenders to collect all amounts generated by our Anthem Marketplace property in order to collateralize such promissory note.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. We utilize derivative financial instruments, principally interest rate swaps, to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. We have established policies and procedures for risk assessment, and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instruments. We recognize our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges with the effective portion of the changes in fair value recorded in comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedges’ change in fair value is recorded immediately into earnings. Our cash flow hedges are determined using Level 2 inputs under ASC 820. Level 2 inputs represent quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable. As of September 30, 2019 , we consider our cash flow hedges to be highly effective.
Development Properties	Development Properties. Land, buildings and improvements are recorded at cost. Expenditures related to the development of real estate are carried at cost which includes capitalized carrying charges and development costs. Carrying charges (interest, real estate taxes, loan fees, and direct and indirect development costs related to buildings under construction), are capitalized as part of construction in progress. The capitalization of such costs ceases when the property, or any completed portion, becomes available for occupancy.
Real Estate Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	Real Estate Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. We consider a commercial property to be held for sale when it meets all of the criteria established under ASC 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements.” For commercial properties classified as held for sale, assets and liabilities are presented separately for all periods presented. In accordance with ASC 205, a discontinued operation may include a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity. A disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the component of an entity or group of components of an entity is classified as held for sale, disposed of by sale or disposed of other than by sale. In addition, ASC 205 requires us to provide additional disclosures about both discontinued operations and the disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not meet the criteria for a discontinued operation.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation. From time to time, we grant nonvested restricted common share awards or restricted common share unit awards, which may be converted into common shares, to executive officers and employees under our 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The vast majority of the granted shares and units vest when certain performance conditions are met. We recognize compensation expense when achievement of the performance conditions is probable based on management’s most recent estimates using the fair value of the shares as of the grant date.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests. Noncontrolling interests are the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable to a parent. Accordingly, we have reported noncontrolling interests in equity on the consolidated balance sheets but separate from Whitestone’s equity. On the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), subsidiaries are reported at the consolidated amount, including both the amount attributable to Whitestone and noncontrolling interests. The consolidated statements of changes in equity is included for quarterly financial statements, including beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for shareholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements . In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance, as amended in subsequent updates, establishing a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and superseded most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. The standard also required an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and also required certain additional disclosures. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and have derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and have recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method of accounting. The Company made an adjustment which decreased the Company’s accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 by $19.1 million . In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2 which provided the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. Additional guidance and targeted improvements to Topic 842 were made through the issuance of supplementary ASUs in July 2018, December 2018 and March 2019. Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting guidance in Topic 842. As the lessee and lessor, we have elected the package of practical expedients permitted in Topic 842. Accordingly, we have accounted for our existing operating leases as operating leases under the new guidance, without reassessing (a) whether the contract contains a lease under Topic 842, (b) whether classification of the operating lease would be different in accordance with Topic 842, or (c) whether the unamortized initial direct costs before transition adjustments (as of December 31, 2018) would have met the definition of initial direct costs in Topic 842 at lease commencement. Additionally, as the lessee and lessor we will use hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of our right-of-use assets. As a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting guidance, as the lessee, we recognized on January 1, 2019 (a) a lease liability of approximately $1.1 million , which represents the present value of the remaining lease payments of approximately $1.2 million discounted using our incremental borrowing rate of 4.5% , and (b) a right-of-use asset of approximately $1.1 million . The adoption of Topic 842 did not have a material impact to our net income and related per share amounts. Upon adoption of Topic 842, lessees and lessors are required to apply a modified retrospective transition approach. Reporting entities are permitted to choose one of two methods to recognize and measure leases within the scope of Topic 842: • Apply Topic 842 to each lease that existed at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as well as leases that commenced after that date. Under this method, prior comparative periods presented are adjusted. For leases that commenced prior to the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, a cumulative-effect adjustment is recognized at that date. • Apply the guidance to each lease that had commenced as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the leases standard with a cumulative-effect adjustment as of that date. Prior comparative periods would not be adjusted under this method. We have elected an optional transition method that allows entities to initially apply Topic 842 at January 1, 2019, the date of adoption, and to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. As the lessor, we have not assessed unamortized legal costs as part of the package of practical expedients, and we will not make any adjustment to retained earnings at the date of adoption to write off unamortized legal costs. We will continue to amortize unamortized legal costs as of December 31, 2018 over the life of the respective leases. We did not have a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the adoption date. Additionally, the optional transition method does allow us to not have to apply the new standard (including disclosure requirements) to comparative periods presented. Those periods can continue to be presented in accordance with prior generally accepted accounting principles. Topic 842 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases and operating leases. Based on our election of the package of practical expedients, our existing commercial leases, where we are the lessor, continue to be accounted for as operating leases under the new standard. However, Topic 842 changed certain requirements regarding the classification of leases that could result in us recognizing certain long-term leases entered into or modified after January 1, 2019 as sales-type leases or finance leases, as opposed to operating leases. We will continue to monitor our leases following the adoption date to ensure that they are classified in accordance with the new lease standards. We elected a practical expedient which allows lessors to not separate non-lease components from the lease component when the timing and pattern of transfer for the lease components and non-lease components are the same and if the lease component is classified as an operating lease. As a result, we now present all rentals and reimbursements from tenants as a single line item, Rental , within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For the three months ended September 30, 2019 , we had rent revenues of $21.6 million and rental recoveries of $8.2 million compared to $22.0 million and $8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , we had rent revenues of $64.8 million and rental recoveries of $23.7 million compared to $65.0 million and $23.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. We review the collectability of charges under our tenant operating leases on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in the industry in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. With the adoption of Topic 842, we will recognize an adjustment to rental revenue if we deem it probable that the receivable will not be collected. Prior to the adoption of Topic 842, we recognized an allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debt expense of the specific rents receivable. Our review of collectability under our operating leases includes any accrued rental revenues related to the straight-line method of reporting rental revenue. In November 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2018, and we have reconciled cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents on a retrospective basis, whereas under the previous guidance, we reported restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents under cash flows from financing activities. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or dispositions) of assets or businesses. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a prospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and believe the majority of our future acquisitions will qualify as asset acquisitions and the associated transaction costs will be capitalized as opposed to expensed under previous guidance. In February 2017, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the scope of asset derecognition guidance, adding guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets and clarifying recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. This guidance became effective for the reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis beginning January 1, 2018 and have derecognized the underlying assets and liabilities associated with the Contribution as of January 1, 2018 and have recognized the Company’s investment in Pillarstone OP under the equity method of accounting. The Company made an adjustment which decreased the Company’s accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2018 by $19.1 million .

