Columbia Property Trust (CXP) 10-K 12 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_Entity_Information

Document Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	COLUMBIA PROPERTY TRUST, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1252849
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		125,090,973
Entity Public Float			$3,246,733,390
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Land	$785,101	$706,938
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $660,098 and $604,497, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	3,026,431	2,976,287
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $313,822 and $298,975, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	247,068	281,220
Construction in progress	17,962	7,949
Total real estate assets	4,076,562	3,972,394
Cash and cash equivalents	149,790	99,855
Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3 and $52, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	6,945	7,414
Straight-line rent receivable	116,489	113,592
Prepaid expenses and other assets	52,143	32,423
Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $15,205 and $11,938, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	8,426	10,388
Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $219,626 and $216,598, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	105,528	148,889
Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $36,589 and $27,375, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	102,995	87,527
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Total assets	4,738,878	4,592,482
Liabilities:
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	1,430,884	1,240,249
Bonds payable, net of discount of $818 and $1,070, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	249,182	248,930
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	106,276	99,678
Deferred income	24,753	21,938
Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $84,935 and $76,500, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	74,305	73,864
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Total liabilities	2,005,400	1,804,659
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 225,000,000 and 900,000,000 shares authorized, 124,973,304 and 124,830,122 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	1,249	1,248
Additional paid-in capital	4,601,808	4,600,166
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	-1,867,611	-1,810,284
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,968	-3,307
Total equity	2,733,478	2,787,823
Total liabilities and equity	$4,738,878	$4,592,482

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Building and improvements, accumulated depreciation	$660,098	$604,497
Intangible lease assets, accumulated amortization	313,822	298,975
Allowance for doubtful accounts	3	52
Deferred financing costs, accumulated amortization	15,205	11,938
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	219,626	216,598
Deferred lease costs, accumulated amortization	36,589	27,375
Bonds payable, discount	818	1,070
Intangible lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	$84,935	$76,500
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	225,000,000	900,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	124,973,304	124,830,122
Common stock, shares outstanding	124,973,304	124,830,122

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Rental income	$414,541	$406,907	$381,796
Tenant reimbursements	95,375	90,875	88,402
Hotel income	22,885	23,756	23,049
Other property income	7,996	5,040	1,024
Revenues	540,797	526,578	494,271
Expenses:
Property operating costs	163,722	154,559	147,202
Hotel operating costs	18,792	18,340	18,362
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	0	4,693	29,372
Other	2,258	1,671	2,421
Depreciation	117,766	108,105	98,698
Amortization	78,843	78,710	86,458
Impairment loss on real estate assets	25,130	0	0
General and administrative	31,275	61,866	24,613
Listing costs	0	4,060	0
Acquisition fees and expenses	14,142	0	1,876
Costs and expenses	451,928	432,004	409,002
Real estate operating income (loss)	88,869	94,574	85,269
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-75,711	-101,941	-101,886
Interest and other income	7,275	34,029	39,856
Loss on interest rate swaps	-371	-342	-1,225
Loss on the early extinguishment of debt	-23	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)	-68,830	-68,254	-63,255
Income before income tax expense and gains on sale of real estate	20,039	26,320	22,014
Income tax expense	-662	-500	-572
Income before gains of sale of real estate assets	19,377	25,820	21,442
Gains on sale of real estate assets	75,275	0	0
Income from continuing operations	94,652	25,820	21,442
Discontinued operations:
Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations	-390	-21,325	6,484
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	-1,627	11,225	20,117
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-2,017	-10,100	26,601
Net income	92,635	15,720	48,043
Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	-4
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$92,635	$15,720	$48,039
Per-share information b basic:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.19	$0.16
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.08)	$0.19
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$0.74	$0.12	$0.35
Weighted-average common shares outstanding b basic	124,860	134,085	136,672
Per-share information b diluted:
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.76	$0.19	$0.16
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.08)	$0.19
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. (in dollars per share)	$0.74	$0.12	$0.35
Weighted-average common shares b diluted	124,918	134,085	136,672

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$56,226	[1]	$24,988	$8,021	$3,400	$12,927	$4,800	$20,601	($22,608)	[2]	$92,635	$15,720	$48,039
Foreign currency translation adjustment											0	-83	0
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap											1,339	1,997	-5,305
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.											93,974	17,634	42,734
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests											0	0	4
Comprehensive income											$93,974	$17,634	$42,738
[1]	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
[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).

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	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Total Columbia Property Trust, Inc. Stockholders' Equity	Non- redeemable Non- controlling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance, value at beginning 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 beginning 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
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 attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.		48,039					48,039			48,039
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		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	[1]		136,901,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock, shares	[1]		1,665,000
Issuance of common stock, value		46,602	17	[1]	46,585	[1]				46,602
Stock compensation		855			855	[1]				855
Redemptions of common stock, shares	[1]		-4,373,000
Redemptions of common stock, value		-112,106	-44	[1]	-112,062	[1]				-112,106
Decrease in redeemable common stock		99,526						99,526		99,526
Tender repurchase of common stock, shares	[1]		-9,363,000
Tender repurchase of common stock		-234,062	-94	[1]	-233,968	[1]				-234,062
Distributions to common stockholders		-191,473					-191,473			-191,473
Offering costs		-3,133			-3,133	[1]				-3,133
Net income 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 interest		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	0
Balance, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013		124,830,122	124,830,000	[1]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes), shares	[1]		143,000
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes)		1,643	1	[1]	1,642	[1]				1,643
Distributions to common stockholders		-149,962					-149,962			-149,962
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.		92,635					92,635			92,635
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		0
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap		1,339							1,339	1,339
Balance, value at end of period at Dec. 31, 2014		$2,733,478	$1,249	[1]	$4,601,808	[1]	($1,867,611)	$0	($1,968)	$2,733,478	$0
Balance, shares at end of period at Dec. 31, 2014		124,973,304	124,973,000	[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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Common Stock
Distributions to common stockholders per share	$1.20	$1.44	$1.88

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$92,635	$15,720	$48,043
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Straight-line rental income	-9,916	-22,793	-11,033
Depreciation	117,766	119,835	120,307
Amortization	74,212	84,630	100,482
Impairment losses on real estate assets	25,130	29,737	18,467
Noncash interest expense	3,055	3,602	3,881
Loss on interest rate swaps	-4,945	-5,530	-173
Gain on sale of real estate	-73,648	-11,225	-20,117
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	23	4,709	0
Stock-based compensation expense	1,975	1,055	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions:
Decrease (increase) in tenant receivables, net	-227	6,249	-4,767
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets	5,442	-4,097	2,344
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,589	4,207	4,270
Decrease in due to affiliates	0	-1,801	-1,411
Increase (decrease) in deferred income	2,815	-5,969	-7,454
Net cash provided by operating activities	236,906	218,329	252,839
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	418,207	565,945	304,264
Real estate acquisitions	-335,986	0	-188,750
Earnest money paid	-27,000	0	0
Capital improvements	-54,005	-44,856	-45,048
Deferred lease costs paid	-25,004	-25,700	-39,419
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-23,788	495,389	31,047
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Financing costs paid	-1,482	-3,721	-4,198
Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable	283,000	301,000	599,000
Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable	-294,739	-461,940	-627,191
Prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	0	-4,709	0
Issuance of common stock	0	46,402	118,388
Redemptions of common stock	0	-115,781	-99,381
Tender offer redemptions of common stock	0	-234,062	0
Distributions paid to stockholders	-149,962	-145,071	-137,632
Distributions paid to stockholders and reinvested in shares of our common stock	0	-46,402	-118,388
Redemption of noncontrolling interests	0	0	-301
Tender offer and offering costs paid	0	-3,133	-11
Distributions paid to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	0	0	-15
Net cash used in financing activities	-163,183	-667,417	-269,729
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	49,935	46,301	14,157
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	0	-103	32
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	99,855	53,657	39,468
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$149,790	$99,855	$53,657

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization
	Columbia Property Trust, Inc. ("Columbia Property Trust") (NYSE: CXP) is a Maryland corporation that operates as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") for federal income tax purposes and owns and operates commercial real estate properties. 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 typically invests in high-quality, income-generating office properties. As of December 31, 2014, Columbia Property Trust owned 35 office properties and one hotel, which included 52 operational buildings comprising approximately 15.7 million square feet of commercial space, located in 12 states and the District of Columbia. All of the office properties are wholly owned except for one property, which is owned through a consolidated subsidiary. As of December 31, 2014, the office properties were approximately 93.3% leased. In January 2015, Columbia Property Trust acquired three additional office properties comprising 0.9 million square feet. See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions, for additional information.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 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 2014 or 2013.
	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 and site improvements		5-25 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.
	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. In connection with finalizing the terms of the sale agreement for these 18 properties (the "18 Property Sale") in November 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.
	In the first quarter of 2014, Columbia Property Trust revised its investment strategy for the 160 Park Avenue Building (formerly known as the 180 Park Avenue, #103 Building) in Florham Park, New Jersey, to sell the property to a user in the near-term. As a result, management reduced its intended holding period for the building and reevaluated the property's carrying value as of March 31, 2014, pursuant to the accounting policy outlined above. Columbia Property Trust concluded that the 160 Park Avenue Building was not recoverable and reduced its carrying value to reflect its fair value, estimated based on recently quoted market prices (Level 2), by recording an impairment loss of approximately $13.6 million in the first quarter of 2014. The sale of the160 Park Avenue Building closed on June 4, 2014, for $10.2 million, exclusive of transaction costs.
	In the second quarter of 2014, Columbia Property Trust decided to pursue a near-term sale of the 200 South Orange Building (formerly known as the SunTrust Building) in Orlando, Florida. As a result, management reduced its intended holding period for the building and reevaluated the property's carrying value in the second quarter of 2014. In connection with negotiating the terms of the sale, Columbia Property Trust reduced the carrying value of the 200 South Orange Building to reflect fair value, estimated based on an approximate net contract price of $18.4 million (Level 1), by recording an impairment loss of $1.4 million in the second quarter. The sale of the 200 South Orange Building closed on June 30, 2014, for $18.4 million, net of transaction costs.
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, Columbia Property Trust identified $500 million to $600 million of properties in its portfolio that fall outside of its targeted investment strategy, which are candidates for near-term disposition. Columbia Property Trust is in the process of developing our marketing strategy for these assets. Columbia Property Trust plans to carefully evaluate the disposition options revealed through our marketing efforts, and to pursue those which provide the best opportunity to optimize shareholder value. In connection with initiating this process, Columbia Property Trust evaluated the recoverability of the carrying values of each of these properties and determined that the carrying value of the Bannockburn Lake III property, a vacant property located in Bannockburn, Illinois, is no longer recoverable due to reducing its expected property holding period to less than one year. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2014, Columbia Property Trust reduced the carrying value of the Bannockburn Lake III property to $5.0 million, estimated based on current projected discounted future cash flows, by recording an impairment loss of $10.1 million.
	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 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands) using Level 3 inputs.
	Property		Net Book Value				Impairment Loss Recognized				Fair Value
	2014
	Bannockburn Lake III		$	15,148			$	(10,148	)		$	5,000
	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
	Assets Held for Sale
	Columbia Property Trust classifies assets as held for sale according to Accounting Standard Codification 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, 2014, 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, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014	Gross	$	79,805			$	370,412			$	325,154			$	159,240
		Accumulated Amortization	(61,619		)		(237,084		)		(219,626		)		(84,935		)
		Net	$	18,186			$	133,328			$	105,528			$	74,305
	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
During 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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,
2014	$	5,368			$	36,474			$	33,037			$	15,507
2013	$	6,077			$	38,879			$	38,978			$	14,411
2012	$	8,901			$	48,997			$	42,866			$	15,324
The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014, 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,
2015	$	4,480			$	35,284			$	28,483			$	17,198
2016	3,748				24,942				21,587				11,895
2017	1,879				16,687				14,777				8,073
2018	1,075				12,297				10,269				6,596
2019	1,035				10,969				9,198				5,893
Thereafter	5,969				33,149				21,214				24,650
	$	18,186			$	133,328			$	105,528			$	74,305
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	3 years				4 years				4 years				6 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, 2014 and 2013, net of accumulated amortization of $15.1 million and $13.1 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization expense related to these assets of approximately $2.1 million for each of the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012.
As of December 31, 2014, the remaining net below-market lease asset will be amortized as follows (in thousands):
For the years ending December 31:
2015	$	2,069
2016	2,069
2017	2,069
2018	2,069
2019	2,069
Thereafter	85,209
	$	95,554
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	47 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, 2014 and 2013.
Tenant Receivables, net
Tenant receivables comprise 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 in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations of approximately $0.5 million and $(0.1) million for 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Prepaid expenses and other assets primarily include earnest money deposits, escrow accounts held by lenders to pay future real estate taxes, insurance and tenant improvements, notes receivable, non-tenant 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. As of December 31, 2014, prepaid expenses and other assets included $27.0 million of earnest money deposits paid in 2014 for the January 2015 property acquisitions described in Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions. These deposits were applied to the purchase prices at closing.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs comprise 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, 2014, 2013, and 2012, of approximately $3.5 million, $3.8 million, and $3.2 million, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Deferred Lease Costs
Deferred lease costs comprise costs incurred to procure leases, which are capitalized and recognized as amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease. Such costs are capitalized and recognized as operating expenses over the lease term. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization of deferred lease costs of approximately $12.2 million, $13.1 million, and $10.9 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, the majority of which is recorded as amortization expense. 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, upon maturity, Columbia Property Trust settled the $60.0 million development authority bond and the corresponding obligation under capital lease related to the One Glenlake Parkway Building.
Line of Credit and Notes Payable
Certain mortgage notes included in line of credit, term loan, 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. The fair value adjustment is amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.
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.
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 Robbins Road Property 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 (the "SRP") 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.
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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value as of
				December 31,
Instrument Type		Balance Sheet Classification		2014				2013
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(1,968	)		$	(3,307	)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(2,633	)		$	(7,579	)
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 $(4.6) million and $(10.9) million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Years ended December 31,
	2014				2013				2012
Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and included in other comprehensive income	$	1,339			$	1,997			$	(5,305	)
Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings	$	(371	)		$	(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 2014, 2013, or 2012.
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.
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 establishes its operating segments at the building level, and none of its operating segments meet the quantitative or qualitative thresholds to be considered an individual reportable segment. Therefore, Columbia Property Trust aggregates all of its operating segments into one reporting segment.
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).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components on an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"), which raises the threshold used to determine whether revenues and expenses associated with dispositions are reclassified to discontinued operations in the statement of operations. Under the new standard, typical asset sales will remain in continuing operations, whereas, asset sales that represent a strategic shift in operations (for example, exiting a major geographical area) would be reclassified to discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is required beginning with the first quarter of 2015; however, Columbia Property Trust elected to adopt the new standard effective April 1, 2014.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"), which establishes a comprehensive model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification such as real estate leases. ASU 2014-09 will require companies to perform a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for Columbia Property Trust beginning on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. Columbia Property Trust is currently in the process of evaluating the potential impact, if any, ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and disclosures.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"), which provides guidance about the responsibility of management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures if necessary. ASU 2014-15 will be effective for Columbia Property Trust beginning on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Columbia Property Trust does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on its financial statements and disclosures.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Transact

