Columbia Property Trust (CXP) 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_Entity_Information

Document Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'COLUMBIA PROPERTY TRUST, INC.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001252849	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	124,856,642	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$0
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Land	$706,938	$789,237
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $604,497 and $580,334, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	2,976,287	3,468,218
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $298,975 and $315,840, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	281,220	341,460
Construction in progress	7,949	12,680
Total real estate assets	3,972,394	4,611,595
Cash and cash equivalents	99,855	53,657
Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $52 and $117, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	7,414	14,426
Straight-line rent receivable	113,592	119,673
Prepaid expenses and other assets	32,423	29,373
Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $11,938 and $8,527, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	10,388	10,490
Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $216,598 and $230,930, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	148,889	206,927
Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $27,375 and $24,222, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	87,527	98,808
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	586,000
Total assets	4,592,482	5,730,949
Liabilities:	'	'
Line of credit and notes payable	1,240,249	1,401,618
Bonds payable, net of discount of $1,070 and $1,322, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	248,930	248,678
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	99,678	102,858
Due to affiliates	0	1,920
Deferred income	21,938	28,071
Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $76,500 and $84,326, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	73,864	98,298
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	586,000
Total liabilities	1,804,659	2,467,443
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)	'	'
Redeemable Common Stock	0	99,526
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 900,000,000 shares authorized, 124,830,122 and 136,900,911 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	1,248	1,369
Additional paid-in capital	4,600,166	4,901,889
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	-1,810,284	-1,634,531
Redeemable common stock	0	-99,526
Other comprehensive loss	-3,307	-5,221
Total equity	2,787,823	3,163,980
Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	$4,592,482	$5,730,949

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Building and improvements, accumulated depreciation	$604,497	$580,334
Intangible lease assets, accumulated amortization	298,975	315,840
Allowance for doubtful accounts	52	117
Deferred financing costs, accumulated amortization	11,938	8,527
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	216,598	230,930
Deferred lease costs, accumulated amortization	27,375	24,222
Bonds payable, discount	1,070	1,322
Intangible lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	$76,500	$84,326
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	900,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	124,830,122	136,900,911
Common stock, shares outstanding	124,830,122	136,900,911

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'
Rental income	$406,907	$381,796	$379,641
Tenant reimbursements	90,875	88,402	87,071
Hotel income	23,756	23,049	20,600
Other property income	5,040	1,024	5,575
Revenues	526,578	494,271	492,887
Expenses:	'	'	'
Property operating costs	154,559	147,202	142,492
Hotel operating costs	18,340	18,362	17,394
Asset and property management fees:	'	'	'
Related-party	4,693	29,372	29,613
Other	1,671	2,421	2,185
Depreciation	108,105	98,698	95,724
Amortization	78,710	86,458	96,902
General and administrative	61,866	24,613	21,017
Listing costs	4,060	0	0
Acquisition fees and expenses	0	1,876	11,239
Costs and expenses	432,004	409,002	416,566
Real estate operating income	94,574	85,269	76,321
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest expense	-101,941	-101,886	-101,799
Interest and other income	34,029	39,856	42,395
Loss on interest rate swaps	-342	-1,225	-38,383
Gain on the early extinguishment of debt	0	0	53,018
Nonoperating income (expense)	-68,254	-63,255	-44,769
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit	26,320	22,014	31,552
Income tax benefit (expense)	-500	-572	390
Income (loss) from continuing operations	25,820	21,442	31,942
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	-21,325	6,484	11,192
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations	11,225	20,117	13,522
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-10,100	26,601	24,714
Net income (loss)	15,720	48,043	56,656
Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	0	-4	-14
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$15,720	$48,039	$56,642
Per share information b basic and diluted:	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.19	$0.16	$0.24
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($0.08)	$0.19	$0.18
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$0.12	$0.35	$0.42
Weighted-average common shares outstanding b basic and diluted	134,085	136,672	135,680

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

$12,927

$4,800

$20,601

($22,608)

[1]

$11,853

($5,859)

$10,914

$31,131

$15,720

$48,039

$56,642

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-83

0

0

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,997

-5,305

11,223

Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,634

42,734

67,865

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

4

14

Comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$17,634

$42,738

$67,879

[1]

Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)		Total	Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital		Cumulative Distributions in Excess of Earnings	Redeemable Common Stock	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Columbia Property Trust Inc. Stockholders' Equity	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance, value at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2010		$3,456,044	$1,352	[1]	$4,839,145	[1]	($1,212,472)	($161,189)	($11,139)	$3,455,697	$347
Balance, shares at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2010	[1]	'	135,227,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	[1]	'	3,702,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, value		130,289	37	[1]	130,252	[1]	'	'	'	130,289	'
Redemptions of common stock, shares	[1]	'	-2,379,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Redemptions of common stock, value		-84,518	-24	[1]	-84,494	[1]	'	'	'	-84,518	'
Decrease in redeemable common stock		48,042	'		'		'	48,042	'	48,042	'
Distributions to common stockholders		-270,720	'		'		-270,720	'	'	-270,720	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-44	'		'		'	'	'	'	-44
Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.		56,642	'		'		56,642	'	'	56,642	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment		0	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		14	'		'		'	'	'	'	14
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap		11,223	'		'		'	'	11,223	11,223	'
Balance, value at end of period at Dec. 31, 2011		3,346,972	1,365	[1]	4,884,903	[1]	-1,426,550	-113,147	84	3,346,655	317
Balance, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2011	[1]	'	136,550,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	[1]	'	4,166,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, value		118,388	42	[1]	118,346	[1]	'	'	'	118,388	'
Redemptions of common stock, shares	[1]	'	-3,815,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Redemptions of common stock, value		-101,396	-38	[1]	-101,358	[1]	'	'	'	-101,396	'
Decrease in redeemable common stock		13,621	'		'		'	13,621	'	13,621	'
Distributions to common stockholders		-256,020	'		'		-256,020	'	'	-256,020	'
Tender offer and offering costs		-7	'		-7	[1]	'	'	'	-7	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests		-15	'		'		'	'	'	'	-15
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures		-301	'		5	[1]	'	'	'	5	-306
Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.		48,039	'		'		48,039	'	'	48,039	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment		0	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		4	'		'		'	'	'	'	4
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap		-5,305	'		'		'	'	-5,305	-5,305	'
Balance, value at end of period at Dec. 31, 2012		3,163,980	1,369	[1]	4,901,889	[1]	-1,634,531	-99,526	-5,221	3,163,980	0
Balance, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2012		136,900,911	136,901,000	[1]	'		'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	[1]	'	1,665,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, value		'	17	[1]	46,585	[1]	'	'	'	46,602	'
Stock compensation		'	'		855	[1]	'	'	'	855	'
Redemptions of common stock, shares	[1]	'	-4,373,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Redemptions of common stock, value		'	-44	[1]	-112,062	[1]	'	'	'	-112,106	'
Decrease in redeemable common stock		'	'		'		'	99,526	'	99,526	'
Tender repurchase of common stock, shares	[1]	'	-9,363,000		'		'	'	'	'	'
Tender repurchase of common stock		'	-94	[1]	-233,968	[1]	'	'	'	-234,062	'
Distributions to common stockholders		'	'		'		-191,473	'	'	-191,473	'
Tender offer and offering costs		'	'		-3,133	[1]	'	'	'	-3,133	'
Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.		15,720	'		'		15,720	'	'	15,720	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-83	'		'		'	'	-83	-83	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	'		'		'	'	'	'	'
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap		1,997	'		'		'	'	1,997	1,997	'
Balance, value at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013		$2,787,823	$1,248	[1]	$4,600,166	[1]	($1,810,284)	$0	($3,307)	$2,787,823	'
Balance, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013		124,830,122	124,830,000	[1]	'		'	'	'	'	'
[1]	All share amounts and computations using such amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the August 14, 2013, four-for-one reverse stock split (See Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity Parentheticals (unaudited) (Common Stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common Stock	'	'	'
Distributions to common stockholders per share	$1.44	$1.88	$2

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$15,720	$48,043	$56,656
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Straight-line rental income	-22,793	-11,033	-22,165
Depreciation	119,835	120,307	119,772
Amortization	84,630	100,482	122,807
Impairment losses on real estate assets	29,737	18,467	5,817
Noncash interest expense	3,602	3,881	23,967
Loss (gain) on interest rate swaps	-5,530	-173	28,635
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	-11,225	-20,117	0
Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of debt	4,709	0	-66,540
Stock-based compensation expense	1,055	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:	'	'	'
Decrease (increase) in tenant receivables, net	6,249	-4,767	-1,438
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets	-4,097	2,344	-4,443
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,207	4,270	8,114
Decrease in due to affiliates	-1,801	-1,411	-1,146
Increase (decrease) in deferred income	-5,969	-7,454	9,122
Net cash provided by operating activities	218,329	252,839	279,158
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	565,945	304,264	0
Acquisition of real estate assets and related intangibles	0	-188,750	-609,492
Capitalized expenditures	-44,856	-45,048	-29,291
Deferred lease costs paid	-25,700	-39,419	-27,307
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	495,389	31,047	-666,090
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Financing costs paid	-3,721	-4,198	-12,395
Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable	301,000	599,000	1,543,500
Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable	-461,940	-627,191	-1,168,278
Prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	-4,709	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable	0	0	248,237
Issuance of common stock	46,402	118,388	130,289
Redemptions of common stock	-115,781	-99,381	-82,892
Tender offer redemptions of common stock	-234,062	0	0
Distributions paid to stockholders	-145,071	-137,632	-140,431
Distributions paid to stockholders and reinvested in shares of our common stock	-46,402	-118,388	-130,289
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	0	-301	-87
Offering costs paid	-3,133	-11	0
Distributions paid to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	0	-15	-44
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-667,417	-269,729	387,610
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	46,301	14,157	678
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	-103	32	-92
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,657	39,468	38,882
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$99,855	$53,657	$39,468

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	Organization
	On October 10, 2013, Columbia Property Trust, Inc. ("Columbia Property Trust") listed its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the ticker symbol "CXP." Columbia Property Trust is a Maryland corporation that operates in a manner as to qualify as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for federal income tax purposes and engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate properties, including properties that have operating histories, are newly constructed, or are under construction. Columbia Property Trust was incorporated in 2003, commenced operations in 2004, and conducts business primarily through Columbia Property Trust Operating Partnership, L.P. ("Columbia Property Trust OP"), a Delaware limited partnership. Columbia Property Trust is the general partner and sole owner of Columbia Property Trust OP and possesses full legal control and authority over its operations. Columbia Property Trust OP acquires, develops, owns, leases, and operates real properties directly, through wholly owned subsidiaries, or through joint ventures. References to Columbia Property Trust, "we," "us," or "our" herein shall include Columbia Property Trust and all subsidiaries of Columbia Property Trust, direct and indirect, and consolidated joint ventures.
	Columbia Property Trust seeks to invest in high-quality, income-generating office properties leased to creditworthy companies and governmental entities. As of December 31, 2013, Columbia Property Trust owned interests in 42 office properties and one hotel, which include 59 operational buildings, comprising approximately 16.8 million square feet of commercial space located in 13 states and the District of Columbia. Of these office properties, 41 are wholly owned and one is owned through a consolidated subsidiary. As of December 31, 2013, our office properties were approximately 92.3% leased.
	From inception through February 27, 2013, Columbia Property Trust operated as an externally advised REIT pursuant to an advisory agreement under which a subsidiary of Wells Real Estate Funds ("WREF"), Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services, LLC ("Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services"), performed certain key functions on behalf of Columbia Property Trust, including, among others, managing the day-to-day operations, investing capital proceeds, and arranging financings. Also during this period of time, a subsidiary of WREF, Columbia Property Trust Services, LLC ("Columbia Property Trust Services"), provided the personnel necessary to carry out property management services on behalf of Wells Management Company, Inc. ("Wells Management") and its affiliates pursuant to a property management agreement. The advisory agreement and property management agreement are described in Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements.
	On February 28, 2013, Columbia Property Trust became a self-managed company by terminating the above-mentioned advisory agreement and property management agreement, and acquiring Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services. As a result, the contractual services described above are now performed by employees of Columbia Property Trust. Contemporaneous with this transaction, Columbia Property Trust entered into a consulting agreement and an investor services agreement with WREF for the remainder of 2013. While no fees were paid for the acquisition of Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services or Columbia Property Trust Services, Columbia Property Trust paid fees to WREF for consulting and investor services for the remainder of 2013. For additional details about these transactions and the related agreements, please refer to Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements of Columbia Property Trust have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include the accounts of Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, and any variable interest entity ("VIE") in which Columbia Property Trust or Columbia Property Trust OP was deemed the primary beneficiary. With respect to entities that are not VIEs, Columbia Property Trust's consolidated financial statements shall also include the accounts of any entity in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or its subsidiaries own a controlling financial interest and any limited partnership in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or its subsidiaries own a controlling general partnership interest. In determining whether Columbia Property Trust or Columbia Property Trust OP has a controlling interest, the following factors are considered, among other things: the ownership of voting interests, protective rights, and participatory rights of the investors.
	All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Columbia Property Trust estimates the fair value of its assets and liabilities (where currently required under GAAP) consistent with the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"). Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. While various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate fair value depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures provides the following fair value technique parameters and hierarchy, depending upon availability:
	Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which the identical term is traded on an active exchange, such as publicly traded instruments or futures contracts.
	Level 2 – Assets and liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments.
	Level 3 – Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market. Such assets or liabilities are valued based on the best available data, some of which may be internally developed. Significant assumptions may include risk premiums that a market participant would consider.
	Real Estate Assets
	Real estate assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Amounts capitalized to real estate assets consist of the cost of acquisition or construction, and any tenant improvements or major improvements and betterments that extend the useful life of the related asset. All repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Additionally, Columbia Property Trust capitalizes interest while the development of a real estate asset is in progress. No interest was capitalized during 2013 or 2012.
	Columbia Property Trust is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of its depreciable assets. Columbia Property Trust considers the period of future benefit of the asset to determine the appropriate useful lives. These assessments have a direct impact on net income. The estimated useful lives of its assets by class are as follows:
		Buildings		40 years
		Building improvements		5-25 years
		Site improvements		15 years
		Tenant improvements		Shorter of economic life or lease term
		Intangible lease assets		Lease term
	Evaluating the Recoverability of Real Estate Assets
	Columbia Property Trust continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of its real estate and related intangible assets, of both operating properties and properties under construction, in which Columbia Property Trust has an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present that suggest that the carrying amounts of real estate assets and related intangible assets (liabilities) may not be recoverable, Columbia Property Trust assesses the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the respective carrying values will be recovered through the estimated undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying values, Columbia Property Trust adjusts the carrying value of the real estate assets and related intangible assets to the estimated fair values, pursuant to the property, plant, and equipment accounting standard for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, and recognizes an impairment loss. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the following information, in order of preference, depending upon availability: (i) recently quoted market prices, (ii) market prices for comparable properties, or (iii) the present value of future cash flows, including estimated salvage value. Certain of Columbia Property Trust's assets may be carried at more than an amount that could be realized in a current disposition transaction.
	Projections of expected future operating cash flows require that Columbia Property Trust estimates future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property, and the number of years the property is held for investment, among other factors. The subjectivity of assumptions used in the future cash flow analysis, including discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property's fair value and could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of Columbia Property Trust's real estate assets and related intangible assets and net income (loss).
	During the third quarter of 2011, Columbia Property Trust evaluated the recoverability of the carrying value of the Manhattan Towers property and determined that it was not recoverable, as defined by the accounting policy outlined above. The Manhattan Towers property is located in Manhattan Beach, California, and includes two office buildings, which had total occupancy of 22%. In the third quarter of 2011, upon considering the economic impact of various property disposition scenarios not previously contemplated, including the likelihood of achieving the projected returns associated with each scenario, Columbia Property Trust opted to transfer the Manhattan Towers property to an affiliate of the lender in full settlement of a $75.0 million nonrecourse mortgage loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure transaction, which closed on September 6, 2011. As a result of this transaction, Columbia Property Trust reduced the carrying value of the Manhattan Towers property to its fair value, estimated based on the present value of estimated future property cash flows, by recognizing a property impairment loss of approximately $5.8 million, which is included in operating income (loss) from discontinued operations in the statement of operations; and recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $13.5 million, which is reflected as gain on disposition of discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations.
	In the third quarter of 2012, Columbia Property Trust focused on refining the portfolio by marketing and negotiating the sale of a collection of nine assets in outlying markets (the "Nine Property Sale"). Columbia Property Trust evaluated the recoverability of the carrying values of these assets pursuant to the accounting policy outlined above and determined that the carrying value of the 180 E 100 South property in Salt Lake City, Utah, one of the properties in the Nine Property Sale, was no longer recoverable due to the change in disposition strategy and the shortening of the expected hold period for this asset in the third quarter of 2012. As a result, Columbia Property Trust reduced the carrying value of the 180 E 100 South property to reflect fair value and recorded a corresponding property impairment loss of $18.5 million in the third quarter of 2012, which is included in operating income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations.
	In connection with furthering its portfolio repositioning efforts, in the first quarter of 2013, Columbia Property Trust initiated a process to market 18 properties for sale. Pursuant to the accounting policy outlined above, Columbia Property Trust evaluated the recoverability of the carrying values of each of these properties and determined that the 120 Eagle Rock property in East Hanover, New Jersey, and the 333 & 777 Republic Drive property in Allen Park, Michigan, were no longer recoverable due to shortening the respective expected property holding periods in connection with these repositioning efforts. As a result, Columbia Property Trust reduced the carrying value of the 120 Eagle Rock property and the 333 & 777 Republic Drive property to reflect their respective fair values estimated, based on projected discounted future cash flows and recorded corresponding property impairment losses of $11.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively, in the first quarter of 2013, which are included in operating income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations.
	The fair value measurements used in this evaluation of nonfinancial assets are considered to be Level 3 valuations within the fair value hierarchy outlined above, as there are significant unobservable inputs. Examples of inputs that were utilized in the fair value calculations include estimated holding periods, discount rates, market capitalization rates, expected lease rental rates, and potential sales prices. The table below represents the detail of the adjustments recognized for 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands) using Level 3 inputs.
	Property		Net Book Value				Impairment Loss Recognized				Fair Value
	2013
	120 Eagle Rock		$	23,808			$	(11,708	)		$	12,100
	333 & 777 Republic Drive		$	13,359			$	(5,159	)		$	8,200
	2012
	180 E 100 South		$	30,847			$	(18,467	)		$	12,380
	2011
	Manhattan Towers		$	65,317			$	(5,817	)		$	59,500
	In connection with finalizing the terms of the sale agreement for these 18 properties (the "18 Property Sale") in November of 2013, Columbia Property Trust reduced the aggregate carrying value of the assets therein to fair value, as estimated based on the approximate contract price of $500 million, by recognizing an additional impairment loss of $12.9 million in the third quarter of 2013, which is included in operating income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying statement of operations.
	Assets Held for Sale
	Columbia Property Trust classifies assets as held for sale according to ASC 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets ("ASC 360"). According to ASC 360, assets are considered held for sale when the following criteria are met:
	•	Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the property.
	•	The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such property.
	•	An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the property have been initiated.
	•	The sale of the property is probable, and transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year.
	•	The property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value.
	•	Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
	At such time that a property is determined to be held for sale, its carrying amount is reduced to the lower of its depreciated book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell, and depreciation is no longer recognized. As of December 31, 2013, none of Columbia Property Trust's properties met the criteria to be classified as held for sale in the accompanying balance sheet.
	Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets
	Upon the acquisition of real properties, Columbia Property Trust allocates the purchase price of properties to tangible assets, consisting of land, building, site improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, including the value of in-place leases, based in each case on Columbia Property Trust's estimate of their fair values in accordance with ASC 820 (see Fair Value Measurements section above for additional details).
	The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, building, and site improvements) are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the "as-if-vacant" value is then allocated to land, building, and site improvements based on management's determination of the relative fair value of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions and other related costs. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand.
	Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases Where Columbia Property Trust is the Lessor
	As further described below, in-place leases with Columbia Property Trust as the lessor may have values related to: direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, tenant relationships, and effective contractual rental rates that are above or below market rates:
	•	Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, including commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs, are estimated based on management's consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. Such direct costs are included in intangible lease origination costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
	•	The value of opportunity costs associated with lost rentals avoided by acquiring an in-place lease is calculated based on contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. Such opportunity costs ("Absorption Period Costs") are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
	•	The value of tenant relationships is calculated based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. Values associated with tenant relationships are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
	•	The value of effective rental rates of in-place leases that are above or below the market rates of comparable leases is calculated based on the present value (using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Columbia Property Trust had the following gross intangible in-place lease assets and liabilities (in thousands):
			Intangible Lease Assets								Intangible				Intangible
											Lease				Below-Market
											Origination				In-Place Lease
			Above-Market				Absorption				Costs				Liabilities
			In-Place				Period Costs
			Lease Assets
	December 31, 2013	Gross	$	80,836			$	388,686			$	365,487			$	150,364
		Accumulated Amortization	(56,859		)		(229,065		)		(216,598		)		(76,500		)
		Net	$	23,977			$	159,621			$	148,889			$	73,864
December 31, 2012	Gross	$	86,696			$	459,931			$	437,857			$	182,624
	Accumulated Amortization	(56,259		)		(248,600		)		(230,930		)		(84,326		)
	Net	$	30,437			$	211,331			$	206,927			$	98,298
During 2013, 2012, and 2011, Columbia Property Trust recognized the following amortization of intangible lease assets and liabilities (in thousands):
	Intangible Lease Assets								Intangible				Intangible
									Lease				Below-Market
									Origination				In-Place Lease
	Above-Market				Absorption				Costs				Liabilities
	In-Place				Period Costs
	Lease Assets
For the years ended December 31,
2013	$	6,077			$	38,879			$	38,978			$	14,411
2012	$	8,901			$	48,997			$	42,866			$	15,324
2011	$	14,273			$	63,156			$	50,194			$	17,203
The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013, will be amortized as follows (in thousands):
	Intangible Lease Assets								Intangible				Intangible
									Lease				Below-Market
									Origination				In-Place Lease
	Above-Market				Absorption				Costs				Liabilities
	In-Place				Period Costs
	Lease Assets
For the years ending December 31,
2014	$	5,403			$	32,746			$	32,861			$	12,351
2015	4,555				29,171				29,338				10,930
2016	3,823				22,634				22,426				8,582
2017	1,954				16,370				15,979				6,500
2018	1,150				12,125				11,542				5,764
Thereafter	7,092				46,575				36,743				29,737
	$	23,977			$	159,621			$	148,889			$	73,864
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	4 years				5 years				5 years				7 years
Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases Where Columbia Property Trust is the Lessee
In-place ground leases where Columbia Property Trust is the lessee may have value associated with effective contractual rental rates that are above or below market rates at the time of execution or assumption. Such values are calculated based on the present value (using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and (ii) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place lease at the time of execution or assumption, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded as intangible lease liabilities and assets, respectively, and are amortized as an adjustment to property operating cost over the remaining term of the respective leases. Columbia Property Trust had gross below-market lease assets of approximately $110.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, net of accumulated amortization of $13.1 million and $11.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization of these assets of approximately $2.1 million for each of the years ended 2013, 2012, and 2011.
As of December 31, 2013, the remaining net below-market lease asset will be amortized as follows (in thousands):
For the years ending December 31:
2014	$	2,069
2015	2,069
2016	2,069
2017	2,069
2018	2,069
Thereafter	87,277
	$	97,622
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	48 years
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Columbia Property Trust considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents may include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Tenant Receivables, net
Tenant receivables are comprised of rental and reimbursement billings due from tenants and the cumulative amount of future adjustments necessary to present rental income on a straight-line basis. Tenant receivables are recorded at the original amount earned, less an allowance for any doubtful accounts, which approximates fair value. Management assesses the realizability of tenant receivables on an ongoing basis and provides for allowances as such balances, or portions thereof, become uncollectible.
Columbia Property Trust adjusted the allowance for doubtful accounts by recording a provision for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries, in general and administrative expenses of approximately $(0.1) million and $0.2 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses and other assets primarily are comprised of escrow accounts held by lenders to pay future real estate taxes, insurance and tenant improvements, notes receivable, nontenant receivables, prepaid taxes, insurance and operating costs, certain corporate assets, hotel inventory, and deferred tax assets. Prepaid expenses and other assets will be expensed as incurred or reclassified to other asset accounts upon being put into service in future periods.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are comprised of costs incurred in connection with securing financing from third-party lenders and are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related financing arrangements. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization of deferred financing costs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, of approximately $3.8 million, $3.2 million, and $8.4 million, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Deferred Lease Costs
Deferred lease costs include (i) costs incurred to procure leases, which are capitalized and recognized as amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease, and (ii) common area maintenance costs that are recoverable from tenants under the terms of the existing leases. Such costs are capitalized and recognized as operating expenses over the shorter of the lease term or the recovery period provided for in the lease. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization of deferred lease costs of approximately $13.1 million, $10.9 million, and $6.8 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, the majority of which is recorded as amortization. Upon receiving notification of a tenant's intention to terminate a lease, unamortized deferred lease costs are amortized over the shortened lease period.
Investments in Development Authority Bonds and Obligations Under Capital Leases
In connection with the acquisition of certain real estate assets, Columbia Property Trust has assumed investments in development authority bonds and corresponding obligations under capital leases of land or buildings. The county development authority issued bonds to developers to finance the initial development of these projects, a portion of which was then leased back to the developer under a capital lease. This structure enabled the developer to receive property tax abatements over the concurrent terms of the development authority bonds and capital leases. The remaining property tax abatement benefits transferred to Columbia Property Trust upon assumption of the bonds and corresponding capital leases at acquisition. The development authority bonds and the obligations under the capital leases are both recorded at their net present values, which Columbia Property Trust believes approximates fair value. The related amounts of interest income and expense are recognized as earned in equal amounts and, accordingly, do not impact net income. In December 2013, upon maturity, Columbia Property Trust settled the $216.0 million and $250.0 million development authority bonds and the corresponding obligations under capital leases related to the Lenox Park Buildings and Lindbergh Center, respectively. In December 2012, Columbia Property Trust settled the $60.0 million development authority bond and the corresponding obligation under capital lease at maturity related to One Glenlake Parkway.
Line of Credit and Notes Payable
Certain mortgage notes included in line of credit and notes payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were assumed upon the acquisition of real properties. When debt is assumed, Columbia Property Trust records the loan at fair value with a corresponding adjustment to building. The fair value adjustment is amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the estimated fair value of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit and notes payable was approximately $1,245.3 million and $1,433.1 million, respectively. Columbia Property Trust estimated the fair values of its line of credit by obtaining estimates for similar facilities from multiple market participants as of the respective reporting dates. The fair values of the notes payable were estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of the respective reporting dates. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.
Bonds Payable
On April 4, 2011, Columbia Property Trust sold $250.0 million of its seven-year unsecured 5.875% senior notes at 99.295% of their face value (the "2018 Bonds Payable"). The discount on bonds payable is amortized to interest expense over the term of the bonds using the effective-interest method.
The estimated fair value of Columbia Property Trust's 2018 Bonds Payable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, was approximately $250.8 million and $250.9 million, respectively. The fair value of the 2018 Bonds Payable was estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing as the 2018 Bonds Payable arrangements as of the respective reporting dates. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests represent the equity interests of consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by Columbia Property Trust. Noncontrolling interests are adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest holders of the consolidated joint ventures. Pursuant to the terms of the consolidated joint venture agreements, all earnings and distributions are allocated to joint ventures in accordance with the terms of the respective joint venture agreements. Earnings allocated to such noncontrolling interest holders are recorded as net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In April 2012, Columbia Property Trust purchased the remaining 0.7% interest in the One Robbins Road and Four Robbins Road Buildings for $0.3 million from an unaffiliated party. The purchase price approximated the book value of the noncontrolling interest at the time of purchase.
Redeemable Common Stock
In preparation for listing, Columbia Property Trust terminated its former share redemption program effective July 31, 2013. Previously, under the SRP, the decision to honor redemptions, subject to certain plan requirements and limitations, fell outside the control of Columbia Property Trust. As a result, until the termination of the SRP, Columbia Property Trust recorded redeemable common stock in the temporary equity section of its consolidated balance sheet.
Total redemptions (including those tendered within two years of a stockholder's death) were limited to the extent that they would cause both (i) the aggregate amount paid for all redemptions during the then-current calendar year to exceed 100% of the net proceeds raised under the Dividend Reinvestment Program (the "DRP") during such calendar year, and (ii) the total number of shares redeemed during the then-current calendar year to exceed 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year. Therefore, Columbia Property Trust measured redeemable common stock at the greater of these limits (or, for the periods presented in this report, 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year, multiplied by the maximum price at which future shares could be redeemed), less the amount incurred to redeem shares during the current calendar year. The maximum price at which shares could be redeemed (i.e., in cases of death, disability, or qualification for federal assistance for confinement to a long-term care facility) was measured at the most recently reported net asset value per share.
Preferred Stock
Columbia Property Trust is authorized to issue up to 100.0 million shares of one or more classes or series of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. Columbia Property Trust's board of directors may determine the relative rights, preferences, and privileges of each class or series of preferred stock issued, which may be more beneficial than the rights, preferences, and privileges attributable to Columbia Property Trust's common stock. To date, Columbia Property Trust has not issued any shares of preferred stock.
Common Stock
The par value of Columbia Property Trust's issued and outstanding shares of common stock is classified as common stock, with the remainder allocated to additional paid-in capital.
Distributions
To maintain its status as a REIT, Columbia Property Trust is required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), to make distributions to stockholders each taxable year equal to at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and by excluding net capital gains attributable to stockholders ("REIT taxable income"). Distributions to the stockholders are determined by the board of directors of Columbia Property Trust and are dependent upon a number of factors relating to Columbia Property Trust, including funds available for payment of distributions, financial condition, the timing of property acquisitions, capital expenditure requirements, and annual distribution requirements in order to maintain Columbia Property Trust's status as a REIT under the Code.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Columbia Property Trust enters into interest rate swap contracts to mitigate its interest rate risk on the related financial instruments. Columbia Property Trust does not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes; however, certain of its derivatives may not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Columbia Property Trust records the fair value of its interest rate swaps either as prepaid expenses and other assets or as accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as other comprehensive income, while changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, is recognized currently in earnings. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as gain (loss) on interest rate swaps. Amounts received or paid under interest rate swap agreements are recorded as interest expense for contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment and as loss on interest rate swaps for contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
The following tables provide additional information related to Columbia Property Trust's interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value as of
				December 31,
Instrument Type		Balance Sheet Classification		2013				2012
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(3,307	)		$	(5,305	)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(7,579	)		$	(13,109	)
Columbia Property Trust applied the provisions of ASC 820 in recording its interest rate swaps at fair value. The fair values of the interest rate swaps, classified under Level 2, were determined using a third-party proprietary model that is based on prevailing market data for contracts with matching durations, current and anticipated London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") information, and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions. Columbia Property Trust has determined that the fair value, as determined by the third party, is reasonable. The fair value of Columbia Property Trust's interest rate swaps were $(10.9) million and $(18.4) million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Years ended December 31,
	2013				2012
Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and	$	1,997			$	(5,305	)
included in other comprehensive income
Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings	$	(342	)		$	(1,225	)
During the periods presented, there was no hedge ineffectiveness required to be recognized into earnings on the interest rate swaps that qualified for hedge accounting treatment.
Revenue Recognition
All leases on real estate assets held by Columbia Property Trust are classified as operating leases, and the related base rental income is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Tenant reimbursements are recognized as revenue in the period that the related operating cost is incurred and are billed to tenants pursuant to the terms of the underlying leases. Rental income and tenant reimbursements collected in advance are recorded as deferred income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Lease termination fees are recorded as other property income and recognized once the tenant has lost the right to lease the space and Columbia Property Trust has satisfied all obligations under the related lease or lease termination agreement.
In conjunction with certain acquisitions, Columbia Property Trust has entered into master lease agreements with various sellers, whereby the sellers are obligated to pay rent pertaining to certain nonrevenue-producing spaces either at the time of, or subsequent to, the property acquisition. These master leases were established at the time of acquisition to mitigate the potential negative effects of lost rental revenues and expense reimbursement income. Columbia Property Trust records payments received under master lease agreements as a reduction of the basis of the underlying property rather than rental income. There were no proceeds received from master leases during 2013, 2012, and 2011.
Columbia Property Trust owns a full-service hotel through a taxable REIT subsidiary. Revenues derived from the operations of the hotel include, but are not limited to, revenues from rental of rooms, food and beverage sales, telephone usage, and other service revenues. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied, when services have been performed, and when products are delivered.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are calculated as net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share equals basic earnings per share, adjusted to reflect the dilution that would occur if all outstanding securities convertible into common shares or contracts to issue common shares were converted/exercised and the related proceeds were used to repurchase common shares. As the exercise price of Columbia Property Trust's director stock options exceeds the current market price of Columbia Property Trust's common stock, the impact of assuming that the 25,000 director stock options outstanding under the Director Plan (see Note 7, Equity) have been exercised is anti-dilutive. Therefore, basic earnings per share equals diluted earnings per share for each of the periods presented.
Income Taxes
Columbia Property Trust has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and has operated as such beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2003. To qualify as a REIT, Columbia Property Trust must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, as defined by the Code, to its stockholders. As a REIT, Columbia Property Trust generally is not subject to income tax on income it distributes to stockholders. Columbia Property Trust's stockholder distributions typically exceed its taxable income due to the inclusion of noncash expenses, such as depreciation, in taxable income. As a result, Columbia Property Trust typically does not incur federal income taxes other than as described in the following paragraph. Columbia Property Trust is, however, subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Columbia Property Trust TRS, LLC ("Columbia TRS"), Columbia KCP TRS, LLC ("Columbia KCP TRS"), and Columbia Energy TRS, LLC ("Columbia Energy TRS") (collectively, the "TRS Entities") are wholly owned subsidiaries of Columbia Property Trust, are organized as Delaware limited liability companies, and operate, among other things, a full-service hotel. Columbia Property Trust has elected to treat the TRS Entities as taxable REIT subsidiaries. Columbia Property Trust may perform certain additional, noncustomary services for tenants of its buildings through the TRS Entities; however, any earnings related to such services are subject to federal and state income taxes. In addition, for Columbia Property Trust to continue to qualify as a REIT, Columbia Property Trust must limit its investments in taxable REIT subsidiaries to 25% of the value of the total assets. The TRS Entities' deferred tax assets and liabilities represent temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities based on the enacted rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. If applicable, Columbia Property Trust records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Operating Segments
Columbia Property Trust operates in a single reporting segment, and the presentation of Columbia Property Trust's financial condition and performance is consistent with the way in which Columbia Property Trust's operations are managed.
Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform with the current-period financial statement presentation, including discontinued operations (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations) and equity accounts impacted by the Reverse Stock Split (see Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).