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Minimum Future Rent Payments	A summary of minimum future rents to be received (exclusive of renewals, tenant reimbursements, contingent rents, and collectability adjustments under Topic 842 under noncancelable operating leases in existence as of September 30, 2019 is as follows (in thousands)): Years Ended December 31, Minimum Future Rents (1) 2019 $ 20,984 2020 78,204 2021 66,964 2022 55,423 2023 43,924 Thereafter 135,616 Total $ 401,115
Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities	The following table summarizes the fixed, future minimum rental payments, excluding variable costs, which are discounted by our weighted average incremental borrowing rates to calculate the lease liabilities for our operating leases in which we are the lessee (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, September 30, 2019 2019 $ 122 2020 362 2021 243 2022 6 Total undiscounted rental payments 733 Less imputed interest 32 Total lease liabilities $ 701

Accrued Rents and Accounts Re_2

Accrued Rents and Accounts Receivable, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Rent and Accounts Receivable, Net	Accrued rents and accounts receivable, net consists of amounts accrued, billed and due from tenants, allowance for doubtful accounts and other receivables as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Tenant receivables $ 16,376 $ 14,686 Accrued rents and other recoveries 16,334 16,423 Allowance for doubtful accounts (10,681 ) (9,746 ) Other receivables 203 279 Total $ 22,232 $ 21,642

Unamortized Leasing Commissio_2

Unamortized Leasing Commissions, Legal Fees and Loan Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unamortized Leasing Comissions and Loan Costs	Costs which have been deferred consist of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Leasing commissions $ 9,499 $ 8,789 Deferred legal cost 395 406 Deferred financing cost 3,916 4,076 Total cost 13,810 13,271 Less: leasing commissions accumulated amortization (4,011 ) (3,534 ) Less: deferred legal cost accumulated amortization (166 ) (125 ) Less: deferred financing cost accumulated amortization (622 ) (2,914 ) Total cost, net of accumulated amortization $ 9,011 $ 6,698

Investment in Real Estate Par_2

Investment in Real Estate Partnership (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	The table below presents the real estate partnership investment in which the Company holds an ownership interest (in thousands): Company’s Investment as of September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Real estate partnership Ownership Interest Pillarstone OP (1) 81.4% $ 26,423 $ 26,236 Total real estate partnership (2) $ 26,423 $ 26,236 (1) The Company manages these real estate partnership investments and, where applicable, earns acquisition fees, leasing commissions, property management fees, and asset management fees. (2) Representing 11 property interests and 1.3 million square feet of GLA, as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Summarized financial information for the Company’s investment in real estate partnership is as follows (in thousands): September 30, December 31, 2019 2018 Assets: Real estate, net $ 72,096 $ 72,661 Other assets 7,548 6,617 Total assets 79,644 79,278 Liabilities and equity: Notes payable 46,281 47,064 Other liabilities 4,676 4,322 Equity 28,687 27,892 Total liabilities and equity 79,644 79,278 Company’s share of equity 23,365 22,717 Cost of investment in excess of the Company’s share of underlying net book value 3,058 3,519 Carrying value of investment in real estate partnership $ 26,423 $ 26,236 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Revenues $ 3,863 $ 4,550 $ 11,536 $ 12,991 Operating expenses (2,410 ) (2,935 ) (7,218 ) (7,857 ) Other expenses (776 ) (967 ) (2,341 ) (2,872 ) Net income $ 677 $ 648 $ 1,977 $ 2,262
Real Estate Investment Financial Statements, Disclosure	The table below presents the Company’s share of net income from its investment in the real estate partnership which is included in equity in earnings of real estate partnership, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018 Pillarstone OP $ 524 $ 502 $ 1,480 $ 1,762

