Columbia Property Trust (CXP) 10-Q 28 Apr 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 25, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	COLUMBIA PROPERTY TRUST, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,252,849
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		123,467,080

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	$ 864,690	$ 896,467
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $584,830 and $613,639, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	2,790,003	2,897,431
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $244,578 and $250,085, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	245,783	259,136
Construction in progress	11,223	31,847
Total real estate assets	3,911,699	4,084,881
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	121,784	118,695
Cash and cash equivalents	185,376	32,645
Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $530 and $8 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	11,731	11,670
Straight-line rent receivable	103,367	109,062
Prepaid expenses and other assets	35,779	35,848
Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $174,180 and $181,482, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	70,560	77,190
Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $38,808 and $40,817, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	74,502	88,127
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Total assets	4,634,798	4,678,118
Liabilities:
Line of credit and notes payable, net of deferred financing costs of $4,044 and $4,492, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	1,204,678	1,130,571
Bonds payable, net of discounts of $945 and $1,020 and deferred financing costs of $3,546 and $3,721, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	595,509	595,259
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	85,351	98,759
Dividends payable	0	37,354
Deferred income	21,886	24,814
Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $82,098 and $81,496, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	53,154	57,167
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Total liabilities	$ 2,080,578	2,063,924
Commitments and Contingencies
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 225,000,000 shares authorized, 123,458,960 and 124,363,073 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	$ 1,234	1,243
Additional paid-in capital	4,563,537	4,588,303
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	(2,003,258)	(1,972,916)
Cumulative other comprehensive loss	(7,293)	(2,436)
Total equity	2,554,220	2,614,194
Total liabilities and equity	$ 4,634,798	$ 4,678,118

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parentheticals (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Building and improvements, accumulated depreciation	$ 584,830	$ 613,639
Intangible lease assets, accumulated amortization	244,578	250,085
Allowance for doubtful accounts	530	8
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	174,180	181,482
Deferred lease costs, accumulated amortization	38,808	40,817
Deferred financing costs, net	4,044	4,492
Bonds payable, deferred financing costs	945	1,020
Intangible lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	$ 82,098	$ 81,496
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	225,000,000	225,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	123,458,960	124,363,073
Common stock, shares outstanding	123,458,960	124,363,073
Term Loans
Deferred financing costs, net	$ 4,044	$ 4,492
Bonds Payable
Deferred financing costs, net	$ 3,546	$ 3,721

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Rental income	$ 99,586	$ 112,809
Tenant reimbursements	19,753	28,249
Hotel income	4,663	4,993
Other property income	2,577	1,492
Revenues	126,579	147,543
Expenses:
Property operating costs	41,336	49,754
Hotel operating costs	4,331	4,591
Asset and property management fees	330	397
Depreciation	29,289	34,007
Amortization	16,075	23,219
General and administrative	10,490	8,044
Acquisition expenses	0	1,995
Costs and expenses	101,851	122,007
Real estate operating income	24,728	25,536
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(17,897)	(21,484)
Interest and other income	1,805	1,833
Loss on interest rate swaps	0	(6)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	(477)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(16,092)	(20,134)
Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate	8,636	5,402
Income tax benefit (expense)	(77)	196
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	(1,552)	0
Income before loss on sale of real estate	7,007	5,598
Loss on sale of real estate	(310)	0
Net income	$ 6,697	$ 5,598
Per-share information – basic:
Net income (dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.04
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic	123,393	124,903
Per-share information – diluted:
Net income (dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.04
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted	123,412	124,935
Dividends per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.30

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 6,697	$ 5,598
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(4,857)	159
Comprehensive income	$ 1,840	$ 5,757