Real_Estate_Transactions

Real Estate Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

'

Real Estate Transactions

'

Real Estate Transactions

Acquisitions

Columbia Property Trust did not acquire any properties during 2013. During 2012, Columbia Property Trust acquired interests in the following properties (in thousands):

Property Name

City

State

Acquisition

Land

Buildings

Intangible

Intangible

Below-Market

Notes Payable Step Up

Swap

Total

Lease

Date

and

Lease

Lease

Lease

Purchase

Details

Improvements

Assets

Origination

Liability

Price

333 Market Street

San Francisco

CA

12/21/12

$

114,483

$

273,203

$

19,637

$

26,824

$

(25,507

)

$

(1,830

)

$

(11,560

)

$

395,250

(1)

$

114,483

$

273,203

$

19,637

$

26,824

$

(25,507

)

$

(1,830

)

$

(11,560

)

$

395,250

(1)

As of the acquisition date, 333 Market Street was 100% leased to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., through 2026.

The acquisition of the 333 Market Street Building is immaterial and, as a result, pro forma financial information is not provided.

Financial Information for Market Square Buildings Acquisition

In March 2011, Columbia Property Trust acquired the Market Square Buildings in Washington, D.C., for $603.4 million. Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $38.7 million and a net loss of $16.2 million from the Market Square Buildings acquisition for the period from March 7, 2011 through December 31, 2011. The net loss includes acquisition-related expenses of $9.4 million. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion of the estimated useful life for each asset class.

The following unaudited pro forma statements of operations presented for the year ended December 31, 2011, have been prepared for Columbia Property Trust to give effect to the acquisition of the Market Square Buildings as if the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2011. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of future results or of actual results that would have been achieved had the acquisition of the Market Square Buildings acquisition been consummated as of January 1, 2011 (in thousands):

As of December 31,

2011

Revenues(1)

$

501,627

Net income attributable to common stockholders

$

53,567

(1)

Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).

Financial Information for Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services

As described in Note 1, Organization, Columbia Property Trust acquired Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services on February 28, 2013. The following unaudited pro forma statements of operations presented for 2013, 2012, and 2011 have been prepared for Columbia Property Trust to give effect to the acquisitions of Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services as if the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2011. The following unaudited pro forma financial results for Columbia Property Trust have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future results or of actual results that would have been achieved had the acquisitions of Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services been consummated as of January 1, 2011 (in thousands):

As of December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Revenues

$

526,966

$

462,786

$

575,175

Net income attributable to common stockholders

$

47,661

$

47,591

$

83,615

Dispositions

18 Property Sale

On November 5, 2013, Columbia Property Trust closed on the 18 Property Sale to an unaffiliated third party for $521.5 million, exclusive of closing costs. In connection with marketing these assets for sale and finalizing the terms of the sale agreement, Columbia Property Trust recognized aggregate impairment losses of $29.7 million. After considering the impact of these impairment losses, upon closing in the fourth quarter of 2013, the 18 Property Sale yielded a net gain of approximately $1.2 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The following properties make up the 18 Property Sale:

2500 Windy Ridge Parkway

Sterling Commerce Center

11200 West Parkland Avenue

4100-4300 Wildwood Parkway

4300 Centreway Place

One Century Place

4200 Wildwood Parkway

919 Hidden Ridge

1200 Morris Drive

4241 Irwin Simpson

333 & 777 Republic Drive

15815 25th Avenue West

8990 Duke Road

120 Eagle Rock

16201 25th Avenue West

Chase Center Building

College Park Plaza

13655 Riverport Drive

Dvintsev Business Center – Tower B

On March 21, 2013, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the Dvintsev Business Center – Tower B building in Moscow, Russia, and its holding entity, Landlink Ltd., which was 100% owned by Columbia Property Trust, for $67.5 million, exclusive of transaction costs, resulting in a gain on disposition of discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations of $10.0 million.

Nine Property Sale

On December 12, 2012, Columbia Property Trust closed on the Nine Property Sale for $260.5 million, exclusive of closing costs to an unaffiliated third party. In connection with changing the disposition strategy for these assets, Columbia Property Trust recorded an impairment loss of $18.5 million on the 180 E 100 South property in the third quarter of 2012.  After reflecting this impairment loss, upon closing in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Nine Property Sale yielded a net gain of $3.2 million, which is included in income from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The following properties make up the portfolio of assets sold in the Nine Property Sale:

One West Fourth Street

Tampa Commons

11950 Corporate Boulevard

180 E 100 South

Lakepointe 5

Edgewater Corporate Center

Baldwin Point

Lakepointe 3

2000 Park Lane

Emerald Point and 5995 Opus Parkway

In January 2012, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the Emerald Point Building for $37.3 million, exclusive of transaction costs, and on the sale of the 5995 Opus Parkway for $22.8 million, exclusive of transaction costs, resulting in a gain on disposition of discontinued operations of $16.9 million.

Manhattan Towers

On September 6, 2011, Columbia Property Trust transferred the Manhattan Towers property, an office building located in Manhattan Beach, California, to an affiliate of its lender in connection with settling a $75.0 million mortgage note through a deed in lieu of foreclosure transaction, resulting in a $13.5 million gain on extinguishment of debt.

For further discussion of impairment related to these dispositions, see section Evaluating the Recoverability of Real Estate Assets of Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. For further discussion of the financial impact of these dispositions, see Note 12, Discontinued Operations.

Line_of_Credit_and_Notes_Payab

Line of Credit and Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Line of Credit and Notes Payable	'
	Line of Credit and Notes Payable
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Columbia Property Trust had the following line of credit and notes payable indebtedness outstanding (excluding bonds payable; see Note 5, Bonds Payable) in thousands:
			Rate as of December 31, 2013			Term Debt or Interest Only			Outstanding Balance as of
									December 31,
	Facility							Maturity	2013		2012
	$450 Million Term Loan		LIBOR + 150 bp		(1)	Interest only		2/3/16	$	450,000	$	450,000
	Market Square Buildings mortgage note		5.07	%		Interest only		7/1/23	325,000		325,000
	333 Market Street Building mortgage note		LIBOR + 202 bp		(2)	Interest only		7/1/15	207,559		208,308
	100 East Pratt Street Building mortgage note		5.08	%		Interest only		6/11/17	105,000		105,000
	263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note		5.55	%		Interest only		7/1/17	49,000		49,000
	SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes		5.83	%		Interest only		10/11/16	39,000		39,000
	One Glenlake Building mortgage note		5.8	%		Term debt		12/10/18	34,713		37,204
	215 Diehl Road Building mortgage note		5.55	%		Interest only		7/1/17	21,000		21,000
	544 Lakeview Building mortgage note		5.54	%		Interest only		12/1/14	8,977		8,842
	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility		LIBOR + 130 bp		(3)	Interest only		8/21/17	—		42,000
	Wildwood Buildings mortgage note		5	%		Interest only		12/1/14	—		90,000
	Three Glenlake Building mortgage note		LIBOR + 90 bp			Interest only	(4)	7/31/13	—		26,264
	Total indebtedness								$	1,240,249	$	1,401,618
	(1)	Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan at 2.28% per annum and terminates on February 3, 2016. This interest rate swap agreement qualifies for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded as a market value adjustment to interest rate swap in the accompanying consolidated statements of other comprehensive income.
	(2)	Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the 333 Market Street Building mortgage note at 4.75% per annum and terminates on July 1, 2015. This interest rate swap agreement does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded as loss on interest rate swaps in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	(3)	The JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "JPMorgan Chase Bank") unsecured debt bears interest at a rate based on, at the option of Columbia Property Trust, LIBOR for seven-day or one-, two-, three-, or six-month periods, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.70%, or the alternate base rate for any day is the greatest of the rate of interest publicly announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank as its prime rate in effect in its principal office in New York City for such day plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.70%.
	(4)	Interest was due monthly; however, under the terms of the loan agreement, a portion of the monthly debt service amount accrued and was added to the outstanding balance of the note over the term.
	$450 Million Term Loan
	On August 21, 2013, Columbia Property Trust amended and restated its $450 Million Term Loan (the "$450 Million Term Loan") with a syndicate of banks with JP Morgan Securities, LLC, and PNC Capital Markets, LLC, serving as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners, to, among other things: (i) change the margins on the interest rate under the term loan, as described below; (ii) provide for an additional one-year extension option; (iii) provide for four additional accordion options for an aggregate amount of $250.0 million, in minimum amounts of $25.0 million each; and (iv) revise certain restrictive covenants under the term loan, and thereby create additional flexibility.
	The $450 Million Term Loan, as amended, reduced the applicable margin on the interest rate to a range from 1.15% to 1.95% for LIBOR or a range from 0.15% to 0.95% for the margin for the alternate base rate, based on Columbia Property Trust's applicable credit rating. Prior to the amendment of the $450 Million Term Loan, the applicable margin on the interest rate was a range from 1.30% to 2.30% for LIBOR or a range from 0.30% to 1.30% for the margin for the alternate base rate. The interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan continues to be effectively fixed with an interest rate swap agreement. Based on the terms of the interest rate swap and Columbia Property Trust's current credit rating, the interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan is effectively fixed at 2.28%.
	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility
	On August 21, 2013, Columbia Property Trust also amended and restated the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility (the "JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility") with JP Morgan Securities, LLC, and PNC Capital Markets, LLC, serving as joint lead arrangers and joint book runners, to, among other things: (i) change the margins on the interest rate under the facility, as described below; (ii) extend the maturity date from May 2015 to August 2017, with a one-year extension option; (iii) enable Columbia Property Trust to increase the facility amount by an aggregate of up to $300.0 million, not to exceed a total facility of $800.0 million on four occasions; and (iv) revise certain restrictive covenants under the facility, and thereby create additional flexibility.
	The JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility, as amended, reduced the applicable margin on the interest rate to a range from 1.00% to 1.70% for LIBOR or a range from 0.00% to 0.70% for the margin for the alternate base rate, based on Columbia Property Trust's applicable credit rating. Prior to amendment, the applicable margin on the interest rate was a range from 1.25% to 2.05% for LIBOR or a range from 0.25% to 1.05% for the margin for the alternate base rate. Additionally, the per annum facility fee on the aggregate revolving commitment (used or unused) now ranges from 0.15% to 0.35%, also based on Columbia Property Trust's applicable credit rating. Prior to amendment, the per annum facility fee ranged from 0.25% to 0.45%.
	Columbia Property Trust is subject to a $25.0 million limitation on letters of credit that may be issued under the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility. The JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility contains the following restrictive covenants:
	•	limits the ratio of debt to total asset value, as defined, to 50% or less during the term of the facility;
	•	limits the ratio of secured debt to total asset value, as defined, to 40% or less during the term of the facility;
	•	requires the ratio of unencumbered asset value, as defined, to total unsecured debt to be at least 2:1 at all times;
	•	requires maintenance of certain interest and fixed-charge coverage ratios;
	•	limits the ratio of secured recourse debt to total asset value, as defined, to 10% or less at all times;
	•	requires maintenance of certain minimum tangible net worth balances; and
	•	limits investments that fall outside Columbia Property Trust's core investments of improved office properties located in the United States.
	As of December 31, 2013, Columbia Property Trust believes it was in compliance with the restrictive covenants on its outstanding debt obligations.
	Fair Value of Debt
	The estimated fair value of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit and notes payable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, was approximately $1,245.3 million and $1,433.1 million, respectively. Columbia Property Trust estimated the fair value of its line of credit by obtaining estimates for similar facilities from multiple market participants as of the respective reporting dates. Therefore, the fair values determined are considered to be based on observable market data for similar instruments (Level 2). The fair values of all other debt instruments were estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of the respective reporting dates. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.
	Interest Paid and Extinguishment of Debt
	On November 5, 2013, Columbia Property Trust repaid the mortgage note for the Wildwood Buildings (included in the 18 Property Sale) for $90.0 million, plus a pre-payment fee of $4.7 million. The original maturity date for the Wildwood Buildings mortgage was December 1, 2014.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Columbia Property Trust's weighted-average interest rate on its line of credit and notes payable was approximately 4.08% and 4.25%, respectively. Columbia Property Trust made interest payments of approximately $59.6 million, $50.1 million, and $45.9 million during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, none of which was capitalized.
	Debt Maturities
	On July 31, 2013, Columbia Property Trust repaid the Three Glenlake Building mortgage note of $26.4 million with cash on hand and proceeds from the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility, and the related interest rate swap matured.
	The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit, term loan, and notes payable as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	2014	$	11,616
	2015	210,355
	2016	491,963
	2017	178,139
	2018	23,176
	Thereafter	325,000
	Total	$	1,240,249