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Debt consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands): Description September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Fixed rate notes $10.5 million, 4.85% Note, due September 24, 2020 (1) $ 9,320 $ 9,500 $50.0 million, 1.75% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2020 (2) — 50,000 $50.0 million, 1.50% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 29, 2021 (3) — 50,000 $100.0 million, 1.73% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2022 (4) 100,000 100,000 $165.0 million, 2.24% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 31, 2024 (5) 165,000 — $80.0 million, 3.72% Note, due June 1, 2027 80,000 80,000 $6.5 million 3.80% Note, due January 1, 2019 — 5,657 $19.0 million 4.15% Note, due December 1, 2024 19,000 19,000 $20.2 million 4.28% Note, due June 6, 2023 18,713 18,996 $14.0 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024 13,542 13,718 $14.3 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024 14,300 14,300 $15.1 million 4.99% Note, due January 6, 2024 14,469 14,643 $2.6 million 5.46% Note, due October 1, 2023 2,397 2,430 $50.0 million, 5.09% Note, due March 22, 2029 50,000 — $50.0 million, 5.17% Note, due March 22, 2029 50,000 — $1.2 million 4.35% Note, due November 28, 2019 248 — Floating rate notes Unsecured line of credit, LIBOR plus 1.40% to 1.90%, due January 1, 2023 (6) 86,000 241,200 Total notes payable principal 622,989 619,444 Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization (1,252 ) (1,239 ) Total notes payable $ 621,737 $ 618,205 (1) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the interest rate at 3.55% for the duration of the term through September 24, 2018 and 4.85% beginning September 24, 2018 through September 24, 2020. (2) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan 1 (as defined below) at 0.84% through February 3, 2017 and 1.75% beginning February 3, 2017 through October 30, 2020. (3) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of Term Loan 2 (as defined below) at 1.50% . (4) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 1.73% . (5) Promissory note includes an interest rate swap that fixed the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at an average rate of 2.24% for the duration of the term through January 31, 2024. (6) Unsecured line of credit includes certain Pillarstone Properties as of December 31, 2018, in determining the amount of credit available under the 2018 Facility which were released from collateral during 2019.
Schedule of Maturities of Debt	Scheduled maturities of our outstanding debt as of September 30, 2019 were as follows (in thousands): Year Amount Due 2019 $ 743 2020 10,801 2021 1,611 2022 101,683 2023 113,863 Thereafter 394,288 Total $ 622,989

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_2

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of activity and fair value of interest rate swaps	The fair value of our interest rate swaps is as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2019 Balance Sheet Location Estimated Fair Value Prepaid expenses and other assets $ 62 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ (7,574 ) December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Location Estimated Fair Value Prepaid expenses and other assets $ 4,286 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ (59 ) A summary of our interest rate swap activity is as follows (in thousands): Amount Recognized as Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location of Income (Loss) Recognized in Earnings Amount of Income (Loss) Recognized in Earnings (1) Three months ended September 30, 2019 $ (2,235 ) Interest expense $ 274 Three months ended September 30, 2018 $ 606 Interest expense $ 231 Nine months ended September 30, 2019 $ (11,740 ) Interest expense $ 1,091 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 $ 4,163 — Interest expense $ 335 (1) There was no ineffective portion of our interest rate swaps to recognize in earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 .

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in thousands, except per share data) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 1,849 $ 8,033 $ 7,391 $ 13,307 Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (42 ) (198 ) (168 ) (342 ) Distributions paid on unvested restricted shares — (117 ) (41 ) (225 ) Income from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares 1,807 7,718 7,182 12,740 Income from discontinued operations — — 701 — Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (16 ) — Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT — — 685 — Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 1,807 $ 7,718 $ 7,867 $ 12,740 Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares - basic 40,187 39,327 39,942 39,200 Effect of dilutive securities: Unvested restricted shares 1,259 1,308 1,142 1,341 Weighted average number of common shares - dilutive 41,446 40,635 41,084 40,541 Earnings Per Share: Basic: Income from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.20 $ 0.18 $ 0.33 Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.20 $ 0.20 $ 0.33 Diluted: Income from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.19 $ 0.17 $ 0.31 Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares $ 0.04 $ 0.19 $ 0.19 $ 0.31

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Distributions	The following table summarizes the cash distributions paid or payable to holders of common shares and to holders of noncontrolling OP units during each quarter of 2018 and the nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands, except per share/per OP unit data): Common Shares Noncontrolling OP Unit Holders Total Quarter Paid Distributions Per Common Share Amount Paid Distributions Per OP Unit Amount Paid Amount Paid 2019 Third Quarter $ 0.2850 $ 11,430 $ 0.2850 $ 264 $ 11,694 Second Quarter 0.2850 11,316 0.2850 265 11,581 First Quarter 0.2850 11,301 0.2850 264 11,565 Total $ 0.8550 $ 34,047 $ 0.8550 $ 793 $ 34,840 2018 Fourth Quarter $ 0.2850 $ 11,302 $ 0.2850 $ 265 $ 11,567 Third Quarter 0.2850 11,294 0.2850 286 11,580 Second Quarter 0.2850 11,203 0.2850 295 11,498 First Quarter 0.2850 11,145 0.2850 309 11,454 Total $ 1.1400 $ 44,944 $ 1.1400 $ 1,155 $ 46,099

Incentive Share Plan (Tables)

Incentive Share Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-Based Incentive Plan Activity	A summary of the share-based incentive plan activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows: Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1, 2019 1,923,382 $ 12.41 Granted 739,670 9.33 Vested (262,004 ) 11.61 Forfeited (61,116 ) 12.62 Non-vested at September 30, 2019 2,339,932 $ 11.52 Available for grant at September 30, 2019 2,449,942
Schedule of Nonvested and Vested Shares Activity	A summary of our non-vested and vested shares activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented below: Shares Granted Shares Vested Non-Vested Shares Issued Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Vested Shares Total Vest-Date Fair Value (in thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 739,670 $ 9.33 (262,004 ) $ 3,041 Year Ended December 31, 2018 653,472 $ 11.07 (560,126 ) $ 7,978 Year Ended December 31, 2017 1,354,534 $ 12.92 (881,710 ) $ 12,829

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	The following table presents the revenue and expenses with Pillarstone OP included in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Location of Revenue (Expense) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Rent Operating and maintenance $ (213 ) $ (201 ) $ (628 ) $ (606 ) Property management fee income Management, transaction, and other fees $ 228 $ 249 $ 693 $ 755 Interest income Interest, dividend and other investment income $ 52 $ 149 $ 161 $ 435