Real Estate and Other Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Real Estate and Other Transactions	Real Estate and Other Transactions
	Acquisitions
	During 2014, Columbia Property Trust acquired interests in the following properties (in thousands). Columbia Property Trust did not acquire any real estate assets during 2013.
			2014
			221 Main				650 California
			Street Building				Street Building
	Location		San Francisco, CA				San Francisco, CA
	Date acquired		22-Apr-14				9-Sep-14
	Purchase price:
	Land		$	60,509			$	75,384
	Building and improvements		161,853				221,135
	Intangible lease assets		12,776				19,306
	Intangible lease origination costs		3,475				4,290
	Intangible below market lease liability		(10,323		)		(9,908		)
	Total purchase price		$	228,290			$	310,207
	Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, provides a discussion of the estimated useful life for each asset class.
	221 Main Street Building
	On April 22, 2014, Columbia Property Trust acquired the 221 Main Street Building, a 388,000-square-foot office building in San Francisco, California (the "221 Main Street Building"), for $228.8 million, exclusive of transaction costs. The acquisition was funded with a $73.0 million assumed mortgage note, $116.0 million of borrowings on the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility (the "JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility"), and cash on hand. Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $12.7 million and a net loss of $10.9 million from the 221 Main Street Building acquisition for the period from April 22, 2014 to December 31, 2014. The net loss includes acquisition-related expenses of $6.1 million.
	As of the acquisition date, the 221 Main Street Building was 82.8% leased to 40 tenants, including DocuSign, Inc. (16%), and no other tenant leases more than 10% of the building based on annualized lease revenue.
	650 California Street Building
	On September 9, 2014, Columbia Property Trust acquired the 650 California Street Building, a 478,000-square-foot office building in San Francisco, California (the "650 California Street Building"), for $310.2 million, exclusive of transaction costs. The acquisition was funded with a $130.0 million assumed mortgage note, $118.0 million of borrowings on the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility, and cash on hand. Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $8.0 million and a net loss of $9.7 million from the 650 California Street Building acquisition for the period from September 9, 2014 to December 31, 2014. The net loss includes acquisition-related expenses of $8.0 million.
	As of the acquisition date, the 650 California Street Building was 88.1% leased to 18 tenants, including Littler Mendelson (24%), Credit Suisse (13%), and Goodby Silverstein (11%).
	2015 Acquisitions
	On January 7, 2015, Columbia Property Trust acquired a portfolio of two assets, which includes 315 Park Avenue South, a 341,000-square-foot office building in New York, New York (the "315 Park Avenue South Building") and 1881 Campus Commons, a 245,000-square-foot office building in Reston, Virginia (the "1881 Campus Commons Building"). This portfolio was acquired for $436.0 million, exclusive of transaction costs. An earnest money deposit of $17.0 million was prepaid for this transaction in December 2014, and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	On January 8, 2015, Columbia Property Trust acquired a 274,000-square-foot office building in Boston, Massachusetts (the "116 Huntington Avenue Building"), for $152.0 million, inclusive of capital credits. An earnest money deposit of $10.0 million was prepaid for this transaction in December 2014, and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
	These acquisitions were funded with $300.0 million in proceeds from the the Bridge Loan (as described in Note 4, Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable), $140.0 million of borrowings on the JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility (as described in Note 4, Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable), and cash on hand.
	Pro Forma Financial Information
	The following unaudited pro forma statements of operations presented for 2014, 2013, and 2012 have been prepared for Columbia Property Trust to give effect to the acquisition of both the 650 California Street Building and the 221 Main Street Building as if the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2012. 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 the 650 California Street Building and the 221 Main Street Building been consummated as of January 1, 2012 (in thousands).
		2014				2013				2012
	Revenues	$	555,472			$	550,675			$	517,958
	Net income (loss)	$	90,999			$	(17,969	)		$	(665	)
	Net income (loss) per share – basic	$	0.73			$	(0.13	)		$	—
	Net income (loss) per share – diluted	$	0.73			$	(0.13	)		$	—
	Dispositions
	As a result of adopting ASU 2014-08 effective April 1, 2014 (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies), for all periods presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, the revenues and expenses associated with the second and third quarter 2014 property sales described below are included in continuing operations, while the revenues and expenses associated with sales executed before April 1, 2014, are classified as discontinued operations.
	160 Park Avenue Building
	On June 4, 2014, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the 160 Park Avenue Building (formerly known as the 180 Park Avenue, #103 Building) in Florham Park, New Jersey, for $10.2 million, exclusive of transaction costs. Columbia Property Trust recognized an impairment loss of $13.6 million related to this building in the first quarter of 2014, as further described in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies.
	200 South Orange Building
	On June 30, 2014, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the 200 South Orange Building in Orlando, Florida, for $18.8 million, exclusive of transaction costs. This transaction resulted in a $1.4 million impairment loss in the second quarter of 2014, as further described in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies.
	7031 Columbia Gateway Drive Building
	On July 1, 2014, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the 7031 Columbia Gateway Drive Building in Columbia, Maryland, for $59.5 million, exclusive of transaction costs, yielding a gain on sale of real estate assets of $7.7 million.
	9 Technology Drive Building
	On August 22, 2014, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the 9 Technology Drive Building in Westborough, Massachusetts, for $47.0 million, exclusive of purchase price adjustments and transaction costs, yielding a gain on sale of real estate assets of $11.1 million.
	Lenox Park Property
	On October 3, 2014, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the five buildings comprising the Lenox Park Property in Atlanta, Georgia, for $290.0 million, exclusive of transaction costs, yielding a gain on sale of real estate assets of $56.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	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 loss of $0.4 million, which is included in gain (loss) on disposition of 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.
	Other Transactions
	As described in Note 10, Related-Party Transactions and Agreements, Columbia Property Trust acquired Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services, LLC ("Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services") and Columbia Property Trust Services, LLC ("Columbia Property Trust Services") on February 28, 2013. The following unaudited pro forma statements of operations presented for 2013 and 2012, 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, 2012. 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, 2012 (in thousands).
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013				2012
	Revenues	*		$	526,966			$	479,056
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	*		$	47,661			$	47,591
	*	Columbia Property Trust owned Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services for all of 2014.

Line_of_Credit_Term_Loan_and_N

Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable	Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Columbia Property Trust had the following line of credit, term loan, and notes payable indebtedness outstanding (excluding bonds payable; see Note 5, Bonds Payable) in thousands:
			Rate as of			Term Debt or Interest Only		Outstanding Balance as of
			31-Dec-14					December 31,
	Facility						Maturity	2014		2013
	$450 Million Term Loan		LIBOR + 130 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	206,810		207,559
	650 California Street Building mortgage note		3.6	%		Interest only	7/1/19	130,000		—
	100 East Pratt Street Building mortgage note		5.08	%		Interest only	6/11/17	105,000		105,000
	221 Main Building mortgage note		3.95	%		Interest only	5/10/17	73,000		—
	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	32,074		34,713
	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
	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility		LIBOR + 110 bp		(3)	Interest only	8/21/17	—		—
	Total indebtedness							$	1,430,884	$	1,240,249
	(1)	Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan (the "450 Million Term Loan") at 2.07% 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)	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility 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 ("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%.
	221 Main Street Building Mortgage Note
	In April 2014, in connection with acquiring the 221 Main Street Building in San Francisco, California, Columbia Property Trust assumed a $73.0 million mortgage note payable (the "221 Main Street Building Mortgage Note"), which is secured by the property. At the time of acquisition, Columbia Property Trust evaluated the 221 Main Street Building Mortgage Note and determined that the face value of the note approximates its fair value. The fair value of the 221 Main Street Building Mortgage Note was estimated by obtaining estimates for similar facilities from multiple market participants as of the respective reporting dates (Level 2). The 221 Main Street Building Mortgage Note is due on May 10, 2017, and requires monthly interest-only payments at an interest rate of 3.95% per annum.
	650 California Street Building Mortgage Note
	In September 2014, in connection with acquiring the 650 California Street Building in San Francisco, California, Columbia Property Trust assumed a $130.0 million mortgage note payable (the "650 California Street Building Mortgage Note"), which is secured by the property. At the time of acquisition, Columbia Property Trust evaluated the 650 California Street Building Mortgage Note and determined that the face value of the note approximates its fair value. The fair value of the 650 California Street Building Mortgage Note was estimated by obtaining estimates for similar facilities from multiple market participants as of the respective reporting dates (Level 2). The 650 California Building Mortgage Note is due on July 1, 2019. Through June 2015, the 650 California Street Building Mortgage Note requires monthly, interest-only payments at an interest rate of 3.60% per annum. Beginning in July 2015, monthly payments will be $591,000 monthly ($7.1 million annually), consisting of principal and interest.
	Bridge Loan
	On January 6, 2015, Columbia Property Trust entered into a $300 million, six-month, unsecured loan with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank (the "Bridge Loan") to finance a portion of the the real estate assets purchased in January 2015. At the Columbia Property Trust's option, borrowings under the Bridge Loan bear interest at either (i) an alternate base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.80% or (ii) LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on four stated pricing levels ranging from 1.00% to 1.80%, in each case based on Columbia Property Trust's credit rating. Subject to customary conditions, Columbia Property Trust may increase the borrowings under the Bridge Loan up to two times up to an aggregate amount of $150 million. Each increase must be in an increment of $25 million.
	The Bridge Loan matures on July 6, 2015, with a six-month extension at the option of Columbia Property Trust, and may be prepaid by Columbia Property Trust at any time without premium or penalty. In addition, amounts under the Bridge Loan must be repaid by Columbia Property Trust with the net cash proceeds of certain financing activities and asset sales, including (i) the issuance of common or preferred equity securities, (ii) the incurrence of mortgage indebtedness on any property, (iii) the incurrence of unsecured indebtedness, or (iv) the sale of certain real estate assets or any equity interests.
	Debt Covenants
	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, and the Bridge Loan contain 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, 2014, 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, term loan, and notes payable as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, was approximately $1,465.2 million and $1,245.3 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
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Columbia Property Trust's weighted-average interest rate on its line of credit and notes payable was approximately 3.95% and 4.08%, respectively. Columbia Property Trust made interest payments of approximately $56.1 million, $59.6 million, and $50.1 million during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, none of which was capitalized.
	Debt Maturities and Extinguishment
	On October 8, 2014, Columbia Property Trust repaid the mortgage note for the 544 Lakeview Building for $9.1 million, resulting in a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $23,000. The original maturity date for the 544 Lakeview Building mortgage note was December 1, 2014. There were no other debt maturities during 2014.
	The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit, term loan, and notes payable as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	210,821
	2016	494,460
	2017	253,728
	2018	25,860
	2019	121,015
	Thereafter	325,000
	Total	$	1,430,884

Bonds_Payable

Bonds Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 2014 and 2013.
	The restrictive covenants on the 2018 Bonds Payable as defined pursuant to an 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, 2014, 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, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $250.6 million and $250.8 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, 2014
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 2014, 2013, and 2012. As of December 31, 2014, the remaining required payments under the terms of these ground leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	2,557
	2016	2,557
	2017	2,702
	2018	2,731
	2019	2,731
	Thereafter	202,798
	Total	$	216,076
	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, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	7,200
	2016	7,200
	2017	7,200
	2018	7,200
	2019	7,200
	Thereafter	134,400
		170,400
	Amounts representing interest	(50,400		)
	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, 2014, 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, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity
	Long-Term Incentive Plan
	Columbia Property Trust maintains a long-term incentive plan that provides for grants of stock to be made to certain employees and independent directors of Columbia Property Trust (the "Long-Term Incentive Plan"). In July 2013, Columbia Property Trust's shareholders approved the Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 2,000,000 shares were authorized and reserved for issuance under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
	Employee Grants
	On January 21, 2014, Columbia Property Trust granted 143,740 shares of common stock to employees, net of 12,752 shares withheld to settle the related tax liability, under the Long-Term Incentive Plan for 2013 performance (the "2013 LTIP Employee Grant"), of which 25% vested upon grant, and the remaining shares will vest ratably, with the passage of time, on January 31, 2015, 2016, and 2017. Employees will receive quarterly dividends related to their entire grant, including the unvested shares, on each dividend payment date. A summary of the activity for the employee stock grants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan for 2014, follows:
			Shares			Weighted-Average,
			(in thousands)			Grant-Date Fair Value(1)
	Unvested shares as of January 1, 2014		—			$	—
	Granted		144			$	24.82
	Vested		(39	)		$	24.82
	Forfeited		(1	)		$	24.82
	Unvested shares as of December 31, 2014		104		(2)	$	24.82
	(1)	Columbia Property Trust determined the weighted-average grant-date fair value using the market closing price on the date of the grant.
	(2)	As of December 31, 2014, we expect approximately 98,800 of the 104,000 unvested shares to ultimately vest, assuming a forfeiture rate of 5%, which was determined based on peer company data, adjusted for the specifics of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
	On January 21, 2015, Columbia Property Trust granted 123,187 shares of common stock to employees, net of 11,368 shares withheld to settle the related tax liability, under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2014 LTIP Employee Grant"), of which 25% vested upon grant, and the remaining shares will vest ratably, with the passage of time, on January 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018.
	Independent Director Grants
	Beginning in January 2014, Columbia Property Trust pays quarterly installments of the independent directors' annual equity retainers by granting shares to the independent directors, which vest at the time of grant. In October 2013, Columbia Property Trust paid the annual equity retainer for 2013. A summary of these grants, made under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, follows:
	Date of Grant		Shares			Weighted-Average
						Grant-Date Fair Value
	2015 Director Grants:
	January 2, 2015		5,850			$	25.75
	2014 Director Grants:
	January 21, 2014		3,344			$	24.82
	April 1, 2014		2,968			$	27.22
	July 1, 2014		3,016			$	25.78
	October 1, 2014		4,960			$	23.89
	2013 Director Grant:
	September 13, 2013		6,820			$	29.32
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	In 2014, Columbia Property Trust incurred $2.0 million in stock-based compensation expense, of which $0.4 million related to the issuance of shares to independent directors as described above, $0.7 million related to the amortization of unvested awards under the 2013 LTIP Employee Grant, and $0.9 million related to the 2014 LTIP Employee Grant, which was authorized, and employee service related to these awards began on January 1, 2014. The 2014 LTIP Employee Grant was granted in January 2015, with 25% of the grant vesting on the grant date and the remaining shares vesting ratably on January 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018. In 2013, Columbia Property Trust incurred approximately $1.1 million of stock-based compensation expense, of which $0.2 million related to the issuance of shares to independent directors and $0.9 million related to future employee awards related to service during 2013, which were granted in January 2014. These expenses are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. There was $1.7 million and $0.9 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards under the 2013 LTIP Employee Grant as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. This amount will be amortized over the respective vesting period, ranging from one year to three years at the time of grant.
	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.
	Authorized Shares
	On July 1, 2014, Columbia Property Trust reduced the number of common shares authorized from 900,000,000 to 225,000,000, which is proportionally equal to the reduction in shares outstanding as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.
	Listing
	On October 10, 2013, Columbia Property Trust listed its shares of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (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.
	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 2014, 2013, and 2012, follows:
			Number			Exercise		Exercisable
						Price
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011		7,375			$48		7,250
	Granted		—
	Expired		—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012		7,375			$48		7,375
	Granted		—
	Expired		—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		7,375			$48		7,375
	Granted		—
	Expired		(3,500	)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014		3,875			$48		3,875
	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, 2014, was approximately 1.75 years.