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Cumulative Distributions in Excess of Earnings	Cumulative Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance, shares at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014		124,973,000
Balance, value at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 2,733,478	$ 1,249	$ 4,601,808	$ (1,867,611)	$ (1,968)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes), shares		104,000
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes)	394	$ 1	393
Distributions to common stockholders	(37,523)			(37,523)
Net income	5,598			5,598
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	159				159
Balance, shares at end of period at Mar. 31, 2015		125,077,000
Balance, value at end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 2,702,106	$ 1,250	4,602,201	(1,899,536)	(1,809)
Balance, shares at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	124,363,073	124,363,000
Balance, value at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 2,614,194	$ 1,243	4,588,303	(1,972,916)	(2,436)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Redemption of common stock, shares		(1,105,000)
Redemption of common stock, value	(25,000)	$ (11)	(24,989)
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes), shares		201,000
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes)	225	$ 2	223
Distributions to common stockholders	(37,039)			(37,039)
Net income	6,697			6,697
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	$ (4,857)				(4,857)
Balance, shares at end of period at Mar. 31, 2016	123,458,960	123,459,000
Balance, value at end of period at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 2,554,220	$ 1,234	$ 4,563,537	$ (2,003,258)	$ (7,293)

Consolidated Statements of Equ7

Consolidated Statements of Equity Parentheticals (unaudited) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Distributions to common stockholders per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.30
Common Stock
Distributions to common stockholders per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 6,697	$ 5,598
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Straight-line rental income	(6,168)	(5,064)
Depreciation	29,289	34,007
Amortization	14,753	20,477
Noncash interest expense	1,012	1,069
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	477
Gain on interest rate swaps	0	(1,315)
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	1,552	0
Loss on sale of real estate	310	0
Stock-based compensation expense	1,382	1,014
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in tenant receivables, net	798	(3,935)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets	(244)	(1,295)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(3,613)	(7,436)
Increase (decrease) in deferred income	(2,928)	935
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,840	44,532
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	159,406	0
Real estate acquisitions	0	(551,277)
Capital improvements	(14,295)	(17,256)
Deferred lease costs paid	(3,683)	(6,804)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	(4,641)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	136,787	(575,337)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Financing costs paid	0	(3,429)
Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable	131,000	463,000
Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable	(57,341)	(358,684)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable	0	349,507
Distributions paid to stockholders	(74,393)	(37,523)
Redemptions of common stock	(26,162)	(620)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(26,896)	412,251
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	152,731	(118,554)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	32,645	149,790
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 185,376	$ 31,236