Interim Financial Statements (D

Interim Financial Statements (Details) ft² in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2004shares	Sep. 30, 2019ft²property	Dec. 31, 2018ft²property
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Reorganization and conversion, number of common shares (in shares) | shares	1.42857
Wholly Owned Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of properties		57	57
Retail Site [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Community Centered Properties™ [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of properties		52
Land [Member] | Wholly Owned Properties [Member] | Parcels Held for Future Development [Member] | Redevelopment, New Acquisitions Portfolio [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of properties		5
Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Ownership interest		81.40%
Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member] | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of properties		11	11
Gross leasable area (in square feet) | ft²		1.3	1.3

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Conversion basis for common shares to OP units (in shares)		1		1
Interest expense capitalized		$ 127,000	$ 149,000	$ 365,000	$ 440,000
Real estate tax capitalized		77,000	145,000	251,000	274,000
Share-based compensation		1,719,000	1,497,000	4,770,000	4,894,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		10,681,000		10,681,000			$ 9,746,000
Bad debt		495,000		926,000
Rental	[1]		30,085,000		88,211,000
Bad debt			300,000	926,000	970,000
Total lease liabilities		701,000		701,000
Operating lease payments		$ 733,000		$ 733,000
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate, percent		4.50%		4.50%
Operating lease right of use assets		$ 697,000		$ 697,000
Rental revenues		21,623,000		64,752,000
Recoveries			8,121,000		23,193,000
Recoveries		8,240,000		23,701,000
Rental revenues			$ 21,964,000		$ 65,018,000
ASU 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Total lease liabilities						$ 1,100,000
Operating lease payments						$ 1,200,000
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate, percent						4.50%
Operating lease right of use assets						$ 1,100,000
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Impact of change in accounting principal								$ 19,100,000
Anthem Marketplace Note [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Face amount of debt		$ 15,100,000		$ 15,100,000
Stated interest rate		4.99%		4.99%
[1]	(1) Rental Rental revenues $21,623 $21,964 $64,752 $65,018Recoveries 8,240 8,121 23,701 23,193Bad debt (495) N/A (926) N/ATotal rental $29,368 $30,085 $87,527 $88,211

Leases - Minimum Future Rent Pa

Leases - Minimum Future Rent Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 20,984
2020	78,204
2021	66,964
2022	55,423
2023	43,924
Thereafter	135,616
Total	$ 401,115

Leases - Maturities of Operatin

Leases - Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract]
2019	$ 122
2020	362
2021	243
2022	6
Total undiscounted rental payments	733
Less imputed interest	32
Total lease liabilities	$ 701

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 245	$ 740
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term	1 year 11 months 6 days	1 year 11 months 6 days
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate, percent	4.50%	4.50%

Marketable Securities (Details)

Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable securities	$ 0
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	$ 0	$ 30,000
Gross realized loss		$ 20,000

Accrued Rents and Accounts Re_3

Accrued Rents and Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Tenant receivables	$ 16,376	$ 14,686
Accrued rents and other recoveries	16,334	16,423
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(10,681)	(9,746)
Other receivables	203	279
Total	$ 22,232	$ 21,642

Unamortized Leasing Commissio_3

Unamortized Leasing Commissions, Legal Fees and Loan Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Leasing commissions	$ 9,499	$ 8,789
Deferred legal cost	395	406
Deferred financing cost	3,916	4,076
Total cost	13,810	13,271
Less: leasing commissions accumulated amortization	(4,011)	(3,534)
Less: deferred legal cost accumulated amortization	(166)	(125)
Less: deferred financing cost accumulated amortization	(622)	(2,914)
Total cost, net of accumulated amortization	$ 9,011	$ 6,698

Investment in Real Estate Par_3

Investment in Real Estate Partnership - Narrative (Details)	Dec. 08, 2016USD ($)propertysubsidiary$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Pillarstone Variable Interest Entity [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Number of wholly-owned subsidiaries | subsidiary	4
Number of non-core properties | property	14
Consideration amount	$ 84,000,000
Consideration, limited partnership interest	$ 18,100,000
Consideration, limited partnership interest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.331
Liabilities assumed	$ 65,900,000
Property management fee, percent fee	5.00%
Asset management fee, percent fee	0.125%
Pillarstone Variable Interest Entity [Member] | Uptown Tower [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Property management fee, percent fee	3.00%
Asset management fee, percent fee	0.125%
Pillarstone Variable Interest Entity [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Liabilities assumed	$ 15,500,000
Pillarstone Variable Interest Entity [Member] | Notes Payable [Member] | Uptown Tower Promissory Note [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Liabilities assumed	16,300,000
Pillarstone Variable Interest Entity [Member] | Notes Payable [Member] | Industrial-Office Promissory Note [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Liabilities assumed	$ 34,100,000
Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Amortization of the basis difference between the cost of investment and the Company's share of underlying net book value		$ 27,000	$ 27,000	$ 81,000	$ 81,000
Performance Guarantee [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Noncontingent liability		462,000		$ 462,000
Guarantee liability, amortization period				7 years
Amortization of guarantee liability		$ 23,000	$ 18,000	$ 140,000	$ 55,000

Investment in Real Estate Par_4

Investment in Real Estate Partnership - Unconsolidated Real Estate Partnership Investments (Details) $ in Thousands, ft² in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)ft²property	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)ft²property
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in real estate partnership	$ 26,423	$ 26,236
Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest	81.40%
Investment in real estate partnership	$ 26,423	$ 26,236
Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member] | Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of properties | property	11	11
Gross leasable area (in square feet) | ft²	1.3	1.3