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 2014 Annualized Lease Revenue, as defined, none of our tenants comprised more than 6% of Columbia Property Trust's portfolio. Tenants in the legal services, banking, and business services industries each comprise 18%, 14%, and 8%, respectively, of Columbia Property Trust's 2014 Annualized Lease Revenue. Columbia Property Trust's properties are located in 12 states and the District of Columbia.
	As of December 31, 2014, approximately 19%, 12%, and 10% of Columbia Property Trust's office properties are located in San Francisco, metropolitan District of Columbia, and northern New Jersey, 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, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	376,623
	2016	361,085
	2017	306,788
	2018	269,712
	2019	248,991
	Thereafter	1,070,022
	Total	$	2,633,221

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Investment in real estate funded with other assets	$	3,807	$	—		$	—
	Other assets assumed upon acquisition	$	2,493	$	741		$	130
	Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition	$	2,004	$	741		$	—
	Other liabilities settled at disposition	$	—	$	872		$	—
	Interest rate swap assumed upon acquisition of property	$	—	$	—		$	11,560
	Notes payable assumed at acquisition	$	203,000	$	—		$	208,330
	Interest accruing into notes payable	$	—	$	186		$	306
	Amortization of discounts (premiums) on debt	$	396	$	(363	)	$	364
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	$	1,339	$	1,997		$	(5,305	)
	Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	$	17,283	$	15,997		$	16,325
	Accrued deferred financing costs	$	—	$	—		$	35
	Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for taxes)	$	1,642	$	—		$	—
	Accrued redemptions of common stock	$	—	$	—		$	3,655
	Transfer of development authority bonds	$	—	$	466,000		$	60,000
	Stock-based compensation expense	$	—	$	1,055		$	—
	Increase (decrease) in redeemable common stock	$	—	$	(99,526	)	$	13,621

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions and Agreements	Related-Party Transactions and Agreements
	During 2013, Columbia Property Trust was party to agreements with various entities of Wells Real Estate Funds ("WREF"), which served as our Advisor (the "Advisor"). Since January 1, 2014, Columbia Property Trust has had no contractual relationship with WREF.
	•	Transition Services Agreement – Columbia Property Trust exercised the option to acquire Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services from WREF (the "Assignment Options") on February 13, 2013, as provided for in the Transition Services Agreement, as amended (the "Transition Services Agreement"). No payment was associated with the Assignment Options; however, Columbia Property Trust was required to pay WREF a total of $8.8 million, for the work required to transfer sufficient employees, proprietary systems and processes, and assets to Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services.
	•	Consulting Services Agreement – Under the Consulting Services Agreement, WREF provided consulting services with respect to the same matters that were provided under the Advisory Agreement, described below (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.
	•	Advisory Agreement – Under the terms of the advisory agreement in place from January 1, 2013 to February 27, 2013 (the "Advisory Agreement"), Columbia Property Trust incurred fees and reimbursements payable to the Advisor for asset management and administrative services.
	Related-Party Costs
	Pursuant to the terms of the agreements described above, Columbia Property Trust incurred the following related-party costs during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Consulting services	$	—	$	25,417	$	—
	Transition services	—		5,750		3,008
	Asset management fees	—		5,083		32,000
	Administrative reimbursements, net(1)	—		1,939		11,099
	Investor services	—		829		—
	Property management fees	—		523		4,462
	Construction fees(2)	—		139		220
	Other	—		69		126
	Acquisition fees	—		—		1,500
	Disposition fees	—		—		1,311
	Total	$	—	$	39,749	$	53,726
	(1)	Administrative reimbursements are presented net of reimbursements from tenants of approximately $0.7 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	(2)	Construction fees are capitalized to real estate assets as incurred.
	There were no amounts due to affiliates as of December 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Columbia Property Trust's income tax basis net income during 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands) follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	GAAP basis financial statement net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	92,635			$	15,720			$	48,039
	Increase (decrease) in net income resulting from:
	Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	69,832				72,554				81,681
	Rental income accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	(8,437		)		(26,565		)		(24,798		)
	Net amortization of above-/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(9,394		)		(8,186		)		(3,423		)
	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	(4,945		)		(5,530		)		(173		)
	Bad debt expense for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(1		)		(65		)		(5,034		)
	Gains or losses on disposition of real property for financial reporting purposes that are more favorable than amounts for income tax purposes	(47,159		)		(78,559		)		(61,198		)
	Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	31,991				9,710				7,349
	Income tax basis net income (loss), prior to dividends-paid deduction	$	124,522			$	(20,921	)		$	42,443
	As of December 31, 2014, the tax basis carrying value of Columbia Property Trust's total assets was approximately $5.2 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:
		2014			2013			2012
	Ordinary income	83.1	%		—	%		16	%
	Capital gains	—	%		—	%		—	%
	Return of capital	16.9	%		100	%		84	%
	Total	100	%		100	%		100	%
	As of December 31, 2014, returns for the calendar years 2010 through 2014 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 income taxes recorded by the TRS Entities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, are as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Federal income tax	$	318			$	307			$	265
	State income tax	35				2				14
	Total income tax	$	353			$	309			$	279
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Columbia Property Trust had no deferred tax liabilities. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Columbia Property Trust had a deferred tax asset of $0.3 million and $0.6 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 $0.3 million as of December 31, 2014, is realizable.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	As a result of implementing ASU 2014-08 effective April 1, 2014 (see Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies), beginning in the second quarter of 2014, the operating results for properties sold will generally be included in continuing operations. The following properties were sold prior to implementing ASU 2014-08 and are, therefore, included in 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 loss of $0.4 million;
	•	Dvintsev Business Center – Tower B in Moscow, Russia, which sold on March 21, 2013, along with its holding entity, Landlink, Ltd., which was 100% owned by Columbia Property Trust, 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, both of which closed in January 2012 for $60.1 million and resulted in aggregate gains of $16.9 million.
	The following table shows the revenues and expenses of the above-described discontinued operations (in thousands). 2014 amounts reflect post closing adjustments and true ups related to the 18 Property Sale, which closed prior to our adoption of ASU 2014-08.
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	4		$	48,550		$	91,132
	Tenant reimbursements	115			11,205			18,059
	Other property income	—			291			5,471
		119			60,046			114,662
	Expenses:
	Property operating costs	(250		)	21,232			36,996
	Asset and property management fees	7			1,501			7,974
	Depreciation	—			11,730			21,609
	Amortization	—			7,590			15,776
	Impairment loss on real estate assets	—			29,737			18,467
	General and administrative	755			1,360			748
	Total expenses	512			73,150			101,570
	Operating income (loss)	(393		)	(13,104		)	13,092
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense	3			(3,804		)	(6,610		)
	Interest and other income	—			293			16
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(4,709		)	—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense	(390		)	(21,324		)	6,498
	Income tax expense	—			(1		)	(14		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(390		)	(21,325		)	6,484
	Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	(1,627		)	11,225			20,117
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(2,017	)	$	(10,100	)	$	26,601

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	For 2014, the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations, net income, and income from continuing operations have been reduced for the dividends paid on unvested shares related to the 2013 LTIP Employee Grant and the 2014 LTIP Employee Grant. The following table reconciles the numerator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014				2013			2012
	Net income	$	92,635			$	15,720		$	48,039
	Distributions paid on unvested shares	(128		)		—			—
	Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	$	92,507			$	15,720		$	48,039
	The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Weighted-average common shares – basic	124,860			134,085			136,672
	Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions less assumed share repurchases:
	2013 LTIP Employee Grant	29			—			—
	2014 LTIP Employee Grant	29			—			—
	Weighted-average common shares – diluted	124,918			134,085			136,672

Quarterly_Results_unaudited

Quarterly Results (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013(in thousands, except per-share data):
		2014
		First Quarter				Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Revenues	$	129,168			$	136,757		$	136,981		$	137,891
	Net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	3,400			$	8,021		$	24,988		$	56,226		(1)
	Basic net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share	$	0.03			$	0.06		$	0.2		$	0.45
	Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share	$	0.03			$	0.06		$	0.2		$	0.45
	Distributions declared per share	$	0.3			$	0.3		$	0.3		$	0.3
		2013
		First					Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
		Quarter
	Revenues(2)	$	128,792				$	131,897		$	132,502		$	133,387
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	(22,608	)	(3)		$	20,601		$	4,800		$	12,927
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(4)	$	(0.17	)			$	0.15		$	0.04		$	0.1
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(4)	$	(0.17	)			$	0.15		$	0.04		$	0.1
	Distributions declared per share(4)	$	0.38				$	0.38		$	0.38		$	0.3
	(1)	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
	(2)	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties sold as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
	(3)	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).
	(4)	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, 2014
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. As a result of amending the $450 Million Term Loan and the JPMorgan 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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands), as well as its condensed consolidating statements of operations and its condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands); and its condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands).
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands)
		As of December 31, 2014
		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		$	778,860		$	—		$	785,101
	Buildings and improvements, net	—			29,899			2,996,532			—			3,026,431
	Intangible lease assets, net	—			—			247,068			—			247,068
	Construction in progress	—			433			17,529			—			17,962
	Total real estate assets	—			36,573			4,039,989			—			4,076,562
	Cash and cash equivalents	119,488			10,504			19,798			—			149,790
	Investment in subsidiaries	2,409,941			2,120,018			—			(4,529,959		)	—
	Tenant receivables, net of allowance	—			246			6,699			—			6,945
	Straight-line rent receivable	—			781			115,708			—			116,489
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	204,079			148,226			19,734			(319,896		)	52,143
	Deferred financing costs, net	—			6,020			2,406			—			8,426
	Intangible lease origination costs, net	—			—			105,528			—			105,528
	Deferred lease costs, net	—			1,658			101,337			—			102,995
	Investment in development authority bonds	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total assets	$	2,733,508		$	2,324,026		$	4,531,199		$	(4,849,855	)	$	4,738,878
	Liabilities:
	Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	$	—		$	450,000		$	1,299,232		$	(318,348	)	$	1,430,884
	Bonds payable, net	—			249,182			—			—			249,182
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	30			9,749			96,497			—			106,276
	Due to affiliates	—			24			1,524			(1,548		)	—
	Deferred income	—			171			24,582			—			24,753
	Intangible lease liabilities, net	—			—			74,305			—			74,305
	Obligations under capital leases	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total liabilities	30			709,126			1,616,140			(319,896		)	2,005,400
	Equity:
	Total equity	2,733,478			1,614,900			2,915,059			(4,529,959		)	2,733,478
	Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	$	2,733,508		$	2,324,026		$	4,531,199		$	(4,849,855	)	$	4,738,878
	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
	Building 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	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	bonds
	Total assets	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
	Liabilities:
	Lines of credit, term loan, and notes payable	$	—		$	450,000		$	1,110,838		$	(320,589	)	$	1,240,249
	Bonds payable, net	—			248,930			—			—			248,930
Accounts payable, accrued expenses,	31			11,816			87,831			—			99,678
and accrued capital expenditures
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
Equity:
Total equity	2,787,823			1,789,262			3,055,067			(4,844,329		)	2,787,823
Total liabilities, redeemable	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
common stock, and equity
Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—		$	1,150		$	413,752		$	(361	)	$	414,541
Tenant reimbursements	—			222			95,153			—			95,375
Hotel income	—			—			22,885			—			22,885
Other property income	—			—			8,220			(224		)	7,996
	—			1,372			540,010			(585		)	540,797
Expenses:
Property operating costs	—			2,716			161,367			(361		)	163,722
Hotel operating costs	—			—			18,792			—			18,792
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	—			17			—			(17		)	—
Other	—			—			2,258			—			2,258
Depreciation	—			1,795			115,971			—			117,766
Amortization	—			121			78,722			—			78,843
Impairment loss on real estate assets	—			—			25,130			—			25,130
General and administrative	149			9,701			21,632			(207		)	31,275
Acquisition expenses	—			—			14,142			—			14,142
	149			14,350			438,014			(585		)	451,928
Real estate operating income (loss)	(149		)	(12,978		)	101,996			—			88,869
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	—			(30,271		)	(64,105		)	18,665			(75,711		)
Interest and other income	7,969			10,724			7,247			(18,665		)	7,275
Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(371		)	—			(371		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(23		)	—			(23		)
Income from equity investment	84,815			113,976			—			(198,791		)	—
	92,784			94,429			(57,252		)	(198,791		)	(68,830		)
Income before income tax expense	92,635			81,451			44,744			(198,791		)	20,039
Income tax expense	—			(4		)	(658		)	—			(662		)
Income before gains of sale of real estate assets	92,635			81,447			44,086			(198,791		)	19,377
Gains on sale of real estate assets	—			—			75,275			—			75,275
Income from continuing operations	92,635			81,447			119,361			(198,791		)	94,652
Discontinued operations:
Operating loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(390		)	—			(390		)
Loss on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			(1,627		)	—			(1,627		)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(2,017		)	—			(2,017		)
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	92,635		$	81,447		$	117,344		$	(198,791	)	$	92,635
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 income (loss)	(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 from equity investment	12,463			86,101			—			(98,564		)	—
	20,450			64,316			(54,456		)	(98,564		)	(68,254		)
Income before income tax expense	15,720			14,331			94,833			(98,564		)	26,320
Income tax expense	—			(3		)	(497		)	—			(500		)
Income 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 on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			11,225			—			11,225
Income (loss) 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 income (loss)	(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 Comprehensive Income (in thousands)
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	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.	$	92,635		$	81,447		$	117,344		$	(198,791	)	$	92,635
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,339			1,339			—			(1,339		)	1,339
Comprehensive income	$	93,974		$	82,786		$	117,344		$	(200,130	)	$	93,974
	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
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
	For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating Adjustments			Columbia Property Trust
	(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors						(Consolidated)
Cash flows from operating activities	$	(122	)	$	(38,618	)	$	275,646		$	—		$	236,906
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	—			418,207			—			—			418,207
Investment in real estate and related assets	(5,000		)	(366,380		)	(70,615		)	—			(441,995		)
Investments in subsidiaries	67,403			—			—			(67,403		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	62,403			51,827			(70,615		)	(67,403		)	(23,788		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	—			282,807			(1,289		)	—			281,518
Repayments	—			(283,000		)	(11,739		)	—			(294,739		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			—			—			—
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	—			—			—			—			—
Distributions	(149,962		)	—			—			—			(149,962		)
Intercompany transfers, net	153,847			(23,220		)	(198,030		)	67,403			—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,885			(23,413		)	(211,058		)	67,403			(163,183		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	66,166			(10,204		)	(6,027		)	—			49,935
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,322			20,708			25,825			—			99,855
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	119,488		$	10,504		$	19,798		$	—		$	149,790
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	—			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	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
	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 provided by (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

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Events
	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:
	Property Acquisitions and Financing
	During January 2015, Columbia Property Trust closed on the acquisitions of three properties. These acquisitions and the related financing transaction are described in Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions, and Note 4, Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable, of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	Dividend Declaration
	On February 11, 2015, the board of directors declared dividends for the first quarter of 2015 in the amount of $0.30 per share, payable on March 17, 2015 to stockholders of record on March 2, 2015.