Organization

Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 any unconsolidated joint ventures. Columbia Property Trust typically invests in high-quality, income-generating office properties. As of March 31, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust owned 26 office properties and one hotel, containing approximately 13.3 million square feet of commercial space, located in 12 states and the District of Columbia. All of the properties are wholly owned, except for one property, which is owned through an unconsolidated joint venture, as described in Note 4, Unconsolidated Joint Venture . As of March 31, 2016 , the office properties, including Columbia Property Trust's share of the unconsolidated joint venture, were approximately 92.4% leased.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the statements for these unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair and consistent presentation of the results for such periods. Results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year's results. Columbia Property Trust's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, and any variable interest entity in which Columbia Property Trust or Columbia Property Trust OP was deemed the primary beneficiary. With respect to entities that are not variable interest entities, Columbia Property Trust's consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of any entity in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or their subsidiaries own a controlling financial interest and any limited partnership in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or their subsidiaries own a controlling general partnership interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in Columbia Property Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the " 2015 Form 10-K"). Fair Value Measurements Columbia Property Trust estimates the fair value of its assets and liabilities (where currently required under GAAP) consistent with the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"). Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. While various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate fair value depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures provides the following fair value technique parameters and hierarchy, depending upon availability: Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which the identical term is traded on an active exchange, such as publicly traded instruments or futures contracts. Level 2 – Assets or 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 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 and liabilities may not be recoverable, Columbia Property Trust assesses the recoverability of these assets and liabilities by determining whether the respective carrying values will be recovered through the estimated undiscounted future 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 and liabilities 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. Columbia Property Trust has determined that there is no impairment in the carrying values of our real estate assets and related intangible assets as of March 31, 2016 . Projections of expected future operating cash flows require that Columbia Property Trust estimate 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 liabilities and net income. Assets Held for Sale Columbia Property Trust classifies assets as held for sale according to ASC 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets ("ASC 360"). According to ASC 360, assets are considered held for sale when the following criteria are met: • Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the property. • The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such property. • An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the property have been initiated. • The sale of the property is probable, and transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year. • The property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value. • Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. At such time that a property is determined to be held for sale, its carrying amount is adjusted 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 March 31, 2016 , none of Columbia Property Trust's properties met the criteria to be classified as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases where Columbia Property Trust Is the Lessor 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 detail). When calculating the intangible assets and liabilities for above-market and below-market tenant and ground leases where we are either the lessor or the lessee, the difference between the contractual rental rates and our estimate of market rental rates is measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the leases, including significantly below market renewal options for which exercise of the renewal option appears to be reasonably assured. The remaining term of leases with renewal options at terms significantly below market reflect the assumed exercise of such below market renewal options and assume the amortization period would coincide with the extended lease term. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust had the following gross intangible in-place lease assets and liabilities (in thousands): Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Origination Costs Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets Absorption Period Costs March 31, 2016 Gross $ 50,463 $ 298,982 $ 244,740 $ 135,252 Accumulated Amortization (38,764 ) (187,508 ) (174,180 ) (82,098 ) Net $ 11,699 $ 111,474 $ 70,560 $ 53,154 December 31, 2015 Gross $ 50,463 $ 317,841 $ 258,672 $ 138,663 Accumulated Amortization (37,971 ) (194,446 ) (181,482 ) (81,496 ) Net $ 12,492 $ 123,395 $ 77,190 $ 57,167 For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized the following amortization of intangible lease assets and liabilities (in thousands): Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Origination Costs Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets Absorption Period Costs For the three months ended March 31, 2016 $ 794 $ 8,529 $ 5,269 $ 3,681 For the three months ended March 31, 2015 $ 1,367 $ 12,362 $ 8,157 $ 5,411 The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities, as of March 31, 2016 , will be amortized as follows (in thousands): Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Origination Costs Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets Absorption Period Costs For the remainder of 2016 $ 1,769 $ 21,133 $ 12,751 $ 10,084 For the years ending December 31: 2017 1,383 19,396 12,310 9,162 2018 1,041 15,329 9,487 7,218 2019 1,041 13,459 8,507 6,540 2020 1,039 11,487 7,439 5,346 2021 1,032 7,328 3,306 3,095 Thereafter 4,394 23,342 16,760 11,709 $ 11,699 $ 111,474 $ 70,560 $ 53,154 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 positive or negative 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. This calculation includes significantly below-market renewal options for which exercise of the renewal option appears to be reasonably assured. These intangible leases assets and liabilities are measured over the actual or assumed (in the case of renewal options) remaining lease terms. 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 $140.9 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and recognized amortization of these assets of approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . As of March 31, 2016 , the remaining net below-market intangible lease assets will be amortized as follows (in thousands): For the remainder of 2016 $ 1,912 For the years ending December 31: 2017 2,549 2018 2,549 2019 2,549 2020 2,549 2021 2,549 Thereafter 107,953 $ 122,610 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 swap 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 cash flow hedge, if any, are recognized currently in earnings. All 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 gain (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 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value as of Instrument Type Balance Sheet Classification March 31, December 31, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate contracts Accounts payable $ (7,293 ) $ (2,436 ) 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. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and included in other comprehensive income $ (4,857 ) $ 159 Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings $ — $ (6 ) 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. Income Taxes Columbia Property Trust has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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 Property Trust 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, office properties that Columbia Property Trust does not intend to hold long term and 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. Reclassification Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform with the current-period financial statement presentation. Within the financing section of the consolidated statement of cash flows, shares redeemed to fund income tax withholdings presented in prior year is now included in share redemptions . Recent Accounting Pronouncement In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"), which amends the existing standards for lease accounting by requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets, and making targeted changes to lessor accounting and reporting. The new standard will require lessees to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months, and classify such leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method (finance leases), on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease (operating leases). Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance as applies to sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 supersedes previous leasing standards. ASU 2016-02 is effective for Columbia Property Trust for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Columbia Property Trust is evaluating the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Real Estate Transactions