Bonds_Payable

Bonds Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Bonds Payable	'
	Bonds Payable
	In 2011, Columbia Property Trust issued $250.0 million of its seven-year, unsecured 5.875% senior notes at 99.295% of their face value. Columbia Property Trust received proceeds from the 2018 Bonds Payable, net of fees, of $246.7 million. The 2018 Bonds Payable require semiannual interest payments in April and October based on a contractual annual interest rate of 5.875%, which is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the 2018 Bonds Payable are shown net of the initial issuance discount of approximately $1.8 million, which is amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2018 Bonds Payable using the effective interest method. The principal amount of the 2018 Bonds Payable is due and payable on the maturity date, April 1, 2018. Interest payments of $14.7 million were made on the 2018 Bonds Payable during 2013 and 2012.
	The restrictive covenants on the 2018 Bonds Payable as defined pursuant to an indenture (the "Indenture") include:
	•	limits to Columbia Property Trust's ability to merge or consolidate with another entity or transfer all or substantially all of Columbia Property Trust's property and assets, subject to important exceptions and qualifications;
	•	a limitation on the ratio of debt to total assets, as defined, to 60%;
	•	limits to Columbia Property Trust's ability to incur debt if the consolidated income available for debt service to annual debt service charge, as defined, for four previous consecutive fiscal quarters is less than 1.5:1 on a pro forma basis;
	•	limits to Columbia Property Trust's ability to incur liens if, on an aggregate basis for Columbia Property Trust, the secured debt amount would exceed 40% of the value of the total assets; and
	•	a requirement that the ratio of unencumbered asset value, as defined, to total unsecured debt be at least 150% at all times.
	As of December 31, 2013, Columbia Property Trust believes it was in compliance with the restrictive covenants on its 2018 Bonds Payable. The 2018 Bonds Payable were originally issued through a private offering and subsequently registered.
	The estimated fair value of the 2018 Bonds Payable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $250.8 million and $250.9 million, respectively. The fair value of the 2018 Bonds Payable was estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing as the 2018 Bonds Payable arrangements, as of the respective reporting dates (Level 2). The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Obligations Under Operating Leases
	Columbia Property Trust owns three properties that are subject to ground leases with expiration dates of December 31, 2058; February 28, 2062; and July 31, 2099. We incurred $2.1 million in rent expense related to such ground leases in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the remaining required payments under the terms of these ground leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	2,557
	2015	2,557
	2016	2,557
	2017	2,702
	2018	2,731
	Thereafter	205,529
	Total	$	218,633
	Obligations Under Capital Leases
	The Three Glenlake Building is subject to a capital lease of land. This obligation requires payments equal to the amounts of principal and interest receivable from related investments in development authority bonds, which matures in 2021. The required payments under the terms of the leases are as follows as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	2014	$	7,200
	2015	7,200
	2016	7,200
	2017	7,200
	2018	7,200
	Thereafter	141,600
		177,600
	Amounts representing interest	(57,600		)
	Total	$	120,000
	Commitments Under Existing Lease Agreements
	Certain lease agreements include provisions that, at the option of the tenant, may obligate Columbia Property Trust to expend capital to expand an existing property or provide other expenditures for the benefit of the tenant. As of December 31, 2013, no tenants have exercised such options that had not been materially satisfied.
	Litigation
	Columbia Property Trust is subject to various legal proceedings, claims, and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which are expected to be covered by liability insurance. Management makes assumptions and estimates concerning the likelihood and amount of any reasonably possible loss relating to these matters using the latest information available. Columbia Property Trust records a liability for litigation if an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. If an unfavorable outcome is probable and a reasonable estimate of the loss is a range, Columbia Property Trust accrues the best estimate within the range. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, Columbia Property Trust accrues the minimum amount within the range. If an unfavorable outcome is probable but the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, Columbia Property Trust discloses the nature of the litigation and indicates that an estimate of the loss or range of loss cannot be made. If an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible and the estimated loss is material, Columbia Property Trust discloses the nature and estimate of the possible loss of the litigation. Columbia Property Trust does not disclose information with respect to litigation where the possibility of an unfavorable outcome is considered to be remote. Based on current expectations, such matters, both individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, results of operations, business, or financial condition of Columbia Property Trust. Columbia Property Trust is not currently involved in any legal proceedings of which management would consider the outcome to be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of Columbia Property Trust.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Listing
	On October 10, 2013, Columbia Property Trust listed its shares of common stock on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "CXP." Columbia Property Trust has incurred $4.1 million of costs related to the listing during 2013, primarily related to professional and legal fees associated with the listing. Such fees have been recorded separately as listing costs in the accompanying statement of operations.
	Tender Offer
	On October 10, 2013, Columbia Property Trust commenced a modified "Dutch-auction" tender offer to purchase for cash up to $300.0 million in value of shares of its common stock (the "Tender Offer"). As a result of the Tender Offer, on November 18, 2013, we accepted for purchase 9.4 million shares of common stock at a purchase price of $25.00 per share, for an aggregate cost to Columbia Property Trust of $234.1 million, exclusive of fees and expenses related to the Tender Offer.
	Reverse Stock Split
	On August 6, 2013, Columbia Property Trust's board of directors approved a four-for-one reverse stock split (the "Reverse Stock Split"). The Reverse Stock Split became effective on August 14, 2013 (the "Effective Date"), causing every four shares of common stock that were issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date to be automatically combined into one issued and outstanding share of common stock. The share combination affected all shareholders uniformly and did not affect any shareholder's percentage ownership interest or any shareholder rights. In addition, the par value and number of authorized shares of common stock remained unchanged. The Reverse Stock Split requires retroactive adjustment; therefore, all share and per-share data for prior periods has been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.
	Redemption of Fractional Shares
	In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, the board of directors approved the redemption of all fractional shares of Columbia Property Trust's common stock that remained following effectuation of the Reverse Stock Split. Each affected shareholder of record as of the close of business on August 14, 2013, received a cash payment equal to the fractional share held by such shareholder multiplied by $29.32 (which number is the product of Columbia Property Trust's most recently appraised net asset value per share as of September 30, 2012, multiplied by four to account for the Reverse Stock Split).
	2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
	Columbia Property Trust maintains a long-term incentive plan that provides for grants of stock to be made to employees and independent directors of Columbia Property Trust (the "2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan"). The 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan was approved by Columbia Property Trust's shareholders in August 2013. A total of 200 million shares are authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
	In September 2013, Columbia Property Trust paid the 2013 annual equity retainers to its independent directors by issuing a total of 6,820 shares of common stock at $29.32 per share (Columbia Property Trust's most recently appraised net asset value per share as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split as of September 30, 2012) under the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. As a result of this payment, Columbia Property Trust incurred approximately $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense during 2013, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Also, in January 2014, Columbia Property Trust paid the first quarterly installment of annual equity retainers to its independent directors by issuing a total of 3,344 shares of common stock under the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Additionally, Columbia Property Trust incurred $0.9 million in stock-based compensation in the fourth quarter of 2013 relating to shares that will be issued in 2014, which is also included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. These grants were made under the 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
	Independent Director Stock Option Plan
	Columbia Property Trust maintains an independent director stock option plan that provides for grants of stock to be made to independent directors of Columbia Property Trust (the "Director Plan"). On April 24, 2008, the Conflicts Committee of the Board of Directors suspended the Director Plan in connection with the registration of a public offering of shares of its common stock in certain states. A total of 25,000 shares have been authorized and reserved for issuance under the Director Plan.
	Under the Director Plan, options to purchase 625 shares of common stock at $48.00 per share were granted upon initially becoming an independent director of Columbia Property Trust. Of these options, 20% are exercisable immediately on the date of grant. An additional 20% of these options become exercisable on each anniversary for four years following the date of grant. Additionally, effective on the date of each annual stockholder meeting, beginning in 2004, each independent director was granted options to purchase 250 additional shares of common stock at the greater of (1) $48.00 per share or (2) the fair market value (as defined in the Director Plan) on the last business day preceding the date of the annual stockholder meeting. These options are 100% exercisable two years after the date of grant. All options granted under the Director Plan expire no later than the tenth anniversary of the date of grant and may expire sooner if the independent director dies, is disabled, or ceases to serve as a director. In the event of a corporate transaction or other recapitalization event, the Conflicts Committee will adjust the number of shares, class of shares, exercise price, or other terms of the Director Plan to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Director Plan or with respect to any option as necessary. No stock option may be exercised if such exercise would jeopardize Columbia Property Trust's status as a REIT under the Code, and no stock option may be granted if the grant, when combined with those issuable upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants granted to Columbia Property Trust's advisor, directors, officers, or any of their affiliates, would exceed 10% of Columbia Property Trust's outstanding shares. No option may be sold, pledged, assigned, or transferred by an independent director in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution.
	A summary of stock option activity under the Director Plan during 2013, 2012, and 2011, follows:
		Number	Exercise	Exercisable
			Price
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010	7,375	$48	7,250
	Granted	—
	Terminated	—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011	7,375	$48	7,375
	Granted	—
	Terminated	—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012	7,375	$48	7,375
	Granted	—
	Terminated	—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	7,375	$48	7,375
	Columbia Property Trust has evaluated the fair values of options granted under the Director Plan using the Black-Scholes-Merton model and concluded that such values are insignificant as of the end of the period presented. The weighted-average contractual remaining life for options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2013, was approximately 1.5 years.
	Prior Public Offerings
	From December 2003 through June 2010, Columbia Property Trust raised proceeds through three uninterrupted public offerings of shares of its common stock. Through July 7, 2013, Columbia Property Trust offered shares of its common stock to its current investors through its Distribution Reinvestment Plan ("DRP") pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3. As of December 31, 2013, Columbia Property Trust had raised gross offering proceeds from the sale of common stock under its public offerings of approximately $6.2 billion. After deductions from such gross offering proceeds for selling commissions and dealer-manager fees of approximately $509.5 million, acquisition fees of approximately $116.8 million, other organization and offering expenses of approximately $76.1 million, and common stock redemptions pursuant to its share redemption program of approximately $829.8 million, Columbia Property Trust had received aggregate net offering proceeds of approximately $4.7 billion. Substantially all of Columbia Property Trust's net offering proceeds have been invested in real estate.

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases	'
	Operating Leases
	Columbia Property Trust's real estate assets are leased to tenants under operating leases for which the terms vary, including certain provisions to extend the lease agreement, options for early terminations, subject to specified penalties, and other terms and conditions as negotiated. Columbia Property Trust retains substantially all of the risks and benefits of ownership of the real estate assets leased to tenants. Amounts required as security deposits vary depending upon the terms of the respective leases and the creditworthiness of the tenant; however, such deposits generally are not significant. Therefore, exposure to credit risk exists to the extent that the receivables exceed this amount. Security deposits related to tenant leases are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Based on 2013 Annualized Lease Revenue, as defined, AT&T comprised approximately 9% of Columbia Property Trust's portfolio. Tenants in the legal services, banking, and communications industries each comprise 17%, 16%, and 10%, respectively, of Columbia Property Trust's 2013 Annualized Lease Revenue. Columbia Property Trust's properties are located in 13 states and the District of Columbia.
	As of December 31, 2013, approximately 13%, 12%, and 11% of Columbia Property Trust's office properties are located in metropolitan District of Columbia, Atlanta, and San Francisco, respectively.
	The future minimum rental income from Columbia Property Trust's investment in real estate assets under noncancelable operating leases, excluding properties under development, as of December 31, 2013, is as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	375,108
	2015	369,626
	2016	342,653
	2017	289,273
	2018	245,086
	Thereafter	1,167,286
	Total	$	2,789,032

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities	'
	Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
	Outlined below are significant noncash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Other assets assumed upon acquisition	$	741		$	130		$	—
	Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition	$	741		$	—		$	1,174
	Other liabilities settled at disposition	$	872		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap assumed upon acquisition of property	$	—		$	11,560		$	—
	Notes payable assumed at acquisition	$	—		$	208,330		$	8,607
	Interest accruing into notes payable	$	186		$	306		$	15,891
	Amortization of discounts (premiums) on debt	$	(363	)	$	364		$	869
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	$	1,997		$	(5,305	)	$	—
	Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	$	15,997		$	16,325		$	7,751
	Accrued deferred financing costs	$	—		$	35		$	48
	Accrued redemptions of common stock	$	—		$	3,655		$	1,640
	Settlement of redeemable controlling interest through issuance of common stock	$	—		$	—		$	14
	Settlement of Manhattan Towers mortgage note by transferring property to lender	$	—		$	—		$	75,000
	Transfer of development authority bonds	$	466,000		$	60,000		$	—
	Nonrefundable earnest money for property sales	$	—		$	—		$	880
	Stock-based compensation expense	$	1,055		$	—		$	—
	Increase (decrease) in redeemable common stock	$	(99,526	)	$	13,621		$	48,042

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related-Party Transactions and Agreements	'
	Related-Party Transactions and Agreements
	Advisory Agreement
	From December 2003 through February 28, 2013, Columbia Property Trust was party to uninterrupted advisory agreements with affiliates of WREF (the "Advisor"), pursuant to which the Advisor acted as Columbia Property Trust's external advisor and performed certain key functions on behalf of Columbia Property Trust, including, among others, the investment of capital proceeds and management of day-to-day operations (the "Advisory Agreement"). As discussed in detail below, in connection with Columbia Property Trust's transition to a self-managed structure, the most recent advisory agreement was terminated effective February 28, 2013.
	Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement most recently in place, Columbia Property Trust incurred fees and reimbursements payable to the Advisor for services as described below:
	•	Asset management fees were incurred monthly at one-twelfth of 0.625% of the lesser of (i) gross cost, as defined, of all properties of Columbia Property Trust (other than those that failed to meet specified occupancy thresholds) and investments in joint ventures, or (ii) the aggregate value of Columbia Property Trust's interest in the properties and joint ventures as established with the most recent asset-based valuation, until the monthly payment equals $2.5 million (or $30.5 million annualized), as of the last day of each preceding month. Columbia Property Trust paid fees at the cap in January and February 2013. With respect to (ii) above, Columbia Property Trust's published net asset-based valuations did not impact asset management fees incurred due to continued applicability of the cap described above.
	•	Reimbursement for all costs and expenses the Advisor incurred in fulfilling its duties as the asset portfolio manager, generally included (i) wages and salaries and other employee-related expenses of the Advisor's employees, who performed a full range of real estate services for Columbia Property Trust, including management, administration, operations, and marketing, and are billed to Columbia Property Trust based on the amount of time spent on Columbia Property Trust by such personnel, provided that such expenses are not reimbursed if incurred in connection with services for which the Advisor received a disposition fee (described below) or an acquisition fee; and (ii) amounts paid for an individual retirement account, or "IRA," custodial service costs allocated to Columbia Property Trust accounts. The Advisory Agreement limited the amount of reimbursements to the Advisor of "portfolio general and administrative expenses" and "personnel expenses," as defined, to the extent they would exceed $18.2 million and $10.0 million, respectively, during 2013.
	•	Acquisition fees were incurred at 1.0% of property purchase price (excluding acquisition expenses); however, in no event could total acquisition fees for the calendar year exceed 2.0% of total gross offering proceeds. Columbia Property Trust also reimbursed the Advisor for expenses it paid to third parties in connection with acquisitions or potential acquisitions. Per the Transition Services Agreement discussed below, acquisition fees payable to the Advisor for 2012 and 2013 had an aggregate cap of $1.5 million. Columbia Property Trust paid acquisition fees of $1.5 million related to the acquisition of the 333 Market Street Building in San Francisco, California, in December 2012. No acquisition fees were paid to the Advisor during 2013.
	•	The disposition fee payable for the sale of any property for which the Advisor provided substantial services was the lesser of (i) 0.3% or (ii) the broker fee paid to a third-party broker in connection with the sale.
	•	Reimbursement of organization and offering costs paid by Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and its affiliates on behalf of Columbia Property Trust, not to exceed 2.0% of gross offering proceeds.
	•	For January and February 2013, Columbia Property Trust paid occupancy costs of $42,000 to the Advisor for use of dedicated office space.
	Transition Services Agreement
	For the period from July 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013, Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services, and WREF were parties to an agreement under which WREF provided services to support the transition of Columbia Property Trust from an externally advised management platform to a self-managed structure (the "Transition Services Agreement"). Pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, (i) WREF was required to transfer the assets and employees necessary to provide the services under the Advisory Agreement (other than investor services and property management) to Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services by January 1, 2013, provided that if WREF was not able to transfer certain assets by then, WREF was required to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to transfer such delayed assets as promptly as possible, but no later than June 30, 2013; and (ii) Columbia Property Trust had the option to acquire Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services from WREF at any time during 2013 (the "Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services Assignment Option"). The Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services Assignment Option closed as of February 28, 2013, and all assets were transferred by June 30, 2013. No payment was associated with the assignment; however, Columbia Property Trust was required to pay WREF for the work required to transfer sufficient employees, proprietary systems and processes, and assets to Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services to prepare for a successful transition to a self-managed structure a total of $6.0 million payable in 12 monthly installments of $0.5 million commencing on July 31, 2012. In addition, Columbia Property Trust and WREF were each obligated to pay half of any out-of-pocket and third-party costs and expenses incurred in connection with providing these services, provided that Columbia Property Trust's obligation to reimburse WREF for such expenses was limited to approximately $250,000 in the aggregate. Pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement at the close of the Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services Assignment Option, Columbia Property Trust entered into a consulting services agreement with WREF as described below.
	On December 28, 2012, the Transition Services Agreement was amended, and Wells Management and Columbia Property Trust Services were made parties to the agreement. Pursuant to the amendment, Columbia Property Trust could acquire Columbia Property Trust Services, the entity that provided personnel to carry out property management services on behalf of Wells Management and its affiliates, in connection with exercising the Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services Assignment Option.  Columbia Property Trust exercised this option on February 28, 2013. No payment was associated with this assignment; however, Columbia Property Trust was obligated to pay a fee to WREF of approximately $2.8 million in monthly installments from July 2013 through December 2013. The Transition Services Agreement terminated on December 31, 2013. The fees paid under the Transition Services Agreement are included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
	Investor Services Agreement
	Columbia Property Trust and WREF entered into an investor services agreement, effective January 1, 2013 through February 28, 2013, that required WREF to provide certain investor and transfer agent support services to Columbia Property Trust, which were previously provided under the advisory agreement dated March 30, 2011 (the "Investor Services Agreement"). As the sole consideration for these services, Columbia Property Trust reimbursed WREF for expenses incurred in connection with carrying out such services, subject to the cap on "portfolio general and administrative expenses" and "personnel expenses" included in the Advisory Agreement and, thus, did not incur a separate fee.
	2013 Investor Services Agreement
	Effective February 28, 2013, upon the effective date of the Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services Assignment Option, Columbia Property Trust entered into an agreement with WREF, which requires WREF to provide the investor and transfer agent support services to Columbia Property Trust that were previously provided for under the Investor Services Agreement (the "2013 Investor Services Agreement"). The 2013 Investor Services Agreement requires Columbia Property Trust to compensate WREF for these services by reimbursing the related expenses and payroll costs, plus a premium. The 2013 Investor Services Agreement terminated on December 31, 2013.
	Consulting Services Agreement
	On February 28, 2013, the Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services Assignment Option and Columbia Property Trust Services Assignment Option closed, and in connection therewith, the Advisory Agreement and Investor Services Agreement terminated, and Columbia Property Trust entered into a consulting services agreement with WREF (the "Consulting Services Agreement"). Under the Consulting Services Agreement, WREF provided consulting services with respect to the same matters that the Advisor provided services under the most recently effective advisory agreement. Payments under the Consulting Services Agreement were monthly fees in the same amount as the asset management fee that would have been paid under the most recently effective advisory agreement, if the most recently effective advisory agreement was not terminated. No acquisition or disposition fees are payable under the Consulting Services Agreement. The Consulting Services Agreement terminated on December 31, 2013. The fees incurred under the Consulting Services Agreement are included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
	Property Management Agreement
	Columbia Property Trust was party to master property management, leasing, and construction agreements (the "Property Management Agreement") with affiliates of WREF (the "Property Manager") until February 28, 2013, on which date Columbia Property Trust terminated the Property Management Agreement contemporaneous with acquiring Columbia Property Trust Services. As a result, property management services are now performed by employees of Columbia Property Trust. While no fee was paid to execute this acquisition, Columbia Property Trust was obligated to pay a fee to WREF totaling $2.8 million from July through December 2013 for the transition of property management services to Columbia Property Trust Services.
	During January and February 2013, the Property Manager received the following fees and reimbursements in consideration for supervising the management, leasing, and construction of certain Columbia Property Trust properties:
	•	Property management fees in an amount equal to a percentage negotiated for each property managed by the Property Manager of the gross monthly income collected for that property for the preceding month;
	•	Leasing commissions for new, renewal, or expansion leases entered into with respect to any property for which the Property Manager serves as leasing agent equal to a percentage as negotiated for that property of the total base rental and operating expenses to be paid to Columbia Property Trust during the applicable term of the lease, provided, however, that no commission shall be payable as to any portion of such term beyond 10 years;
	•	Initial lease-up fees for newly constructed properties under the agreement, generally equal to one month's rent;
	•	Fees equal to a specified percentage of up to 5.0% of all construction build-out funded by Columbia Property Trust, given as a leasing concession, and overseen by the Property Manager; and
	•	Other fees as negotiated, with the addition of each specific property covered under the agreement.
	Related-Party Costs
	Pursuant to the terms of the agreements described above, Columbia Property Trust incurred the following related-party costs during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Consulting services	$	25,417	$	—	$	—
	Transition services	5,750		3,008		—
	Asset management fees	5,083		32,000		32,094
	Administrative reimbursements, net(1)	1,939		11,099		11,609
	Investor services	829		—		—
	Property management fees	523		4,462		4,546
	Construction fees(2)	139		220		211
	Other	69		126		—
	Acquisition fees	—		1,500		1,307
	Disposition fees	—		1,311		—
	Total	$	39,749	$	53,726	$	49,767
	(1)	Administrative reimbursements are presented net of reimbursements from tenants of approximately $0.7 million, $4.4 million, and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	(2)	Construction fees are capitalized to real estate assets as incurred.
	Due to Affiliates
	The detail of amounts due to WREF and its affiliates is provided below as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Administrative reimbursements	$	—	$	1,360
	Asset and property management fees	—		560
	Total	$	—	$	1,920

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Columbia Property Trust's income tax basis net income during 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands) follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	GAAP basis financial statement net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	15,720			$	48,039			$	56,642
	Increase (decrease) in net income resulting from:
	Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	72,554				81,681				101,498
	Rental income accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	(26,565		)		(24,798		)		(11,203		)
	Net amortization of above-/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(8,186		)		(3,423		)		(2,960		)
	Gain on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	(5,530		)		(173		)		(35,487		)
	Bad debt expense for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(65		)		(5,034		)		(229		)
	Gains or losses on disposition of real property for financial reporting purposes that are more favorable than amounts for income tax purposes	(78,559		)		(61,198		)		(16,282		)
	Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	9,710				7,349				15,603
	Income tax basis net income, prior to dividends-paid deduction	$	(20,921	)		$	42,443			$	107,582
	As of December 31, 2013, the tax basis carrying value of Columbia Property Trust's total assets was approximately $5.0 billion. For income tax purposes, distributions to common stockholders are characterized as ordinary income, capital gains, or as a return of a stockholder's invested capital. Columbia Property Trust's distributions per common share are summarized as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Ordinary income	—	%		16	%		39	%
	Capital gains	—	%		—	%		—	%
	Return of capital	100	%		84	%		61	%
	Total	100	%		100	%		100	%
	As of December 31, 2013, returns for the calendar years 2009 through 2013 remain subject to examination by U.S. or various state tax jurisdictions.
	No provisions for federal income taxes have been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, other than the provisions relating to Columbia TRS, Columbia KCP TRS, and Columbia Energy TRS, as we made distributions in excess of taxable income for the periods presented. We are subject to certain state and local taxes related to property operations in certain locations, which have been provided for in our accompanying consolidated financial statements. The TRS Entities recorded the following income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, is as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Federal income tax	$	307			$	265			$	(676	)
	State income tax	2				14				(35		)
	Total income tax	$	309			$	279			$	(711	)
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Columbia Property Trust had no deferred tax liabilities. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Columbia Property Trust had a deferred tax asset of $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Columbia Property Trust has assessed its ability to realize this deferred tax asset and determined that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset of $0.6 million as of December 31, 2013 is realizable.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	The historical operating results and gains from the disposition of certain assets, including assets "held for sale" and operating properties sold, are required to be reflected in a separate section ("discontinued operations") in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. As a result, the revenues and expenses of the following properties are included in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented: the properties included in the 18 Property Sale, which closed on November 5, 2013, for $521.5 million and resulted in a net gain of $1.2 million. Dvintsev Business Center – Tower B, which sold on March 21, 2013, for $67.5 million and resulted in a gain of $10.0 million; the properties included in the Nine Property Sale, which closed in December 2012 for $260.5 million and resulted in a net gain of $3.2 million; 5995 Opus Parkway and Emerald Point, which closed in January 2012 for $60.1 million and resulted in total gains of $16.9 million; and Manhattan Towers, which was transferred to an affiliate of the lender in full settlement of a $75.0 million nonrecourse mortgage loan through a deed in lieu of foreclosure transaction on September 6, 2011 and resulted in a net gain of $13.5 million.
	The following table shows the revenues and expenses of the above-described discontinued operations (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	48,550		$	91,132		$	101,906
	Tenant reimbursements	11,205			18,059			18,585
	Other property income	291			5,471			5,878
		60,046			114,662			126,369
	Expenses:
	Property operating costs	21,232			36,996			40,607
	Asset and property management fees	1,501			7,974			8,201
	Depreciation	11,730			21,609			24,048
	Amortization	7,590			15,776			23,482
	Impairment loss on real estate assets	29,737			18,467			5,817
	General and administrative	1,360			748			3,146
	Acquisition fees	—			—			11
	Total expenses	73,150			101,570			105,312
	Real estate operating income (loss)	(13,104		)	13,092			21,057
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense	(3,804		)	(6,610		)	(9,755		)
	Interest and other income	293			16			4
	Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	(4,709		)	—			—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense	(21,324		)	6,498			11,306
	Income tax expense	(1		)	(14		)	(114		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(21,325		)	6,484			11,192
	Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	11,225			20,117			13,522
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(10,100	)	$	26,601		$	24,714

Quarterly_Results_unaudited

Quarterly Results (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Results (unaudited)	'
	Quarterly Results (unaudited)
	Presented below is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012(in thousands, except per-share data):
		2013
		First Quarter				Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Revenues(1)	$	128,792			$	131,897	$	132,502		$	133,387
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	(22,608	)	(2)	$	20,601	$	4,800		$	12,927
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(3)	$	(0.17	)		$	0.15	$	0.04		$	0.1
	Distributions declared per share(3)	$	0.38			$	0.38	$	0.38		$	0.3
	(1)	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
	(2)	Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).
	(3)	All computations using share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the August 14, 2013, four-for-one reverse stock split (See Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).
		2012
		First Quarter				Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Revenues(1)	$	121,894			$	122,716	$	124,159		$	125,502
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	31,131			$	10,914	$	(5,859	)	$	11,853
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(2)	$	0.23			$	0.08	$	(0.04	)	$	0.09
	Distributions declared per share(2)	$	0.5			$	0.5	$	0.5		$	0.38
	(1)	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
	(2)	All computations using share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the August 14, 2013, four-for-one reverse stock split (See Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).