Schedule_III_Real_Estate_Asset

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
	Columbia Property Trust, Inc.
	Schedule III – Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
	December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
												Initial Costs						Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Gross Amount at Which Carried at						Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization				Life on Which Depreciation and Amortization is Computed(d)
																					31-Dec-14
	Description		Location		Owner- ship %			Encumbrances				Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total					Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total				Date of Construction	Date Acquired
	515 POST OAK		Houston, TX		100	%		None				$	6,100	$	28,905	$	35,005	$	9,761		$	6,241	$	38,525	$	44,766	$	8,267	1980	2/10/04	0 to 40 years
			Florham Park, NJ		100	%		None				10,802		62,595		73,397		(54,688		)	4,125		14,584		18,709		3,729		1982	6/23/04	0 to 40 years
	170 PARK AVENUE
	ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY		Atlanta, GA		100	%		$	34,713			5,846		66,681		72,527		742			5,934		67,335		73,269		23,777		2003	6/25/04	0 to 40 years
	80 M STREET		Washington, DC		100	%		None				26,248		76,269		102,517		(5,816		)	26,806		69,895		96,701		23,496		2001	6/29/04	0 to 40 years
	ACXIOM		Downers Grove, IL		100	%		None				10,504		51,795		62,299		958			10,640		52,617		63,257		15,599		1988/1999	8/4/04	0 to 40 years
			Gaithersburg, MD		100	%		None				22,758		43,174		65,932		582			20,195		46,319		66,514		20,559		1986	10/22/04	0 to 40 years
	800 NORTH FREDERICK
			Downers Grove, IL		100	%		None				2,524		35,016		37,540		(2,034		)	2,558		32,948		35,506		10,876		2001	11/1/04	0 to 40 years
	THE CORRIDORS III
			Downers Grove, IL		100	%		None				3,028		47,454		50,482		(3,592		)	3,055		43,835		46,890		13,122		2000	12/27/04	0 to 40 years
	HIGHLAND LANDMARK III
			Florham Park, NJ		100	%		None				4,501		47,957		52,458		(3,016		)	4,501		44,941		49,442		11,184		2001	3/14/05	0 to 40 years
	180 PARK AVENUE
	215 DIEHL ROAD		Naperville, IL		100	%		$	21,000			3,452		17,456		20,908		4,144			3,472		21,580		25,052		8,366		1988	4/19/05	0 to 40 years
	100 EAST PRATT		Baltimore, MD		100	%		$	105,000			31,234		140,217		171,451		35,139			31,777		174,813		206,590		60,604		1975/1991	5/12/05	0 to 40 years
	ROBBINS ROAD		Westford, MA		100	%		None				8,341		66,332		74,673		250			8,341		66,582		74,923		27,538		1981/2001	8/18/05	0 to 40 years
			East Palo Alto, CA		100	%		None				27,493		278,288		305,781		(19,915		)	27,756		258,110		285,866		63,652		2001/2002/ 2003	9/20/05	0 to 40 years
	UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
	5 HOUSTON CENTER		Houston, TX		100	%		None				8,186		147,653		155,839		(17,528		)	8,186		130,125		138,311		39,497		2002	12/20/05	0 to 40 years
	KEY CENTER TOWER		Cleveland, OH		100	%		None			(a)	7,269		244,424		251,693		20,566			7,454		264,805		272,259		87,912		1991	12/22/05	0 to 40 years
	KEY CENTER MARRIOTT		Cleveland, OH		100	%		None				3,473		34,458		37,931		16,278			3,629		50,580		54,209		17,287		1991	12/22/05	0 to 40 years
	SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER		Chandler, AZ		100	%		$	39,000			8,045		46,282		54,327		(1,867		)	8,193		44,267		52,460		11,495		2000/2003	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		19,327		1986	7/20/06	0 to 40 years
	80 PARK PLAZA		Newark, NJ		100	%		None				31,766		109,952		141,718		22,484			32,221		131,981		164,202		47,027		1979	9/21/06	0 to 40 years
	INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER		Jersey City, NJ		100	%		None				29,061		141,544		170,605		17,407			29,712		158,300		188,012		49,998		1989	10/31/06	0 to 40 years
	STERLING COMMERCE		Irving, TX		100	%		None				8,639		43,980		52,619		2,637			8,752		46,504		55,256		21,305		1999	12/21/06	0 to 40 years
	PASADENA CORPORATE PARK		Pasadena, CA		100	%		None				53,099		59,630		112,729		352			53,099		59,982		113,081		14,267		1965/2000/ 2002/2003	7/11/07	0 to 40 years
	222 EAST 41ST STREET		New York City, NY		100	%		None			(a)	—		324,520		324,520		(429		)	—		324,091		324,091		72,842		2001	8/17/07	0 to 40 years
	BANNOCKBURN LAKE III		Bannockburn, IL		100	%		None				7,635		11,002		18,637		(12,030		)	2,797		3,810		6,607		1,608		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		32,657		2002/2003/ 2007	9/26/07	0 to 40 years
	LINDBERGH CENTER		Atlanta, GA		100	%		None			(a)	—		262,468		262,468		3,252			—		265,720		265,720		52,966		2002	7/1/08	0 to 40 years
	THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING		Atlanta, GA		100	%		$	120,000		(b)	7,517		88,784		96,301		891			8,055		89,137		97,192		18,906		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		20,336		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		19,457		1984	4/1/10	0 to 40 years
	Columbia Property Trust, Inc.
	Schedule III – Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
	December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
												Initial Costs						Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition			Gross Amount at Which Carried at						Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization				Life on Which Depreciation and Amortization is Computed(d)
																					31-Dec-14
	Description		Location		Owner- ship %			Encumbrances				Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total					Land		Buildings and Improvements		Total				Date of Construction	Date Acquired
	CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE		Cranberry Township, PA		100	%		None				$	15,512	$	173,062	$	188,574	$	3,542		$	15,512	$	176,604	$	192,116	$	29,050	2009/2010	6/1/10	0 to 40 years
	HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I		Houston, TX		100	%		None				4,734		79,344		84,078		5,045			4,734		84,389		89,123		15,015		2008	6/28/10	0 to 40 years
	MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS		Washington, DC		100	%		$	325,000			152,629		450,757		603,386		12,158			152,629		462,915		615,544		79,798		1990	3/7/11	0 to 40 years
	544 LAKEVIEW		Vernon Hills, IL		100	%	(c)	None				3,006		3,100		6,106		2,701			3,006		5,801		8,807		742		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		18,406		1979	12/21/12	0 to 40 years
	221 MAIN STREET		San Francisco, CA		100	%		$	73,000			60,509		174,629		235,138		2,604			60,509		177,233		237,742		8,486		1974	4/22/14	0 to 40 years
	650 CALIFORNIA STREET		San Francisco, CA		100	%		$	130,000			75,384		240,441		315,825		44			75,384		240,485		315,869		4,767		1964	9/9/14	0 to 40 years
	TOTAL REAL ESTATE ASSETS											$	794,391	$	4,195,938	$	4,990,329	$	60,153		$	785,101	$	4,265,381	$	5,050,482	$	973,920
	(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 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,
	2014				2013				2012
Real Estate:
Balance at beginning of year	$	4,875,866			$	5,507,769			$	5,483,193
Additions to/improvements of real estate	610,510				51,422				453,541
Sale/transfer of real estate	(399,499		)		(614,822		)		(328,804		)
Impairment of real estate	(25,130		)		(29,737		)		(18,467		)
Write-offs of building and tenant improvements	(1,230		)		(492		)		(301		)
Write-offs of intangible assets(1)	(5,251		)		(466		)		(1,311		)
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	(4,784		)		(37,808		)		(80,082		)
Balance at end of year	$	5,050,482			$	4,875,866			$	5,507,769
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization:
Balance at beginning of year	$	903,472			$	896,174			$	867,975
Depreciation and amortization expense	161,133				166,720				181,155
Sale/transfer of real estate	(80,607		)		(120,981		)		(71,654		)
Write-offs of tenant improvements	(690		)		(212		)		(196		)
Write-offs of intangible assets(1)	(4,604		)		(421		)		(1,024		)
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	(4,784		)		(37,808		)		(80,082		)
Balance at end of year	$	973,920			$	903,472			$	896,174
(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, 2014
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 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 2014 or 2013.
	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 and site improvements		5-25 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.
Assets Held for Sale	Assets Held for Sale
	Columbia Property Trust classifies assets as held for sale according to Accounting Standard Codification 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 Where Columbia Property Trust is the Lessee and Lessor	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.
	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.
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, 2014 and 2013.
Tenant Receivables, net	Tenant Receivables, net
	Tenant receivables comprise 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
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other assets primarily include earnest money deposits, escrow accounts held by lenders to pay future real estate taxes, insurance and tenant improvements, notes receivable, non-tenant 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.
Deferred Costs	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs comprise 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, 2014, 2013, and 2012, of approximately $3.5 million, $3.8 million, and $3.2 million, respectively, which is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	Deferred Lease Costs
	Deferred lease costs comprise costs incurred to procure leases, which are capitalized and recognized as amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease. Such costs are capitalized and recognized as operating expenses over the lease term. Columbia Property Trust recognized amortization of deferred lease costs of approximately $12.2 million, $13.1 million, and $10.9 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, the majority of which is recorded as amortization expense. 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, term loan, 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. The fair value adjustment is amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.
	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.
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 (the "SRP") 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.
	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 2014, 2013, or 2012.
	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.
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 establishes its operating segments at the building level, and none of its operating segments meet the quantitative or qualitative thresholds to be considered an individual reportable segment. Therefore, Columbia Property Trust aggregates all of its operating segments into one reporting segment.
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).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components on an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"), which raises the threshold used to determine whether revenues and expenses associated with dispositions are reclassified to discontinued operations in the statement of operations. Under the new standard, typical asset sales will remain in continuing operations, whereas, asset sales that represent a strategic shift in operations (for example, exiting a major geographical area) would be reclassified to discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is required beginning with the first quarter of 2015; however, Columbia Property Trust elected to adopt the new standard effective April 1, 2014.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"), which establishes a comprehensive model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification such as real estate leases. ASU 2014-09 will require companies to perform a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for Columbia Property Trust beginning on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. Columbia Property Trust is currently in the process of evaluating the potential impact, if any, ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial statements and disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"), which provides guidance about the responsibility of management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures if necessary. ASU 2014-15 will be effective for Columbia Property Trust beginning on January 1, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Columbia Property Trust does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-15 to have a material impact on its financial statements and disclosures.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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 and site improvements		5-25 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 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands) using Level 3 inputs.
	Property		Net Book Value				Impairment Loss Recognized				Fair Value
	2014
	Bannockburn Lake III		$	15,148			$	(10,148	)		$	5,000
	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
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2014	Gross	$	79,805			$	370,412			$	325,154			$	159,240
		Accumulated Amortization	(61,619		)		(237,084		)		(219,626		)		(84,935		)
		Net	$	18,186			$	133,328			$	105,528			$	74,305
	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
	During 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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,
	2014	$	5,368			$	36,474			$	33,037			$	15,507
	2013	$	6,077			$	38,879			$	38,978			$	14,411
	2012	$	8,901			$	48,997			$	42,866			$	15,324
	The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2014, 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,
	2015	$	4,480			$	35,284			$	28,483			$	17,198
	2016	3,748				24,942				21,587				11,895
	2017	1,879				16,687				14,777				8,073
	2018	1,075				12,297				10,269				6,596
	2019	1,035				10,969				9,198				5,893
	Thereafter	5,969				33,149				21,214				24,650
		$	18,186			$	133,328			$	105,528			$	74,305
	Weighted-Average Amortization Period	3 years				4 years				4 years				6 years
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	As of December 31, 2014, the remaining net below-market lease asset will be amortized as follows (in thousands):
	For the years ending December 31:
	2015	$	2,069
	2016	2,069
	2017	2,069
	2018	2,069
	2019	2,069
	Thereafter	85,209
		$	95,554
	Weighted-Average Amortization Period	47 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, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
					Estimated Fair Value as of
					December 31,
	Instrument Type		Balance Sheet Classification		2014				2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(1,968	)		$	(3,307	)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts		Accounts payable		$	(2,633	)		$	(7,579	)
	The fair value of Columbia Property Trust's interest rate swaps were $(4.6) million and $(10.9) million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and included in other comprehensive income	$	1,339			$	1,997			$	(5,305	)
	Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings	$	(371	)		$	(342	)		$	(1,225	)

Real_Estate_and_Other_Transact1

Real Estate and Other Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Interests in Properties Acquired	During 2014, Columbia Property Trust acquired interests in the following properties (in thousands). Columbia Property Trust did not acquire any real estate assets during 2013.
			2014
			221 Main				650 California
			Street Building				Street Building
	Location		San Francisco, CA				San Francisco, CA
	Date acquired		22-Apr-14				9-Sep-14
	Purchase price:
	Land		$	60,509			$	75,384
	Building and improvements		161,853				221,135
	Intangible lease assets		12,776				19,306
	Intangible lease origination costs		3,475				4,290
	Intangible below market lease liability		(10,323		)		(9,908		)
	Total purchase price		$	228,290			$	310,207
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	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, 2012 (in thousands).
		As of December 31,
		2014		2013				2012
	Revenues	*		$	526,966			$	479,056
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	*		$	47,661			$	47,591
	*	Columbia Property Trust owned Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services for all of 2014.
	The following unaudited pro forma statements of operations presented for 2014, 2013, and 2012 have been prepared for Columbia Property Trust to give effect to the acquisition of both the 650 California Street Building and the 221 Main Street Building as if the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2012. 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 the 650 California Street Building and the 221 Main Street Building been consummated as of January 1, 2012 (in thousands).
		2014				2013				2012
	Revenues	$	555,472			$	550,675			$	517,958
	Net income (loss)	$	90,999			$	(17,969	)		$	(665	)
	Net income (loss) per share – basic	$	0.73			$	(0.13	)		$	—
	Net income (loss) per share – diluted	$	0.73			$	(0.13	)		$	—
Schedule of Properties of the 18 Property Sale	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

Line_of_Credit_Term_Loan_and_N1

Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of credit and notes payable indebtedness outstanding	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Columbia Property Trust had the following line of credit, term loan, and notes payable indebtedness outstanding (excluding bonds payable; see Note 5, Bonds Payable) in thousands:
			Rate as of			Term Debt or Interest Only		Outstanding Balance as of
			31-Dec-14					December 31,
	Facility						Maturity	2014		2013
	$450 Million Term Loan		LIBOR + 130 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	206,810		207,559
	650 California Street Building mortgage note		3.6	%		Interest only	7/1/19	130,000		—
	100 East Pratt Street Building mortgage note		5.08	%		Interest only	6/11/17	105,000		105,000
	221 Main Building mortgage note		3.95	%		Interest only	5/10/17	73,000		—
	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	32,074		34,713
	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
	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility		LIBOR + 110 bp		(3)	Interest only	8/21/17	—		—
	Total indebtedness							$	1,430,884	$	1,240,249
	(1)	Columbia Property Trust is party to an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively fixes its interest rate on the $450 Million Term Loan (the "450 Million Term Loan") at 2.07% 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)	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility 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 ("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%.
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, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	210,821
	2016	494,460
	2017	253,728
	2018	25,860
	2019	121,015
	Thereafter	325,000
	Total	$	1,430,884

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	As of December 31, 2014, the remaining required payments under the terms of these ground leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	2,557
	2016	2,557
	2017	2,702
	2018	2,731
	2019	2,731
	Thereafter	202,798
	Total	$	216,076
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, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	7,200
	2016	7,200
	2017	7,200
	2018	7,200
	2019	7,200
	Thereafter	134,400
		170,400
	Amounts representing interest	(50,400		)
	Total	$	120,000

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Summary of the Activity of the Employee Stock Grants	A summary of the activity for the employee stock grants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan for 2014, follows:
			Shares			Weighted-Average,
			(in thousands)			Grant-Date Fair Value(1)
	Unvested shares as of January 1, 2014		—			$	—
	Granted		144			$	24.82
	Vested		(39	)		$	24.82
	Forfeited		(1	)		$	24.82
	Unvested shares as of December 31, 2014		104		(2)	$	24.82
	(1)	Columbia Property Trust determined the weighted-average grant-date fair value using the market closing price on the date of the grant.
	(2)	As of December 31, 2014, we expect approximately 98,800 of the 104,000 unvested shares to ultimately vest, assuming a forfeiture rate of 5%, which was determined based on peer company data, adjusted for the specifics of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Summary of Shares Granted to Independent Directors	A summary of these grants, made under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, follows:
	Date of Grant		Shares			Weighted-Average
						Grant-Date Fair Value
	2015 Director Grants:
	January 2, 2015		5,850			$	25.75
	2014 Director Grants:
	January 21, 2014		3,344			$	24.82
	April 1, 2014		2,968			$	27.22
	July 1, 2014		3,016			$	25.78
	October 1, 2014		4,960			$	23.89
	2013 Director Grant:
	September 13, 2013		6,820			$	29.32
Summary of Stock Option Activity Under the Director Plan	A summary of stock option activity under the Director Plan during 2014, 2013, and 2012, follows:
			Number			Exercise		Exercisable
						Price
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2011		7,375			$48		7,250
	Granted		—
	Expired		—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2012		7,375			$48		7,375
	Granted		—
	Expired		—
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		7,375			$48		7,375
	Granted		—
	Expired		(3,500	)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014		3,875			$48		3,875

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):
	2015	$	376,623
	2016	361,085
	2017	306,788
	2018	269,712
	2019	248,991
	Thereafter	1,070,022
	Total	$	2,633,221

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No1

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Investment in real estate funded with other assets	$	3,807	$	—		$	—
	Other assets assumed upon acquisition	$	2,493	$	741		$	130
	Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition	$	2,004	$	741		$	—
	Other liabilities settled at disposition	$	—	$	872		$	—
	Interest rate swap assumed upon acquisition of property	$	—	$	—		$	11,560
	Notes payable assumed at acquisition	$	203,000	$	—		$	208,330
	Interest accruing into notes payable	$	—	$	186		$	306
	Amortization of discounts (premiums) on debt	$	396	$	(363	)	$	364
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	$	1,339	$	1,997		$	(5,305	)
	Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	$	17,283	$	15,997		$	16,325
	Accrued deferred financing costs	$	—	$	—		$	35
	Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for taxes)	$	1,642	$	—		$	—
	Accrued redemptions of common stock	$	—	$	—		$	3,655
	Transfer of development authority bonds	$	—	$	466,000		$	60,000
	Stock-based compensation expense	$	—	$	1,055		$	—
	Increase (decrease) in redeemable common stock	$	—	$	(99,526	)	$	13,621