Investment in Real Estate Par_5

Investment in Real Estate Partnership - Net Income from Investments in Real Estate Partnerships (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of real estate partnership	$ 524	$ 502	$ 1,480	$ 1,762
Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of real estate partnership	$ 524	$ 502	$ 1,480	$ 1,762

Investment in Real Estate Par_6

Investment in Real Estate Partnership - Summarized Financial Information for Investment in Real Estate Partnership - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Liabilities and equity:
Carrying value of investment in real estate partnership	$ 26,423	$ 26,236
Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member]
Assets:
Real estate, net	72,096	72,661
Other assets	7,548	6,617
Total assets	79,644	79,278
Liabilities and equity:
Notes payable	46,281	47,064
Other liabilities	4,676	4,322
Equity	28,687	27,892
Total liabilities and equity	79,644	79,278
Company’s share of equity	23,365	22,717
Cost of investment in excess (deficit) of the Company’s share of underlying net book value	3,058	3,519
Carrying value of investment in real estate partnership	$ 26,423	$ 26,236

Investment in Real Estate Par_7

Investment in Real Estate Partnership - Summarized Financial Information for Investment in Real Estate Partnership - Income Statement (Details) - Pillarstone Capital REIT Operating Partnership LP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Property revenues	$ 3,863	$ 4,550	$ 11,536	$ 12,991
Property expenses	(2,410)	(2,935)	(7,218)	(7,857)
Other expenses	(776)	(967)	(2,341)	(2,872)
Net income	$ 677	$ 648	$ 1,977	$ 2,262

Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Detail

Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 25, 2018	Sep. 24, 2018	May 26, 2017	Feb. 04, 2017	Feb. 03, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 622,989,000	$ 619,444,000
Less deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization	(1,252,000)	(1,239,000)
Total notes payable	621,737,000	618,205,000
Fixed rate notes | $10.5 million, 4.85% Note, due September 24, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	9,320,000	9,500,000
Face amount of debt	$ 10,500,000
Stated interest rate	4.85%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 1.75% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 0	50,000,000
Face amount of debt	$ 50,000,000
Imputed interest rate	1.75%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 1.75% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2020 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.35%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 1.75% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2020 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.90%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 1.50% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 29, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 0	50,000,000
Face amount of debt	$ 50,000,000
Imputed interest rate	1.50%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 1.50% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 29, 2021 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.35%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 1.50% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 29, 2021 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.90%
Fixed rate notes | $100.0 million, 1.73% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 100,000,000	100,000,000
Face amount of debt	$ 100,000,000
Imputed interest rate	1.73%
Fixed rate notes | $100.0 million, 1.73% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 2022 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.35%
Fixed rate notes | $100.0 million, 1.73% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 2022 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.90%
Fixed rate notes | $165.0 million, 2.24% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 165,000,000	0
Face amount of debt	$ 165,000,000
Imputed interest rate	2.24%
Fixed rate notes | $165.0 million, 2.24% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 31, 2024 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.35%
Fixed rate notes | $165.0 million, 2.24% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 31, 2024 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.90%
Fixed rate notes | $80.0 million, 3.72% Note, due June 1, 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 80,000,000	80,000,000
Face amount of debt	$ 80,000,000				$ 80,000,000
Stated interest rate	3.72%				3.72%
Fixed rate notes | $6.5 million 3.80% Note, due January 1, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 0	5,657,000
Face amount of debt	$ 6,500,000
Stated interest rate	3.80%
Fixed rate notes | $19.0 million 4.15% Note, due December 1, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 19,000,000	19,000,000
Face amount of debt	$ 19,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.15%
Fixed rate notes | $20.2 million 4.28% Note, due June 6, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 18,713,000	18,996,000
Face amount of debt	$ 20,200,000
Stated interest rate	4.28%
Fixed rate notes | $14.0 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 13,542,000	13,718,000
Face amount of debt	$ 14,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.34%
Fixed rate notes | $14.3 million 4.34% Note, due September 11, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 14,300,000	14,300,000
Face amount of debt	$ 14,300,000
Stated interest rate	4.34%
Fixed rate notes | $15.1 million 4.99% Note, due January 6, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 14,469,000	14,643,000
Face amount of debt	$ 15,100,000
Stated interest rate	4.99%
Fixed rate notes | $2.6 million 5.46% Note, due October 1, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 2,397,000	2,430,000
Face amount of debt	$ 2,600,000
Stated interest rate	5.46%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 5.09% Note, due March 22, 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 50,000,000	0
Face amount of debt	$ 50,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.09%
Fixed rate notes | $50.0 million, 5.17% Note, due March 22, 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 50,000,000	0
Face amount of debt	$ 50,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.17%
Fixed rate notes | $1.2 million 4.35% Note, due November 28, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 248,000	0
Face amount of debt	$ 1,200,000
Stated interest rate	4.35%
Floating rate notes | Unsecured line of credit, LIBOR plus 1.40% to 1.95%, due October 30, 2019 | LIBOR Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total notes payable principal	$ 86,000,000	$ 241,200,000
Floating rate notes | Unsecured line of credit, LIBOR plus 1.40% to 1.95%, due October 30, 2019 | Minimum | LIBOR Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.40%
Floating rate notes | Unsecured line of credit, LIBOR plus 1.40% to 1.95%, due October 30, 2019 | Maximum | LIBOR Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.90%
Interest rate swap | $10.5 million, 4.85% Note, due September 24, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			4.85%	3.55%
Interest rate swap | $50.0 million, 1.75% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate						1.75%	0.84%
Interest rate swap | $50.0 million, 1.50% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 29, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.50%
Interest rate swap | $100.0 million, 1.73% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due October 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.73%
Interest rate swap | $165.0 million, 2.24% plus 1.35% to 1.90% Note, due January 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	2.24%