Real Estate Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Transactions	Real Estate Transactions Acquisitions During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust did not acquire any properties. During 2015 , Columbia Property Trust acquired the following properties (in thousands): 315 Park Avenue South Building 1881 Campus Commons Building 116 Huntington 229 West 43rd Street Building Location New York, NY Reston, VA Boston, MA New York, NY Date Acquired January 7, 2015 January 7, 2015 January 8, 2015 August 4, 2015 Purchase price: Land $ 119,633 $ 7,179 $ — $ 207,233 Building and improvements 232,598 49,273 108,383 265,952 Intangible lease assets 16,912 4,643 7,907 27,039 Intangible below market ground lease assets — — 30,244 — Intangible lease origination costs 4,148 1,603 2,669 10,059 Intangible below market lease liability (7,487 ) (97 ) (1,878 ) — Total purchase price $ 365,804 $ 62,601 $ 147,325 $ 510,283 Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , provides a discussion of the estimated useful life for each asset class. 315 Park Avenue South Building & 1881 Campus Commons Building On January 7, 2015, Columbia Property Trust acquired two assets, 315 Park Avenue South, a 327,000 -square-foot office building in New York, New York (the "315 Park Avenue South Building"), and 1881 Campus Commons, a 244,000 -square-foot office building in Reston, Virginia (the "1881 Campus Commons Building"). This portfolio was acquired for $436.0 million , exclusive of transaction costs and purchase price adjustments, using proceeds from the issuance of $350.0 million bonds payable due in 2025, proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility, and cash on hand. As of the acquisition date, the 315 Park Avenue South Building was 94.9% leased to nine tenants, including Credit Suisse ( 74% ). For the period from January 7, 2015 to March 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $6.2 million and a net loss of $1.3 million from the 315 Park Avenue South Building. The net loss includes acquisition expenses of $1.2 million . As of the acquisition date, the 1881 Campus Commons Building was 78.0% leased to 15 tenants, including SOS International ( 15% ) and Siemens ( 12% ). For the period from January 7, 2015 to March 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $1.5 million and a net loss of $0.6 million from the 1881 Campus Commons Building. The net loss includes acquisition expenses of $0.5 million . 116 Huntington Avenue Building On January 8, 2015, Columbia Property Trust acquired a 271,000 -square-foot office building in Boston, Massachusetts (the "116 Huntington Avenue Building"), for $152.0 million , inclusive of capital credits, using proceeds from the issuance of $350.0 million bonds payable due in 2025, proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility, and cash on hand. As of the acquisition date, the 116 Huntington Avenue Building was 78.0% leased to 17 tenants, including American Tower ( 21% ), GE Healthcare ( 13% ), and Brigham and Women's ( 12% ). For the period from January 8, 2015 to March 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $2.9 million and a net loss of $0.2 million from the 116 Huntington Avenue Building. The net loss includes acquisition expenses of $0.3 million . 