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_1

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Columbia Property Trust incurred the following related-party costs during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively (in thousands):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Consulting services	$	—	$	25,417	$	—
	Transition services	—		5,750		3,008
	Asset management fees	—		5,083		32,000
	Administrative reimbursements, net(1)	—		1,939		11,099
	Investor services	—		829		—
	Property management fees	—		523		4,462
	Construction fees(2)	—		139		220
	Other	—		69		126
	Acquisition fees	—		—		1,500
	Disposition fees	—		—		1,311
	Total	$	—	$	39,749	$	53,726
	(1)	Administrative reimbursements are presented net of reimbursements from tenants of approximately $0.7 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	(2)	Construction fees are capitalized to real estate assets as incurred.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Basis Net Income Reconciliation	Columbia Property Trust's income tax basis net income during 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands) follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	GAAP basis financial statement net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	92,635			$	15,720			$	48,039
	Increase (decrease) in net income resulting from:
	Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	69,832				72,554				81,681
	Rental income accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	(8,437		)		(26,565		)		(24,798		)
	Net amortization of above-/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(9,394		)		(8,186		)		(3,423		)
	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	(4,945		)		(5,530		)		(173		)
	Bad debt expense for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes	(1		)		(65		)		(5,034		)
	Gains or losses on disposition of real property for financial reporting purposes that are more favorable than amounts for income tax purposes	(47,159		)		(78,559		)		(61,198		)
	Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes	31,991				9,710				7,349
	Income tax basis net income (loss), prior to dividends-paid deduction	$	124,522			$	(20,921	)		$	42,443
Schedule of Distributions to Common Stockholders	Columbia Property Trust's distributions per common share are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Ordinary income	83.1	%		—	%		16	%
	Capital gains	—	%		—	%		—	%
	Return of capital	16.9	%		100	%		84	%
	Total	100	%		100	%		100	%
Schedule of Income Taxes	The income taxes recorded by the TRS Entities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, are as follows:
		Years ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	Federal income tax	$	318			$	307			$	265
	State income tax	35				2				14
	Total income tax	$	353			$	309			$	279

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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). 2014 amounts reflect post closing adjustments and true ups related to the 18 Property Sale, which closed prior to our adoption of ASU 2014-08.
		Years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	4		$	48,550		$	91,132
	Tenant reimbursements	115			11,205			18,059
	Other property income	—			291			5,471
		119			60,046			114,662
	Expenses:
	Property operating costs	(250		)	21,232			36,996
	Asset and property management fees	7			1,501			7,974
	Depreciation	—			11,730			21,609
	Amortization	—			7,590			15,776
	Impairment loss on real estate assets	—			29,737			18,467
	General and administrative	755			1,360			748
	Total expenses	512			73,150			101,570
	Operating income (loss)	(393		)	(13,104		)	13,092
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense	3			(3,804		)	(6,610		)
	Interest and other income	—			293			16
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(4,709		)	—
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense	(390		)	(21,324		)	6,498
	Income tax expense	—			(1		)	(14		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(390		)	(21,325		)	6,484
	Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	(1,627		)	11,225			20,117
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(2,017	)	$	(10,100	)	$	26,601

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The following table reconciles the numerator for the basic and diluted earnings per share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014				2013			2012
	Net income	$	92,635			$	15,720		$	48,039
	Distributions paid on unvested shares	(128		)		—			—
	Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	$	92,507			$	15,720		$	48,039
	The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for 2014, 2013, and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Weighted-average common shares – basic	124,860			134,085			136,672
	Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions less assumed share repurchases:
	2013 LTIP Employee Grant	29			—			—
	2014 LTIP Employee Grant	29			—			—
	Weighted-average common shares – diluted	124,918			134,085			136,672

Quarterly_Results_unaudited_Ta

Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014 and 2013(in thousands, except per-share data):
		2014
		First Quarter				Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	Revenues	$	129,168			$	136,757		$	136,981		$	137,891
	Net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	3,400			$	8,021		$	24,988		$	56,226		(1)
	Basic net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share	$	0.03			$	0.06		$	0.2		$	0.45
	Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share	$	0.03			$	0.06		$	0.2		$	0.45
	Distributions declared per share	$	0.3			$	0.3		$	0.3		$	0.3
		2013
		First					Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
		Quarter
	Revenues(2)	$	128,792				$	131,897		$	132,502		$	133,387
	Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	(22,608	)	(3)		$	20,601		$	4,800		$	12,927
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(4)	$	(0.17	)			$	0.15		$	0.04		$	0.1
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share(4)	$	(0.17	)			$	0.15		$	0.04		$	0.1
	Distributions declared per share(4)	$	0.38				$	0.38		$	0.38		$	0.3
	(1)	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
	(2)	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties sold as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
	(3)	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).
	(4)	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, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands)
		As of December 31, 2014
		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		$	778,860		$	—		$	785,101
	Buildings and improvements, net	—			29,899			2,996,532			—			3,026,431
	Intangible lease assets, net	—			—			247,068			—			247,068
	Construction in progress	—			433			17,529			—			17,962
	Total real estate assets	—			36,573			4,039,989			—			4,076,562
	Cash and cash equivalents	119,488			10,504			19,798			—			149,790
	Investment in subsidiaries	2,409,941			2,120,018			—			(4,529,959		)	—
	Tenant receivables, net of allowance	—			246			6,699			—			6,945
	Straight-line rent receivable	—			781			115,708			—			116,489
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	204,079			148,226			19,734			(319,896		)	52,143
	Deferred financing costs, net	—			6,020			2,406			—			8,426
	Intangible lease origination costs, net	—			—			105,528			—			105,528
	Deferred lease costs, net	—			1,658			101,337			—			102,995
	Investment in development authority bonds	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total assets	$	2,733,508		$	2,324,026		$	4,531,199		$	(4,849,855	)	$	4,738,878
	Liabilities:
	Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	$	—		$	450,000		$	1,299,232		$	(318,348	)	$	1,430,884
	Bonds payable, net	—			249,182			—			—			249,182
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	30			9,749			96,497			—			106,276
	Due to affiliates	—			24			1,524			(1,548		)	—
	Deferred income	—			171			24,582			—			24,753
	Intangible lease liabilities, net	—			—			74,305			—			74,305
	Obligations under capital leases	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	Total liabilities	30			709,126			1,616,140			(319,896		)	2,005,400
	Equity:
	Total equity	2,733,478			1,614,900			2,915,059			(4,529,959		)	2,733,478
	Total liabilities, redeemable common stock, and equity	$	2,733,508		$	2,324,026		$	4,531,199		$	(4,849,855	)	$	4,738,878
	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
	Building 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	—			—			120,000			—			120,000
	bonds
	Total assets	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
	Liabilities:
	Lines of credit, term loan, and notes payable	$	—		$	450,000		$	1,110,838		$	(320,589	)	$	1,240,249
	Bonds payable, net	—			248,930			—			—			248,930
	Accounts payable, accrued expenses,	31			11,816			87,831			—			99,678
	and accrued capital expenditures
	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
Equity:
Total equity	2,787,823			1,789,262			3,055,067			(4,844,329		)	2,787,823
Total liabilities, redeemable	$	2,787,854		$	2,499,229		$	4,471,898		$	(5,166,499	)	$	4,592,482
common stock, and equity
Consolidating Statements of Operations	Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands)
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors			Adjustments			(Consolidated)
	Revenues:
	Rental income	$	—		$	1,150		$	413,752		$	(361	)	$	414,541
	Tenant reimbursements	—			222			95,153			—			95,375
	Hotel income	—			—			22,885			—			22,885
	Other property income	—			—			8,220			(224		)	7,996
		—			1,372			540,010			(585		)	540,797
	Expenses:
	Property operating costs	—			2,716			161,367			(361		)	163,722
	Hotel operating costs	—			—			18,792			—			18,792
	Asset and property management fees:
	Related-party	—			17			—			(17		)	—
	Other	—			—			2,258			—			2,258
	Depreciation	—			1,795			115,971			—			117,766
	Amortization	—			121			78,722			—			78,843
	Impairment loss on real estate assets	—			—			25,130			—			25,130
	General and administrative	149			9,701			21,632			(207		)	31,275
	Acquisition expenses	—			—			14,142			—			14,142
		149			14,350			438,014			(585		)	451,928
	Real estate operating income (loss)	(149		)	(12,978		)	101,996			—			88,869
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense	—			(30,271		)	(64,105		)	18,665			(75,711		)
	Interest and other income	7,969			10,724			7,247			(18,665		)	7,275
	Loss on interest rate swaps	—			—			(371		)	—			(371		)
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(23		)	—			(23		)
	Income from equity investment	84,815			113,976			—			(198,791		)	—
		92,784			94,429			(57,252		)	(198,791		)	(68,830		)
	Income before income tax expense	92,635			81,451			44,744			(198,791		)	20,039
	Income tax expense	—			(4		)	(658		)	—			(662		)
	Income before gains of sale of real estate assets	92,635			81,447			44,086			(198,791		)	19,377
	Gains on sale of real estate assets	—			—			75,275			—			75,275
	Income from continuing operations	92,635			81,447			119,361			(198,791		)	94,652
	Discontinued operations:
	Operating loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(390		)	—			(390		)
	Loss on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			(1,627		)	—			(1,627		)
	Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(2,017		)	—			(2,017		)
	Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$	92,635		$	81,447		$	117,344		$	(198,791	)	$	92,635
	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 income (loss)	(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 from equity investment	12,463			86,101			—			(98,564		)	—
	20,450			64,316			(54,456		)	(98,564		)	(68,254		)
Income before income tax expense	15,720			14,331			94,833			(98,564		)	26,320
Income tax expense	—			(3		)	(497		)	—			(500		)
Income 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 on disposition of discontinued operations	—			—			11,225			—			11,225
Income (loss) 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 income (loss)	(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 Comprehensive Income	Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
		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.	$	92,635		$	81,447		$	117,344		$	(198,791	)	$	92,635
	Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,339			1,339			—			(1,339		)	1,339
	Comprehensive income	$	93,974		$	82,786		$	117,344		$	(200,130	)	$	93,974
		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
Consolidating Statements Cash Flows	Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands)
		For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Columbia Property Trust			Columbia Property Trust OP			Non-			Consolidating Adjustments			Columbia Property Trust
		(Parent)			(the Issuer)			Guarantors						(Consolidated)
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	(122	)	$	(38,618	)	$	275,646		$	—		$	236,906
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Net proceeds from sale of real estate	—			418,207			—			—			418,207
	Investment in real estate and related assets	(5,000		)	(366,380		)	(70,615		)	—			(441,995		)
	Investments in subsidiaries	67,403			—			—			(67,403		)	—
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	62,403			51,827			(70,615		)	(67,403		)	(23,788		)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	—			282,807			(1,289		)	—			281,518
	Repayments	—			(283,000		)	(11,739		)	—			(294,739		)
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			—			—			—
	Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	—			—			—			—			—
	Distributions	(149,962		)	—			—			—			(149,962		)
	Intercompany transfers, net	153,847			(23,220		)	(198,030		)	67,403			—
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,885			(23,413		)	(211,058		)	67,403			(163,183		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	66,166			(10,204		)	(6,027		)	—			49,935
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,322			20,708			25,825			—			99,855
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	119,488		$	10,504		$	19,798		$	—		$	149,790
	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	—			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	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
		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 provided by (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

Organization_Details

Organization (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
	Properties	Buildings
	sqft	States
		sqft
Real Estate
Number of operational buildings		52
Square feet of commercial space		15,700,000
Number of states with properties		12
Leased office space of owned properties, percent		93.30%
Office Building
Real Estate
Number of properties		35
Office Building | Corporate Joint Venture
Real Estate
Number of properties		1
Hotel
Real Estate
Number of properties		1
Subsequent Event | Office Building
Real Estate
Square feet of commercial space	900,000
Number of real estate properties acquired	3

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 05, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 04, 2014	Apr. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 04, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
							Asset				Asset
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest capitalized		$0	$0
Impairment loss on real estate assets	10,100,000	25,130,000	0	0
Accumulated depreciation of lease assets	313,822,000	313,822,000	298,975,000		298,975,000				298,975,000
Amortization of intangible assets		74,212,000	84,630,000	100,482,000
Cash equivalent maturity period		3 months
Provision for doubtful accounts		500,000	-100,000
Earnest money deposits	27,000,000	27,000,000
Amortization of financing costs		3,500,000	3,800,000	3,200,000
Amortization of deferred leasing costs		12,200,000	13,100,000	10,900,000
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures				301,000
Preferred stock shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock par value per share	$0.01	$0.01
Requirement to distribute taxable income (percent)	90.00%	90.00%
Fair value of interest rate swaps	-4,600,000	-4,600,000	-10,900,000		-10,900,000				-10,900,000
Limit on investments in taxable real estate investment trusts (percent)	25.00%	25.00%
Building
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets		40 years
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amount of assets identified that are near-term disposition	500,000,000	500,000,000
Minimum | Building and site improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets		5 years
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amount of assets identified that are near-term disposition	600,000,000	600,000,000
Maximum | Building and site improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of assets		25 years
Below-Market Lease Assets
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets	110,673,000	110,673,000	110,700,000		110,700,000				110,700,000
Accumulated depreciation of lease assets	15,119,000	15,119,000	13,100,000		13,100,000				13,100,000
Amortization of intangible assets		2,100,000	2,100,000	2,100,000
Lenox Park Buildings
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Repayment of development authority bonds and capital lease obligations					216,000,000
Lindbergh Center
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Repayment of development authority bonds and capital lease obligations					250,000,000
One Glenlake Parkway
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Repayment of development authority bonds and capital lease obligations						60,000,000
Nine-Property Sale
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of assets in outlying markets marketed for sale							9
180 E 100 South Property
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets							18,500,000
18 Property Sale
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets									29,700,000	12,900,000
Number of properties											18
Fair value of property										500,000,000
Proceeds from sale of real estate								521,500,000
160 Park Avenue Building
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of real estate												10,200,000
Bannockburn Lake III
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets	10,100,000
Robbins Road
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Additional percentage of noncontrolling interest acquired in consolidated joint ventures													0.70%
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures													300,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | 120 Eagle Rock
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets			11,708,000								11,700,000
Fair value of property			12,100,000		12,100,000				12,100,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | 333 & 777 Republic Drive
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets			5,159,000								5,200,000
Fair value of property			8,200,000		8,200,000				8,200,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Bannockburn Lake III
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets		10,148,000
Fair value of property	5,000,000	5,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | 160 Park Avenue Building
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets														13,600,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | 200 South Orange Building
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets															1,400,000
Fair value of property															18,400,000
Proceeds from sale of real estate															18,400,000
Unsecured Debt | 2018 Bonds Payable
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt face amount																	$250,000,000
Terms of debt																7 years
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)																	5.88%
Discount rate of face value of issued debt instrument (percent)																	99.30%

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Recognized Fair Value Adjustments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment Loss Recognized	($10,100)	($25,130)	$0	$0
Bannockburn Lake III
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment Loss Recognized	-10,100
Bannockburn Lake III | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net Book Value	15,148	15,148
Impairment Loss Recognized		-10,148
Fair Value	5,000	5,000
120 Eagle Rock | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net Book Value			23,808
Impairment Loss Recognized			-11,708		-11,700
Fair Value			12,100
333 & 777 Republic Drive | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net Book Value			13,359
Impairment Loss Recognized			-5,159		-5,200
Fair Value			8,200
180 E 100 South | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net Book Value				30,847
Impairment Loss Recognized				-18,467
Fair Value				$12,380

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Lease Assets
Accumulated Amortization	($313,822)	($298,975)
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	-219,626	-216,598
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	247,068	281,220
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	105,528	148,889
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities, Gross	159,240	150,364
Intangible Below-Market In-Please Lease Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization	-84,935	-76,500
Below Market Lease, Net	74,305	73,864
Amortization of Below Market Lease	15,507	14,411	15,324
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	79,805	80,836
Accumulated Amortization	-61,619	-56,859
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	18,186	23,977
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5,368	6,077	8,901
Absorption Period Costs
Intangible Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	370,412	388,686
Accumulated Amortization	-237,084	-229,065
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	133,328	159,621
Amortization of Intangible Assets	36,474	38,879	48,997
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Intangible Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Gross	325,154	365,487
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	-219,626	-216,598
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	105,528	148,889
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$33,037	$38,978	$42,866