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 22, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2019USD ($)	Nov. 07, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)property	May 26, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt				$ 171,700,000
Number of collateralized properties (in collateralized properties) | property				8
Carrying value of collateralized properties				$ 271,400,000
2019 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, covenant, total debt to total assets ratio, maximum		0.60
Credit facility, covenant, secured debt to total asset ratio, maximum		0.40
Credit facility, covenant, EBITDA to fixed charges ratio, minimum		1.50
Credit facility, covenant, other recourse debt to total assets ratio, maximum		0.15
Credit facility, interest rate at period end				3.76%
Covenant, tangible net worth threshold before percentage of aggregate net proceeds, amount		$ 372,000,000
Covenant, tangible net worth, percentage of aggregate net proceeds, minimum		75.00%
Repayments of Long-term Debt		$ 446,200,000
Series A Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual principal payment	$ 7,100,000
Series B Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual principal payment	10,000,000
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	100,000,000
Periodic payment, principal	$ 1,000,000
Credit facility, covenant, total debt to total assets ratio, maximum	0.60
Credit facility, covenant, secured debt to total asset ratio, maximum	0.40
Credit facility, covenant, EBITDA to fixed charges ratio, minimum	1.50
Credit facility, covenant, other recourse debt to total assets ratio, maximum	0.15
Covenant, tangible net worth threshold before percentage of aggregate net proceeds, amount	$ 372,000,000
Covenant, tangible net worth, percentage of aggregate net proceeds, minimum	75.00%
Senior notes | Series A Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 50,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.09%
Senior notes | Series B Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 50,000,000
Stated interest rate	5.17%
Fixed rate notes | $80.0 million, 3.72% Note, due June 1, 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt				$ 80,000,000	$ 80,000,000
Stated interest rate				3.72%	3.72%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2019 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding				$ 351,000,000
Credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity				$ 164,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2019 Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2019 Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.40%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2019 Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.90%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2018 Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.95%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | The Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 300,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | 2019 Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.35%
Term Loan [Member] | 2019 Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			1.90%
Term Loan [Member] | 2018 Facility [Member] | LIBOR Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			2.25%
Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan 1 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt			$ 50,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt			50,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan 3 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt			$ 100,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Unsecured Line Of Credit [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		165,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Unsecured Line Of Credit [Member] | Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 2019 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, accordion feature, increase limit		200,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Unsecured Line Of Credit [Member] | 2019 Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 250,000,000

Debt (Schedule of Maturities of

Debt (Schedule of Maturities of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2019	$ 743
2020	10,801
2021	1,611
2022	101,683
2023	113,863
Thereafter	394,288
Total	$ 622,989	$ 619,444

Derivatives and Hedging Activ_3

Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2019	Nov. 19, 2015	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 05, 2018
Term Loan 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					$ 14,000
U.S. Bank National Association [Member] | Term Loan 3 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					35,000
U.S. Bank National Association [Member] | Term Loan 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					6,500
U.S. Bank National Association [Member] | Term Loan 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					6,500
Regions Bank [Member] | Term Loan 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					3,800
Regions Bank [Member] | Term Loan 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					3,800
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Member] | Term Loan 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					14,000
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Member] | Term Loan 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					14,000
Bank of American, N.A. [Member] | Term Loan 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					14,000
SunTrust Bank [Member] | Term Loan 3 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					15,000
SunTrust Bank [Member] | Term Loan 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					5,000
SunTrust Bank [Member] | Term Loan 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty					$ 5,000
Interest rate swap | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount Recognized as Comprehensive Income (Loss)			$ (2,235)	$ 606		$ (11,740)	$ 4,163
Amount of Loss Recognized in Earnings			274	$ 231		1,091	$ 335
Interest rate swap | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term Loan 3 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate		1.725%
Interest rate swap | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term Loan 1 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate		1.75%
Interest rate swap | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term Loan 2 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate		1.502%
Prepaid expenses and other assets [Member] | Interest rate swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value			62			62		$ 4,286
Accounts payable and accrued expenses [Member] | Interest rate swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value			$ (7,574)			$ (7,574)		$ (59)
November 19, 2015 | Bank of Montreal [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
February 7, 2019 | Bank of Montreal [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	65,000
February 7, 2019 | U.S. Bank National Association [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	12,900
February 7, 2019 | Regions Bank [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	11,600
February 7, 2019 | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	5,900
February 7, 2019 | SunTrust Bank [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	$ 15,700
February 7, 2019 | Interest rate swap | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	2.426%
November 9, 2020 | Bank of Montreal [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	$ 115,000
November 9, 2020 | U.S. Bank National Association [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	22,700
November 9, 2020 | Regions Bank [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	20,500
November 9, 2020 | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	10,500
November 9, 2020 | SunTrust Bank [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	$ 27,900
November 9, 2020 | Interest rate swap | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	2.426%
February 8, 2021 | Bank of Montreal [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	$ 165,000
February 8, 2021 | U.S. Bank National Association [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	32,600
February 8, 2021 | Regions Bank [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	29,400
February 8, 2021 | Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	15,000
February 8, 2021 | SunTrust Bank [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest Rate Swap Assigned to Counterparty	$ 40,000
February 8, 2021 | Interest rate swap | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Term Loan A [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate	2.426%
Terravita Marketplace [Member] | Interest rate swap | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Extension Loan [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate									2.85%
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item									$ 9,600