229 West 43rd Street Building On August 4, 2015, Columbia Property Trust acquired the 481,000 -square-foot office portion of the 229 West 43rd Street building, a 16-story, 732,000 -square-foot building located in the Times Square sub-market of Manhattan in New York, New York (the "229 West 43rd Street Building"), for $516.0 million , exclusive of transaction costs and purchase price adjustments. This acquisition was funded with the $300 Million Bridge Loan and borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility, as described in Note 5, Line of Credit and Notes Payable . As of the acquisition date, the 229 West 43rd Street Building was 98% leased to nine tenants, including Yahoo! ( 40% ), Snapchat ( 13% ), Collective, Inc. ( 12% ), and MongoDB ( 10% ). Proforma Financial Information The following unaudited pro forma statements of operations presented for the three months ended March 31, 2015 , have been prepared for Columbia Property Trust to give effect to the acquisitions of the 315 Park Avenue South Building, the 1881 Campus Commons Building, the 116 Huntington Avenue Building, and the 229 West 43rd Street Building as if the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2014. Columbia Property Trust owned these buildings for the entirety of the three months ended March 31, 2016 . 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 these acquisitions been consummated as of January 1, 2014 (in thousands). Three Months Ended Revenues $ 154,965 Net income $ 6,723 Net income per share - basic $ 0.05 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.05 Dispositions During 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust closed on the following transactions: 100 East Pratt Property On March 31, 2016, Columbia Property Trust sold the 100 East Pratt Property in Baltimore, Maryland for $187.0 million , before purchase price adjustments, and recognized a $0.3 million loss on the sale. The net sale proceeds of $159.4 million were used to repay $119.0 million remaining on the $300 Million Bridge Loan on April 1, 2016, and to reduce the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility. 1881 Campus Commons Building On December 10, 2015, Columbia Property Trust sold the 1881 Campus Commons Building in Reston, Virginia, for $65.0 million , exclusive of purchase price adjustments and closing costs, yielding a gain of $0.5 million . The proceeds from the sale of the 1881 Campus Commons Building were used to reduce the outstanding balance of the $300 Million Bridge Loan, as described in Note 5, Line of Credit and Notes Payable . Market Square Buildings - Partial Sale On October 28, 2015, Columbia Property Trust transferred the Market Square Buildings and the related $325.0 million mortgage note to a joint venture (the "Market Square Joint Venture") and sold a 49% interest in the Market Square Joint Venture to Blackstone Property Partners ("Blackstone") for approximately $120.0 million of net proceeds, which were used to repay a portion of the $300 Million Bridge Loan. As a result of this transaction, Columbia Property Trust recognized a gain on real estate of $3.1 million and retains a 51% interest in the Market Square Joint Venture. The Market Square Joint Venture owns and operates the Market Square Buildings through a REIT ("Market Square REIT East & West, LLC"). See Note 4, Unconsolidated Joint Venture , for additional information. 11 Property Sale On July 1, 2015, Columbia Property Trust sold 11 properties to an unaffiliated third party for $433.3 million , exclusive of closing costs (the "11 Property Sale"), which resulted in a gain of $20.2 million . The proceeds for 10 of the properties were available on July 1, 2015, and the remaining proceeds were available on August 3, 2015. For the period from January 1, 2015 through July 1, 2015 the aggregate net income, excluding the gain on sale, for the properties included in the 11 Property Sale was $6.5 million . The following properties make up the 11 Property Sale: 170 Park Avenue Bannockburn Lake III Acxiom 180 Park Avenue 544 Lakeview 215 Diehl Road Robbins Road Highland Landmark III 1580 West Nursery 550 King Street The Corridors III