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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	$247,068	$281,220
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	105,528	148,889
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities
2015	17,198
2016	11,895
2017	8,073
2018	6,596
2019	5,893
Thereafter	24,650
Below Market Lease, Net	74,305	73,864
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	6 years
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets
2015	4,480
2016	3,748
2017	1,879
2018	1,075
2019	1,035
Thereafter	5,969
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	18,186	23,977
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	3 years
Absorption Period Costs
Intangible Lease Assets
2015	35,284
2016	24,942
2017	16,687
2018	12,297
2019	10,969
Thereafter	33,149
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	133,328	159,621
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	4 years
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Intangible Lease Assets
2015	28,483
2016	21,587
2017	14,777
2018	10,269
2019	9,198
Thereafter	21,214
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	$105,528	$148,889
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	4 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Future Amortization for Below-Market Lease Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	$247,068	$281,220
Below-Market Lease Assets
Intangible Lease Assets
2015	2,069
2016	2,069
2017	2,069
2018	2,069
2019	2,069
Thereafter	85,209
Intangible Lease Assets, Net	$95,554
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	47 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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Derivative Instruments Impact on Results of Operations [Abstract]
Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and included in other comprehensive income	$1,339	$1,997	($5,305)
Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings	-371	-342	-1,225
Interest Rate Contract | Accounts Payable
Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract]
Derivative designated as hedging instruments, interest rate contracts	-1,968	-3,307
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, interest rate contracts	($2,633)	($7,579)

Real_Estate_and_Other_Transact2

Real Estate and Other Transactions (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 04, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jul. 01, 2014

Aug. 22, 2014

Oct. 03, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Nov. 05, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 21, 2013

Mar. 21, 2013

Apr. 22, 2014

Sep. 09, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Jan. 07, 2015

Jan. 08, 2015

Jan. 06, 2015

Jan. 31, 2015

sqft

sqft

Buildings

Properties

sqft

sqft

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of commercial space

15,700,000

15,700,000

15,700,000

15,700,000

15,700,000

Payments to acquire real estate

$335,986,000

$0

$188,750,000

Acquisition fees and expenses

14,142,000

0

1,876,000

Leased office space of owned properties, percent

93.30%

93.30%

93.30%

93.30%

93.30%

Earnest money deposits

27,000,000

0

0

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Impairment loss on real estate assets

10,100,000

25,130,000

0

0

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

-1,627,000

11,225,000

20,117,000

160 Park Avenue Building

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Proceeds from sale of real estate

10,200,000

Impairment loss on real estate assets

13,600,000

200 South Orange Building

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Proceeds from sale of real estate

18,800,000

Impairment loss on real estate assets

1,400,000

7031 Columbia Gateway Drive

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Proceeds from sale of real estate

59,500,000

Gain on sale of real estate

7,700,000

Nine Technology Drive Building

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Proceeds from sale of real estate

47,000,000

Gain on sale of real estate

11,100,000

Lenox Park Buildings

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Proceeds from sale of real estate

290,000,000

Gain on sale of real estate

56,500,000

Number of property sold

5

221 MAIN STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenues recognized since acquisition date

12,700,000

Net loss recognized since acquisition date

10,900,000

Acquisition fees and expenses

6,100,000

Leased office space of owned properties, percent

82.80%

Number of tenants

40

650 CALIFORNIA STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenues recognized since acquisition date

8,000,000

Net loss recognized since acquisition date

9,700,000

Acquisition fees and expenses

8,000,000

Leased office space of owned properties, percent

88.10%

Number of tenants

18

18 Property Sale

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Proceeds from sale of real estate

521,500,000

Impairment loss on real estate assets

29,700,000

12,900,000

Number of property sold

18

Gain (loss) on sale of real estate properties

-400,000

Dvintsev Business Center - Tower B | Landlink Ltd

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Proceeds from sale of real estate

67,500,000

Gain (loss) on sale of real estate properties

10,000,000

Real estate ownership percentage

100.00%

100.00%

Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations

10,000,000

Office Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of properties

35

35

35

35

35

Office Building | 221 MAIN STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of commercial space

388,000

Payments to acquire real estate

228,800,000

Liability assumed from business acquisition

73,000,000

Office Building | 650 CALIFORNIA STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of commercial space

478,000

Payments to acquire real estate

310,200,000

Liability assumed from business acquisition

130,000,000

Office Building | 315 Park Ave S and 1881 Campus Commons Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Earnest money deposits

17,000,000

Office Building | 116 Huntington Avenue

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Earnest money deposits

10,000,000

JPMorgan

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Proceeds from borrowings on line of credit

116,000,000

118,000,000

DocuSign, Inc | Customer concentration risk | 221 MAIN STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Concentration risk percentage

16.00%

Littler Mendelson | Customer concentration risk | 650 CALIFORNIA STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Concentration risk percentage

24.00%

Credit Suisse | Customer concentration risk | 650 CALIFORNIA STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Concentration risk percentage

13.00%

Goodby Silverstein | Customer concentration risk | 650 CALIFORNIA STREET

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Concentration risk percentage

11.00%

Subsequent Event | Office Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of commercial space

900,000

Subsequent Event | Office Building | 315 Park Ave S and 1881 Campus Commons Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to acquire real estate

436,000,000

Number of properties

2

Subsequent Event | Office Building | 116 Huntington Avenue

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of commercial space

274,000

Payments to acquire real estate

152,000,000

Subsequent Event | Office Building | 315 Park Avenue Commons Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of commercial space

341,000

Subsequent Event | Office Building | 1881 Campus Commons Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of commercial space

245,000

JPMorgan Chase Term Loan | Unsecured Debt | Subsequent Event

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Debt face amount

300,000,000

JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility | Credit Facilities | Subsequent Event

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Proceeds from borrowings on line of credit

$140,000,000

Real_Estate_and_Other_Transact3

Real Estate and Other Transactions (Interests in Properties Acquired) (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 22, 2014	Sep. 09, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
221 MAIN STREET
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Land	$60,509
Building and improvements	161,853
Intangible lease assets	12,776
Intangible lease origination costs	3,475
Intangible below market lease liability	-10,323
Total Purchase Price	228,290
650 CALIFORNIA STREET
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Land		75,384
Building and improvements		221,135
Intangible lease assets		19,306
Intangible lease origination costs		4,290
Intangible below market lease liability		-9,908
Total Purchase Price		$310,207

Real_Estate_and_Other_Transact4

Real Estate and Other Transactions (Pro Forma) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
650 California Street Building and 221 Main Street Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	$555,472	$550,675	$517,958
Net income (loss)	90,999	-17,969	-665
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.73	($0.13)	$0
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.73	($0.13)	$0
Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues		526,966	479,056
Net income (loss)		$47,661	$47,591

Line_of_Credit_Term_Loan_and_N2

Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable (Schedule of Long-Term Debt (excluding Bonds Payable)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Aug. 21, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Balance	$1,430,884,000			$1,240,249,000
Term Loans | $450 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity	3-Feb-16
Outstanding Balance	450,000,000			450,000,000
Debt face amount	450,000,000
Effective interest rate (percent)	2.07%
Mortgage Notes | Market Square Buildings mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	5.07%
Maturity	1-Jul-23
Outstanding Balance	325,000,000			325,000,000
Mortgage Notes | 333 Market Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity	1-Jul-15
Outstanding Balance	206,810,000			207,559,000
Effective interest rate (percent)	4.75%
Mortgage Notes | 650 California Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	3.60%
Maturity	1-Jul-19
Outstanding Balance	130,000,000			0	130,000,000
Mortgage Notes | 100 East Pratt Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	5.08%
Maturity	11-Jun-17
Outstanding Balance	105,000,000			105,000,000
Mortgage Notes | 221 Main Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	3.95%
Maturity	10-May-17
Outstanding Balance	73,000,000			0		73,000,000
Mortgage Notes | 263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	5.55%
Maturity	1-Jul-17
Outstanding Balance	49,000,000			49,000,000
Mortgage Notes | SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	5.83%
Maturity	11-Oct-16
Outstanding Balance	39,000,000			39,000,000
Mortgage Notes | One Glenlake Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	5.80%
Maturity	10-Dec-18
Outstanding Balance	32,074,000			34,713,000
Mortgage Notes | 215 Diehl Road Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	5.55%
Maturity	1-Jul-17
Outstanding Balance	21,000,000			21,000,000
Mortgage Notes | 544 Lakeview Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated Interest Rate	5.54%
Maturity	1-Dec-14
Outstanding Balance	0			8,977,000
Credit Facilities | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity	21-Aug-17
Outstanding Balance	$0			$0
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Term Loans | $450 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin	1.30%	[1]
Variable rate basis	LIBOR	[1]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Mortgage Notes | 333 Market Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin	2.02%	[2]
Variable rate basis	LIBOR	[2]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Credit Facilities | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin	1.10%	[3]
Variable rate basis	LIBOR	[3]
Seven-Day LIBOR | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			Seven-Day LIBOR
Seven-Day LIBOR | Minimum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.00%
Seven-Day LIBOR | Maximum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.70%
Prime Rate | Credit Facilities | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis	prime rate
Alternative Base Rate | Minimum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			0.00%
Alternative Base Rate | Maximum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			0.70%
One-Month LIBOR | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			One-Month LIBOR
One-Month LIBOR | Minimum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.00%
One-Month LIBOR | Maximum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.70%
Two-Month LIBOR | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			Two-Month LIBOR
Two-Month LIBOR | Minimum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.00%
Two-Month LIBOR | Maximum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.70%
Three-Month LIBOR | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			Three-Month LIBOR
Three-Month LIBOR | Minimum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.00%
Three-Month LIBOR | Maximum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.70%
Six-Month LIBOR | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis			Six-Month LIBOR
Six-Month LIBOR | Minimum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			1.00%
Six-Month LIBOR | Maximum | JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin			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 (the "450 Million Term Loan") at 2.07% 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]	JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility 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 ("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_Term_Loan_and_N3

Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 08, 2014	Jan. 06, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	$1,430,884,000	$1,240,249,000
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity	25,000,000
Weighted-average interest rate	3.95%	4.08%
Interest payments	56,100,000	59,600,000	50,100,000
Prepayment of mortgage note	294,739,000	461,940,000	627,191,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	4,709,000	0
Mortgage Notes | 221 Main Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	73,000,000	0					73,000,000
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)	3.95%
Mortgage Notes | 650 California Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	130,000,000	0						130,000,000
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)	3.60%
544 Lakeview Building
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of mortgage note				9,100,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				23,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of line of credit and notes payable	1,465,200,000	1,245,300,000
Minimum | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of unencumbered asset value to total unsecured debt	200.00%
Maximum | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restrictive covenant ratio of debt to total asset	50.00%
Restrictive covenant ratio of secured debt to total asset	40.00%
Restrictive covenant ratio of secured recourse debt to total asset	10.00%
Subsequent Event | Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt face amount					300,000,000
Terms of debt					6 months
Number of borrowing increase options					2
Aggregate borrowing increases capacity					150,000,000
Maximum borrowing increase per option					25,000,000
Extension period option					6 months
Base Rate | Subsequent Event | Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis					alternate base rate
Base Rate | Subsequent Event | Minimum | Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin					0.00%
Base Rate | Subsequent Event | Maximum | Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin					0.80%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Subsequent Event | Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate basis					LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Subsequent Event | Minimum | Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin					1.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Subsequent Event | Maximum | Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate margin					1.80%
Scenario, Forecast | Mortgage Notes | 650 California Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)						3.60%
Monthly payments amount						591,000
Frequency of periodic payment						monthly
Annual principal and interest payment						$7,100,000

Line_of_Credit_Term_Loan_and_N4

Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable (Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$210,821
2016	494,460
2017	253,728
2018	25,860
2019	121,015
Thereafter	325,000
Total	$1,430,884

Bonds_Payable_Details

Bonds Payable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable	$818,000	$1,070,000
Bonds Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity period of debt instrument			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	$250,600,000	$250,800,000
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]
Restrictive covenant of consolidated income to annual debt service charges			150.00%
Ratio of unencumbered asset value to total unsecured debt			150.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Lease Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Properties
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of properties subject to ground leases	3
Rent expenses incurred	$2,100,000	$2,100,000	$2,100,000
Obligations Under Operating Leases
2015	2,557,000
2016	2,557,000
2017	2,702,000
2018	2,731,000
2019	2,731,000
Thereafter	202,798,000
Total	216,076,000
Obligations Under Capital Leases
2015	7,200,000
2016	7,200,000
2017	7,200,000
2018	7,200,000
2019	7,200,000
Thereafter	134,400,000
Total payments with interest	170,400,000
Amounts representing interest	-50,400,000
Total	$120,000,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Aug. 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 21, 2014	Nov. 18, 2013	Jan. 21, 2015	Jul. 01, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 10, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$0	$1,055,000	$0
Four for one reverse stock split (in percent)	0.25
Common stock, shares authorized		225,000,000	900,000,000					225,000,000	900,000,000
Listing costs		0	4,060,000	0
Redemption of common stock		0	115,781,000	99,381,000
2014 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense related to future employee awards		900,000
2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares authorized and reserved under the Director Plan										2,000,000
Shares granted		144,000			143,740
Shares withheld to settle tax liability					12,752
Stock-based compensation expense		2,000,000	1,100,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards		1,700,000	900,000
Stock Options | Director Stock Option Plan
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares authorized and reserved under the Director Plan		25,000
Award vesting rights (in percent)		20.00%
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 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
Options granted expiration period		10 years
Percentage of outstanding shares ( in percent)		10.00%
Weighted-average contractual remaining life for options		1 year 9 months
Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs recognition period (years)		1 year
Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs recognition period (years)		3 years
Dutch-Auction Tender Offer
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dutch-auction tender offer maximum amount											300,000,000
Tender offer redemptions of common stock accepted (in shares)						9,400,000
Redemption of common stock						234,100,000
Dutch-Auction Tender Offer | Maximum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tender offer price per share						$25
Grant date | 2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)					25.00%
12 months after grant date | 2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)					25.00%
24 months after grant date | 2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)					25.00%
36 months after grant date | 2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)					25.00%
Employees | 2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		700,000	900,000
Director | 2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$400,000	$200,000
Subsequent Event | 2014 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares granted							123,187
Shares withheld to settle tax liability							11,368
Subsequent Event | Grant date | 2014 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)							25.00%
Subsequent Event | 12 months after grant date | 2014 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)							25.00%
Subsequent Event | 24 months after grant date | 2014 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)							25.00%
Subsequent Event | 36 months after grant date | 2014 LTIP Employee Grant
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)							25.00%

Stockholders_Equity_Unvested_A

Stockholders' Equity (Unvested Activity Rollforward) (Details) (2013 LTIP Employee Grant, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested shares as of January 1, 2014		0
Granted	143,740	144,000
Vested		-39,000
Forfeited		-1,000
Unvested shares as of December 31, 2014		104,000	[1]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Unvested shares as of January 1, 2014		$0	[2]
Granted		$24.82	[2]
Vested		$24.82	[2]
Forfeited		$24.82	[2]
Unvested shares as of December 31, 2014		$24.82	[2]
Shares expected to ultimately vest		98,800
Expected forfeiture rate		5.00%
[1]	As of DecemberB 31, 2014, we expect approximately 98,800 of the 104,000 unvested shares to ultimately vest, assuming a forfeiture rate of 5%, which was determined based on peer company data, adjusted for the specifics of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
[2]	Columbia Property Trust determined the weighted-average grant-date fair value using the market closing price on the date of the grant.

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Shares Granted to Independent Director) (Details) (2013 LTIP Employee Grant, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jan. 21, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Apr. 02, 2014	Jul. 01, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014	Sep. 13, 2013	Jan. 02, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	143,740	144,000
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value		$24.82	[1]
January 21, 2014 | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	3,344
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value	24.82
April 1, 2014 | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted				2,968
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value				$27.22
July 1, 2014 | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted					3,016
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value					$25.78
October 1, 2014 | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted						4,960
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value						$23.89
September 13, 2013 | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted							6,820
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value							$29.32
Subsequent Event | January 02, 2015 | Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted								5,850
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value								$25.75
[1]	Columbia Property Trust determined the weighted-average grant-date fair value using the market closing price on the date of the grant.