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Distributions to holders of certain restricted common shares charged against earnings	$ 1,719,000	$ 1,497,000	$ 4,770,000	$ 4,894,000
Numerator:
Net income from continuing operations	1,849,000	8,033,000	7,391,000	13,307,000
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(42,000)	(198,000)	(168,000)	(342,000)
Distributions paid on unvested restricted shares	0	(117,000)	(41,000)	(225,000)
Income from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares	1,807,000	7,718,000	7,182,000	12,740,000
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	701,000	0
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	(16,000)	0
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT	0	0	685,000	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares	$ 1,807,000	$ 7,718,000	$ 7,867,000	$ 12,740,000
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares - basic (in shares)	40,187,000	39,327,000	39,942,000	39,200,000
Effect of dilutive securities:
Unvested restricted shares (in shares)	1,259,000	1,308,000	1,142,000	1,341,000
Weighted average number of common shares - dilutive (in shares)	41,446,000	40,635,000	41,084,000	40,541,000
Basic:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.20	$ 0.18	$ 0.33
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT (in dollars per share)	0	0	0.02	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)	0.04	0.20	0.20	0.33
Diluted:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Whitestone REIT excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)	0.04	0.19	0.17	0.31
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Whitestone REIT (in dollars per share)	0	0	0.02	0
Net income attributable to common shareholders excluding amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.19	$ 0.19	$ 0.31
OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
OP units excluded from diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive (in shares)	926,639	1,002,026	926,986	1,039,147
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Distributions to holders of certain restricted common shares		$ 121,000	$ 41,000		$ 237,000
Distributions to holders of certain restricted common shares charged against earnings		$ 4,000	$ 12,000	$ 4,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - Texas [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Applicable tax rate used to determine state margin tax			0.75%
Standard deduction rate used to determine state margin tax			30.00%
Margin tax provision recognized	$ 101	$ 89	$ 324	$ 263

Equity (Details)

Equity (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares	May 31, 2019USD ($)agreement	Jun. 04, 2015USD ($)agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common shares, authorized (in shares)	400,000,000			400,000,000				400,000,000		400,000,000
Common shares, par value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001			$ 0.001				$ 0.001		$ 0.001
Preferred shares, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000			50,000,000				50,000,000		50,000,000
Preferred shares, par value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001			$ 0.001				$ 0.001		$ 0.001
Ownership interest in operating partnership								97.80%
Conversion basis for common shares to OP units (in shares)	1							1
Weighted-average share ownership in operating partnership	97.70%				97.50%			97.70%	97.40%
Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred shares, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000							50,000,000
Preferred shares, par value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.001							$ 0.001
OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
OP units outstanding (in shares)	41,321,272			40,585,688				41,321,272		40,585,688
OP units owned (in shares)	40,396,729			39,657,207				40,396,729		39,657,207
Conversion of stock, shares converted (in shares)	2,857				79,565			3,938	154,974
2015 Equity Distribution Agreement [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of equity distribution agreements | agreement												9
Equity distribution agreements, authorized amount | $												$ 50,000
Issuance of common shares, net of offering costs (in shares)									0
2019 Equity Distribution Agreement [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of equity distribution agreements | agreement											9
Equity distribution agreements, authorized amount | $											$ 100,000
Net proceeds | $	$ 4,800							$ 8,700
Paid compensation | $	$ 74							$ 132
2019 Equity Distribution Agreement [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of common shares, net of offering costs (in shares)	374,077							679,216
Cash Distribution [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash distribution paid | $	$ 11,694	$ 11,581	$ 11,565	$ 11,567	$ 11,580	$ 11,498	$ 11,454	$ 34,840		$ 46,099
Cash Distribution [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash distribution paid (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.8550		$ 1.1400
Cash distribution paid | $	$ 11,430	$ 11,316	$ 11,301	$ 11,302	$ 11,294	$ 11,203	$ 11,145	$ 34,047		$ 44,944
Cash Distribution [Member] | OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash distribution paid (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.2850	$ 0.8550		$ 1.1400
Cash distribution paid | $	$ 264	$ 265	$ 264	$ 265	$ 286	$ 295	$ 309	$ 793		$ 1,155

Incentive Share Plan (Narrative

Incentive Share Plan (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Dec. 01, 2018

Mar. 16, 2018

Sep. 06, 2017

Jun. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2015

Apr. 02, 2014

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2018

Dec. 22, 2010

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based compensation

$ 1,719

$ 1,497

$ 4,770

$ 4,894

Minimum | Time-Based Vesting [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting period

1 year

Maximum | Time-Based Vesting [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting period

2 years

Restricted Common Shares and Restricted Share Units [Member] | Time and Performance-Based Vesting [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Aggregate shares granted (in shares)

633,704

Restricted Common Shares and Restricted Share Units [Member] | Time-Based Vesting [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Aggregate shares granted (in shares)

320,000

143,000

Restricted Common Shares and Restricted Share Units [Member] | Performance Vesting [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Aggregate shares granted (in shares)

2,049,116

Restricted Stock [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock granted (in shares)

4,300

Restricted Stock [Member] | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting period

27 months

Restricted stock granted (in shares)

267,783

Performance period

3 years

Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 12.37

Unrecognized compensation cost

5,200

$ 5,200

Restricted Stock [Member] | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member] | Shares Issued 2017

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

200.00%

Restricted Stock [Member] | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member] | Shared Issued 2018

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

100.00%

Restricted Stock [Member] | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member] | Shares Issued 2019

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

0.00%

Restricted Stock [Member] | Immediate Vesting (CIC Units) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock granted (in shares)

965,000

895,000

Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 13.05

Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

0.00%

Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

200.00%

Time-Based Restricted Units [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock granted (in shares)

387,499

Performance Shares [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting period

36 months

Non-Cash Share Based Compensation in 2014 [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Unrecognized compensation cost