Financial_Information_for_Pare

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'
	Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
	The 2018 Bonds Payable (see Note 5, Bonds Payable) were issued by Columbia Property Trust OP and are guaranteed by Columbia Property Trust. Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services were added to the non-guarantor grouping upon acquisition in February 2013. As a result of amending the $450 Million Term Loan and the JP Morgan Chase Credit Facility in August 2013, all of the indirect and direct subsidiaries of Columbia Property Trust that previously guaranteed the $450 Million Term Loan, the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility, and the 2018 Bonds Payable were released under customary circumstances as guarantors, which resulted in the reclassification of prior-period amounts from the guarantor to the non-guarantor groupings within the condensed consolidating financial statements to conform with the current period presentation. In accordance with SEC Rule 3-10(c), Columbia Property Trust includes herein condensed consolidating financial information in lieu of separate financial statements of the subsidiary issuer (Columbia Property Trust OP) and Subsidiary Guarantors, as defined in the bond indenture, because all of the following criteria are met:
	-1	the subsidiary issuer (Columbia Property Trust OP) is 100% owned by the parent company guarantor (Columbia Property Trust);
	-2	the guarantees are full and unconditional; and
	-3	the guarantees are joint and several.
	Columbia Property Trust uses the equity method with respect to its investment in subsidiaries included in its condensed consolidating financial statements. Set forth below are Columbia Property Trust's condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands), as well as its condensed consolidating statements of operations and its condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands); and its condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands).
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands)
		As of December 31, 2013
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Assets:
	Real estate assets, at cost:
	Land	$	—		$	6,241		$	700,697		$	—		$	706,938
	Buildings and improvements, net	—			24,185			2,952,102			—			2,976,287
	Intangible lease assets, net	—			—			281,220			—			281,220
	Construction in progress	—			28			7,921			—			7,949
	Total real estate assets	—			30,454			3,941,940			—			3,972,394
	Cash and cash equivalents	53,322			20,708			25,825			—			99,855
	Investment in subsidiaries	2,557,347			2,286,982			—			(4,844,329		)	—
	Tenant receivables, net of allowance	—			—			7,414			—			7,414
	Straight-line rent receivable	—			22			113,570			—			113,592
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	177,185			150,806			26,602			(322,170		)	32,423
	Deferred financing costs, net	—			8,762			1,626			—			10,388
	Intangible lease origination costs, net	—			—			148,889			—			148,889
	Deferred lease costs, net	—			1,495			86,032			—			87,527
	Investment in development authority bonds	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total assets	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
	Liabilities:
	Line of credit and notes payable	$	—		$	450,000		$	1,110,838		$	(320,589	)	$	1,240,249
	Bonds payable, net	—			248,930			—			—			248,930
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	31			11,816			87,831			—			99,678
	Due to affiliates	—			(925		)	2,506			(1,581		)	—
	Deferred income	—			146			21,792			—			21,938
	Intangible lease liabilities, net	—			—			73,864			—			73,864
	Obligations under capital leases	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total liabilities	31			709,967			1,416,831			(322,170		)	1,804,659
	Redeemable Common Stock	—			—			—			—			—
	Equity:
	Total equity	2,787,823			1,789,262			3,055,067			(4,844,329		)	2,787,823
	Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands)
		As of December 31, 2012
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Assets:
	Real estate assets, at cost:
	Land	$	—		$	6,241		$	782,996		$	—		$	789,237
	Building and improvements, net	—			16,513			3,451,705			—			3,468,218
	Intangible lease assets, net	—			—			341,460			—			341,460
	Construction in progress	—			5,252			7,428			—			12,680
	Total real estate assets	—			28,006			4,583,589			—			4,611,595
	Cash and cash equivalents	20,914			4,822			27,921			—			53,657
	Investment in subsidiaries	3,068,106			2,679,950			—			(5,748,056		)	—
	Tenant receivables, net of allowance	—			—			14,426			—			14,426
	Straight-line rent receivable	—			22			119,651			—			119,673
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	178,131			203,589			28,337			(380,684		)	29,373
	Deferred financing costs, net	—			8,498			1,992			—			10,490
	Intangible lease origination costs, net	—			—			206,927			—			206,927
	Deferred lease costs, net	—			68			98,740			—			98,808
	Investment in development authority	—			—			586,000			—			586,000
	bonds
	Total assets	$	3,267,151		$	2,924,955		$	5,667,583		$	(6,128,740	)	$	5,730,949
	Liabilities:
Lines of credit and notes payable	$	—		$	492,000		$	1,288,618		$	(379,000	)	$	1,401,618
Bonds payable, net	—			248,678			—			—			248,678
Accounts payable, accrued expenses,	3,645			12,417			86,796			—			102,858
and accrued capital expenditures
Due to affiliates	—			960			2,644			(1,684		)	1,920
Deferred income	—			81			27,990			—			28,071
Intangible lease liabilities, net	—			—			98,298			—			98,298
Obligations under capital leases	—			—			586,000			—			586,000
Total liabilities	3,645			754,136			2,090,346			(380,684		)	2,467,443
Redeemable Common Stock	99,526			—			—			—			99,526
Equity:
Total equity	3,163,980			2,170,819			3,577,237			(5,748,056		)	3,163,980
Total liabilities, redeemable	$	3,267,151		$	2,924,955		$	5,667,583		$	(6,128,740	)	$	5,730,949
common stock, and equity
Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—		$	403		$	406,791		$	(287	)	$	406,907
Tenant reimbursements	—			149			90,726			—			90,875
Hotel income	—			—			23,756			—			23,756
Other property income	—			17			5,208			(185		)	5,040
	—			569			526,481			(472		)	526,578
Expenses:
Property operating costs	—			1,966			152,880			(287		)	154,559
Hotel operating costs	—			—			18,340			—			18,340
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	4,397			15			313			(32		)	4,693
Other	—			—			1,671			—			1,671
Depreciation	—			1,247			106,858			—			108,105
Amortization	—			28			78,682			—			78,710
General and administrative	16			43,555			18,448			(153		)	61,866
Listing fees	317			3,743			—			—			4,060
	4,730			50,554			377,192			(472		)	432,004
Real estate operating (loss) income	(4,730		)	(49,985		)	149,289			—			94,574
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	—			(32,659		)	(88,137		)	18,855			(101,941		)
Interest and other income	7,987			10,874			34,023			(18,855		)	34,029
Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(342		)	—			(342		)
Income (loss) from equity investment	12,463			86,101			—			(98,564		)	—
	20,450			64,316			(54,456		)	(98,564		)	(68,254		)
Income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense)	15,720			14,331			94,833			(98,564		)	26,320
Income tax benefit (expense)	—			(3		)	(497		)	—			(500		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	15,720			14,328			94,336			(98,564		)	25,820
Discontinued operations:
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	—			658			(21,983		)	—			(21,325		)
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			11,225			—			11,225
Income from discontinued operations	—			658			(10,758		)	—			(10,100		)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	15,720		$	14,986		$	83,578		$	(98,564	)	$	15,720
Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—		$	1,649		$	380,280		$	(133	)	$	381,796
Tenant reimbursements	—			103			90,756			(2,457		)	88,402
Hotel income	—			—			23,049			—			23,049
Other property income	—			86			1,024			(86		)	1,024
	—			1,838			495,109			(2,676		)	494,271
Expenses:
Property operating costs	—			1,634			148,025			(2,457		)	147,202
Hotel operating costs	—			—			18,495			(133		)	18,362
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	26,264			58			4,191			(1,141		)	29,372
Other	—			—			2,421			—			2,421
Depreciation	—			710			97,988			—			98,698
Amortization	—			357			86,101			—			86,458
General and administrative	49			21,436			3,128			—			24,613
Acquisition fees and expenses	—			—			1,876			—			1,876
	26,313			24,195			362,225			(3,731		)	409,002
Real estate operating (loss) income	(26,313		)	(22,357		)	132,884			1,055			85,269
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	—			(32,469		)	(88,414		)	18,997			(101,886		)
Interest and other income	7,988			11,018			39,847			(18,997		)	39,856
Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(1,225		)	—			(1,225		)
Income from equity investment	66,364			92,228			—			(158,592		)	—
	74,352			70,777			(49,792		)	(158,592		)	(63,255		)
Income before income tax expense	48,039			48,420			83,092			(157,537		)	22,014
Income tax expense	—			(14		)	(558		)	—			(572		)
Income from continuing operations	48,039			48,406			82,534			(157,537		)	21,442
Discontinued operations:
Operating income from discontinued operations	—			5,942			542			—			6,484
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			20,117			—			20,117
Income from discontinued operations	—			5,942			20,659			—			26,601
Net income	48,039			54,348			103,193			(157,537		)	48,043
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	48,039		$	54,348		$	103,189		$	(157,537	)	$	48,039
Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2011
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—		$	—		$	379,641		$	—		$	379,641
Tenant reimbursements	—			—			87,071			—			87,071
Hotel income	—			—			20,600			—			20,600
Other property income	—			145			5,575			(145		)	5,575
	—			145			492,887			(145		)	492,887
Expenses:
Property operating costs	—			—			142,492			—			142,492
Hotel operating costs	—			—			17,394			—			17,394
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	25,521			—			4,237			(145		)	29,613
Other	—			—			2,185			—			2,185
Depreciation	—			—			95,724			—			95,724
Amortization	—			—			96,902			—			96,902
General and administrative	43			18,124			2,850			—			21,017
Acquisition fees and expenses	1,307			—			9,932			—			11,239
	26,871			18,124			371,716			(145		)	416,566
Real estate operating income (loss)	(26,871		)	(17,979		)	121,171			—			76,321
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	—			(28,329		)	(84,693		)	11,223			(101,799		)
Interest and other income	2,129			11,444			40,045			(11,223		)	42,395
Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(38,383		)	—			(38,383		)
Income from equity investment	81,384			114,257			—			(195,641		)	—
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			53,018			—			53,018
	83,513			97,372			(30,013		)	(195,641		)	(44,769		)
Income before income tax benefit	56,642			79,393			91,158			(195,641		)	31,552
Income tax benefit	—			—			390			—			390
Income from continuing operations	56,642			79,393			91,548			(195,641		)	31,942
Discontinued operations:
Operating income from discontinued operations	—			6,388			4,804			—			11,192
Income on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			13,522			—			13,522
Income from discontinued operations	—			6,388			18,326			—			24,714
Net income	56,642			85,781			109,874			(195,641		)	56,656
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(14		)	—			(14		)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	56,642		$	85,781		$	109,860		$	(195,641	)	$	56,642
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	15,720		$	14,986		$	83,578		$	(98,564	)	$	15,720
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(83		)	—			(83		)	83			(83		)
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,997			1,997			—			(1,997		)	1,997
Comprehensive income	$	17,634		$	16,983		$	83,495		$	(100,478	)	$	17,634
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	48,039		$	54,348		$	103,189		$	(157,537	)	$	48,039
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(5,305		)	(5,305		)	—			5,305			(5,305		)
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	42,734			49,043			103,189			(152,232		)	42,734
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			4			—			4
Comprehensive income	$	42,734		$	49,043		$	103,193		$	(152,232	)	$	42,738
	For the year ended December 31, 2011
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	56,642		$	85,781		$	109,860		$	(195,641	)	$	56,642
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	11,223			—			11,223			(11,223		)	11,223
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	67,865			85,781			121,083			(206,864		)	67,865
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			14			—			14
Comprehensive income	$	67,865		$	85,781		$	121,097		$	(206,864	)	$	67,879
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			(Consolidated)
Cash flows from operating activities	$	(331	)	$	(84,270	)	$	302,930		$	218,329
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	14,127			551,818			—			565,945
Investment in real estate and related assets	—			(5,270		)	(65,286		)	(70,556		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	14,127			546,548			(65,286		)	495,389
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	—			297,320			(41		)	297,279
Repayments	—			(343,000		)	(118,940		)	(461,940		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(4,709		)	(4,709		)
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	(306,574		)	—			—			(306,574		)
Distributions	(191,473		)	—			—			(191,473		)
Intercompany transfers, net	516,659			(400,712		)	(115,947		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,612			(446,392		)	(239,637		)	(667,417		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	32,408			15,886			(1,993		)	46,301
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(103		)	(103		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	20,914			4,822			27,921			53,657
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	53,322		$	20,708		$	25,825		$	99,855
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2012
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			(Consolidated)
Cash flows from operating activities	$	(49	)	$	(83,489	)	$	336,377		$	252,839
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	30,441			273,823			—			304,264
Investment in real estate and related assets	—			(193,410		)	(79,807		)	(273,217		)
Net cash used in investing activities	30,441			80,413			(79,807		)	31,047
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees	—			595,731			(929		)	594,802
Repayments	—			(591,000		)	(36,191		)	(627,191		)
Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	18,996			—			—			18,996
Distributions	(256,020		)	—			(15		)	(256,035		)
Intercompany transfers	216,255			(7,430		)	(208,825		)	—
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	—			—			(301		)	(301		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(20,769		)	(2,699		)	(246,261		)	(269,729		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	9,623			(5,775		)	10,309			14,157
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			32			32
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	11,291			10,597			17,580			39,468
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	20,914		$	4,822		$	27,921		$	53,657
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2011
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			(Consolidated)
Cash flows from operating activities	$	508		$	(78,219	)	$	356,869		$	279,158
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in real estate and related assets	(606,116		)	—			(59,974		)	(666,090		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(606,116		)	—			(59,974		)	(666,090		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees	—			1,454,978			324,364			1,779,342
Repayments	—			(806,500		)	(361,778		)	(1,168,278		)
Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	47,397			—			—			47,397
Distributions	(270,720		)	—			(44		)	(270,764		)
Intercompany transfers	831,941			(570,649		)	(261,292		)	—
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	—			(87		)	—			(87		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	608,618			77,742			(298,750		)	387,610
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,010			(477		)	(1,855		)	678
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(92		)	(92		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,281			11,074			19,527			38,882
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	11,291		$	10,597		$	17,580		$	39,468

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	Subsequent Event
	Columbia Property Trust has evaluated subsequent events in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report on Form 10-K and noted the following items in addition to those disclosed elsewhere in this report:
	Dividend Declaration
	On February 20, 2014, the board of directors declared dividends for the first quarter of 2014 in the amount of $0.30 per share, payable on March 18, 2014 to stockholders of record on March 3, 2014.

