Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include such items as the purchase price allocation for real estate acquisitions; impairment of assets, such as timing of asset dispositions and duration of lease terms; depreciation and amortization; and allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Reclassifications In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Final Rule Release No.33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification , which in part amends certain disclosure requirements of Regulation S-X that have become redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated, or superseded, in light of other SEC disclosure requirements, GAAP, or changes in the information environment. The amendments are intended to facilitate the disclosure of information to investors and simplify compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. Certain amounts previously reflected in prior year consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) have been reclassified to conform to our 2018 presentation based on our application of these rules. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income (loss). Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts, the accounts of variable interest entities (“VIEs”), if any, in which we are the primary beneficiary, and the accounts of other subsidiaries over which we have control. VIEs, as defined by GAAP, are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. Interests in entities acquired are evaluated based on applicable GAAP guidance which requires the consolidation of VIEs in which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The determination of the primary beneficiary requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about our rights, obligations, and economic interests in such entities as well as the same of the other owners. For entities in which we have less than a controlling financial interest or entities with respect to which we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. If the interest is in an entity that is determined not to be a VIE, then the entity is evaluated for consolidation based on legal form, economic substance, and the extent to which we have control and/or substantive participating rights under the respective ownership agreement. All inter-company transactions, balances, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Real Estate Upon the acquisition of real estate properties accounted for as an acquisition of an asset, we recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest as of the acquisition date, measured at their relative fair values once we have determined the fair value of each of these assets and liabilities. The acquisition date is the date on which we obtain control of the real estate property, and associated transaction costs are capitalized. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed consist of land, inclusive of associated rights, buildings, assumed debt, identified intangible assets and liabilities, and asset retirement obligations. Identified intangible assets generally consist of above-market leases, in-place leases, in-place tenant improvements, in-place leasing commissions, and tenant relationships. Identified intangible liabilities generally consist of below-market leases. The fair value of the tangible assets acquired, consisting of land and buildings, is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and buildings. Land values are derived from appraisals or other relevant market information available to us, and building values are calculated as replacement cost less depreciation or management’s estimates of the fair value of these assets using discounted cash flow analyses or similar methods believed to be used by market participants. The value of buildings is depreciated over the estimated useful life of generally 25 years using the straight-line method. We determine the fair value of assumed debt by calculating the net present value of the scheduled mortgage payments using interest rates for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities that management believes we could obtain at the date of the debt assumption. Any difference between the fair value and stated value of the assumed debt is recorded as a discount or premium and amortized over the remaining life of the loan using the effective interest method. We determine the value of above-market and below-market leases for acquired properties based on the present value (using an interest rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (2) management’s estimate of current market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to (a) the remaining non-cancelable lease term for above-market leases, or (b) the remaining non-cancelable lease term plus any below-market fixed rate renewal options that, based on a qualitative assessment of several factors, including the financial condition of the lessee, the business conditions in the industry in which the lessee operates, the economic conditions in the area in which the property is located, and the ability of the lessee to sublease the property during the renewal term, are reasonably assured to be exercised by the lessee for below-market leases. We record the fair value of above-market and below-market leases as intangible assets or intangible liabilities, respectively, and amortize them as an adjustment to rental revenue over the determined lease term. The total value of identified real estate intangible assets acquired is further allocated to in-place leases, in-place tenant improvements, in-place leasing commissions, and tenant relationships based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and our overall relationship with that respective tenant. The aggregate value for tenant improvements and leasing commissions is based on estimates of these costs incurred at inception of the acquired leases, amortized through the date of acquisition. The aggregate value of in-place leases acquired and tenant relationships is determined by applying a fair value model. The estimates of fair value of in-place leases include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods for the respective spaces considering current market conditions. In estimating the carrying costs that would have otherwise been incurred had the leases not been in place, we include such items as real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses, as well as lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up period based on current market conditions. The estimates of the fair value of tenant relationships also include costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal fees, and tenant improvements, as well as an estimate of the likelihood of renewal as determined by management on a tenant-by-tenant basis. We amortize the value of in-place leases, in-place tenant improvements, and in-place leasing commissions to expense over the initial term of the respective leases. The tenant relationship values are amortized to expense over the initial term and any anticipated renewal periods, but in no event does the amortization period for intangible assets or liabilities exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building. Should a tenant terminate its lease, the unamortized portion of the acquired intangibles related to that tenant would be charged to expense. In allocating the purchase