6,400

$ 6,400

Non-Cash Share Based Compensation Subsequent to 2014 [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Unrecognized compensation cost

8,400

$ 8,400

2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Percentage of maximum number of shares issued under plan to aggregate shares

12.50%

2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] | Restricted Common Shares and Restricted Share Units [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

100.00%

2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] | Non-Vested Time Based Shares [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Unrecognized compensation cost

$ 4,800

$ 4,800

2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] | Non-Cash Share Based Compensation in 2014 [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Unrecognized compensation cost, period for recognition

25 months

2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock granted (in shares)

229,684

405,417

Performance period

3 years

3 years

Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 14.89

$ 8.22

2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

0.00%

0.00%

2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum | Market-Based Vesting (TSR Units) [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting percentage

200.00%

200.00%

2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] | Time-Based Restricted Units [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Restricted stock granted (in shares)

317,184

Performance period

3 years

Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)

$ 10.63

Incentive Share Plan (Schedule

Incentive Share Plan (Schedule of Share-Based Incentive Plan Activity) (Details) - 2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] - $ / shares	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Shares
Non-vested, beginning balance (in shares)	1,923,382
Granted (in shares)	739,670	653,472	1,354,534
Vested (in shares)	(262,004)	(560,126)	(881,710)
Forfeited (in shares)	(61,116)
Non-vested, ending balance (in shares)	2,339,932	1,923,382
Shares, Available for grant (in shares)	2,449,942
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 11.52	$ 12.41
Granted (in dollars per share)	9.33	$ 11.07	$ 12.92
Vested (in dollars per share)	11.61
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	12.62
Non-vested, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 12.41

Incentive Share Plan (Schedul_2

Incentive Share Plan (Schedule of Nonvested and Vested Shares Activity) (Details) - 2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Ownership Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Granted, Non-Vested Shares Issued (in shares)	739,670	653,472	1,354,534
Shares Granted, Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$ 9.33	$ 11.07	$ 12.92
Shares Vested (in shares)	(262,004)	(560,126)	(881,710)
Shares Vested, Total Vest-Date Fair Value	$ 3,041	$ 7,978	$ 12,829

Grants to Trustees (Details)

Grants to Trustees (Details)	Dec. 28, 2018trustee$ / sharesshares	Dec. 12, 2017trustee$ / sharesshares
Individual Trustee Grant Agreements 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of independent trustees (in trustees) | trustee	6	6
Number of trustee emeritus (in trustees) | trustee	1	1
Individual Trustee Grant Agreements 1 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock granted to trustees, vested in period (in shares) | shares	3,000	3,000
Restricted stock granted to each trustee (in shares) | shares	21,000	16,281
Restricted stock granted to trustees, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.42	$ 14.46
Individual Trustee Grant Agreements 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of independent trustees (in trustees) | trustee	2	3
Individual Trustee Grant Agreements 2 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock granted to each trustee (in shares) | shares	4,186	2,320
Restricted stock granted to trustees, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 12.42	$ 14.46

Real Estate (Details)

Real Estate (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 24, 2018USD ($)	Feb. 27, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)ft²	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Real Estate [Line Items]
Gain on sale or disposal of assets and properties			$ (115)	$ 4,373
Anthem Marketplace Phase II [Member]
Real Estate [Line Items]
Proceeds from Construction Loans Payable			$ 1,400
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²			6,853
Concentration Risk, Percentage			81.00%
Torrey Square [Member]
Real Estate [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of real estate	$ 8,700
Gain on sale or disposal of assets and properties	$ 4,400
Bellnot Square [Member]
Real Estate [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of real estate		$ 4,700
Gain on sale or disposal of assets and properties		$ 300

Related Party Transactions - Na

Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 08, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Financed receivable due from related party	$ 5,661	$ 5,661
Pillarstone OP [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Financed receivable due from related party	$ 5,700		$ 15,400
Minimum | LIBOR Rate | Pillarstone OP [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Financing receivable, basis spread on variable rate			1.40%
Maximum | LIBOR Rate | Pillarstone OP [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Financing receivable, basis spread on variable rate			1.95%

Related Party Transactions - Re

Related Party Transactions - Revenue and Expenses (Details) - Pillarstone OP [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Property operation and maintenance
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Rent	$ (213)	$ (201)	$ (628)	$ (606)
Other revenues
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Property management fee income	228	249	693	755
Interest, dividend and other investment income
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest income	$ 52	$ 149	$ 161	$ 435

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Details (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019USD ($)
Clark v. Whitestone REIT, et al. [Member] | Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages sought, value	$ 2.7

Subsequent Events - Detals (Det

Subsequent Events - Detals (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 08, 2019USD ($)property	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gain on sale of properties		$ 37	$ 4,380	$ 37	$ 4,629
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties sold | property	3
Gain on sale of properties	$ 39,700
Loan carrying amount	5,700
Mortgage loan	15,500
Pillarstone OP [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash distribution paid	$ 5,300

Uncategorized Items - wsr-20190

Label	Element	Value
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAdjustedBalance1	$ 377,523,000
Parent [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAdjustedBalance1	$ 366,723,000
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Units of Partnership Interest, Amount	us-gaap_UnitsOfPartnershipInterestAmount	1,084,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAdjustedBalance1	$ 10,800,000
Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAdjustedBalance1	(157,565,000)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAdjustedBalance1	521,314,000
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAdjustedBalance1	2,936,000
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Adjusted Balance	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAdjustedBalance1	$ 38,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding	39,222,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 19,119,000	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Parent [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	19,119,000	[1]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 19,119,000	[1]
[1]	Represents the impact of change in accounting principal for our modified retrospective adoption of ASU 2014-09.