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Stock Option Under the Director Plan) (Details) (Director Stock Option Plan, Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Director Stock Option Plan | Stock Options
Number of Shares
Outstanding, beginning period	7,375	7,375	7,375
Granted	0	0	0
Expired	-3,500	0	0
Outstanding, period end	3,875	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	3,875	7,375	7,375

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of states in which entity operates	12
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2015	376,623
2016	361,085
2017	306,788
2018	269,712
2019	248,991
Thereafter	1,070,022
Total	2,633,221
Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	6.00%
Number of properties | San Francisco | Geographic concentration risk
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	19.00%
Number of properties | District Of Columbia | Geographic concentration risk
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	12.00%
Number of properties | Northern New Jersey | Geographic concentration risk
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%
Legal industry | Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	18.00%
Banking industry | Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	14.00%
Business Services Industry | Lease revenue | Customer concentration risk
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	8.00%

Supplemental_Disclosures_of_No2

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Investment in real estate funded with other assets	$3,807	$0	$0
Other assets assumed upon acquisition	2,493	741	130
Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition	2,004	741	0
Other liabilities settled at disposition	0	872	0
Interest rate swap assumed upon acquisition of property	0	0	11,560
Notes payable assumed at acquisition	203,000	0	208,330
Interest accruing into notes payable	0	186	306
Amortization of discounts (premiums) on debt	396	-363	364
Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	1,339	1,997	-5,305
Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	17,283	15,997	16,325
Accrued deferred financing costs	0	0	35
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for taxes)	1,642	0	0
Accrued redemptions of common stock	0	0	3,655
Transfer of development authority bonds	0	466,000	60,000
Stock-based compensation expense	0	1,055	0
Increase (decrease) in redeemable common stock	$0	($99,526)	$13,621

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_2

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to affiliates	$0	$0
Transitional Services Agreement | WREF
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total amount payable to related party under agreement	$8,800,000

RelatedParty_Transactions_and_3

Related-Party Transactions and Agreements (Schedule of Related-Party Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	$0		$39,749,000		$53,726,000
Tenant reimbursements			700,000		4,400,000
Consulting Fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0		25,417,000		0
Transition services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0		5,750,000		3,008,000
Asset management fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0		5,083,000		32,000,000
Administrative reimbursements, net
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0	[1]	1,939,000	[1]	11,099,000	[1]
Investor Services
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0		829,000		0
Property management fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0		523,000		4,462,000
Construction fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0	[2]	139,000	[2]	220,000	[2]
Other offering costs
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0		69,000		126,000
Acquisition Fees
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	0		0		1,500,000
Disposition Fee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total related-party costs	$0		$0		$1,311,000
[1]	Administrative reimbursements are presented net of reimbursements from tenants of approximately $0.7 million and $4.4 million for the years ended DecemberB 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
[2]	Construction fees are capitalized to real estate assets as incurred

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, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
GAAP basis financial statement net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$56,226	[1]	$24,988	$8,021	$3,400	$12,927	$4,800	$20,601	($22,608)	[2]	$92,635	$15,720	$48,039
Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes											69,832	72,554	81,681
Rental income accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes											-8,437	-26,565	-24,798
Net amortization of above-/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes											-9,394	-8,186	-3,423
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											-4,945	-5,530	-173
Bad debt expense for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes											-1	-65	-5,034
Gains or losses on disposition of real property for financial reporting purposes that are more favorable than amounts for income tax purposes											-47,159	-78,559	-61,198
Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes											31,991	9,710	7,349
Income tax basis net income (loss), prior to dividends-paid deduction											$124,522	($20,921)	$42,443
[1]	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
[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).

Income_Taxes_Distributions_Det

Income Taxes (Distributions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax basis carrying value of total assets	$5.20
Ordinary income	83.10%	0.00%	16.00%
Capital gains	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Return of capital	16.90%	100.00%	84.00%
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total income tax	$662,000	$500,000	$572,000
Deferred tax liabilities	0	0
Deferred tax asset	300,000	600,000
Columbia TRS
Effective Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Federal income tax	318,000	307,000	265,000
State income tax	35,000	2,000	14,000
Total income tax	$353,000	$309,000	$279,000

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 05, 2013	Mar. 21, 2013	Mar. 21, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012
				Properties			Asset
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	$418,207,000	$565,945,000	$304,264,000
18 Property Sale
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
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate properties				-400,000
Dvintsev Business Center - Tower B | Landlink Ltd
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of real estate					67,500,000
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate properties						10,000,000
Real estate ownership percentage					100.00%	100.00%
Nine-Property Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of property sold							9
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate properties							3,200,000
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate							260,500,000
Opus Parkway and Emerald Point
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate properties								16,900,000
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate								$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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Rental income	$4	$48,550	$91,132
Tenant reimbursements	115	11,205	18,059
Other property income	0	291	5,471
Revenues	119	60,046	114,662
Expenses:
Property operating costs	-250	21,232	36,996
Asset and property management fees	7	1,501	7,974
Depreciation	0	11,730	21,609
Amortization	0	7,590	15,776
Impairment loss on real estate assets	0	29,737	18,467
General and administrative	755	1,360	748
Total expenses	512	73,150	101,570
Operating income (loss)	-393	-13,104	13,092
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	3	-3,804	-6,610
Interest and other income	0	293	16
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	-4,709	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense	-390	-21,324	6,498
Income tax expense	0	-1	-14
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-390	-21,325	6,484
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations	-1,627	11,225	20,117
Income from discontinued operations	($2,017)	($10,100)	$26,601

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Basic and Diluted EPS Computation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$56,226	[1]	$24,988	$8,021	$3,400	$12,927	$4,800	$20,601	($22,608)	[2]	$92,635	$15,720	$48,039
Distributions paid on unvested shares											-128
Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share											$92,507	$15,720	$48,039
Weighted-average common shares b basic											124,860	134,085	136,672
Weighted-average common shares b diluted											124,918	134,085	136,672
2013 LTIP Employee Grant
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions less assumed share repurchases:											29	0	0
2014 LTIP Employee Grant
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions less assumed share repurchases:											29	0	0
[1]	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
[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).

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, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues		$137,891		$136,981	$136,757	$129,168	$133,387	[1]	$132,502	[1]	$131,897	[1]	$128,792	[1]	$540,797	$526,578	$494,271
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.		56,226	[2]	24,988	8,021	3,400	12,927		4,800		20,601		-22,608	[3]	92,635	15,720	48,039
Basic net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share (in dollars per share)		$0.45		$0.20	$0.06	$0.03	$0.10	[4]	$0.04	[4]	$0.15	[4]	($0.17)	[4]	$0.74	$0.12	$0.35
Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share (in dollars per share)		$0.45		$0.20	$0.06	$0.03	$0.10	[4]	$0.04	[4]	$0.15	[4]	($0.17)	[4]	$0.74	$0.12	$0.35
Distributions declared per share (in dollars per share)		$0.30		$0.30	$0.30	$0.30	$0.30	[4]	$0.38	[4]	$0.38	[4]	$0.38	[4]
Gains on sale of real estate assets		56,600													75,275	0	0
Four for one reverse stock split (in percent)	0.25
Impairment loss on real estate assets		$10,100													$25,130	$0	$0
[1]	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties sold as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
[2]	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
[3]	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).
[4]	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, 2014
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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Land	$785,101	$706,938
Buildings and improvements, net	3,026,431	2,976,287
Intangible lease assets, net	247,068	281,220
Construction in progress	17,962	7,949
Total real estate assets	4,076,562	3,972,394
Cash and cash equivalents	149,790	99,855	53,657	39,468
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	6,945	7,414
Straight-line rent receivable	116,489	113,592
Prepaid expenses and other assets	52,143	32,423
Deferred financing costs, net	8,426	10,388
Intangible lease origination costs, net	105,528	148,889
Deferred lease costs, net	102,995	87,527
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Total assets	4,738,878	4,592,482
Liabilities:
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	1,430,884	1,240,249
Bonds payable, net	249,182	248,930
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	106,276	99,678
Due to affiliates	0	0
Deferred income	24,753	21,938
Intangible lease liabilities, net	74,305	73,864
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Total liabilities	2,005,400	1,804,659
Equity:
Total equity	2,733,478	2,787,823	3,163,980	3,346,972
Total liabilities and equity	4,738,878	4,592,482
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	119,488	53,322	20,914	11,291
Investment in subsidiaries	2,409,941	2,557,347
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	204,079	177,185
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Total assets	2,733,508	2,787,854
Liabilities:
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	0	0
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	30	31
Due to affiliates	0	0
Deferred income	0	0
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Total liabilities	30	31
Equity:
Total equity	2,733,478	2,787,823
Total liabilities and equity	2,733,508	2,787,854
Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Assets:
Land	6,241	6,241
Buildings and improvements, net	29,899	24,185
Intangible lease assets, net	0	0
Construction in progress	433	28
Total real estate assets	36,573	30,454
Cash and cash equivalents	10,504	20,708	4,822	10,597
Investment in subsidiaries	2,120,018	2,286,982
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	246	0
Straight-line rent receivable	781	22
Prepaid expenses and other assets	148,226	150,806
Deferred financing costs, net	6,020	8,762
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	1,658	1,495
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Total assets	2,324,026	2,499,229
Liabilities:
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	450,000	450,000
Bonds payable, net	249,182	248,930
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	9,749	11,816
Due to affiliates	24	-925
Deferred income	171	146
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Total liabilities	709,126	709,967
Equity:
Total equity	1,614,900	1,789,262
Total liabilities and equity	2,324,026	2,499,229
Non-Guarantors
Assets:
Land	778,860	700,697
Buildings and improvements, net	2,996,532	2,952,102
Intangible lease assets, net	247,068	281,220
Construction in progress	17,529	7,921
Total real estate assets	4,039,989	3,941,940
Cash and cash equivalents	19,798	25,825	27,921	17,580
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	6,699	7,414
Straight-line rent receivable	115,708	113,570
Prepaid expenses and other assets	19,734	26,602
Deferred financing costs, net	2,406	1,626
Intangible lease origination costs, net	105,528	148,889
Deferred lease costs, net	101,337	86,032
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Total assets	4,531,199	4,471,898
Liabilities:
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	1,299,232	1,110,838
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	96,497	87,831
Due to affiliates	1,524	2,506
Deferred income	24,582	21,792
Intangible lease liabilities, net	74,305	73,864
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Total liabilities	1,616,140	1,416,831
Equity:
Total equity	2,915,059	3,055,067
Total liabilities and equity	4,531,199	4,471,898
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	-4,529,959	-4,844,329
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-319,896	-322,170
Deferred financing costs, net	0	0
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Total assets	-4,849,855	-5,166,499
Liabilities:
Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable	-318,348	-320,589
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	0	0
Due to affiliates	-1,548	-1,581
Deferred income	0	0
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Total liabilities	-319,896	-322,170
Equity:
Total equity	-4,529,959	-4,844,329
Total liabilities and equity	($4,849,855)	($5,166,499)