Unconsolidated Joint Venture

Unconsolidated Joint Venture	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Unconsolidated Joint Venture	Unconsolidated Joint Venture Columbia Property Trust owns a majority interest of 51% in the Market Square Joint Venture, and Blackstone owns the remaining 49% interest in the joint venture. The Market Square Joint Venture owns and operates the Market Square Buildings through Market Square REIT East & West, LLC, which operates as a REIT. The Market Square Buildings are two , 13-story office buildings containing 687,000 square feet of office space in Washington, D.C. Columbia Property Trust shares substantive participation rights with Blackstone, including management selection and termination, and the approval of material operating and capital decisions. As such, Columbia Property Trust uses the equity method of accounting to record its investment in the Market Square Joint Venture. Under the equity method, the investment in the joint venture is recorded at cost and adjusted for cash contributions and distributions, and allocations of income (loss). Cash distributions and earnings are allocated according to the provisions of the joint venture agreement, which are consistent with the ownership percentages for the Market Square Joint Venture. Columbia Property Trust evaluates the recoverability of its investment in unconsolidated joint venture in accordance with accounting standards for equity investments by first reviewing the investment for any indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, Columbia Property Trust estimates the fair value of the investment. If the carrying value of the investment is greater than the estimated fair value, management makes an assessment of whether the impairment is "temporary" or "other-than-temporary." In making this assessment, management considers the following: (1) the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost, and (2) Columbia Property Trust's intent and ability to retain its interest long enough for a recovery in market value. As of March 31, 2016 , the outstanding balance on the interest-only Market Square mortgage note is $325.0 million , bearing interest at 5.07% . The Market Square mortgage note matures on July 1, 2023. On October 28, 2015, Columbia Property Trust entered into a guaranty of a $25.0 million portion of the Market Square mortgage note, the amount of which will be reduced as space is leased. Condensed balance sheet information for the Market Square Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total assets $ 573,428 $ 573,073 Total debt $ 324,616 $ 324,603 Total equity $ 233,973 $ 230,060 Columbia Property Trust's investment $ 121,784 $ 118,695 Condensed income statement information for the Market Square Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Total revenues $ 11,663 Net loss $ (3,043 ) Columbia Property Trust's share $ (1,552 ) Columbia Property Trust provides property and asset management services to the Market Square Joint Venture. Under these agreements, Columbia Property Trust oversees the day-to-day operations of the Market Square Joint Venture and the Market Square Buildings, including property management, property accounting, and other property services. Columbia Property Trust receives property management fees equal to 3.0% of the gross revenue of the Market Square Buildings and reimbursements of property operating costs, payable monthly, and asset management fees of $1.0 million annually, in equal quarterly installments. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust earned $0.7 million in fees related to these asset and property management services, which are included in other property income on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2016 , $0.2 million in property management fees were due from the Market Square Joint Venture, and included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Line of Credit and Notes Payabl

Line of Credit and Notes Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit and Notes Payable	Line of Credit and Notes Payable As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust had the following line of credit and notes payable indebtedness (excluding bonds payable; see Note 6, Bonds Payable ) in thousands: Facility March 31, December 31, Revolving Credit Facility $ 322,000 $ 247,000 $300 Million Term Loan 300,000 300,000 $150 Million Term Loan 150,000 150,000 650 California Street Building mortgage note 128,169 128,785 $300 Million Bridge Loan 119,000 119,000 221 Main Street Building mortgage note 73,000 73,000 263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note 49,000 49,000 SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes 39,000 39,000 One Glenlake Building mortgage note 28,553 29,278 Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization (4,044 ) (4,492 ) Total indebtedness $ 1,204,678 $ 1,130,571 Fair Value of Debt The estimated fair value of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit and notes payable as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , was approximately $1,214.5 million and $1,140.1 million , respectively. The related carrying value of the line of credit and notes payable as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , was $1,208.7 million and $1,135.1 million , respectively. Columbia Property Trust estimated the fair value of the $300 Million Term Loan (the " $300 Million Term Loan) and the Revolving Credit Facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") by obtaining estimates for similar facilities from multiple market participants as of the respective reporting dates. Therefore, the fair values determined are considered to be based on observable market data for similar instruments (Level 2). The fair values of all other debt instruments were estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of the respective reporting dates. The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized. Interest Paid and Capitalized and Debt Covenants During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust made interest payments totaling approximately $7.6 million and $15.5 million , respectively, of which approximately $0.1 million was capitalized during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 . As of March 31, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust believes it was in compliance with the restrictive financial covenants on its term loans, the Revolving Credit Facility, and notes payable obligations. Debt Repayments On April 1, 2016, Columbia Property Trust repaid the $119.0 million remaining on its $300 million , six -month unsecured loan, which was used to finance a portion of the 229 West 43rd Street Building acquisition in August of 2015 (the " $300 Million Bridge Loan"). The $300 Million Bridge Loan was scheduled to mature on August 4, 2016.