Schedule_III_Real_Estate_Asset

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure	'
	Columbia Property Trust, Inc.
	Schedule III – Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
																					Gross Amount at Which Carried at										Life on Which Depreciation and Amortization is Computed (d)
												Initial Costs									31-Dec-13
	Description		Location		Ownership Percentage			Encumbrances				Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total		Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		Date of Construction	Date Acquired
	515 POST OAK		Houston, TX		100	%		None				$	6,100	$	28,905	$	35,005	$	2,042		$	6,241	$	30,806	$	37,047	$	6,681	1980	2/10/04	0 to 40 years
	9 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE		Westborough, MA		100	%		None				5,570		38,218		43,788		(2,430		)	5,627		35,731		41,358		9,773		1987	5/27/04	0 to 40 years
			Florham Park, NJ		100	%		None				10,802		62,595		73,397		(26,880		)	11,050		35,467		46,517		8,410		1982	6/23/04	0 to 40 years
	180 PARK AVENUE
	ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY		Atlanta, GA		100	%		34,713				5,846		66,681		72,527		634			5,934		67,227		73,161		21,834		2003	6/25/04	0 to 40 years
	80 M STREET		Washington, DC		100	%		None				26,248		76,269		102,517		(5,747		)	26,806		69,964		96,770		21,700		2001	6/29/04	0 to 40 years
			Downers Grove, IL		100	%		None				6,925		34,575		41,500		630			7,015		35,115		42,130		9,382		1999	8/4/04	0 to 40 years
	3333 FINLEY ROAD
			Downers Grove, IL		100	%		None				3,579		17,220		20,799		328			3,625		17,502		21,127		4,715		1988	8/4/04	0 to 40 years
	1501 OPUS PLACE
			Gaithersburg, MD		100	%		None				22,758		43,174		65,932		582			20,195		46,319		66,514		18,434		1986	10/22/04	0 to 40 years
	800 NORTH FREDERICK
			Downers Grove, IL		100	%		None				2,524		35,016		37,540		(1,655		)	2,558		33,327		35,885		10,398		2001	11/1/04	0 to 40 years
	THE CORRIDORS III
			Downers Grove, IL		100	%		None				3,028		47,454		50,482		(3,088		)	3,055		44,339		47,394		13,537		2000	12/27/04	0 to 40 years
	HIGHLAND LANDMARK III
			Florham Park, NJ		100	%		None				4,501		47,957		52,458		(7,534		)	4,501		40,423		44,924		10,032		2001	3/14/05	0 to 40 years
	180 PARK AVENUE 105
	215 DIEHL ROAD		Naperville, IL		100	%		$	21,000			3,452		17,456		20,908		2,941			3,472		20,377		23,849		7,521		1988	4/19/05	0 to 40 years
	100 EAST PRATT		Baltimore, MD		100	%		$	105,000			31,234		140,217		171,451		31,653			31,777		171,327		203,104		54,398		1975/1991	5/12/05	0 to 40 years
	ONE ROBBINS ROAD		Westford, MA		100	%		None				5,391		33,788		39,179		175			5,391		33,963		39,354		9,827		1981	8/18/05	0 to 40 years
	FOUR ROBBINS ROAD		Westford, MA		100	%		None				2,950		32,544		35,494		—			2,950		32,544		35,494		14,759		2001	8/18/05	0 to 40 years
			East Palo Alto, CA		100	%		None				8,722		107,730		116,452		(26,171		)	8,803		81,478		90,281		17,407		2001	9/20/05	0 to 40 years
	1900 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
			East Palo Alto, CA		100	%		None				10,040		93,716		103,756		2,432			10,134		96,054		106,188		20,983		2002	9/20/05	0 to 40 years
	1950 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
			East Palo Alto, CA		100	%		None				8,731		76,842		85,573		599			8,819		77,353		86,172		18,339		2003	9/20/05	0 to 40 years
	2000 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
	5 HOUSTON CENTER		Houston, TX		100	%		None				8,186		147,653		155,839		(18,722		)	8,186		128,931		137,117		35,420		2002	12/20/05	0 to 40 years
	KEY CENTER TOWER		Cleveland, OH		100	%		None			(a)	7,269		244,424		251,693		12,972			7,454		257,211		264,665		78,556		1991	12/22/05	0 to 40 years
	KEY CENTER MARRIOTT		Cleveland, OH		100	%		None				3,473		34,458		37,931		11,430			3,629		45,732		49,361		15,353		1991	12/22/05	0 to 40 years
	ONE SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER		Chandler, AZ		100	%		$	18,000			4,871		24,669		29,540		(1,432		)	4,948		23,160		28,108		5,835		2000	4/18/06	0 to 40 years
	TWO SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER		Chandler, AZ		100	%		$	21,000			3,174		21,613		24,787		(654		)	3,245		20,888		24,133		4,316		2003	4/18/06	0 to 40 years
	263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD		Naperville, IL		100	%		$	49,000			7,142		41,535		48,677		6,890			7,233		48,334		55,567		17,023		1986	7/20/06	0 to 40 years
	80 PARK PLAZA		Newark, NJ		100	%		None				31,766		109,952		141,718		14,230			32,221		123,727		155,948		43,074		1979	9/21/06	0 to 40 years
	INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER		Jersey City, NJ		100	%		None				29,061		141,544		170,605		14,434			29,712		155,327		185,039		44,486		1989	10/31/06	0 to 40 years
	Columbia Property Trust, Inc.
	Schedule III – Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
	December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
																					Gross Amount at Which Carried at										Life on Which Depreciation and Amortization is Computed (d)
												Initial Costs									31-Dec-13
	Description		Location		Ownership Percentage			Encumbrances				Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total		Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization		Date of Construction	Date Acquired
	STERLING COMMERCE		Irving, TX		100	%		None				$	8,639	$	43,980	$	52,619	$	889		$	8,752	$	44,756	$	53,508	$	19,694	1999	12/21/06	0 to 40 years
	PASADENA CORPORATE PARK		Pasadena, CA		100	%		None				53,099		59,630		112,729		254			53,099		59,884		112,983		11,898		1965/2000/ 2002/2003	7/11/07	0 to 40 years
	7031 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DRIVE		Columbia, MD		100	%		None				10,232		54,070		64,302		35			10,232		54,105		64,337		13,655		2000	7/12/07	0 to 40 years
	222 EAST 41ST STREET		New York City, NY		100	%		None			(a)	—		324,520		324,520		(832		)	—		323,688		323,688		62,379		2001	8/17/07	0 to 40 years
	BANNOCKBURN LAKE III		Bannockburn, IL		100	%		None				7,635		11,002		18,637		(1,881		)	7,663		9,093		16,756		1,361		1987	9/10/07	0 to 40 years
	SOUTH JAMAICA STREET		Englewood, CO		100	%		None				13,429		109,781		123,210		3,252			13,735		112,727		126,462		28,175		2002/2003/ 2007	9/26/07	0 to 40 years
	LENOX PARK BUILDINGS		Atlanta, GA		100	%		None				28,478		225,067		253,545		4,224			28,858		228,911		257,769		41,373		1992/1999/ 2001/2002	5/8/08	0 to 40 years
	LINDBERGH CENTER		Atlanta, GA		100	%		None			(a)	—		262,468		262,468		3,252			—		265,720		265,720		44,815		2002	7/1/08	0 to 40 years
	THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING		Sandy Springs, GA		100	%		$	120,000		(b)	7,517		88,784		96,301		891			8,055		89,137		97,192		15,984		2008	7/31/08	0 to 40 years
	1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD		Linthicum, MD		100	%		None				11,410		78,988		90,398		1,212			11,745		79,865		91,610		17,105		1992	9/5/08	0 to 40 years
	550 KING STREET BUILDINGS		Boston, MA		100	%		None				8,632		74,625		83,257		8,177			8,632		82,802		91,434		15,240		1984	4/1/10	0 to 40 years
	CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE		Cranberry Township, PA		100	%		None				15,512		173,062		188,574		3,501			15,512		176,563		192,075		23,292		2009/2010	6/1/10	0 to 40 years
	HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I		Houston, TX		100	%		None				4,734		79,344		84,078		5,037			4,734		84,381		89,115		11,684		2008	6/28/10	0 to 40 years
SUNTRUST BUILDING		Orlando, FL		100	%		None				1,222		20,402		21,624		938			1,222		21,340		22,562		3,181		1959	8/25/10	0 to 40 years
MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS		Washington, DC		100	%		$	325,000			152,629		450,757		603,386		14,390			152,629		465,147		617,776		62,487		1990	3/7/11	0 to 40 years
544 LAKEVIEW		Vernon Hills, IL		100	%	(c)	$	9,100			3,006		3,100		6,106		2,243			3,006		5,343		8,349		404		1994	4/1/11	0 to 40 years
333 MARKET STREET		San Francisco, CA		100	%		$	206,500			114,483		292,840		407,323		—			114,483		292,840		407,323		8,552		1979	12/21/12	0 to 40 years
TOTAL REAL ESTATE ASSETS											$	704,000	$	4,118,625	$	4,822,625	$	53,241		$	706,938	$	4,168,928	$	4,875,866	$	903,472
(a)	Property is owned subject to a long-term ground lease.
(b)	As a result of the acquisition of the Three Glenlake Building, Columbia Property Trust acquired investments in bonds and certain obligations under capital leases in the amount of $120.0 million.
(c)	544 Lakeview is owned through a subsidiary in which Columbia Property Trust holds a 50% ownership interest, and owns 100% of the economic interest.
(d)	Columbia Property Trust assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets by class. Generally, tenant improvements are amortized over the shorter of economic life or lease term, lease intangibles are amortized over the respective lease term, building improvements are depreciated over 5-25 years, site improvements are depreciated over 15 years, and buildings are depreciated over 40 years.
Columbia Property Trust, Inc.
Schedule III – Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
(in thousands)
	For the years ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2011
Real Estate:
Balance at beginning of year	$	5,507,769			$	5,483,193			$	4,999,902
Additions to/improvements of real estate	51,422				453,541				676,230
Sale/transfer of real estate	(614,822		)		(328,804		)		(70,082		)
Impairment of real estate	(29,737		)		(18,467		)		(5,817		)
Write-offs of building and tenant improvements	(492		)		(301		)		(228		)
Write-offs of intangible assets(1)	(466		)		(1,311		)		(6,978		)
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	(37,808		)		(80,082		)		(109,834		)
Balance at end of the year	$	4,875,866			$	5,507,769			$	5,483,193
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization:
Balance at beginning of year	$	896,174			$	867,975			$	769,863
Depreciation and amortization expense	166,720				181,155				225,139
Sale/transfer of real estate	(120,981		)		(71,654		)		(12,258		)
Write-offs of tenant improvements	(212		)		(196		)		(16		)
Write-offs of intangible assets(1)	(421		)		(1,024		)		(4,915		)
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	(37,808		)		(80,082		)		(109,838		)
Balance at end of the year	$	903,472			$	896,174			$	867,975
(1)	Consists of write-offs of intangible lease assets related to lease restructurings, amendments, and terminations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements of Columbia Property Trust have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include the accounts of Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, and any variable interest entity ("VIE") in which Columbia Property Trust or Columbia Property Trust OP was deemed the primary beneficiary. With respect to entities that are not VIEs, Columbia Property Trust's consolidated financial statements shall also include the accounts of any entity in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or its subsidiaries own a controlling financial interest and any limited partnership in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or its subsidiaries own a controlling general partnership interest. In determining whether Columbia Property Trust or Columbia Property Trust OP has a controlling interest, the following factors are considered, among other things: the ownership of voting interests, protective rights, and participatory rights of the investors.
	All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Columbia Property Trust estimates the fair value of its assets and liabilities (where currently required under GAAP) consistent with the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"). Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. While various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate fair value depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures provides the following fair value technique parameters and hierarchy, depending upon availability:
	Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which the identical term is traded on an active exchange, such as publicly traded instruments or futures contracts.
	Level 2 – Assets and liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments.
	Level 3 – Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market. Such assets or liabilities are valued based on the best available data, some of which may be internally developed. Significant assumptions may include risk premiums that a market participant would consider.
Real Estate Assets	'
	Real Estate Assets
	Real estate assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Amounts capitalized to real estate assets consist of the cost of acquisition or construction, and any tenant improvements or major improvements and betterments that extend the useful life of the related asset. All repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Additionally, Columbia Property Trust capitalizes interest while the development of a real estate asset is in progress. No interest was capitalized during 2013 or 2012.
	Columbia Property Trust is required to make subjective assessments as to the useful lives of its depreciable assets. Columbia Property Trust considers the period of future benefit of the asset to determine the appropriate useful lives. These assessments have a direct impact on net income. The estimated useful lives of its assets by class are as follows:
		Buildings	40 years
		Building improvements	5-25 years
		Site improvements	15 years
		Tenant improvements	Shorter of economic life or lease term
		Intangible lease assets	Lease term
Evaluating the Recoverability of Real Estate Assets	'
	Evaluating the Recoverability of Real Estate Assets
	Columbia Property Trust continually monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of its real estate and related intangible assets, of both operating properties and properties under construction, in which Columbia Property Trust has an ownership interest, either directly or through investments in joint ventures, may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present that suggest that the carrying amounts of real estate assets and related intangible assets (liabilities) may not be recoverable, Columbia Property Trust assesses the recoverability of these assets by determining whether the respective carrying values will be recovered through the estimated undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. In the event that such expected undiscounted future cash flows do not exceed the carrying values, Columbia Property Trust adjusts the carrying value of the real estate assets and related intangible assets to the estimated fair values, pursuant to the property, plant, and equipment accounting standard for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, and recognizes an impairment loss. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the following information, in order of preference, depending upon availability: (i) recently quoted market prices, (ii) market prices for comparable properties, or (iii) the present value of future cash flows, including estimated salvage value. Certain of Columbia Property Trust's assets may be carried at more than an amount that could be realized in a current disposition transaction.
	Projections of expected future operating cash flows require that Columbia Property Trust estimates future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property, and the number of years the property is held for investment, among other factors. The subjectivity of assumptions used in the future cash flow analysis, including discount rates, could result in an incorrect assessment of the property's fair value and could result in the misstatement of the carrying value of Columbia Property Trust's real estate assets and related intangible assets and net income (loss).
Assets Held for Sale	'
	Assets Held for Sale
	Columbia Property Trust classifies assets as held for sale according to ASC 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets ("ASC 360"). According to ASC 360, assets are considered held for sale when the following criteria are met:
	•	Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the property.
	•	The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such property.
	•	An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the property have been initiated.
	•	The sale of the property is probable, and transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year.
	•	The property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value.
	•	Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
	At such time that a property is determined to be held for sale, its carrying amount is reduced to the lower of its depreciated book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell, and depreciation is no longer recognized.
Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets	'
	Allocation of Purchase Price of Acquired Assets
	Upon the acquisition of real properties, Columbia Property Trust allocates the purchase price of properties to tangible assets, consisting of land, building, site improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, including the value of in-place leases, based in each case on Columbia Property Trust's estimate of their fair values in accordance with ASC 820 (see Fair Value Measurements section above for additional details).
	The fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, building, and site improvements) are determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the "as-if-vacant" value is then allocated to land, building, and site improvements based on management's determination of the relative fair value of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions and other related costs. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand.
Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases	'
	Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases Where Columbia Property Trust is the Lessee
	In-place ground leases where Columbia Property Trust is the lessee may have value associated with effective contractual rental rates that are above or below market rates at the time of execution or assumption. Such values are calculated based on the present value (using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and (ii) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place lease at the time of execution or assumption, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded as intangible lease liabilities and assets, respectively, and are amortized as an adjustment to property operating cost over the remaining term of the respective leases.
	Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases Where Columbia Property Trust is the Lessor
	As further described below, in-place leases with Columbia Property Trust as the lessor may have values related to: direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals that are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, tenant relationships, and effective contractual rental rates that are above or below market rates:
	•	Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, including commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs, are estimated based on management's consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. Such direct costs are included in intangible lease origination costs in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
	•	The value of opportunity costs associated with lost rentals avoided by acquiring an in-place lease is calculated based on contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases over a market absorption period for a similar lease. Such opportunity costs ("Absorption Period Costs") are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
	•	The value of tenant relationships is calculated based on expected renewal of a lease or the likelihood of obtaining a particular tenant for other locations. Values associated with tenant relationships are included in intangible lease assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
	•	The value of effective rental rates of in-place leases that are above or below the market rates of comparable leases is calculated based on the present value (using a discount rate that reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining terms of the leases. The capitalized above-market and below-market lease values are recorded as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Columbia Property Trust considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents may include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Tenant Receivables, net	'
	Tenant Receivables, net
	Tenant receivables are comprised of rental and reimbursement billings due from tenants and the cumulative amount of future adjustments necessary to present rental income on a straight-line basis. Tenant receivables are recorded at the original amount earned, less an allowance for any doubtful accounts, which approximates fair value. Management assesses the realizability of tenant receivables on an ongoing basis and provides for allowances as such balances, or portions thereof, become uncollectible.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	'
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other assets primarily are comprised of escrow accounts held by lenders to pay future real estate taxes, insurance and tenant improvements, notes receivable, nontenant receivables, prepaid taxes, insurance and operating costs, certain corporate assets, hotel inventory, and deferred tax assets. Prepaid expenses and other assets will be expensed as incurred or reclassified to other asset accounts upon being put into service in future periods.
Deferred Costs	'
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs are comprised of costs incurred in connection with securing financing from third-party lenders and are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related financing arrangements. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization of deferred financing costs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, of approximately $3.8 million, $3.2 million, and $8.4 million, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	Deferred Lease Costs
	Deferred lease costs include (i) costs incurred to procure leases, which are capitalized and recognized as amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease, and (ii) common area maintenance costs that are recoverable from tenants under the terms of the existing leases. Such costs are capitalized and recognized as operating expenses over the shorter of the lease term or the recovery period provided for in the lease. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization of deferred lease costs of approximately $13.1 million, $10.9 million, and $6.8 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, the majority of which is recorded as amortization. Upon receiving notification of a tenant's intention to terminate a lease, unamortized deferred lease costs are amortized over the shortened lease period.
Investments in Development Authority Bonds and Obligations Under Capital Leases	'
	Investments in Development Authority Bonds and Obligations Under Capital Leases
	In connection with the acquisition of certain real estate assets, Columbia Property Trust has assumed investments in development authority bonds and corresponding obligations under capital leases of land or buildings. The county development authority issued bonds to developers to finance the initial development of these projects, a portion of which was then leased back to the developer under a capital lease. This structure enabled the developer to receive property tax abatements over the concurrent terms of the development authority bonds and capital leases. The remaining property tax abatement benefits transferred to Columbia Property Trust upon assumption of the bonds and corresponding capital leases at acquisition. The development authority bonds and the obligations under the capital leases are both recorded at their net present values, which Columbia Property Trust believes approximates fair value. The related amounts of interest income and expense are recognized as earned in equal amounts and, accordingly, do not impact net income.
Debts	'
	Line of Credit and Notes Payable
	Certain mortgage notes included in line of credit and notes payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were assumed upon the acquisition of real properties. When debt is assumed, Columbia Property Trust records the loan at fair value with a corresponding adjustment to building. The fair value adjustment is amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the estimated fair value of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit and notes payable was approximately $1,245.3 million and $1,433.1 million, respectively. Columbia Property Trust estimated the fair values of its line of credit by obtaining estimates for similar facilities from multiple market participants as of the respective reporting dates. The fair values of the notes payable were estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of the respective reporting dates. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.
	Bonds Payable
	On April 4, 2011, Columbia Property Trust sold $250.0 million of its seven-year unsecured 5.875% senior notes at 99.295% of their face value (the "2018 Bonds Payable"). The discount on bonds payable is amortized to interest expense over the term of the bonds using the effective-interest method.
	The estimated fair value of Columbia Property Trust's 2018 Bonds Payable as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, was approximately $250.8 million and $250.9 million, respectively. The fair value of the 2018 Bonds Payable was estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing as the 2018 Bonds Payable arrangements as of the respective reporting dates. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling interests represent the equity interests of consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by Columbia Property Trust. Noncontrolling interests are adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings attributable to the noncontrolling interest holders of the consolidated joint ventures. Pursuant to the terms of the consolidated joint venture agreements, all earnings and distributions are allocated to joint ventures in accordance with the terms of the respective joint venture agreements. Earnings allocated to such noncontrolling interest holders are recorded as net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Redeemable Common Stock
	In preparation for listing, Columbia Property Trust terminated its former share redemption program effective July 31, 2013. Previously, under the SRP, the decision to honor redemptions, subject to certain plan requirements and limitations, fell outside the control of Columbia Property Trust. As a result, until the termination of the SRP, Columbia Property Trust recorded redeemable common stock in the temporary equity section of its consolidated balance sheet.
	Total redemptions (including those tendered within two years of a stockholder's death) were limited to the extent that they would cause both (i) the aggregate amount paid for all redemptions during the then-current calendar year to exceed 100% of the net proceeds raised under the Dividend Reinvestment Program (the "DRP") during such calendar year, and (ii) the total number of shares redeemed during the then-current calendar year to exceed 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year. Therefore, Columbia Property Trust measured redeemable common stock at the greater of these limits (or, for the periods presented in this report, 5.0% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year, multiplied by the maximum price at which future shares could be redeemed), less the amount incurred to redeem shares during the current calendar year. The maximum price at which shares could be redeemed (i.e., in cases of death, disability, or qualification for federal assistance for confinement to a long-term care facility) was measured at the most recently reported net asset value per share.
	Preferred Stock
	Columbia Property Trust is authorized to issue up to 100.0 million shares of one or more classes or series of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. Columbia Property Trust's board of directors may determine the relative rights, preferences, and privileges of each class or series of preferred stock issued, which may be more beneficial than the rights, preferences, and privileges attributable to Columbia Property Trust's common stock. To date, Columbia Property Trust has not issued any shares of preferred stock.
	Common Stock
	The par value of Columbia Property Trust's issued and outstanding shares of common stock is classified as common stock, with the remainder allocated to additional paid-in capital.
	Distributions
	To maintain its status as a REIT, Columbia Property Trust is required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), to make distributions to stockholders each taxable year equal to at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction and by excluding net capital gains attributable to stockholders ("REIT taxable income"). Distributions to the stockholders are determined by the board of directors of Columbia Property Trust and are dependent upon a number of factors relating to Columbia Property Trust, including funds available for payment of distributions, financial condition, the timing of property acquisitions, capital expenditure requirements, and annual distribution requirements in order to maintain Columbia Property Trust's status as a REIT under the Code.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements	'
	Interest Rate Swap Agreements
	Columbia Property Trust enters into interest rate swap contracts to mitigate its interest rate risk on the related financial instruments. Columbia Property Trust does not enter into derivative or interest rate transactions for speculative purposes; however, certain of its derivatives may not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Columbia Property Trust records the fair value of its interest rate swaps either as prepaid expenses and other assets or as accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as other comprehensive income, while changes in the fair value of the ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, is recognized currently in earnings. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as gain (loss) on interest rate swaps. Amounts received or paid under interest rate swap agreements are recorded as interest expense for contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment and as loss on interest rate swaps for contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	All leases on real estate assets held by Columbia Property Trust are classified as operating leases, and the related base rental income is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Tenant reimbursements are recognized as revenue in the period that the related operating cost is incurred and are billed to tenants pursuant to the terms of the underlying leases. Rental income and tenant reimbursements collected in advance are recorded as deferred income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Lease termination fees are recorded as other property income and recognized once the tenant has lost the right to lease the space and Columbia Property Trust has satisfied all obligations under the related lease or lease termination agreement.
	In conjunction with certain acquisitions, Columbia Property Trust has entered into master lease agreements with various sellers, whereby the sellers are obligated to pay rent pertaining to certain nonrevenue-producing spaces either at the time of, or subsequent to, the property acquisition. These master leases were established at the time of acquisition to mitigate the potential negative effects of lost rental revenues and expense reimbursement income. Columbia Property Trust records payments received under master lease agreements as a reduction of the basis of the underlying property rather than rental income. There were no proceeds received from master leases during 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	Columbia Property Trust owns a full-service hotel through a taxable REIT subsidiary. Revenues derived from the operations of the hotel include, but are not limited to, revenues from rental of rooms, food and beverage sales, telephone usage, and other service revenues. Revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied, when services have been performed, and when products are delivered.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are calculated as net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share equals basic earnings per share, adjusted to reflect the dilution that would occur if all outstanding securities convertible into common shares or contracts to issue common shares were converted/exercised and the related proceeds were used to repurchase common shares. As the exercise price of Columbia Property Trust's director stock options exceeds the current market price of Columbia Property Trust's common stock, the impact of assuming that the 25,000 director stock options outstanding under the Director Plan (see Note 7, Equity) have been exercised is anti-dilutive. Therefore, basic earnings per share equals diluted earnings per share for each of the periods presented.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Columbia Property Trust has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, and has operated as such beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 2003. To qualify as a REIT, Columbia Property Trust must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, as defined by the Code, to its stockholders. As a REIT, Columbia Property Trust generally is not subject to income tax on income it distributes to stockholders. Columbia Property Trust's stockholder distributions typically exceed its taxable income due to the inclusion of noncash expenses, such as depreciation, in taxable income. As a result, Columbia Property Trust typically does not incur federal income taxes other than as described in the following paragraph. Columbia Property Trust is, however, subject to certain state and local taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, which have been provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	Columbia Property Trust TRS, LLC ("Columbia TRS"), Columbia KCP TRS, LLC ("Columbia KCP TRS"), and Columbia Energy TRS, LLC ("Columbia Energy TRS") (collectively, the "TRS Entities") are wholly owned subsidiaries of Columbia Property Trust, are organized as Delaware limited liability companies, and operate, among other things, a full-service hotel. Columbia Property Trust has elected to treat the TRS Entities as taxable REIT subsidiaries. Columbia Property Trust may perform certain additional, noncustomary services for tenants of its buildings through the TRS Entities; however, any earnings related to such services are subject to federal and state income taxes. In addition, for Columbia Property Trust to continue to qualify as a REIT, Columbia Property Trust must limit its investments in taxable REIT subsidiaries to 25% of the value of the total assets. The TRS Entities' deferred tax assets and liabilities represent temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities based on the enacted rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. If applicable, Columbia Property Trust records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Operating Segments	'
	Operating Segments
	Columbia Property Trust operates in a single reporting segment, and the presentation of Columbia Property Trust's financial condition and performance is consistent with the way in which Columbia Property Trust's operations are managed.
Reclassification	'
	Reclassification
	Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform with the current-period financial statement presentation, including discontinued operations (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations) and equity accounts impacted by the Reverse Stock Split (see Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives for Real Estate Assets	'
	The estimated useful lives of its assets by class are as follows:
		Buildings		40 years
		Building improvements		5-25 years
		Site improvements		15 years
		Tenant improvements		Shorter of economic life or lease term
		Intangible lease assets		Lease term
Schedule of Recognized Fair Value Adjustments for Real Estate Properties	'
	The table below represents the detail of the adjustments recognized for 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands) using Level 3 inputs.
	Property		Net Book Value				Impairment Loss Recognized				Fair Value
	2013
	120 Eagle Rock		$	23,808			$	(11,708	)		$	12,100
	333 & 777 Republic Drive		$	13,359			$	(5,159	)		$	8,200
	2012
	180 E 100 South		$	30,847			$	(18,467	)		$	12,380
	2011
	Manhattan Towers		$	65,317			$	(5,817	)		$	59,500
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Columbia Property Trust had the following gross intangible in-place lease assets and liabilities (in thousands):
			Intangible Lease Assets								Intangible				Intangible
											Lease				Below-Market
											Origination				In-Place Lease
			Above-Market				Absorption				Costs				Liabilities
			In-Place				Period Costs
			Lease Assets
	December 31, 2013	Gross	$	80,836			$	388,686			$	365,487			$	150,364
		Accumulated Amortization	(56,859		)		(229,065		)		(216,598		)		(76,500		)
		Net	$	23,977			$	159,621			$	148,889			$	73,864
	December 31, 2012	Gross	$	86,696			$	459,931			$	437,857			$	182,624
		Accumulated Amortization	(56,259		)		(248,600		)		(230,930		)		(84,326		)
		Net	$	30,437			$	211,331			$	206,927			$	98,298
	During 2013, 2012, and 2011, Columbia Property Trust recognized the following amortization of intangible lease assets and liabilities (in thousands):
		Intangible Lease Assets								Intangible				Intangible
										Lease				Below-Market
										Origination				In-Place Lease
		Above-Market				Absorption				Costs				Liabilities
		In-Place				Period Costs
		Lease Assets
	For the years ended December 31,
	2013	$	6,077			$	38,879			$	38,978			$	14,411
	2012	$	8,901			$	48,997			$	42,866			$	15,324
	2011	$	14,273			$	63,156			$	50,194			$	17,203
	The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013, will be amortized as follows (in thousands):
		Intangible Lease Assets								Intangible				Intangible
										Lease				Below-Market
										Origination				In-Place Lease
		Above-Market				Absorption				Costs				Liabilities
		In-Place				Period Costs
		Lease Assets
	For the years ending December 31,
	2014	$	5,403			$	32,746			$	32,861			$	12,351
	2015	4,555				29,171				29,338				10,930
	2016	3,823				22,634				22,426				8,582
	2017	1,954				16,370				15,979				6,500
	2018	1,150				12,125				11,542				5,764
	Thereafter	7,092				46,575				36,743				29,737
		$	23,977			$	159,621			$	148,889			$	73,864
	Weighted-Average Amortization Period	4 years				5 years				5 years				7 years
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the remaining net below-market lease asset will be amortized as follows (in thousands):
	For the years ending December 31:
	2014	$	2,069
	2015	2,069
	2016	2,069
	2017	2,069
	2018	2,069
	Thereafter	87,277
		$	97,622
	Weighted-Average Amortization Period	48 years
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives	'
	The following tables provide additional information related to Columbia Property Trust's interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
					Estimated Fair Value as of
					December 31,
	Instrument Type		Balance Sheet Classification		2013				2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(3,307	)		$	(5,305	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(7,579	)		$	(13,109	)
	The fair value of Columbia Property Trust's interest rate swaps were $(10.9) million and $(18.4) million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
		Years ended December 31,
		2013				2012
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and	$	1,997			$	(5,305	)
	included in other comprehensive income
	Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings	$	(342	)		$	(1,225	)

Real_Estate_Transactions_Table

Real Estate Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Interests in Properties Acquired	'
	During 2012, Columbia Property Trust acquired interests in the following properties (in thousands):
	Property Name		City	State		Acquisition	Land			Buildings		Intangible		Intangible		Below-Market			Notes Payable Step Up			Swap			Total		Lease
						Date				and		Lease		Lease		Lease									Purchase		Details
										Improvements		Assets		Origination		Liability									Price
	333 Market Street		San Francisco	CA		12/21/12	$	114,483		$	273,203	$	19,637	$	26,824	$	(25,507	)	$	(1,830	)	$	(11,560	)	$	395,250	(1)
							$	114,483		$	273,203	$	19,637	$	26,824	$	(25,507	)	$	(1,830	)	$	(11,560	)	$	395,250
	(1)	As of the acquisition date, 333 Market Street was 100% leased to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., through 2026.
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	'
	The unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of future results or of actual results that would have been achieved had the acquisition of the Market Square Buildings acquisition been consummated as of January 1, 2011 (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2011
	Revenues(1)	$	501,627
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	53,567
	(1)	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
	The following unaudited pro forma financial results for Columbia Property Trust have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of future results or of actual results that would have been achieved had the acquisitions of Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services been consummated as of January 1, 2011 (in thousands):
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues	$	526,966		$	462,786		$	575,175
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	47,661		$	47,591		$	83,615