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, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Rental income														$414,541	$406,907	$381,796
Tenant reimbursements														95,375	90,875	88,402
Hotel income														22,885	23,756	23,049
Other property income														7,996	5,040	1,024
Revenues	137,891		136,981	136,757	129,168	133,387	[1]	132,502	[1]	131,897	[1]	128,792	[1]	540,797	526,578	494,271
Expenses:
Property operating costs														163,722	154,559	147,202
Hotel operating costs														18,792	18,340	18,362
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party														0	4,693	29,372
Other														2,258	1,671	2,421
Depreciation														117,766	108,105	98,698
Amortization														78,843	78,710	86,458
Impairment loss on real estate assets	10,100													25,130	0	0
General and administrative														31,275	61,866	24,613
Listing costs														0	4,060	0
Acquisition fees and expenses														14,142	0	1,876
Costs and expenses														451,928	432,004	409,002
Real estate operating income (loss)														88,869	94,574	85,269
Other income (expense):
Interest expense														-75,711	-101,941	-101,886
Interest and other income														7,275	34,029	39,856
Loss on interest rate swaps														-371	-342	-1,225
Loss on the early extinguishment of debt														-23	0	0
Income from equity investment														0	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)														-68,830	-68,254	-63,255
Income before income tax expense and gains on sale of real estate														20,039	26,320	22,014
Income tax expense														-662	-500	-572
Income before gains of sale of real estate assets														19,377	25,820	21,442
Gains on sale of real estate assets	56,600													75,275	0	0
Income from continuing operations														94,652	25,820	21,442
Discontinued operations:
Operating loss from discontinued operations														-390	-21,325	6,484
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations														-1,627	11,225	20,117
Income (loss) from discontinued operations														-2,017	-10,100	26,601
Net income														92,635	15,720	48,043
Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests														0	0	-4
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	56,226	[2]	24,988	8,021	3,400	12,927		4,800		20,601		-22,608	[3]	92,635	15,720	48,039
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														0	4,397	26,264
Other														0	0	0
Depreciation														0	0	0
Amortization														0	0	0
Impairment loss on real estate assets														0
General and administrative														149	16	49
Listing costs															317
Acquisition fees and expenses														0		0
Costs and expenses														149	4,730	26,313
Real estate operating income (loss)														-149	-4,730	-26,313
Other income (expense):
Interest expense														0	0	0
Interest and other income														7,969	7,987	7,988
Loss on interest rate swaps														0	0	0
Loss on the early extinguishment of debt														0
Income from equity investment														84,815	12,463	66,364
Nonoperating income (expense)														92,784	20,450	74,352
Income before income tax expense and gains on sale of real estate														92,635	15,720	48,039
Income tax expense														0	0	0
Income before gains of sale of real estate assets														92,635
Gains on sale of real estate assets														0
Income from continuing operations														92,635	15,720	48,039
Discontinued operations:
Operating loss from discontinued operations														0	0	0
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations														0	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations														0	0	0
Net income																48,039
Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests																0
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.														92,635	15,720	48,039
Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Revenues:
Rental income														1,150	403	1,649
Tenant reimbursements														222	149	103
Hotel income														0	0	0
Other property income														0	17	86
Revenues														1,372	569	1,838
Expenses:
Property operating costs														2,716	1,966	1,634
Hotel operating costs														0	0	0
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party														17	15	58
Other														0	0	0
Depreciation														1,795	1,247	710
Amortization														121	28	357
Impairment loss on real estate assets														0
General and administrative														9,701	43,555	21,436
Listing costs															3,743
Acquisition fees and expenses														0		0
Costs and expenses														14,350	50,554	24,195
Real estate operating income (loss)														-12,978	-49,985	-22,357
Other income (expense):
Interest expense														-30,271	-32,659	-32,469
Interest and other income														10,724	10,874	11,018
Loss on interest rate swaps														0	0	0
Loss on the early extinguishment of debt														0
Income from equity investment														113,976	86,101	92,228
Nonoperating income (expense)														94,429	64,316	70,777
Income before income tax expense and gains on sale of real estate														81,451	14,331	48,420
Income tax expense														-4	-3	-14
Income before gains of sale of real estate assets														81,447
Gains on sale of real estate assets														0
Income from continuing operations														81,447	14,328	48,406
Discontinued operations:
Operating loss from discontinued operations														0	658	5,942
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations														0	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations														0	658	5,942
Net income																54,348
Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests																0
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.														81,447	14,986	54,348
Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Rental income														413,752	406,791	380,280
Tenant reimbursements														95,153	90,726	90,756
Hotel income														22,885	23,756	23,049
Other property income														8,220	5,208	1,024
Revenues														540,010	526,481	495,109
Expenses:
Property operating costs														161,367	152,880	148,025
Hotel operating costs														18,792	18,340	18,495
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party														0	313	4,191
Other														2,258	1,671	2,421
Depreciation														115,971	106,858	97,988
Amortization														78,722	78,682	86,101
Impairment loss on real estate assets														25,130
General and administrative														21,632	18,448	3,128
Listing costs															0
Acquisition fees and expenses														14,142		1,876
Costs and expenses														438,014	377,192	362,225
Real estate operating income (loss)														101,996	149,289	132,884
Other income (expense):
Interest expense														-64,105	-88,137	-88,414
Interest and other income														7,247	34,023	39,847
Loss on interest rate swaps														-371	-342	-1,225
Loss on the early extinguishment of debt														-23
Income from equity investment														0	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)														-57,252	-54,456	-49,792
Income before income tax expense and gains on sale of real estate														44,744	94,833	83,092
Income tax expense														-658	-497	-558
Income before gains of sale of real estate assets														44,086
Gains on sale of real estate assets														75,275
Income from continuing operations														119,361	94,336	82,534
Discontinued operations:
Operating loss from discontinued operations														-390	-21,983	542
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations														-1,627	11,225	20,117
Income (loss) from discontinued operations														-2,017	-10,758	20,659
Net income																103,193
Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests																-4
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.														117,344	83,578	103,189
Consolidating Adjustments
Revenues:
Rental income														-361	-287	-133
Tenant reimbursements														0	0	-2,457
Hotel income														0	0	0
Other property income														-224	-185	-86
Revenues														-585	-472	-2,676
Expenses:
Property operating costs														-361	-287	-2,457
Hotel operating costs														0	0	-133
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party														-17	-32	-1,141
Other														0	0	0
Depreciation														0	0	0
Amortization														0	0	0
Impairment loss on real estate assets														0
General and administrative														-207	-153	0
Listing costs															0
Acquisition fees and expenses														0		0
Costs and expenses														-585	-472	-3,731
Real estate operating income (loss)														0	0	1,055
Other income (expense):
Interest expense														18,665	18,855	18,997
Interest and other income														-18,665	-18,855	-18,997
Loss on interest rate swaps														0	0	0
Loss on the early extinguishment of debt														0
Income from equity investment														-198,791	-98,564	-158,592
Nonoperating income (expense)														-198,791	-98,564	-158,592
Income before income tax expense and gains on sale of real estate														-198,791	-98,564	-157,537
Income tax expense														0	0	0
Income before gains of sale of real estate assets														-198,791
Gains on sale of real estate assets														0
Income from continuing operations														-198,791	-98,564	-157,537
Discontinued operations:
Operating loss from discontinued operations														0	0	0
Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations														0	0	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations														0	0	0
Net income																-157,537
Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests																0
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.														($198,791)	($98,564)	($157,537)
[1]	Prior-period amounts adjusted to conform with current-period presentation, including classifying revenues generated by properties sold as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 12, Discontinued Operations).
[2]	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
[3]	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, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.	$56,226	[1]	$24,988	$8,021	$3,400	$12,927	$4,800	$20,601	($22,608)	[2]	$92,635	$15,720	$48,039
Foreign currency translation adjustment											0	-83	0
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap											1,339	1,997	-5,305
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.											93,974	17,634	42,734
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests											0	0	4
Comprehensive income											93,974	17,634	42,738
Columbia Property Trust (Parent)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.											92,635	15,720	48,039
Foreign currency translation adjustment												-83
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap											1,339	1,997	-5,305
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.													42,734
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests													0
Comprehensive income											93,974	17,634	42,734
Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.											81,447	14,986	54,348
Foreign currency translation adjustment												0
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap											1,339	1,997	-5,305
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.													49,043
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests													0
Comprehensive income											82,786	16,983	49,043
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.											117,344	83,578	103,189
Foreign currency translation adjustment												-83
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap											0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.													103,189
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests													4
Comprehensive income											117,344	83,495	103,193
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.											-198,791	-98,564	-157,537
Foreign currency translation adjustment												83
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap											-1,339	-1,997	5,305
Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc.													-152,232
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests													0
Comprehensive income											($200,130)	($100,478)	($152,232)
[1]	Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 includes gains on sales of real estate of $56.6 million (See Note 3, Real Estate and Other Transactions), partially offset by impairment losses of $10.1 million.
[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_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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	$236,906	$218,329	$252,839
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	418,207	565,945	304,264
Investment in real estate and related assets	-441,995	-70,556	-273,217
Investments in subsidiaries	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-23,788	495,389	31,047
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	281,518	297,279	594,802
Repayments	-294,739	-461,940	-627,191
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	-4,709	0
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	0	-306,574	18,996
Distributions	-149,962	-191,473	-256,035
Intercompany transfers, net	0	0	0
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest	0	0	-301
Net cash used in financing activities	-163,183	-667,417	-269,729
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	49,935	46,301	14,157
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	0	-103	32
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	99,855	53,657	39,468
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	149,790	99,855	53,657
Columbia Property Trust (Parent)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities		-331	-49
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
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		14,127	30,441
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt		0	0
Repayments		0	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		0
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances		-306,574	18,996
Distributions		-191,473	-256,020
Intercompany transfers, net		516,659	216,255
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest			0
Net cash used in financing activities		18,612	-20,769
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		32,408	9,623
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents		0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		20,914	11,291
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	119,488	53,322	20,914
Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities		-84,270	-83,489
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
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		546,548	80,413
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt		297,320	595,731
Repayments		-343,000	-591,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		0
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances		0	0
Distributions		0	0
Intercompany transfers, net		-400,712	-7,430
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest			0
Net cash used in financing activities		-446,392	-2,699
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		15,886	-5,775
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents		0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		4,822	10,597
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	10,504	20,708	4,822
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities		302,930	336,377
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
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		-65,286	-79,807
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt		-41	-929
Repayments		-118,940	-36,191
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		-4,709
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances		0	0
Distributions		0	-15
Intercompany transfers, net		-115,947	-208,825
Redemptions of noncontrolling interest			-301
Net cash used in financing activities		-239,637	-246,261
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		-1,993	10,309
Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents		-103	32
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		27,921	17,580
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	19,798	25,825	27,921
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	-122
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	-5,000
Investments in subsidiaries	67,403
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	62,403
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	0
Repayments	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	0
Distributions	-149,962
Intercompany transfers, net	153,847
Net cash used in financing activities	3,885
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	66,166
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	53,322
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	119,488
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	-38,618
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	418,207
Investment in real estate and related assets	-366,380
Investments in subsidiaries	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	51,827
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	282,807
Repayments	-283,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	0
Distributions	0
Intercompany transfers, net	-23,220
Net cash used in financing activities	-23,413
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-10,204
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	20,708
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	10,504
Reportable Legal Entities | Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	275,646
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	-70,615
Investments in subsidiaries	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-70,615
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	-1,289
Repayments	-11,739
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	0
Distributions	0
Intercompany transfers, net	-198,030
Net cash used in financing activities	-211,058
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-6,027
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	25,825
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	19,798
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	0
Investments in subsidiaries	-67,403
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-67,403
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt	0
Repayments	0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0
Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances	0
Distributions	67,403
Net cash used in financing activities	67,403
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$0

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 11, 2015

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Dividend declared, per share (in dollars per share)

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

$0.30

[1]

$0.38

[1]

$0.38

[1]

$0.38

[1]

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Dividend declared, per share (in dollars per share)

$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).

Schedule_III_Real_Estate_Asset1

Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Initial Costs, Land	794,391
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	4,195,938
Initial Costs, Total	4,990,329
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	60,153
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	785,101
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	4,265,381
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	5,050,482		4,875,866	5,507,769	5,483,193
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	973,920
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000		120,000
515 POST OAK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	6,100
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	28,905
Initial Costs, Total	35,005
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	9,761
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	6,241
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	38,525
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	44,766
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	8,267
170 PARK AVENUE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	10,802
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	62,595
Initial Costs, Total	73,397
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-54,688
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	4,125
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	14,584
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	18,709
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	3,729
ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	34,713
Initial Costs, Land	5,846
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	66,681
Initial Costs, Total	72,527
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	742
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	5,934
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	67,335
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	73,269
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	23,777
80 M STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	26,248
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	76,269
Initial Costs, Total	102,517
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-5,816
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	26,806
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	69,895
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	96,701
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	23,496
ACXIOM
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	10,504
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	51,795
Initial Costs, Total	62,299
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	958
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	10,640
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	52,617
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	63,257
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	15,599
800 NORTH FREDERICK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	22,758
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	43,174
Initial Costs, Total	65,932
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	582
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	20,195
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	46,319
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	66,514
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	20,559
THE CORRIDORS III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	2,524
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	35,016
Initial Costs, Total	37,540
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-2,034
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	2,558
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	32,948
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	35,506
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	10,876
HIGHLAND LANDMARK III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	3,028
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	47,454
Initial Costs, Total	50,482
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-3,592
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	3,055
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	43,835
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	46,890
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	13,122
180 PARK AVENUE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	4,501
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	47,957
Initial Costs, Total	52,458
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-3,016
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	4,501
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	44,941
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	49,442
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	11,184
215 DIEHL ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	21,000
Initial Costs, Land	3,452
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	17,456
Initial Costs, Total	20,908
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	4,144
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	3,472
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	21,580
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	25,052
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	8,366
100 EAST PRATT
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	105,000
Initial Costs, Land	31,234
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	140,217
Initial Costs, Total	171,451
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	35,139
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	31,777
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	174,813
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	206,590
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	60,604
ROBBINS ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	8,341
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	66,332
Initial Costs, Total	74,673
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	250
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	8,341
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	66,582
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	74,923
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	27,538
UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	27,493
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	278,288
Initial Costs, Total	305,781
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-19,915
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	27,756
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	258,110
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	285,866
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	63,652
5 HOUSTON CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	8,186
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	147,653
Initial Costs, Total	155,839
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-17,528
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	8,186
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	130,125
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	138,311
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	39,497
KEY CENTER TOWER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0	[1]
Initial Costs, Land	7,269
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	244,424
Initial Costs, Total	251,693
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	20,566
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	7,454
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	264,805
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	272,259
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	87,912
KEY CENTER MARRIOTT
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	3,473
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	34,458
Initial Costs, Total	37,931
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	16,278
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	3,629
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	50,580
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	54,209
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	17,287
SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	39,000
Initial Costs, Land	8,045
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	46,282
Initial Costs, Total	54,327
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-1,867
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	8,193
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	44,267
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	52,460
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	11,495
263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	49,000
Initial Costs, Land	7,142
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	41,535
Initial Costs, Total	48,677
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	6,890
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	7,233
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	48,334
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	55,567
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	19,327
80 PARK PLAZA
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	31,766
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	109,952
Initial Costs, Total	141,718
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	22,484
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	32,221
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	131,981
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	164,202
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	47,027
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	29,061
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	141,544
Initial Costs, Total	170,605
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	17,407
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	29,712
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	158,300
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	188,012
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	49,998
STERLING COMMERCE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	8,639
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	43,980
Initial Costs, Total	52,619
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	2,637
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	8,752
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	46,504
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	55,256
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	21,305
PASADENA CORPORATE PARK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	53,099
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	59,630
Initial Costs, Total	112,729
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	352
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	53,099
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	59,982
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	113,081
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	14,267
222 EAST 41ST STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0	[1]
Initial Costs, Land	0
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	324,520
Initial Costs, Total	324,520
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-429
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	0
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	324,091
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	324,091
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	72,842
BANNOCKBURN LAKE III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	7,635
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	11,002
Initial Costs, Total	18,637
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	-12,030
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	2,797
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	3,810
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	6,607
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	1,608
SOUTH JAMAICA STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	13,429
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	109,781
Initial Costs, Total	123,210
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	3,252
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	13,735
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	112,727
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	126,462
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	32,657
LINDBERGH CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0	[1]
Initial Costs, Land	0
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	262,468
Initial Costs, Total	262,468
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	3,252
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	0
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	265,720
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	265,720
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	52,966
THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	120,000	[2]
Initial Costs, Land	7,517
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	88,784
Initial Costs, Total	96,301
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	891
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	8,055
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	89,137
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	97,192
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	18,906
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000
1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	11,410
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	78,988
Initial Costs, Total	90,398
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	1,212
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	11,745
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	79,865
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	91,610
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	20,336
550 KING STREET BUILDINGS
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	8,632
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	74,625
Initial Costs, Total	83,257
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	8,177
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	8,632
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	82,802
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	91,434
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	19,457
CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	15,512
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	173,062
Initial Costs, Total	188,574
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	3,542
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	15,512
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	176,604
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	192,116
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	29,050
HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	4,734
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	79,344
Initial Costs, Total	84,078
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	5,045
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	4,734
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	84,389
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	89,123
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	15,015
MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	325,000
Initial Costs, Land	152,629
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	450,757
Initial Costs, Total	603,386
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	12,158
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	152,629
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	462,915
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	615,544
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	79,798
544 LAKEVIEW
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%	[3]
Encumbrances	0
Initial Costs, Land	3,006
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	3,100
Initial Costs, Total	6,106
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	2,701
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	3,006
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	5,801
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	8,807
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	742
Columbia Property Trust's interest in property through a subsidiary	50.00%
333 MARKET STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	206,500
Initial Costs, Land	114,483
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	292,840
Initial Costs, Total	407,323
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	0
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	114,483
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	292,840
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	407,323
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	18,406
221 MAIN STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	73,000
Initial Costs, Land	60,509
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	174,629
Initial Costs, Total	235,138
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	2,604
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	60,509
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	177,233
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	237,742
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	8,486
650 CALIFORNIA STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Encumbrances	130,000
Initial Costs, Land	75,384
Initial Costs, Building and Improvements	240,441
Initial Costs, Total	315,825
Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition	44
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land	75,384
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements	240,485
Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total	315,869
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	4,767
Minimum | 515 POST OAK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 170 PARK AVENUE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 80 M STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | ACXIOM
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 800 NORTH FREDERICK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | THE CORRIDORS III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | HIGHLAND LANDMARK III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 180 PARK AVENUE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 215 DIEHL ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 100 EAST PRATT
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | ROBBINS ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 5 HOUSTON CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | KEY CENTER TOWER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | KEY CENTER MARRIOTT
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 80 PARK PLAZA
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | STERLING COMMERCE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | PASADENA CORPORATE PARK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 222 EAST 41ST STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | BANNOCKBURN LAKE III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | SOUTH JAMAICA STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | LINDBERGH CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years	[4]
Minimum | 550 KING STREET BUILDINGS
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Minimum | CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Minimum | HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Minimum | MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Minimum | 544 LAKEVIEW
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Minimum | 333 MARKET STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Minimum | 221 MAIN STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Minimum | 650 CALIFORNIA STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	0 years
Maximum | 515 POST OAK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 170 PARK AVENUE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 80 M STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | ACXIOM
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 800 NORTH FREDERICK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | THE CORRIDORS III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | HIGHLAND LANDMARK III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 180 PARK AVENUE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 215 DIEHL ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 100 EAST PRATT
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | ROBBINS ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 5 HOUSTON CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | KEY CENTER TOWER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | KEY CENTER MARRIOTT
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 80 PARK PLAZA
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | STERLING COMMERCE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | PASADENA CORPORATE PARK
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 222 EAST 41ST STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | BANNOCKBURN LAKE III
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | SOUTH JAMAICA STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | LINDBERGH CENTER
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years	[4]
Maximum | 550 KING STREET BUILDINGS
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Maximum | CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Maximum | HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Maximum | MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Maximum | 544 LAKEVIEW
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Maximum | 333 MARKET STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Maximum | 221 MAIN STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Maximum | 650 CALIFORNIA STREET
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
Building Improvements | Minimum
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	5 years
Building Improvements | Maximum
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	25 years
Building
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation	40 years
[1]	Property is owned subject to a long-term ground lease.
[2]	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.
[3]	544 Lakeview is owned through a subsidiary in which Columbia Property Trust holds a 50% ownership interest and owns 100% of the economic interest.
[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 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, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$4,875,866		$5,507,769		$5,483,193
Additions to/improvements of real estate	610,510		51,422		453,541
Sale/transfer of real estate	-399,499		-614,822		-328,804
Impairment of real estate	-25,130		-29,737		-18,467
Write-offs of building and tenant improvements	-1,230		-492		-301
Write-offs of intangible assets	-5,251	[1]	-466	[1]	-1,311	[1]
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	-4,784		-37,808		-80,082
Balance at end of the year	5,050,482		4,875,866		5,507,769
Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	903,472		896,174		867,975
Depreciation and amortization expense	161,133		166,720		181,155
Sale/transfer of real estate	-80,607		-120,981		-71,654
Write-offs of tenant improvements	-690		-212		-196
Write-offs of intangible assets	-4,604	[1]	-421	[1]	-1,024	[1]
Write-offs of fully depreciated assets	-4,784		-37,808		-80,082
Balance at end of the year	$973,920		$903,472		$896,174
[1]	Consists of write-offs of intangible lease assets related to lease restructurings, amendments, and terminations.