Bonds Payable

Bonds Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds Payable	Bonds Payable In March 2015, Columbia Property Trust OP issued $350.0 million of ten -year, unsecured 4.150% senior notes at 99.859% of their face value (the "2025 Bonds Payable"), which are guaranteed by Columbia Property Trust. Columbia Property Trust OP received proceeds from the 2025 Bonds Payable, net of fees, of $347.2 million . The 2025 Bonds Payable require semi-annual interest payments in April and October based on a contractual annual interest rate of 4.150% . In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the 2025 Bonds Payable are shown net of the initial issuance discount of approximately $0.5 million , which will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2025 Bonds Payable using the effective interest method. The principal amount of the 2025 Bonds Payable is due and payable on the maturity date, April 1, 2025 . In 2011, Columbia Property Trust OP issued $250.0 million of seven -year, unsecured 5.875% senior notes at 99.295% of their face value (the "2018 Bonds Payable"), which are guaranteed by Columbia Property Trust. Columbia Property Trust OP received proceeds from the 2018 Bonds Payable, net of fees, of $246.7 million . The 2018 Bonds Payable require semi-annual 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 . No interest payments were made on the 2018 Bonds Payable or the 2025 Bonds Payable during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 . Columbia Property Trust is subject to substantially similar covenants under the 2025 Bonds Payable and the 2018 Bonds Payable. As of March 31, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust believes it was in compliance with the restrictive covenants on the 2025 Bonds Payable and the 2018 Bonds Payable. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the estimated fair value of the 2025 Bonds Payable and the 2018 Bonds Payable was approximately $602.2 million and $602.3 million , respectively. The related carrying value of the bonds payable, net of discounts, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $599.0 million . The fair value of the bonds payable was estimated based on discounted cash flow analyses using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowings as the 2025 Bonds Payable and 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies 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 March 31, 2016 , no such options have been exercised that have not been materially satisfied. Guaranty of Debt of Unconsolidated Joint Venture Upon entering in to the Market Square Joint Venture in October 2015, Columbia Property Trust entered into a guaranty of a $25.0 million portion of the Market Square mortgage note, the amount of which will be reduced as space is leased. As of March 31, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust believes that the likelihood of making a payment under this guaranty is remote; therefore, no liability has been recorded related to this guaranty. 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, liquidity, or financial condition of Columbia Property Trust.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity Common Stock Repurchase Program Columbia Property Trust's board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate of $200 million of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, through September 4, 2017 (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). Columbia Property Trust will continue to evaluate the purchase of shares, primarily through open market transactions which are subject to market conditions and other factors. Under the Stock Repurchase Program, since inception, Columbia Property Trust has acquired approximately 1.8 million shares at an average price of $22.60 per share, for aggregate purchases of $41.3 million . As of March 31, 2016 , $158.7 million remains available for repurchases under the Stock Repurchase Program. Common stock repurchases are charged against equity as incurred, and the repurchased shares are retired. 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 "LTIP"). Columbia Property Trust's shareholders approved the LTIP in July 2013, and a total of 2.0 million shares are authorized and reserved for issuance under the LTIP. On January 21, 2016, Columbia Property Trust granted 231,015 shares of common stock to employees, net of 20,842 shares withheld to settle the related tax liability, under the LTIP (the "2015 LTIP Employee Grant"), of which 25% vested upon grant, and the remaining shares will vest ratably, with the passage of time, on January 31, 2017, 2018, and 2019. 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 LTIP for the three months ended March 31, 2016 follows: For the Three Months Ended Shares Weighted-Average (1) Unvested shares - beginning of period 151 $ 24.59 Granted 247 $ 21.79 Vested (135 ) $ 23.33 Forfeited (1 ) $ 21.90 Unvested shares - end of period (2) 262 $ 22.61 (1) Columbia Property Trust determined the weighted-average grant-date fair value using the market closing price on the date of the respective grants. (2) As of March 31, 2016 , we expect approximately 249,000 of the 262,000 unvested shares to ultimately vest, assuming a forfeiture rate of 5.0% , which was determined based on peer company data, adjusted for the specifics of the LTIP. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust paid quarterly installments of the independent directors' annual equity retainers by granting shares to the independent directors, which vested at the time of grant. A summary of these grants, made under the LTIP, follows: Date of Grant Shares Grant-Date Fair Value 2016 Director Grants: January 4, 2016 7,439 $ 23.00 2015 Director Grants: January 2, 2015 5,850 $ 25.75 For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust incurred the stock-based compensation expense related to the following events (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Amortization of unvested LTIP awards $ 851 $ 563 Future employee awards (1) 360 300 Issuance of shares to independent directors 171 151 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 1,382 $ 1,014 (1) These future employee awards relate to service during the period, to be granted in January of the subsequent year, with 25% vesting on the date of grant, and the remaining 75% vesting ratably on January 31st of each of the following three years. These expenses are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , there was $5.0 million and $3.2 million , respectively, of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards under the LTIP. This amount will be amortized over the respective vesting period, ranging from one to three years at the time of grant.