Line_of_Credit_and_Notes_Payab1

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Line of credit and notes payable indebtedness outstanding	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Columbia Property Trust had the following line of credit and notes payable indebtedness outstanding (excluding bonds payable; see Note 5, Bonds Payable) in thousands:
			Rate as of December 31, 2013			Term Debt or Interest Only			Outstanding Balance as of
									December 31,
	Facility							Maturity	2013		2012
	$450 Million Term Loan		LIBOR + 150 bp		(1)	Interest only		2/3/16	$	450,000	$	450,000
	Market Square Buildings mortgage note		5.07	%		Interest only		7/1/23	325,000		325,000
	333 Market Street Building mortgage note		LIBOR + 202 bp		(2)	Interest only		7/1/15	207,559		208,308
	100 East Pratt Street Building mortgage note		5.08	%		Interest only		6/11/17	105,000		105,000
	263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note		5.55	%		Interest only		7/1/17	49,000		49,000
	SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes		5.83	%		Interest only		10/11/16	39,000		39,000
	One Glenlake Building mortgage note		5.8	%		Term debt		12/10/18	34,713		37,204
	215 Diehl Road Building mortgage note		5.55	%		Interest only		7/1/17	21,000		21,000
	544 Lakeview Building mortgage note		5.54	%		Interest only		12/1/14	8,977		8,842
	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility		LIBOR + 130 bp		(3)	Interest only		8/21/17	—		42,000
	Wildwood Buildings mortgage note		5	%		Interest only		12/1/14	—		90,000
	Three Glenlake Building mortgage note		LIBOR + 90 bp			Interest only	(4)	7/31/13	—		26,264
	Total indebtedness								$	1,240,249	$	1,401,618
	(1)	Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan at 2.28% per annum and terminates on February 3, 2016. This interest rate swap agreement qualifies for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded as a market value adjustment to interest rate swap in the accompanying consolidated statements of other comprehensive income.
	(2)	Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the 333 Market Street Building mortgage note at 4.75% per annum and terminates on July 1, 2015. This interest rate swap agreement does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded as loss on interest rate swaps in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	(3)	The JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "JPMorgan Chase Bank") unsecured debt bears interest at a rate based on, at the option of Columbia Property Trust, LIBOR for seven-day or one-, two-, three-, or six-month periods, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.70%, or the alternate base rate for any day is the greatest of the rate of interest publicly announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank as its prime rate in effect in its principal office in New York City for such day plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.70%.
	(4)	Interest was due monthly; however, under the terms of the loan agreement, a portion of the monthly debt service amount accrued and was added to the outstanding balance of the note over the term.
Aggregate maturities of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	'
	The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit, term loan, and notes payable as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	2014	$	11,616
	2015	210,355
	2016	491,963
	2017	178,139
	2018	23,176
	Thereafter	325,000
	Total	$	1,240,249

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the remaining required payments under the terms of these ground leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	2,557
	2015	2,557
	2016	2,557
	2017	2,702
	2018	2,731
	Thereafter	205,529
	Total	$	218,633
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	'
	The required payments under the terms of the leases are as follows as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	2014	$	7,200
	2015	7,200
	2016	7,200
	2017	7,200
	2018	7,200
	Thereafter	141,600
		177,600
	Amounts representing interest	(57,600		)
	Total	$	120,000

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Summary of stock option activity under Director Plan	'
	A summary of stock option activity under the Director Plan during 2013, 2012, and 2011, follows:
		Number	Exercise	Exercisable
			Price
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2010	7,375	$48	7,250
	Granted	—
	Terminated	—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011	7,375	$48	7,375
	Granted	—
	Terminated	—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012	7,375	$48	7,375
	Granted	—
	Terminated	—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	7,375	$48	7,375

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Receivable for Operating Leases	'
	The future minimum rental income from Columbia Property Trust's investment in real estate assets under noncancelable operating leases, excluding properties under development, as of December 31, 2013, is as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	375,108
	2015	369,626
	2016	342,653
	2017	289,273
	2018	245,086
	Thereafter	1,167,286
	Total	$	2,789,032

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No1

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions	'
	Outlined below are significant noncash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Other assets assumed upon acquisition	$	741		$	130		$	—
	Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition	$	741		$	—		$	1,174
	Other liabilities settled at disposition	$	872		$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap assumed upon acquisition of property	$	—		$	11,560		$	—
	Notes payable assumed at acquisition	$	—		$	208,330		$	8,607
	Interest accruing into notes payable	$	186		$	306		$	15,891
	Amortization of discounts (premiums) on debt	$	(363	)	$	364		$	869
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	$	1,997		$	(5,305	)	$	—
	Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	$	15,997		$	16,325		$	7,751
	Accrued deferred financing costs	$	—		$	35		$	48
	Accrued redemptions of common stock	$	—		$	3,655		$	1,640
	Settlement of redeemable controlling interest through issuance of common stock	$	—		$	—		$	14
	Settlement of Manhattan Towers mortgage note by transferring property to lender	$	—		$	—		$	75,000
	Transfer of development authority bonds	$	466,000		$	60,000		$	—
	Nonrefundable earnest money for property sales	$	—		$	—		$	880
	Stock-based compensation expense	$	1,055		$	—		$	—
	Increase (decrease) in redeemable common stock	$	(99,526	)	$	13,621		$	48,042

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_1

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	'
	Columbia Property Trust incurred the following related-party costs during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Consulting services	$	25,417	$	—	$	—
	Transition services	5,750		3,008		—
	Asset management fees	5,083		32,000		32,094
	Administrative reimbursements, net(1)	1,939		11,099		11,609
	Investor services	829		—		—
	Property management fees	523		4,462		4,546
	Construction fees(2)	139		220		211
	Other	69		126		—
	Acquisition fees	—		1,500		1,307
	Disposition fees	—		1,311		—
	Total	$	39,749	$	53,726	$	49,767
	(1)	Administrative reimbursements are presented net of reimbursements from tenants of approximately $0.7 million, $4.4 million, and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	(2)	Construction fees are capitalized to real estate assets as incurred.
Schedule of Amounts Due to Affiliates	'
	The detail of amounts due to WREF and its affiliates is provided below as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Administrative reimbursements	$	—	$	1,360
	Asset and property management fees	—		560
	Total	$	—	$	1,920

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income Tax Basis Net Income Reconciliation	'
	Columbia Property Trust's income tax basis net income during 2013, 2012, and 2011 (in thousands) follows:
		2013				2012				2011
	GAAP basis financial statement net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	15,720			$	48,039			$	56,642
	Increase (decrease) in net income resulting from:
	Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	72,554				81,681				101,498
	Rental income accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	(26,565		)		(24,798		)		(11,203		)
	Net amortization of above-/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(8,186		)		(3,423		)		(2,960		)
	Gain on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	(5,530		)		(173		)		(35,487		)
	Bad debt expense for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(65		)		(5,034		)		(229		)
	Gains or losses on disposition of real property for financial reporting purposes that are more favorable than amounts for income tax purposes	(78,559		)		(61,198		)		(16,282		)
	Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	9,710				7,349				15,603
	Income tax basis net income, prior to dividends-paid deduction	$	(20,921	)		$	42,443			$	107,582
Schedule of Distributions to Common Stockholders	'
	Columbia Property Trust's distributions per common share are summarized as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Ordinary income	—	%		16	%		39	%
	Capital gains	—	%		—	%		—	%
	Return of capital	100	%		84	%		61	%
	Total	100	%		100	%		100	%
Schedule of Income Taxes	'
	The TRS Entities recorded the following income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, is as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Federal income tax	$	307			$	265			$	(676	)
	State income tax	2				14				(35		)
	Total income tax	$	309			$	279			$	(711	)

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of revenues and expenses of the discontinued operations	'
	The following table shows the revenues and expenses of the above-described discontinued operations (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	48,550		$	91,132		$	101,906
	Tenant reimbursements	11,205			18,059			18,585
	Other property income	291			5,471			5,878
		60,046			114,662			126,369
	Expenses:
	Property operating costs	21,232			36,996			40,607
	Asset and property management fees	1,501			7,974			8,201
	Depreciation	11,730			21,609			24,048
	Amortization	7,590			15,776			23,482
	Impairment loss on real estate assets	29,737			18,467			5,817
	General and administrative	1,360			748			3,146
	Acquisition fees	—			—			11
	Total expenses	73,150			101,570			105,312
	Real estate operating income (loss)	(13,104		)	13,092			21,057
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense	(3,804		)	(6,610		)	(9,755		)
	Interest and other income	293			16			4
	Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	(4,709		)	—			—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense	(21,324		)	6,498			11,306
	Income tax expense	(1		)	(14		)	(114		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(21,325		)	6,484			11,192
	Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	11,225			20,117			13,522
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(10,100	)	$	26,601		$	24,714

Quarterly_Results_unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Presented below is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012(in thousands, except per-share data):
		2013
		First Quarter				Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Revenues(1)	$	128,792			$	131,897	$	132,502		$	133,387
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	(22,608	)	(2)	$	20,601	$	4,800		$	12,927
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(3)	$	(0.17	)		$	0.15	$	0.04		$	0.1
	Distributions declared per share(3)	$	0.38			$	0.38	$	0.38		$	0.3
	(1)	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
	(2)	Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).
	(3)	All computations using share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the August 14, 2013, four-for-one reverse stock split (See Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).
		2012
		First Quarter				Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Revenues(1)	$	121,894			$	122,716	$	124,159		$	125,502
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	31,131			$	10,914	$	(5,859	)	$	11,853
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(2)	$	0.23			$	0.08	$	(0.04	)	$	0.09
	Distributions declared per share(2)	$	0.5			$	0.5	$	0.5		$	0.38
	(1)	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
	(2)	All computations using share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the August 14, 2013, four-for-one reverse stock split (See Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).

Financial_Information_for_Pare1

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands)
		As of December 31, 2013
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Assets:
	Real estate assets, at cost:
	Land	$	—		$	6,241		$	700,697		$	—		$	706,938
	Buildings and improvements, net	—			24,185			2,952,102			—			2,976,287
	Intangible lease assets, net	—			—			281,220			—			281,220
	Construction in progress	—			28			7,921			—			7,949
	Total real estate assets	—			30,454			3,941,940			—			3,972,394
	Cash and cash equivalents	53,322			20,708			25,825			—			99,855
	Investment in subsidiaries	2,557,347			2,286,982			—			(4,844,329		)	—
	Tenant receivables, net of allowance	—			—			7,414			—			7,414
	Straight-line rent receivable	—			22			113,570			—			113,592
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	177,185			150,806			26,602			(322,170		)	32,423
	Deferred financing costs, net	—			8,762			1,626			—			10,388
	Intangible lease origination costs, net	—			—			148,889			—			148,889
	Deferred lease costs, net	—			1,495			86,032			—			87,527
	Investment in development authority bonds	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total assets	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
	Liabilities:
	Line of credit and notes payable	$	—		$	450,000		$	1,110,838		$	(320,589	)	$	1,240,249
	Bonds payable, net	—			248,930			—			—			248,930
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	31			11,816			87,831			—			99,678
	Due to affiliates	—			(925		)	2,506			(1,581		)	—
	Deferred income	—			146			21,792			—			21,938
	Intangible lease liabilities, net	—			—			73,864			—			73,864
	Obligations under capital leases	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total liabilities	31			709,967			1,416,831			(322,170		)	1,804,659
	Redeemable Common Stock	—			—			—			—			—
	Equity:
	Total equity	2,787,823			1,789,262			3,055,067			(4,844,329		)	2,787,823
	Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands)
		As of December 31, 2012
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Assets:
	Real estate assets, at cost:
	Land	$	—		$	6,241		$	782,996		$	—		$	789,237
	Building and improvements, net	—			16,513			3,451,705			—			3,468,218
	Intangible lease assets, net	—			—			341,460			—			341,460
	Construction in progress	—			5,252			7,428			—			12,680
	Total real estate assets	—			28,006			4,583,589			—			4,611,595
	Cash and cash equivalents	20,914			4,822			27,921			—			53,657
	Investment in subsidiaries	3,068,106			2,679,950			—			(5,748,056		)	—
	Tenant receivables, net of allowance	—			—			14,426			—			14,426
	Straight-line rent receivable	—			22			119,651			—			119,673
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	178,131			203,589			28,337			(380,684		)	29,373
	Deferred financing costs, net	—			8,498			1,992			—			10,490
	Intangible lease origination costs, net	—			—			206,927			—			206,927
	Deferred lease costs, net	—			68			98,740			—			98,808
	Investment in development authority	—			—			586,000			—			586,000
	bonds
	Total assets	$	3,267,151		$	2,924,955		$	5,667,583		$	(6,128,740	)	$	5,730,949
	Liabilities:
	Lines of credit and notes payable	$	—		$	492,000		$	1,288,618		$	(379,000	)	$	1,401,618
	Bonds payable, net	—			248,678			—			—			248,678
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses,	3,645			12,417			86,796			—			102,858
	and accrued capital expenditures
	Due to affiliates	—			960			2,644			(1,684		)	1,920
	Deferred income	—			81			27,990			—			28,071
Intangible lease liabilities, net	—			—			98,298			—			98,298
Obligations under capital leases	—			—			586,000			—			586,000
Total liabilities	3,645			754,136			2,090,346			(380,684		)	2,467,443
Redeemable Common Stock	99,526			—			—			—			99,526
Equity:
Total equity	3,163,980			2,170,819			3,577,237			(5,748,056		)	3,163,980
Total liabilities, redeemable	$	3,267,151		$	2,924,955		$	5,667,583		$	(6,128,740	)	$	5,730,949
common stock, and equity
Consolidating Statements of Operations	'
	Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
		For the year ended December 31, 2013
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	—		$	403		$	406,791		$	(287	)	$	406,907
	Tenant reimbursements	—			149			90,726			—			90,875
	Hotel income	—			—			23,756			—			23,756
	Other property income	—			17			5,208			(185		)	5,040
		—			569			526,481			(472		)	526,578
	Expenses:
	Property operating costs	—			1,966			152,880			(287		)	154,559
	Hotel operating costs	—			—			18,340			—			18,340
	Asset and property management fees:
	Related-party	4,397			15			313			(32		)	4,693
	Other	—			—			1,671			—			1,671
	Depreciation	—			1,247			106,858			—			108,105
	Amortization	—			28			78,682			—			78,710
	General and administrative	16			43,555			18,448			(153		)	61,866
	Listing fees	317			3,743			—			—			4,060
		4,730			50,554			377,192			(472		)	432,004
	Real estate operating (loss) income	(4,730		)	(49,985		)	149,289			—			94,574
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense	—			(32,659		)	(88,137		)	18,855			(101,941		)
	Interest and other income	7,987			10,874			34,023			(18,855		)	34,029
	Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(342		)	—			(342		)
	Income (loss) from equity investment	12,463			86,101			—			(98,564		)	—
		20,450			64,316			(54,456		)	(98,564		)	(68,254		)
	Income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense)	15,720			14,331			94,833			(98,564		)	26,320
	Income tax benefit (expense)	—			(3		)	(497		)	—			(500		)
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	15,720			14,328			94,336			(98,564		)	25,820
	Discontinued operations:
	Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	—			658			(21,983		)	—			(21,325		)
	Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			11,225			—			11,225
	Income from discontinued operations	—			658			(10,758		)	—			(10,100		)
	Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	15,720		$	14,986		$	83,578		$	(98,564	)	$	15,720
	Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
		For the year ended December 31, 2012
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	—		$	1,649		$	380,280		$	(133	)	$	381,796
	Tenant reimbursements	—			103			90,756			(2,457		)	88,402
	Hotel income	—			—			23,049			—			23,049
	Other property income	—			86			1,024			(86		)	1,024
		—			1,838			495,109			(2,676		)	494,271
	Expenses:
	Property operating costs	—			1,634			148,025			(2,457		)	147,202
	Hotel operating costs	—			—			18,495			(133		)	18,362
	Asset and property management fees:
	Related-party	26,264			58			4,191			(1,141		)	29,372
	Other	—			—			2,421			—			2,421
	Depreciation	—			710			97,988			—			98,698
	Amortization	—			357			86,101			—			86,458
	General and administrative	49			21,436			3,128			—			24,613
	Acquisition fees and expenses	—			—			1,876			—			1,876
		26,313			24,195			362,225			(3,731		)	409,002
	Real estate operating (loss) income	(26,313		)	(22,357		)	132,884			1,055			85,269
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense	—			(32,469		)	(88,414		)	18,997			(101,886		)
	Interest and other income	7,988			11,018			39,847			(18,997		)	39,856
	Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(1,225		)	—			(1,225		)
	Income from equity investment	66,364			92,228			—			(158,592		)	—
	74,352			70,777			(49,792		)	(158,592		)	(63,255		)
Income before income tax expense	48,039			48,420			83,092			(157,537		)	22,014
Income tax expense	—			(14		)	(558		)	—			(572		)
Income from continuing operations	48,039			48,406			82,534			(157,537		)	21,442
Discontinued operations:
Operating income from discontinued operations	—			5,942			542			—			6,484
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			20,117			—			20,117
Income from discontinued operations	—			5,942			20,659			—			26,601
Net income	48,039			54,348			103,193			(157,537		)	48,043
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	48,039		$	54,348		$	103,189		$	(157,537	)	$	48,039
Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2011
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—		$	—		$	379,641		$	—		$	379,641
Tenant reimbursements	—			—			87,071			—			87,071
Hotel income	—			—			20,600			—			20,600
Other property income	—			145			5,575			(145		)	5,575
	—			145			492,887			(145		)	492,887
Expenses:
Property operating costs	—			—			142,492			—			142,492
Hotel operating costs	—			—			17,394			—			17,394
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	25,521			—			4,237			(145		)	29,613
Other	—			—			2,185			—			2,185
Depreciation	—			—			95,724			—			95,724
Amortization	—			—			96,902			—			96,902
General and administrative	43			18,124			2,850			—			21,017
Acquisition fees and expenses	1,307			—			9,932			—			11,239
	26,871			18,124			371,716			(145		)	416,566
Real estate operating income (loss)	(26,871		)	(17,979		)	121,171			—			76,321
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	—			(28,329		)	(84,693		)	11,223			(101,799		)
Interest and other income	2,129			11,444			40,045			(11,223		)	42,395
Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(38,383		)	—			(38,383		)
Income from equity investment	81,384			114,257			—			(195,641		)	—
Gain on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			53,018			—			53,018
	83,513			97,372			(30,013		)	(195,641		)	(44,769		)
Income before income tax benefit	56,642			79,393			91,158			(195,641		)	31,552
Income tax benefit	—			—			390			—			390
Income from continuing operations	56,642			79,393			91,548			(195,641		)	31,942
Discontinued operations:
Operating income from discontinued operations	—			6,388			4,804			—			11,192
Income on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			13,522			—			13,522
Income from discontinued operations	—			6,388			18,326			—			24,714
Net income	56,642			85,781			109,874			(195,641		)	56,656
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(14		)	—			(14		)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	56,642		$	85,781		$	109,860		$	(195,641	)	$	56,642
Consolidating Statements Comprehensive Income	'
	Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)
		For the year ended December 31, 2013
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	15,720		$	14,986		$	83,578		$	(98,564	)	$	15,720
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(83		)	—			(83		)	83			(83		)
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,997			1,997			—			(1,997		)	1,997
	Comprehensive income	$	17,634		$	16,983		$	83,495		$	(100,478	)	$	17,634
		For the year ended December 31, 2012
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	48,039		$	54,348		$	103,189		$	(157,537	)	$	48,039
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(5,305		)	(5,305		)	—			5,305			(5,305		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	42,734			49,043			103,189			(152,232		)	42,734
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			4			—			4
	Comprehensive income	$	42,734		$	49,043		$	103,193		$	(152,232	)	$	42,738
		For the year ended December 31, 2011
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	56,642		$	85,781		$	109,860		$	(195,641	)	$	56,642
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	11,223			—			11,223			(11,223		)	11,223
	Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	67,865			85,781			121,083			(206,864		)	67,865
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			14			—			14
	Comprehensive income	$	67,865		$	85,781		$	121,097		$	(206,864	)	$	67,879
Consolidating Statements Cash Flows	'
	Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		For the year ended December 31, 2013
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			(Consolidated)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	(331	)	$	(84,270	)	$	302,930		$	218,329
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Net proceeds from sale of real estate	14,127			551,818			—			565,945
	Investment in real estate and related assets	—			(5,270		)	(65,286		)	(70,556		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	14,127			546,548			(65,286		)	495,389
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	—			297,320			(41		)	297,279
	Repayments	—			(343,000		)	(118,940		)	(461,940		)
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(4,709		)	(4,709		)
	Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	(306,574		)	—			—			(306,574		)
	Distributions	(191,473		)	—			—			(191,473		)
	Intercompany transfers, net	516,659			(400,712		)	(115,947		)	—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,612			(446,392		)	(239,637		)	(667,417		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	32,408			15,886			(1,993		)	46,301
	Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(103		)	(103		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	20,914			4,822			27,921			53,657
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	53,322		$	20,708		$	25,825		$	99,855
	Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		For the year ended December 31, 2012
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			(Consolidated)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	(49	)	$	(83,489	)	$	336,377		$	252,839
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Net proceeds from sale of real estate	30,441			273,823			—			304,264
	Investment in real estate and related assets	—			(193,410		)	(79,807		)	(273,217		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	30,441			80,413			(79,807		)	31,047
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Borrowings, net of fees	—			595,731			(929		)	594,802
	Repayments	—			(591,000		)	(36,191		)	(627,191		)
	Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	18,996			—			—			18,996
	Distributions	(256,020		)	—			(15		)	(256,035		)
	Intercompany transfers	216,255			(7,430		)	(208,825		)	—
	Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	—			—			(301		)	(301		)
	Net cash used in financing activities	(20,769		)	(2,699		)	(246,261		)	(269,729		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	9,623			(5,775		)	10,309			14,157
	Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			32			32
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	11,291			10,597			17,580			39,468
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	20,914		$	4,822		$	27,921		$	53,657
	Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		For the year ended December 31, 2011
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			(Consolidated)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	508		$	(78,219	)	$	356,869		$	279,158
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Investment in real estate and related assets	(606,116		)	—			(59,974		)	(666,090		)
	Net cash used in investing activities	(606,116		)	—			(59,974		)	(666,090		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Borrowings, net of fees	—			1,454,978			324,364			1,779,342
	Repayments	—			(806,500		)	(361,778		)	(1,168,278		)
	Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	47,397			—			—			47,397
	Distributions	(270,720		)	—			(44		)	(270,764		)
	Intercompany transfers	831,941			(570,649		)	(261,292		)	—
	Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	—			(87		)	—			(87		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	608,618			77,742			(298,750		)	387,610
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,010			(477		)	(1,855		)	678
	Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(92		)	(92		)
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,281			11,074			19,527			38,882
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	11,291		$	10,597		$	17,580		$	39,468

Organization_Details

Organization (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
	sqft
	Buildings
	States
Real Estate	'
Number of operational buildings	59
Square feet of commercial space	16,800,000
Number of states with properties	13
Leased office space of owned properties, percent	92.30%
Office Building	'
Real Estate	'
Number of owned real estate properties with controlling interests	42
Office Building | Wholly owned properties	'
Real Estate	'
Number of owned real estate properties with controlling interests	41
Office Building | Corporate Joint Venture	'
Real Estate	'
Number of owned real estate properties with controlling interests	1
Hotel	'
Real Estate	'
Number of owned real estate properties with controlling interests	1

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Apr. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 06, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 04, 2011

Apr. 04, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Building

Site Improvements

Minimum

Maximum

Below-Market Lease Assets

Below-Market Lease Assets

Below-Market Lease Assets

Lenox Park Buildings

Lindbergh Center

One Glenlake Parkway

Manhattan Towers Property

Nine-Property Sale

180 E 100 South Property

One Robbins Road

One Robbins Road

18 Property Sale

18 Property Sale

18 Property Sale

Manhattan Towers Property

Mortgage Notes

Share Redemption Program

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Unsecured Debt

Stock Options

Building Improvements

Building Improvements

Buildings

Asset

Asset

Manhattan Towers Property

Manhattan Towers Property

120 Eagle Rock

120 Eagle Rock

333 & 777 Republic Drive

333 & 777 Republic Drive

2018 Bonds Payable

2018 Bonds Payable

2018 Bonds Payable

Director Stock Option Plan

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

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Estimated useful life of assets

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Number of office buildings

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'

'

'

22.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Value of mortgage note on real estate in deed in-lieu of foreclosure transaction

$0

$0

$75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment loss on real estate assets

29,737,000

18,467,000

5,817,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt

-4,709,000

0

66,540,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of assets in outlying markets marketed for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of properties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment loss on real estate assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,500,000

'

'

29,700,000

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

5,817,000

5,200,000

11,708,000

11,700,000

5,159,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

59,500,000

'

12,100,000

'

8,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

110,673,000

110,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated depreciation of lease assets

298,975,000

315,840,000

'

'

'

'

'

13,051,000

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of intangible assets

84,630,000

100,482,000

122,807,000

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

2,100,000

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash equivalent maturity period

'3 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Provision for doubtful accounts

-100,000

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of financing costs

3,800,000

3,200,000

8,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of deferred leasing costs

13,100,000

10,900,000

6,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of development authority bonds and capital lease obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

216,000,000

250,000,000

60,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated fair value of line of credit and notes payable