price of each of our properties, management makes assumptions and uses various estimates, including, but not limited to, the estimated useful lives of the assets, the cost of replacing certain assets, discount rates used to determine present values, market rental rates per square foot, and the period required to lease the property up to its occupancy at acquisition as if it were vacant. Many of these estimates are obtained from independent third party appraisals. However, management is responsible for the source and use of these estimates. A change in these estimates and assumptions could result in the various categories of our real estate assets and/or related intangibles being overstated or understated which could result in an overstatement or understatement of depreciation and/or amortization expense and/or rental revenue. These variances could be material to our financial statements. The estimated remaining useful lives for our acquired lease intangibles range from an ending date of January 2019 to an ending date of November 2027. Anticipated amortization associated with our acquired lease intangibles for each of the years ending December 31, 2019, through December 31, 2023, is as follows (in thousands): 2019 $ 6,982 2020 $ 6,141 2021 $ 4,899 2022 $ 4,197 2023 $ 3,634 The following is a summary of our building and improvements and related lease intangibles as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , (in thousands): Lease Intangibles Assets Liabilities Buildings and Improvements Other Lease Intangibles Acquired Above-Market Leases Acquired Below-Market Leases as of December 31, 2018 Cost $ 1,574,653 $ 170,824 $ — $ (60,509 ) Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (442,225 ) (69,452 ) — 37,858 Net $ 1,132,428 $ 101,372 $ — $ (22,651 ) Lease Intangibles Assets Liabilities Buildings and Improvements Other Lease Intangibles Acquired Above-Market Leases Acquired Below-Market Leases as of December 31, 2017 Cost $ 1,514,544 $ 146,926 $ 4,857 $ (50,399 ) Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (453,126 ) (60,298 ) (4,438 ) 32,457 Net $ 1,061,418 $ 86,628 $ 419 $ (17,942 ) Real Estate Development We capitalize project costs related to the development and construction of real estate (including interest, property taxes, insurance, and other direct costs associated with the development) as a cost of the development. Indirect costs not clearly related to development and construction are expensed as incurred. Capitalization begins when we determine that the development is probable and significant development activities are underway. We cease capitalization when the development is completed and ready for its intended use or if the intended use changes such that capitalization is no longer appropriate. Sales of Real Estate Upon the disposition of a property, we recognize a gain or loss at a point in time when we determine control of the underlying asset has been transferred to the buyer. Our performance obligation is generally satisfied at closing of the transaction. Any continuing involvement is analyzed as a separate performance obligation in the contract, and a portion of the sales price is allocated to each performance obligation. When the performance obligation related to the continuing involvement is satisfied, the sales price allocated to it is recognized. There is significant judgment applied to estimate the amount of any variable consideration identified within the sales price and assess its probability of occurrence based on current market information, historical transactions, and forecasted information that is reasonably available. Impairment of Real Estate Related Assets For our consolidated real estate assets, we monitor events and changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amounts of the real estate assets may not be recoverable. When such events or changes in circumstances are present, we assess potential impairment by comparing estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated over the life of the asset, including its eventual disposition, to the carrying amount of the asset. In the event that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss to adjust the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. Our process to estimate the fair value of an asset involves using bona fide purchase offers or the expected sales price of an executed sales agreement, which would be considered Level 1 or Level 2 assumptions within the fair value hierarchy. To the extent that this type of third-party information is unavailable, we estimate projected cash flows and a risk-adjusted rate of return that we believe would be used by a third party market participant in estimating the fair value of an asset. This is considered a Level 3 assumption within the fair value hierarchy. These projected cash flows are prepared internally by the Company’s asset management professionals and are updated quarterly to reflect in-place and projected leasing activity, market revenue and expense growth rates, market capitalization rates, discount rates, and changes in economic and other relevant conditions. The Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Managing Director - Asset Management review these projected cash flows to assure that the valuation is prepared using reasonable inputs and assumptions, which are consistent with market data or with assumptions that would be used by a third party market participant and assume the highest and best use of the real estate investment. For the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , we recorded non-cash impairment charges of approximately $41.6 million , $5.3 million and $9.0 million , respectively. The impairment losses recorded were related to assets assessed for impairment due to the disposition of a property or changes in management’s estimates of the intended hold periods for certain of our properties. For our unconsolidated real estate assets, at each reporting date we compare the estimated fair value of our investment to the carrying amount. An impairment charge is recorded to the extent the fair value of our investment is less than the carrying amount and the decline in value is determined to be an other-than-temporary decline. We had no impairment charges related to our investments in unconsolidated entities for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , or 2016 . In evaluating our investments for impairment, management makes several estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the projected date of disposition and sales price for each property, the estimated future cash flows of each property during our estimated ownership period, and for unconsolidated investments, the estimated future distributions from the investment. A change in these estimates and assumptions could result in understating or overstating the carrying amount of our investments which could be material to our financial statements. We undergo continuous evaluations of property level performance, credit market conditions, and financing options. If our assumptions regarding the cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of our properties decrease or our expected hold periods decrease, we may incur future impairment charges on our real estate related assets. In addition, we may incur impairment charges on assets classified as held for sale in the future if the carrying amount of the asset upon classification as held for sale exceeds the estimated fair value less costs to sell. Hurricane Harvey In August 2017, One & Two Eldridge Place and Three Eldridge Place (collectively known as the “Eldridge Properties”), located in Houston, Texas, experienced flood-related loss, damage, and destruction as a result of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath . By early January 2018, all of the properties were fully operational. We carry comprehensive, all-risk property, casualty, flood, and business interruption insurance that we anticipate will cover our losses at the properties, subject to a deductible. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized approximately $15.0 million for the write-off of the net book value of damaged assets, and incurred approximately $8.6 million of restoration expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we incurred approximately $3.5 million of restoration expenses. As of December 31, 2017, we recorded an insurance recovery in “accounts receivable, net” on our consolidated balance sheet for the estimated net book value of damaged assets and the restoration expenses incurred because we determined the insurance proceeds were probable of receipt. Through December 31, 2018, we have received approximately $14.7 million of this insurance recovery. At December 31, 2018, we wrote off a portion of this receivable and recognized an approximately $3.0 million charge in “hurricane-related loss” on our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. To the extent that insurance proceeds ultimately exceed the net book value of damaged assets plus the restoration expenses incurred, the excess (net of the deductible) will be reflected as income in the period insurance proceeds are received or when receipt is deemed probable to occur. We provided rent abatements and concessions to tenants through the second quarter of 2018 as a result of Hurricane Harvey. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we provided rent abatements of approximately $4.7 million and $7.0 million , respectively. These abatements were a reduction to “rental revenue” on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The rent abatements and concessions provided were offset by business interruption and other insurance proceeds recognized (net of a deductible and estimated saved expenses) of approximately $7.9 million and $6.2 million , for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2018, these proceeds consisted of approximately $4.8 million of net business interruption insurance proceeds and approximately $3.1 million of other insurance proceeds. In the year ended December 31, 2017, all proceeds consisted of net business interruption insurance proceeds. The Eldridge Properties were sold in January 2019, for a contract sales price of approximately $78.4 million . Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider investments in highly-liquid money market funds or investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes restricted money market accounts, as required by our lenders or by leases, for anticipated tenant improvements, property taxes and insurance, certain tenant security deposits, and additional loan security reserves. The following is a summary of our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash total as presented in our statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,741 $ 13,800 $ 14,884 Restricted cash 6,141 8,510 7,509 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 36,882 $ 22,310 $ 22,393 Accounts Receivable, net The following is a summary of our accounts receivable, net, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Straight-line rental revenue receivable $ 51,912 $ 57,372 Insurance receivable 9,680 18,826 Tenant receivables 5,572 4,221 Non-tenant receivables 821 893 Allowance for doubtful accounts (650 ) (183 ) Total $ 67,335 $ 81,129 Our allowance for doubtful accounts is an estimate based on management’s evaluation of accounts where it has determined that a tenant may not meet its financial obligations. In these situations, management uses its judgment, based on the facts and circumstances, and records a reserve for that tenant against amounts due to reduce the receivable to an amount it believes is collectible. These reserves are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information becomes available. Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other assets include escrow deposits for the purchase of properties that we have contracted to acquire, prepaid insurance, prepaid real estate taxes, and utility and other deposits of the properties we consolidate, as well as our deferred tax assets, derivative financial assets, and prepaid directors’ and officers’ insurance. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of our noncontrolling interests in properties. We account for these investments using the equity method of accounting in accordance with GAAP. We use the equity method of accounting when we have significant influence, but not control, of the decision-making involved in the operating and financial decisions of these investments and thereby have some responsibility to create a return on our investment. The equity method of accounting requires these investments to be initially recorded at cost and subsequently increased (decreased) for our share of net income (loss), including eliminations for our share of inter-company transactions, and increased (decreased) for contributions (distributions). To the extent that we contribute assets to an unconsolidated entity, our investment in the unconsolidated entity is recorded at our cost basis in the assets that were contributed to the entity. To the extent that our cost basis is different than the basis reflected at the entity level, the basis difference is generally amortized over the life of the related asset and included in our share of equity in operations of investments. For unconsolidated investments that have properties under development, we capitalize interest expense to our investment basis using our weighted average interest rate of consolidated debt. Capitalization begins when we are engaged in the activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use. We cease capitalization when the development is completed and ready for its intended use or if the intended use changes such that capitalization is no longer appropriate. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we capitalized interest expense of approximately $1.1 million and $1.3 million , respectively, for unconsolidated entities with properties under development, which are included in our investments in unconsolidated entities on our consolidated balance sheets. Real Estate Held for Sale We classify properties as held for sale when certain criteria are met, in accordance with GAAP. At that time, we present the assets and obligations associated with the real estate held for sale separately in our consolidated balance sheet, and we cease recording depreciation and amortization expense related to that property. Real estate held for sale is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or its estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell. In the event that a property classified as held for sale no longer meets the criteria for held for sale classification, the property is reclassified as held for use at the lower of the fair value or the depreciated basis as if the property had continued to be used. We have no properties classified as real estate held for sale as of December 31, 2018 . We had one property classified as real estate held for sale as of December 31, 2017, which was sold during 2018. Derivative Financial Instruments We record all derivatives on our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting, and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged items are recorded in earnings. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedges are recognized in earnings in the affected period. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of our risk even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we do not have any derivatives designated as fair value hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign operations, nor are derivatives being used for trading or speculative purposes. Series A Convertible Preferred Stock As of December 31, 2015, we had 10,000 shares of Series A participating, voting, convertible preferred stock (the “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock”) outstanding. The shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were initially recorded at fair value and classified as temporary equity, outside the stockholders’ equity section, on our consolidated balance sheets. On March 2, 2016, based on the Conversion Company Value, as defined in the Articles Supplementary, no shares of common stock were issued, and the shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were canceled. Revenue Recognition Our rental revenue primarily consists of revenue generated from leases. We recognize rental income generated from all leases of consolidated real estate assets on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases, including the effect of rent holidays, if any. For contracts with customers (as defined by GAAP), we recognize revenue when we transfer promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Our revenue from contracts with customers primarily consists of parking income and development fee income. Parking income - Parking income is primarily generated (1) through contractual arrangements with management companies that operate our parking garages and remit the monthly revenue collected to us or (2) directly through tenant leases. Revenue is recognized at a point in time upon the performance of services. Accounts receivable are recorded for services provided in advance of receiving payment. Management applies judgment in determining whether we are the principal or agent in those arrangements with management companies. We report revenue and expenses from these arrangements on a gross basis since we control the fulfillment of the promise to provide the service. Development fee income - We serve as a development manager for development projects owned by unconsolidated entities in which we have an ownership interest. Development fees are paid monthly and structured based on costs that approximate the percentage of construction completed. Our performance obligation is therefore satisfied over time, and we recognize development fee income based on progress of the developments. Income Taxes We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and have qualified as a REIT since the year ended December 31, 2004. Except where otherwise noted, TIER REIT, Inc. is generally not subject to federal income taxes to the extent we distribute our REIT taxable income to our stockholders currently each year and we meet certain other organizational and operational requirements. In addition to TIER REIT, Inc., our business is conducted through our operating partnership, Tier OP, and various subsidiaries, including one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries. We are subject to state and local income taxes on operations located in states, cities, and other jurisdictions that impose an income tax. In addition, our taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes at regular corporate tax rates. During the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 the total state and federal income tax provision was approximately $0.8 million , $0.5 million , and $0.7 million respectively. We have certain deferred tax assets and liabilities consisting primarily of net operating losses and the timing of recognition of depreciation and amortization for tax purposes as opposed to GAAP purposes. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we believe we had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Our policy is to include any interest and penalties related to income taxes within the “provision for income taxes” line item on our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We generally remain subject to examination by tax authorities for the past three tax years. At December 31, 2018 , TIER REIT, Inc. had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $638.9 million for income tax purposes that expire in years 2028 to 2036. The tax basis of our net assets and liabilities exceeds the book value by approximately $181.7 million at December 31, 2018 , and approximately $148.3 million at December 31, 2017 . On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law and included wide-scale changes to individual, pass-through and corporation tax laws, including those that impact the real estate industry, the ownership of real estate and real estate investments, and REITs. We have reviewed the provisions of the law that pertain to the Company and have determined them to have no material income tax effect for financial statement purposes for the year ended December 31, 2018 . Stock Based Compensation We have a stock-based incentive award plan for our employees, independent directors, and consultants. Compensation cost for restricted stock and restricted stock units is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the service period based on the tiered lapse schedule and any forfeitures. Stock options are granted at the fair market value on the date of grant with fair value estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model that incorporates assumptions surrounding volatility, distribution yield, the risk-free interest rate, expected life, and the exercise price as compared to the underlying stock price on the grant date. Any tax benefits associated with these share-based payments are classified as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. 401(k) Plan We have a 401(k) defined contribution plan (“401(k) Plan”) for the benefit of our eligible employees. Each employee may contribute up to 100% of their annual compensation, subject to specific limitations under the Code. Our 401(k) Plan allows us to make discretionary contributions during each plan year. For each of the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , we expensed approximately $0.3 million in employer contributions. Concentration of Credit Risk We have cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash deposited in certain financial institutions in excess of federally insured levels. We have diversified our accounts with several banking institutions in an attempt to minimize exposure to any one of these institutions. We regularly monitor the financial stability of these financial institutions and believe that we are not exposed to significant credit risk in cash and cash equivalen |