1,245,300,000

1,433,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,245,300,000

1,433,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

Maturity period of debt instrument (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

'

'

'

Discount rate of face value of issued debt instrument (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.30%

'

'

'

Estimated fair value of debt instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,800,000

250,900,000

'

Additional percentage of noncontrolling interest acquired in consolidated joint ventures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures

'

301,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from dividend reinvestment program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percent of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in the prior calendar year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock shares authorized

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock par value per share

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Requirement to distribute taxable income (percent)

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of interest rate swaps

($10,900,000)

($18,400,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares authorized and reserved under the Director Plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000

Limit on investments in taxable real estate investment trusts (percent)

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Recognized Fair Value Adjustments) (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3, USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	120 Eagle Rock	120 Eagle Rock	333 & 777 Republic Drive	333 & 777 Republic Drive	180 E 100 South	Manhattan Towers Property
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Book Value	'	$23,808	'	$13,359	$30,847	$65,317
Impairment Loss Recognized	-5,200	-11,708	-11,700	-5,159	-18,467	-5,817
Fair Value	'	$12,100	'	$8,200	$12,380	$59,500

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Intangible Assets & Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	($298,975)	($315,840)	'
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	-216,598	-230,930	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	281,220	341,460	'
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	148,889	206,927	'
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities	'	'	'
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities, Gross	150,364	182,624	'
Intangible Below-Market In-Please Lease Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization	-76,500	-84,326	'
Below Market Lease, Net	73,864	98,298	'
Amortization of Below Market Lease	14,411	15,324	17,203
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets	'	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	80,836	86,696	'
Accumulated Amortization	-56,859	-56,259	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	23,977	30,437	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	6,077	8,901	14,273
Absorption Period Costs	'	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	388,686	459,931	'
Accumulated Amortization	-229,065	-248,600	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	159,621	211,331	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	38,879	48,997	63,156
Intangible Lease Origination Costs	'	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'	'
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Gross	365,487	437,857	'
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	-216,598	-230,930	'
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	148,889	206,927	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$38,978	$42,866	$50,194

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Future Amortization by Intangible Asset Class) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	$281,220	$341,460
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	148,889	206,927
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities	'	'
2014	12,351	'
2015	10,930	'
2016	8,582	'
2017	6,500	'
2018	5,764	'
Thereafter	29,737	'
Below Market Lease, Net	73,864	98,298
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'7 years	'
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'
2014	5,403	'
2015	4,555	'
2016	3,823	'
2017	1,954	'
2018	1,150	'
Thereafter	7,092	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	23,977	30,437
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'4 years	'
Absorption Period Costs	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'
2014	32,746	'
2015	29,171	'
2016	22,634	'
2017	16,370	'
2018	12,125	'
Thereafter	46,575	'
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	159,621	211,331
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'5 years	'
Intangible Lease Origination Costs	'	'
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'
2014	32,861	'
2015	29,338	'
2016	22,426	'
2017	15,979	'
2018	11,542	'
Thereafter	36,743	'
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	$148,889	$206,927
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'5 years	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Future Amortization for Below-Market Lease Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Below-Market Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets	'	'	'
2014	'	'	$2,069
2015	'	'	2,069
2016	'	'	2,069
2017	'	'	2,069
2018	'	'	2,069
Thereafter	'	'	87,277
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	$281,220	$341,460	$97,622
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'	'	'48 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Derivative Instruments Impact on Results of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap designated as a hedge instrument included in other comprehensive income	$1,997	($5,305)	$11,223
Loss on interest rate swaps recognized through earnings	-342	-1,225	'
Interest Rate Contract | Accounts Payable	'	'	'
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'
Derivative designated as hedging instruments, interest rate contracts	-3,307	-5,305	'
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, interest rate contracts	($7,579)	($13,109)	'

Real_Estate_Transactions_Detai

Real Estate Transactions (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 06, 2011

Nov. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 21, 2013

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Manhattan Towers Property

18 Property Sale

18 Property Sale

18 Property Sale

Dvintsev Business Center - Tower B

Market Square Buildings

Market Square Buildings

Nine-Property Sale

180 E 100 South Property

Emerald Point

5995 Opus Parkway

Opus Parkway and Emerald Point

Mortgages

Asset

Landlink Ltd

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for acquired property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$603,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

133,387,000

[1]

132,502,000

[1]

131,897,000

[1]

128,792,000

[1]

125,502,000

[1]

124,159,000

[1]

122,716,000

[1]

121,894,000

[1]

526,578,000

494,271,000

492,887,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

Net loss attributable to parent

-12,927,000

-4,800,000

-20,601,000

22,608,000

[2]

-11,853,000

5,859,000

-10,914,000

-31,131,000

-15,720,000

-48,039,000

-56,642,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition-related cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of property sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sale of real estate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

521,500,000

'

'

67,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment loss on real estate assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,700,000

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

18,500,000

'

'

'

Gain on sale of real estate properties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,500,000

1,200,000

1,200,000

'

10,000,000

'

'

3,200,000

'

'

'

16,900,000

Real estate ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,225,000

20,117,000

13,522,000

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from the sale of property

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

565,945,000

304,264,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

260,500,000

'

37,300,000

22,800,000

60,100,000

Impairment loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,500,000

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on disposition of assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,200,000

'

'

'

16,900,000

Settlement of a mortgage note

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

75,000,000

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($4,709,000)

$0

$66,540,000

$13,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).

[2]

Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).

Real_Estate_Transactions_Inter

Real Estate Transactions - Interests in Properties Acquired (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'
Land	$114,483	[1]
Buildings and Improvements	273,203
Intangible Lease Assets	19,637
Intangible Lease Origination	26,824
Below-Market Lease Liability	-25,507
Notes Payable Step Up	1,830
Swap	11,560
Total Purchase Price	395,250
333 Market Street	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'
Land	114,483	[1]
Buildings and Improvements	273,203	[1]
Intangible Lease Assets	19,637	[1]
Intangible Lease Origination	26,824	[1]
Below-Market Lease Liability	-25,507	[1]
Notes Payable Step Up	1,830	[1]
Swap	11,560	[1]
Total Purchase Price	$395,250	[1]
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. | 333 Market Street	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'
Occupancy percentage	100.00%
[1]	As of the acquisition date, 333 Market Street was 100% leased to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., through 2026.

Real_Estate_Transactions_Pro_F

Real Estate Transactions - Pro Forma (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Market Square Buildings	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	$501,627	[1]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	'	'	53,567
Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	526,966	462,786	575,175
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$47,661	$47,591	$83,615
[1]	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).

Line_of_Credit_and_Notes_Payab2

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Schedule of Long-Term Debt (excluding Bonds Payable)) (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Term Loans

Term Loans

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Mortgage Notes

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities

Seven-Day LIBOR

Seven-Day LIBOR

Prime Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

One-Month LIBOR

One-Month LIBOR

Two-Month LIBOR

Two-Month LIBOR

Three-Month LIBOR

Three-Month LIBOR

Six-Month LIBOR

Six-Month LIBOR

$450 Million Term Loan

$450 Million Term Loan

Market Square Buildings Mortgage Note

Market Square Buildings Mortgage Note

Three Hundred Thirty Three Market Street Building Mortgage Note

Three Hundred Thirty Three Market Street Building Mortgage Note

100 East Pratt Street Building Mortgage Note

100 East Pratt Street Building Mortgage Note

263 Shuman Boulevard Mortgage Note

263 Shuman Boulevard Mortgage Note

SanTan Corporate Center Mortgage Notes

SanTan Corporate Center Mortgage Notes

One Glenlake Building Mortgage Note

One Glenlake Building Mortgage Note

215 Diehl Road Building Mortgage Note

215 Diehl Road Building Mortgage Note

544 Lakeview Building Mortgage Note

544 Lakeview Building Mortgage Note

Wildwood Buildings

Wildwood Buildings

Three Glenlake Building Mortgage Note

Three Glenlake Building Mortgage Note

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

Minimum

Maximum

Credit Facilities

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

$450 Million Term Loan

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

$450 Million Term Loan

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

$450 Million Term Loan

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

$450 Million Term Loan

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated Interest Rate

'

'

'

'

5.07%

'

'

'

5.08%

'

5.55%

'

5.83%

'

5.80%

'

5.55%

'

5.54%

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity

'

'

3-Feb-16

'

1-Jul-23

'

1-Jul-15

'

11-Jun-17

'

1-Jul-17

'

11-Oct-16

'

10-Dec-18

'

1-Jul-17

'

1-Dec-14

'

1-Dec-14

'

31-Jul-13

'

21-Aug-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding Balance

$1,240,249,000

$1,401,618,000

$450,000,000

$450,000,000

$325,000,000

$325,000,000

$207,559,000

$208,308,000

$105,000,000

$105,000,000

$49,000,000

$49,000,000

$39,000,000

$39,000,000

$34,713,000

$37,204,000

$21,000,000

$21,000,000

$8,977,000

$8,842,000

$0

$90,000,000

$0

$26,264,000

$0

$42,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt face amount

'

'

$450,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate (percent)

'

'

2.28%

'

'

'

4.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis

'

'

'LIBOR

[1]

'

'

'

'LIBOR

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'LIBOR

[3]

'

'Seven-Day LIBOR

'

'prime rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'One-Month LIBOR

'

'Two-Month LIBOR

'

'Three-Month LIBOR

'

'Six-Month LIBOR

'

Variable rate margin

'

'

1.50%

[1]

'

'

'

2.02%

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.90%

'

1.30%

[3]

'

1.00%

1.70%

'

0.30%

0.25%

0.00%

1.30%

1.05%

0.70%

1.30%

1.25%

2.30%

2.05%

1.00%

1.70%

1.00%

1.70%

1.00%

1.70%

1.00%

1.70%

[1]

Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan at 2.28% per annum and terminates on February 3, 2016. This interest rate swap agreement qualifies for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded as a market value adjustment to interest rate swap in the accompanying consolidated statements of other comprehensive income.

[2]

Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the 333 Market Street Building mortgage note at 4.75% per annum and terminates on July 1, 2015. This interest rate swap agreement does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded as loss on interest rate swaps in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

[3]

The JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the "JPMorgan Chase Bank") unsecured debt bears interest at a rate based on, at the option of Columbia Property Trust, LIBOR for seven-day or one-, two-, three-, or six-month periods, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 1.70%, or the alternate base rate for any day is the greatest of the rate of interest publicly announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank as its prime rate in effect in its principal office in New York City for such day plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.70%.

Line_of_Credit_and_Notes_Payab3

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

8 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

8 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

8 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

8 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Aug. 21, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 05, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

$450 Million Term Loan Amended

$450 Million Term Loan Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

Term Loans

Wildwood Buildings

Three Glenlake Building Mortgage Note

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Alternative Base Rate

Option

Option

$450 Million Term Loan

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

Letter of Credit

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

Letter of Credit

$450 Million Term Loan Amended

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

$450 Million Term Loan

$450 Million Term Loan Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

$450 Million Term Loan

$450 Million Term Loan Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

$450 Million Term Loan

$450 Million Term Loan Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

$450 Million Term Loan

$450 Million Term Loan Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

$450,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extension option term (in years)

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of additional accordion options

'

'

'

4

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit aggregate borrowing increases capacity

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit minimum borrowing increases per option

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate margin

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.30%

1.15%

1.25%

2.30%

1.95%

2.05%

0.30%

0.15%

0.00%

0.25%

1.30%

0.95%

0.70%

1.05%

Effective interest rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

2.28%

'

2.28%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit maximum borrowing increase per option

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

800,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.15%

0.25%

'

0.35%

0.45%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restrictive covenant ratio of debt to total asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restrictive covenant ratio of secured debt to total asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ratio of unencumbered asset value to total unsecured debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restrictive covenant ratio of secured recourse debt to total asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated fair value of line of credit and notes payable

1,245,300,000

1,433,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,245,300,000

1,433,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment of mortgage note

461,940,000

627,191,000

1,168,278,000

'

'

'

'

90,000,000

26,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

4,709,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

4,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average interest rate

4.08%

4.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest payments

$59,600,000

$50,100,000

$45,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan at 2.28% per annum and terminates on February 3, 2016. This interest rate swap agreement qualifies for hedge accounting treatment; therefore, changes in fair value are recorded as a market value adjustment to interest rate swap in the accompanying consolidated statements of other comprehensive income.

Line_of_Credit_and_Notes_Payab4

Line of Credit and Notes Payable Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$11,616
2015	210,355
2016	491,963
2017	178,139
2018	23,176
Thereafter	325,000
Total	$1,240,249

Bonds_Payable_Details

Bonds Payable (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable	'	$1,070,000	$1,322,000
Bonds Payable	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maturity period of debt instrument (in years)	'7 years	'	'
Bonds Payable | 2018 Bonds Payable	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt face amount	250,000,000	'	'
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)	5.88%	'	'
Discount rate of face value of issued debt instrument (percent)	99.30%	'	'
Net proceeds received from issuance of bonds payable	246,700,000	'	'
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable	1,800,000	'	'
Interest payments	'	14,700,000	14,700,000
Restrictive covenant ratio of debt to total asset	60.00%	'	'
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Bonds Payable | 2018 Bonds Payable	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated fair value of debt instrument	'	$250,800,000	$250,900,000
Maximum | Bonds Payable | 2018 Bonds Payable	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restrictive covenant ratio of secured debt to total asset	40.00%	'	'
Minimum | Bonds Payable | 2018 Bonds Payable	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ratio of unencumbered asset value to total unsecured debt	150.00%	'	'
Restrictive covenant of consolidated income to annual debt service charges	'	'	150.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Properties
Obligations Under Operating Leases	'	'	'
2014	$2,557,000	'	'
2015	2,557,000	'	'
2016	2,557,000	'	'
2017	2,702,000	'	'
2018	2,731,000	'	'
Thereafter	205,529,000	'	'
Total	218,633,000	'	'
Obligations Under Capital Leases	'	'	'
2014	7,200,000	'	'
2015	7,200,000	'	'
2016	7,200,000	'	'
2017	7,200,000	'	'
2018	7,200,000	'	'
Thereafter	141,600,000	'	'
Total payments with interest	177,600,000	'	'
Amounts representing interest	-57,600,000	'	'
Total	120,000,000	'	'
Number of properties subject to ground leases	3	'	'
Rent expenses incurred	$2,100,000	$2,100,000	$2,100,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

79 Months Ended

109 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

109 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Aug. 14, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 30, 2010

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 16, 2013

Aug. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 18, 2013

Oct. 10, 2013

Nov. 18, 2013

Offering

2013 Long Term Incentive Plan

Stock Options

Director

Director

Subsequent Event

Commissions and Dealer-Manager Fees

Acquisition Fees

Other offering costs

Common Stock Redemptions

Dutch-Auction Tender Offer

Dutch-Auction Tender Offer

Dutch-Auction Tender Offer

Director Stock Option Plan

2013 Long Term Incentive Plan

2013 Long Term Incentive Plan

Director

Maximum

2013 Long Term Incentive Plan

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Listing costs

'

$4,060,000

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dutch-auction tender offer maximum amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

Tender offer redemptions of common stock accepted (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,400,000

'

Tender offer price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25

Redemption of common stock

'

115,781,000

99,381,000

82,892,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

234,062,000

'

'

Four for one reverse stock split (in percents)

0.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fractional shares redemption price per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

$29.32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares authorized and reserved under the Director Plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted to independent directors (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,820

'

3,344

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares granted to independent directors (per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$29.32

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation expense related to independent directors annual equity retainers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for options upon granted initially

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

625

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options to purchase common stock price per share upon granted initially

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$48

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercisable percentage of stock options on grant date (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercisable percentage of stock options on each anniversary (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional options to purchase share on each annual stockholder meeting

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional options to purchase share on each annual stockholder meeting, per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$48

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of additional shares purchased on date of each annual stockholder meeting exercisable after two years (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option exercisable period after the date of grant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted options expiration period after the date of grant (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of outstanding shares ( in percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average contractual remaining life for options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of uninterrupted public offerings

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Gross

'

6,200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of financing and stock issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

509,500,000

116,800,000

76,100,000

829,800,000

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock

'

$46,402,000

$118,388,000

$130,289,000

'

$4,700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity Summary of Stock Option Under the Director Plan (Details) (Director Stock Option Plan, Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Director Stock Option Plan | Stock Options	'	'	'
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning period	7,375	7,375	7,375
Granted	0	0	0
Terminated	0	0	0
Outstanding, period end	7,375	7,375	7,375
Exercise Price per Share	'	'	'
Outstanding exercise price, beginning period	$48	$48	$48
Outstanding exercise price, period end	$48	$48	$48
Outstanding shares exercisable, beginning period	7,375	7,375	7,250
Outstanding shares exercisable, period end	7,375	7,375	7,375

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Number of states in which entity operates	13
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]	'
2014	375,108
2015	369,626
2016	342,653
2017	289,273
2018	245,086
Thereafter	1,167,286
Total	2,789,032
Number of properties | Metropolitan Atlanta | Geographic concentration risk	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	12.00%
Number of properties | District Of Columbia | Geographic concentration risk	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	13.00%
Number of properties | Metropolitan San Francisco | Geographic concentration risk	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	11.00%
AT&T | Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	9.00%
Legal industry | Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	17.00%
Banking industry | Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	16.00%
Communications industry | Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No2

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other assets assumed upon acquisition	$741	$130	$0
Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition	741	0	1,174
Other liabilities settled at disposition	872	0	0
Interest rate swap assumed upon acquisition of property	0	11,560	0
Notes payable assumed at acquisition	0	208,330	8,607
Interest accruing into notes payable	186	306	15,891
Amortization of discounts (premiums) on debt	-363	364	869
Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	1,997	-5,305	0
Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	15,997	16,325	7,751
Accrued deferred financing costs	0	35	48
Accrued redemptions of common stock	0	3,655	1,640
Settlement of redeemable controlling interest through issuance of common stock	0	0	14
Settlement of Manhattan Towers mortgage note by transferring property to lender	0	0	75,000
Transfer of development authority bonds	466,000	60,000	0
Nonrefundable earnest money for property sales	0	0	880
Stock-based compensation expense	1,055	0	0
Increase (decrease) in redeemable common stock	($99,526)	$13,621	$48,042

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_2

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

18 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

WREAS II

Wells Management

Maximum

Organization and Offering Costs

Acquisition Fees

Personnel Expenses

General and Administrative Expense

Leasing Commissions

Renewal Advisory Agreement

Renewal Advisory Agreement

Initial Term Advisory

Transitional Services Agreement

Transitional Services Agreement

Amended to Transition Services Agreement

WREAS II

Maximum

WREAS II

Maximum

Maximum

Wells Management

Disposition Fee

333 Market Street

Occupancy Costs

WREF

WREF

WREF

WREAS II

WREAS II

WREAS II

WREAS II

Acquisition Fees

WREF

Monthly_Installment_Payments

Maximum

WREAS II

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly management fee as percentage of cost of properties owned and investments in joint venture

0.05%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly management fee at cap

'

'

$2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual management fees

'

'

30,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Limitation on reimbursed expenses

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

18,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions fees percent of purchase price

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Threshold percent of gross offering proceeds for reimbursement

'

'

'

2.00%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate cap of acquisition fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

Potential Disposition Fee, Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.30%

'

'

'

'

'

Monthly payments under agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,000

'

500,000

'

Advisory services assignment option paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

Total amount payable to related party under agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000,000

2,800,000

Number of monthly installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12

'

Maximum reimbursement obligation for out-of-pocket and third-party costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$250,000

'

'

Maximum lease term for leasing commissions payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leasing concession percent of all build-out funds

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_3

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements (Schedule of Related-Party Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	$39,749,000		$53,726,000		$49,767,000
Tenant reimbursements	700,000		4,400,000		4,000,000
Consulting Fees	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	25,417,000		0		0
Transition services	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	5,750,000		3,008,000		0
Asset management fees	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	5,083,000		32,000,000		32,094,000
Administrative reimbursements, net	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	1,939,000	[1]	11,099,000	[1]	11,609,000	[1]
Investor Services	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	829,000		0		0
Property management fees	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	523,000		4,462,000		4,546,000
Construction fees	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	139,000	[2]	220,000	[2]	211,000	[2]
Other offering costs	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	69,000		126,000		0
Acquisition Fees	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	0		1,500,000		1,307,000
Disposition Fee	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total related-party costs	$0		$1,311,000		$0
[1]	Administrative reimbursements are presented net of reimbursements from tenants of approximately $0.7 million, $4.4 million, and $4.0 million for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
[2]	Construction fees are capitalized to real estate assets as incurred

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_4

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements (Schedule of Amounts Due to Affiliates) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	$0	$1,920
Administrative reimbursements	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	0	1,360
Asset and property management fees	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Due to affiliates	$0	$560

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes Schedule of Income Tax Basis Net Income (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

GAAP basis financial statement net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

$12,927

$4,800

$20,601

($22,608)

[1]

$11,853

($5,859)

$10,914

$31,131

$15,720

$48,039

$56,642

Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

72,554

81,681

101,498

Rental income accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-26,565

-24,798

-11,203

Net amortization of above-/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-8,186

-3,423

-2,960

Gain on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,530

-173

-35,487

Bad debt expense for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-65

-5,034

-229

Gains or losses on disposition of real property for financial reporting purposes that are more favorable than amounts for income tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-78,559

-61,198

-16,282

Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,710

7,349

15,603

Income tax basis net income, prior to dividends-paid deduction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($20,921)

$42,443

$107,582

[1]

Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).

Income_Taxes_Distributions_Det

Income Taxes Distributions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax basis carrying value of total assets	$5	'	'
Ordinary income	0.00%	16.00%	39.00%
Capital gains	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Return of capital	100.00%	84.00%	61.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Income_Taxes_Effective_Tax_Rat

Income Taxes Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Effective Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total income tax	$500,000	$572,000	($390,000)
Deferred tax asset	600,000	800,000	'
Columbia TRS	'	'	'
Effective Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'
Federal income tax	307,000	265,000	-676,000
State income tax	2,000	14,000	-35,000
Total income tax	$300,000	$300,000	($700,000)

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 05, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 21, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Sep. 06, 2011
				18 Property Sale	18 Property Sale	Dvintsev Business Center - Tower B	Nine-Property Sale	Opus Parkway and Emerald Point	Mortgages
				Asset		Landlink Ltd			Manhattan Towers Property
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of property sold	'	'	'	18	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of real estate	'	'	'	$521,500,000	'	$67,500,000	'	'	'
Gain on sale of real estate properties	'	'	'	1,200,000	1,200,000	10,000,000	3,200,000	16,900,000	13,500,000
Settlement of Manhattan Towers mortgage note by transferring property to lender	0	0	75,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	75,000,000
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	$565,945,000	$304,264,000	$0	'	'	'	$260,500,000	$60,100,000	'

Discontinued_Operations_Schedu

Discontinued Operations (Schedule of Revenue and Expenses from Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'
Rental income	$48,550	$91,132	$101,906
Tenant reimbursements	11,205	18,059	18,585
Other property income	291	5,471	5,878
Revenues	60,046	114,662	126,369
Expenses:	'	'	'
Property operating costs	21,232	36,996	40,607
Asset and property management fees	1,501	7,974	8,201
Depreciation	11,730	21,609	24,048
Amortization	7,590	15,776	23,482
Impairment loss on real estate assets	29,737	18,467	5,817
General and administrative	1,360	748	3,146
Acquisition fees	0	0	11
Total expenses	73,150	101,570	105,312
Real estate operating (loss) income	-13,104	13,092	21,057
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest expense	-3,804	-6,610	-9,755
Interest and other income	293	16	4
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt	-4,709	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense	-21,324	6,498	11,306
Income tax expense	-1	-14	-114
Operating (loss) income from discontinued operations	-21,325	6,484	11,192
Gain on disposition of discontinued operations	11,225	20,117	13,522
Income from discontinued operations	($10,100)	$26,601	$24,714

Quarterly_Results_unaudited_De

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 14, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

$133,387

[1]

$132,502

[1]

$131,897

[1]

$128,792

[1]

$125,502

[1]

$124,159

[1]

$122,716

[1]

$121,894

[1]

$526,578

$494,271

$492,887

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

$12,927

$4,800

$20,601

($22,608)

[2]

$11,853

($5,859)

$10,914

$31,131

$15,720

$48,039

$56,642

Basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share

'

$0.10

[3]

$0.04

[3]

$0.15

[3]

($0.17)

[3]

$0.09

[2]

($0.04)

[2]

$0.08

[2]

$0.23

[2]

$0.12

$0.35

$0.42

Distributions declared per share

'

$0.30

[3]

$0.38

[3]

$0.38

[3]

$0.38

[3]

$0.38

[2]

$0.50

[2]

$0.50

[2]

$0.50

[2]

'

'

'

Four for one reverse stock split (in percents)

0.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).

[2]

Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).

[3]

All computations using share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the August 14, 2013, four-for-one reverse stock split (See Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).

Financial_Information_for_Pare2

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage of wholly owned subsidiary	100.00%
$450 Million Term Loan | Term Loans	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Debt face amount	450,000,000

Financial_Information_for_Pare3

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Land	$706,938	$789,237	'	'
Buildings and improvements, net	2,976,287	3,468,218	'	'
Intangible lease assets, net	281,220	341,460	'	'
Construction in progress	7,949	12,680	'	'
Total real estate assets	3,972,394	4,611,595	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	99,855	53,657	39,468	38,882
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	7,414	14,426	'	'
Straight-line rent receivable	113,592	119,673	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	32,423	29,373	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	10,388	10,490	'	'
Intangible lease origination costs	148,889	206,927	'	'
Deferred lease costs, net	87,527	98,808	'	'
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	586,000	'	'
Total assets	4,592,482	5,730,949	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Line of credit and notes payable	1,240,249	1,401,618	'	'
Bonds payable, net	248,930	248,678	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	99,678	102,858	'	'
Due to affiliates	0	1,920	'	'
Deferred income	21,938	28,071	'	'
Intangible lease liabilities, net	73,864	98,298	'	'
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	586,000	'	'
Total liabilities	1,804,659	2,467,443	'	'
Redeemable common stock	0	99,526	'	'
Equity:	'	'	'	'
Total equity	2,787,823	3,163,980	3,346,972	3,456,044
Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	4,592,482	5,730,949	'	'
Columbia Property Trust (Parent)	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Land	0	0	'	'
Buildings and improvements, net	0	0	'	'
Intangible lease assets, net	0	0	'	'
Construction in progress	0	0	'	'
Total real estate assets	0	0	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	53,322	20,914	11,291	8,281
Investment in subsidiaries	2,557,347	3,068,106	'	'
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0	'	'
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	177,185	178,131	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0	'	'
Intangible lease origination costs	0	0	'	'
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0	'	'
Total assets	2,787,854	3,267,151	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Line of credit and notes payable	0	0	'	'
Bonds payable, net	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	31	3,645	'	'
Due to affiliates	0	0	'	'
Deferred income	0	0	'	'
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0	'	'
Obligations under capital leases	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	31	3,645	'	'
Redeemable common stock	0	99,526	'	'
Equity:	'	'	'	'
Total equity	2,787,823	3,163,980	'	'
Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	2,787,854	3,267,151	'	'
Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Land	6,241	6,241	'	'
Buildings and improvements, net	24,185	16,513	'	'
Intangible lease assets, net	0	0	'	'
Construction in progress	28	5,252	'	'
Total real estate assets	30,454	28,006	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	20,708	4,822	10,597	11,074
Investment in subsidiaries	2,286,982	2,679,950	'	'
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0	'	'
Straight-line rent receivable	22	22	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	150,806	203,589	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	8,762	8,498	'	'
Intangible lease origination costs	0	0	'	'
Deferred lease costs, net	1,495	68	'	'
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0	'	'
Total assets	2,499,229	2,924,955	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Line of credit and notes payable	450,000	492,000	'	'
Bonds payable, net	248,930	248,678	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	11,816	12,417	'	'
Due to affiliates	-925	960	'	'
Deferred income	146	81	'	'
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0	'	'
Obligations under capital leases	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	709,967	754,136	'	'
Redeemable common stock	0	0	'	'
Equity:	'	'	'	'
Total equity	1,789,262	2,170,819	'	'
Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	2,499,229	2,924,955	'	'
Non-Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Land	700,697	782,996	'	'
Buildings and improvements, net	2,952,102	3,451,705	'	'
Intangible lease assets, net	281,220	341,460	'	'
Construction in progress	7,921	7,428	'	'
Total real estate assets	3,941,940	4,583,589	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	25,825	27,921	17,580	19,527
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0	'	'
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	7,414	14,426	'	'
Straight-line rent receivable	113,570	119,651	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	26,602	28,337	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	1,626	1,992	'	'
Intangible lease origination costs	148,889	206,927	'	'
Deferred lease costs, net	86,032	98,740	'	'
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	586,000	'	'
Total assets	4,471,898	5,667,583	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Line of credit and notes payable	1,110,838	1,288,618	'	'
Bonds payable, net	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	87,831	86,796	'	'
Due to affiliates	2,506	2,644	'	'
Deferred income	21,792	27,990	'	'
Intangible lease liabilities, net	73,864	98,298	'	'
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	586,000	'	'
Total liabilities	1,416,831	2,090,346	'	'
Redeemable common stock	0	0	'	'
Equity:	'	'	'	'
Total equity	3,055,067	3,577,237	'	'
Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	4,471,898	5,667,583	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Land	0	0	'	'
Buildings and improvements, net	0	0	'	'
Intangible lease assets, net	0	0	'	'
Construction in progress	0	0	'	'
Total real estate assets	0	0	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-4,844,329	-5,748,056	'	'
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0	'	'
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-322,170	-380,684	'	'
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0	'	'
Intangible lease origination costs	0	0	'	'
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0	'	'
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0	'	'
Total assets	-5,166,499	-6,128,740	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Line of credit and notes payable	-320,589	-379,000	'	'
Bonds payable, net	0	0	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	0	0	'	'
Due to affiliates	-1,581	-1,684	'	'
Deferred income	0	0	'	'
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0	'	'
Obligations under capital leases	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	-322,170	-380,684	'	'
Redeemable common stock	0	0	'	'
Equity:	'	'	'	'
Total equity	-4,844,329	-5,748,056	'	'
Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	($5,166,499)	($6,128,740)	'	'

Financial_Information_for_Pare4

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Operations) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$406,907

$381,796

$379,641

Tenant reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90,875

88,402

87,071

Hotel income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,756

23,049

20,600

Other property income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,040

1,024

5,575

Revenues

133,387

[1]

132,502

[1]

131,897

[1]

128,792

[1]

125,502

[1]

124,159

[1]

122,716

[1]

121,894

[1]

526,578

494,271

492,887

Expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

154,559

147,202

142,492

Hotel operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,340

18,362

17,394

Asset and property management fees:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related-party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,693

29,372

29,613

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,671

2,421

2,185

Depreciation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108,105

98,698

95,724

Amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

78,710

86,458

96,902

General and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61,866

24,613

21,017

Listing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,060

0

0

Acquisition fees and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,876

11,239

Costs and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

432,004

409,002

416,566

Real estate operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

94,574

85,269

76,321

Other income (expense):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-101,941

-101,886

-101,799

Interest and other income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,029

39,856

42,395

Loss on interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-342

-1,225

-38,383

Income (loss) from equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Gain on the early extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

53,018

Nonoperating income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-68,254

-63,255

-44,769

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,320

22,014

31,552

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-500

-572

390

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,820

21,442

31,942

Discontinued operations:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,325

6,484

11,192

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,225

20,117

13,522

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,100

26,601

24,714

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,720

48,043

56,656

Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-4

-14

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

12,927

4,800

20,601

-22,608

[2]

11,853

-5,859

10,914

31,131

15,720

48,039

56,642

Columbia Property Trust (Parent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Tenant reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Hotel income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Other property income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Hotel operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Asset and property management fees:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related-party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,397

26,264

25,521

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Depreciation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

General and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16

49

43

Listing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

317

'

'

Acquisition fees and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,307

Costs and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,730

26,313

26,871

Real estate operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,730

-26,313

-26,871

Other income (expense):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Interest and other income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,987

7,988

2,129

Loss on interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,463

66,364

81,384

Gain on the early extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Nonoperating income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,450

74,352

83,513

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,720

48,039

56,642

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,720

48,039

56,642

Discontinued operations:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,039

56,642

Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,720

48,039

56,642

Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

403

1,649

0

Tenant reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

149

103

0

Hotel income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Other property income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17

86

145

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

569

1,838

145

Expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,966

1,634

0

Hotel operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Asset and property management fees:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related-party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15

58

0

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Depreciation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,247

710

0

Amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

357

0

General and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

43,555

21,436

18,124

Listing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,743

'

'

Acquisition fees and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Costs and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,554

24,195

18,124

Real estate operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49,985

-22,357

-17,979

Other income (expense):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-32,659

-32,469

-28,329

Interest and other income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,874

11,018

11,444

Loss on interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,101

92,228

114,257

Gain on the early extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Nonoperating income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

64,316

70,777

97,372

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,331

48,420

79,393

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3

-14

0

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,328

48,406

79,393

Discontinued operations:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

658

5,942

6,388

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

658

5,942

6,388

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

54,348

85,781

Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,986

54,348

85,781

Non-Guarantors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

406,791

380,280

379,641

Tenant reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90,726

90,756

87,071

Hotel income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,756

23,049

20,600

Other property income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,208

1,024

5,575

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

526,481

495,109

492,887

Expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

152,880

148,025

142,492

Hotel operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,340

18,495

17,394

Asset and property management fees:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related-party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

313

4,191

4,237

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,671

2,421

2,185

Depreciation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106,858

97,988

95,724

Amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

78,682

86,101

96,902

General and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,448

3,128

2,850

Listing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Acquisition fees and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,876

9,932

Costs and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

377,192

362,225

371,716

Real estate operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

149,289

132,884

121,171

Other income (expense):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-88,137

-88,414

-84,693

Interest and other income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

34,023

39,847

40,045

Loss on interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-342

-1,225

-38,383

Income (loss) from equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Gain on the early extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

53,018

Nonoperating income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-54,456

-49,792

-30,013

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

94,833

83,092

91,158

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-497

-558

390

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

94,336

82,534

91,548

Discontinued operations:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-21,983

542

4,804

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,225

20,117

13,522

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,758

20,659

18,326

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,193

109,874

Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4

-14

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83,578

103,189

109,860

Consolidating Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rental income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-287

-133

0

Tenant reimbursements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-2,457

0

Hotel income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Other property income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-185

-86

-145

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-472

-2,676

-145

Expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-287

-2,457

0

Hotel operating costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-133

0

Asset and property management fees:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Related-party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-32

-1,141

-145

Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Depreciation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

General and administrative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-153

0

0

Listing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Acquisition fees and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Costs and expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-472

-3,731

-145

Real estate operating income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

1,055

0

Other income (expense):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,855

18,997

11,223

Interest and other income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-18,855

-18,997

-11,223

Loss on interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from equity investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,564

-158,592

-195,641

Gain on the early extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Nonoperating income (expense)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,564

-158,592

-195,641

Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,564

-157,537

-195,641

Income tax (expense) benefit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from continuing operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,564

-157,537

-195,641

Discontinued operations:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Gain on disposition of discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

Net income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-157,537

-195,641

Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($98,564)

($157,537)

($195,641)

[1]

Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties held for sale and by properties sold, as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).

[2]

Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).

Financial_Information_for_Pare5

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

$12,927

$4,800

$20,601

($22,608)

[1]

$11,853

($5,859)

$10,914

$31,131

$15,720

$48,039

$56,642

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-83

0

0

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,997

-5,305

11,223

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,634

42,734

67,865

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

4

14

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,634

42,738

67,879

Columbia Property Trust (Parent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,720

48,039

56,642

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-83

'

'

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,997

-5,305

11,223

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,634

42,734

67,865

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,734

67,865

Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,986

54,348

85,781

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,997

-5,305

0

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16,983

49,043

85,781

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49,043

85,781

Non-Guarantors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83,578

103,189

109,860

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-83

'

'

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

11,223

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83,495

103,189

121,083

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

14

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,193

121,097

Consolidating Adjustments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-98,564

-157,537

-195,641

Foreign currency translation adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83

'

'

Market value adjustment to interest rate swap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,997

5,305

-11,223

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-100,478

-152,232

-206,864

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($152,232)

($206,864)

[1]

Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).

Financial_Information_for_Pare6

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	$218,329	$252,839	$279,158
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	565,945	304,264	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	-70,556	-273,217	-666,090
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	495,389	31,047	-666,090
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings, net of fees	297,279	594,802	1,779,342
Repayments	-461,940	-627,191	-1,168,278
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	-4,709	0	0
Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	-306,574	18,996	47,397
Distributions	-191,473	-256,035	-270,764
Intercompany transfers, net	0	0	0
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	0	-301	-87
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-667,417	-269,729	387,610
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	46,301	14,157	678
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	-103	32	-92
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,657	39,468	38,882
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	99,855	53,657	39,468
Columbia Property Trust (Parent)	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	-331	-49	508
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	14,127	30,441	'
Investment in real estate and related assets	0	0	-606,116
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	14,127	30,441	-606,116
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings, net of fees	0	0	0
Repayments	0	0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	-306,574	18,996	47,397
Distributions	-191,473	-256,020	-270,720
Intercompany transfers, net	516,659	216,255	831,941
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	'	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,612	-20,769	608,618
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	32,408	9,623	3,010
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	20,914	11,291	8,281
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	53,322	20,914	11,291
Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	-84,270	-83,489	-78,219
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	551,818	273,823	'
Investment in real estate and related assets	-5,270	-193,410	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	546,548	80,413	0
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings, net of fees	297,320	595,731	1,454,978
Repayments	-343,000	-591,000	-806,500
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	0	0	0
Distributions	0	0	0
Intercompany transfers, net	-400,712	-7,430	-570,649
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	'	0	-87
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-446,392	-2,699	77,742
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	15,886	-5,775	-477
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4,822	10,597	11,074
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	20,708	4,822	10,597
Non-Guarantors	'	'	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	302,930	336,377	356,869
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	0	0	'
Investment in real estate and related assets	-65,286	-79,807	-59,974
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-65,286	-79,807	-59,974
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowings, net of fees	-41	-929	324,364
Repayments	-118,940	-36,191	-361,778
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	-4,709	'	'
Issuance of common stock, net of redemptions and fees	0	0	0
Distributions	0	-15	-44
Intercompany transfers, net	-115,947	-208,825	-261,292
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	'	-301	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-239,637	-246,261	-298,750
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,993	10,309	-1,855
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	-103	32	-92
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	27,921	17,580	19,527
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$25,825	$27,921	$17,580

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Feb. 20, 2014

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend declared, per share

$0.30

[1]

$0.38

[1]

$0.38

[1]

$0.38

[1]

$0.38

[2]

$0.50

[2]

$0.50

[2]

$0.50

[2]

$0.30

[1]

All computations using share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the August 14, 2013, four-for-one reverse stock split (See Note 7, Stockholders' Equity).

[2]

Net income for the first quarter of 2013 reflects the incurrence of nonrecurring fees under the Consulting and Transitions Services Agreements (See Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements).

Schedule_III_Real_Estate_Asset1

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

515 POST OAK

9 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE

180 PARK AVENUE

ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY

80 M STREET

3333 FINLEY ROAD

1501 OPUS PLACE

800 NORTH FREDERICK

THE CORRIDORS III

HIGHLAND LANDMARK III

180 PARK AVENUE 105

215 DIEHL ROAD

100 EAST PRATT

ONE ROBBINS ROAD

FOUR ROBBINS ROAD

1900 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

1950 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

2000 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

5 HOUSTON CENTER

KEY CENTER TOWER

KEY CENTER MARRIOTT

ONE SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER

TWO SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER

263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD

80 PARK PLACE

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER

STERLING COMMERCE

PASADENA CORPORATE PARK

7031 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DRIVE

222 EAST 41ST STREET

BANNOCKBURN LAKE III

SOUTH JAMAICA STREET

LENOX PARK BUILDINGS

LINDBERGH CENTER

THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING

1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD

FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY KING STREET BUILDING

CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE

HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I

SUNTRUST BUILDING

MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS

544 LAKEVIEW

333 MARKET STREET

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Mortgage Note

Capital Lease Obligations

Building Improvements

Building Improvements

Site Improvements

Building

515 POST OAK

9 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE

180 PARK AVENUE

ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY

80 M STREET

3333 FINLEY ROAD

1501 OPUS PLACE

800 NORTH FREDERICK

THE CORRIDORS III

HIGHLAND LANDMARK III

180 PARK AVENUE 105

215 DIEHL ROAD

100 EAST PRATT

ONE ROBBINS ROAD

FOUR ROBBINS ROAD

1900 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

1950 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

2000 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

5 HOUSTON CENTER

KEY CENTER TOWER

KEY CENTER MARRIOTT

ONE SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER

TWO SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER

263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD

80 PARK PLACE

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER

STERLING COMMERCE

PASADENA CORPORATE PARK

7031 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DRIVE

222 EAST 41ST STREET

BANNOCKBURN LAKE III

SOUTH JAMAICA STREET

LENOX PARK BUILDINGS

LINDBERGH CENTER

THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING

1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD

FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY KING STREET BUILDING

CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE

HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I

SUNTRUST BUILDING

MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS

544 LAKEVIEW

333 MARKET STREET

515 POST OAK

9 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE

180 PARK AVENUE

ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY

80 M STREET

3333 FINLEY ROAD

1501 OPUS PLACE

800 NORTH FREDERICK

THE CORRIDORS III

HIGHLAND LANDMARK III

180 PARK AVENUE 105

215 DIEHL ROAD

100 EAST PRATT

ONE ROBBINS ROAD

FOUR ROBBINS ROAD

1900 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

1950 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

2000 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE

5 HOUSTON CENTER

KEY CENTER TOWER

KEY CENTER MARRIOTT

ONE SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER

TWO SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER

263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD

80 PARK PLACE

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER

STERLING COMMERCE

PASADENA CORPORATE PARK

7031 COLUMBIA GATEWAY DRIVE

222 EAST 41ST STREET

BANNOCKBURN LAKE III

SOUTH JAMAICA STREET

LENOX PARK BUILDINGS

LINDBERGH CENTER

THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING

1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD

FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY KING STREET BUILDING

CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE

HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I

SUNTRUST BUILDING

MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS

544 LAKEVIEW

333 MARKET STREET

THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING

THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING

Minimum

Maximum

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]

'

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Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

[1]

100.00%

'

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'

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Encumbrances

'

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'

'

$0

$0

$0

$34,713

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$21,000

$105,000

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

[2]

$0

$18,000

$21,000

$49,000

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

[2]

$0

$0

$0

$0

[2]

$120,000

[3]

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$325,000

$9,100

$206,500

'

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$26,264

[3]

$120,000

[3]

'

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Initial Costs, Land

704,000

'

'

'

6,100

5,570

10,802

5,846

26,248

6,925

3,579

22,758

2,524

3,028

4,501

3,452

31,234

5,391

2,950

8,722

10,040

8,731

8,186

7,269

3,473

4,871

3,174

7,142

31,766

29,061

8,639

53,099

10,232

0

7,635

13,429

28,478

0

7,517

11,410

8,632

15,512

4,734

1,222

152,629

3,006

114,483

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial Costs, Building and Improvements

4,118,625

'

'

'

28,905

38,218

62,595

66,681

76,269

34,575

17,220

43,174

35,016

47,454

47,957

17,456

140,217

33,788

32,544

107,730

93,716

76,842

147,653

244,424

34,458

24,669

21,613

41,535

109,952

141,544

43,980

59,630

54,070

324,520

11,002

109,781

225,067

262,468

88,784

78,988

74,625

173,062

79,344

20,402

450,757

3,100

292,840

'

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'

'

Initial Costs, Total

4,822,625

'

'

'

35,005

43,788

73,397

72,527

102,517

41,500

20,799

65,932

37,540

50,482

52,458

20,908

171,451

39,179

35,494

116,452

103,756

85,573

155,839

251,693

37,931

29,540

24,787

48,677

141,718

170,605

52,619

112,729

64,302

324,520

18,637

123,210

253,545

262,468

96,301

90,398

83,257

188,574

84,078

21,624

603,386

6,106

407,323

'

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Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition

53,241

'

'

'

2,042

-2,430

-26,880

634

-5,747

630

328

582

-1,655

-3,088

-7,534

2,941

31,653

175

0

-26,171

2,432

599

-18,722

12,972

11,430

-1,432

-654

6,890

14,230

14,434

889

254

35

-832

-1,881

3,252

4,224

3,252

891

1,212

8,177

3,501

5,037

938

14,390

2,243

0

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'

Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2013, Land

706,938

'

'

'

6,241

5,627

11,050

5,934

26,806

7,015

3,625

20,195

2,558

3,055

4,501

3,472

31,777

5,391

2,950

8,803

10,134

8,819

8,186

7,454

3,629

4,948

3,245

7,233

32,221

29,712

8,752

53,099

10,232

0

7,663

13,735

28,858

0

8,055

11,745

8,632

15,512

4,734

1,222

152,629

3,006

114,483

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'

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'

'

'

Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2013, Buildings and Improvements

4,168,928

'

'

'

30,806

35,731

35,467

67,227

69,964

35,115

17,502

46,319

33,327

44,339

40,423

20,377

171,327

33,963

32,544

81,478

96,054

77,353

128,931

257,211

45,732

23,160

20,888

48,334

123,727

155,327

44,756

59,884

54,105

323,688

9,093

112,727

228,911

265,720

89,137

79,865

82,802

176,563

84,381

21,340

465,147

5,343

292,840

'

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'

Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2013, Total

4,875,866

5,507,769

5,483,193

4,999,902

37,047

41,358

46,517

73,161

96,770

42,130

21,127

66,514

35,885

47,394

44,924

23,849

203,104

39,354

35,494

90,281

106,188

86,172

137,117

264,665

49,361

28,108

24,133

55,567

155,948

185,039

53,508

112,983

64,337

323,688

16,756

126,462

257,769

265,720

97,192

91,610

91,434

192,075

89,115

22,562

617,776

8,349

407,323

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'

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization

903,472

'

'

'

6,681

9,773

8,410

21,834

21,700

9,382

4,715

18,434

10,398

13,537

10,032

7,521

54,398

9,827

14,759

17,407

20,983

18,339

35,420

78,556

15,353

5,835

4,316

17,023

43,074

44,486

19,694

11,898

13,655

62,379

1,361

28,175

41,373

44,815

15,984

17,105

15,240

23,292

11,684

3,181

62,487

404

8,552

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'

'

Investment in development authority bonds

$120,000

$586,000

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'

$120,000

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'

Columbia Property Trust's interest in property through a subsidiary

'

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50.00%

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Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation

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'40 years

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'40 years

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'40 years

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'40 years

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'40 years

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'15 years

'40 years

[1]

544 Lakeview is owned through a subsidiary in which Columbia Property Trust holds a 50% ownership interest, and owns 100% of the economic interest.

[2]

Property is owned subject to a long-term ground lease.

[3]

As a result of the acquisition of the Three Glenlake Building, Columbia Property Trust acquired investments in bonds and certain obligations under capital leases in the amount of $120.0 million.

[4]

Columbia Property Trust assets are depreciated or amortized using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets by class. Generally, tenant improvements are amortized over the shorter of economic life or lease term, lease intangibles are amortized over the respective lease term, building improvements are depreciated over 5-25 years, site improvements are depreciated over 15 years, and buildings are depreciated over 40 years.

Schedule_III_Real_Estate_Asset2

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Rollforward (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	$5,507,769		$5,483,193		$4,999,902
Additions to/improvements of real estate	51,422		453,541		676,230
Sale/transfer of real estate	-614,822		-328,804		-70,082
Impairment of real estate	-29,737		-18,467		-5,817
Write-offs of building and tenant improvements	-492		-301		-228
Write-offs of intangible assets	-466	[1]	-1,311	[1]	-6,978	[1]
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	-37,808		-80,082		-109,834
Balance at end of the year	4,875,866		5,507,769		5,483,193
Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	896,174		867,975		769,863
Depreciation and amortization expense	166,720		181,155		225,139
Sale/transfer of real estate	-120,981		-71,654		-12,258
Write-offs of tenant improvements	-212		-196		-16
Write-offs of intangible assets	-421	[1]	-1,024	[1]	-4,915	[1]
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	-37,808		-80,082		-109,838
Balance at end of the year	$903,472		$896,174		$867,975
[1]	Consists of write-offs of intangible lease assets related to lease restructurings, amendments, and terminations.