Supplemental Disclosures of Non

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Investments in real estate funded with other assets $ — $ 27,000 Other assets assumed at acquisition $ — $ 6,119 Other liabilities assumed at acquisition $ — $ 2,917 Discount on issuance of bonds payable $ — $ 494 Amortization of net (premiums) discounts on debt $ 75 $ (119 ) Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment $ (4,857 ) $ 159 Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs $ 2,631 $ 10,153 Accrued deferred financing costs $ — $ 461 Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes) $ 225 $ 393

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , in computing the basic and diluted earnings-per-share, net income has been reduced for the dividends paid on unvested shares related to unvested awards under the LTIP and future employee awards, which relate to service in the current period and will be granted in January of the subsequent year. The following table reconciles the numerator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net income $ 6,697 $ 5,598 Distributions paid on unvested shares (82 ) (49 ) Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share $ 6,615 $ 5,549 The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Weighted-average common shares - basic 123,393 124,903 Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions, less assumed share repurchases: Previously granted LTIP awards, unvested 5 17 Future LTIP awards for 2016 14 15 Weighted-average common shares - diluted 123,412 124,935

Financial Information for Paren

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries The 2025 Bonds Payable and the 2018 Bonds Payable (see Note 6, Bonds Payable ) were issued by Columbia Property Trust OP, and are guaranteed by Columbia Property Trust. 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), as defined in the bond indentures, 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 guarantee is full and unconditional; and (3) No other subsidiary of the parent company guarantor (Columbia Property Trust) guarantees the 2025 Bonds Payable or the 2018 Bonds Payable. 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands), as well as its condensed consolidating statements of operations and its condensed consolidating statements of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands); and its condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands). Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) As of March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ — $ 6,241 $ 858,449 $ — $ 864,690 Buildings and improvements, net — 29,300 2,760,703 — 2,790,003 Intangible lease assets, net — — 245,783 — 245,783 Construction in progress — 25 11,198 — 11,223 Total real estate assets — 35,566 3,876,133 — 3,911,699 Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — 121,784 — — 121,784 Cash and cash equivalents 149,341 22,301 13,734 — 185,376 Investment in subsidiaries 2,087,639 1,882,787 — (3,970,426 ) — Tenant receivables, net of allowance — 141 11,590 — 11,731 Straight-line rent receivable — 1,455 101,912 — 103,367 Prepaid expenses and other assets 317,246 264,587 26,438 (572,492 ) 35,779 Intangible lease origination costs, net — — 70,560 — 70,560 Deferred lease costs, net — 1,983 72,519 — 74,502 Investment in development authority bonds — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total assets $ 2,554,226 $ 2,330,604 $ 4,292,886 $ (4,542,918 ) $ 4,634,798 Liabilities: Line of credit and notes payable $ — $ 888,145 $ 886,563 $ (570,030 ) $ 1,204,678 Bonds payable, net — 595,509 — — 595,509 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures 6 24,846 60,499 — 85,351 Due to affiliates — 29 2,433 (2,462 ) — Deferred income — 38 21,848 — 21,886 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 53,154 — 53,154 Obligations under capital leases — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total liabilities 6 1,508,567 1,144,497 (572,492 ) 2,080,578 Equity: Total equity 2,554,220 822,037 3,148,389 (3,970,426 ) 2,554,220 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,554,226 $ 2,330,604 $ 4,292,886 $ (4,542,918 ) $ 4,634,798 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) As of December 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ — $ 6,241 $ 890,226 $ — $ 896,467 Building and improvements, net — 28,913 2,868,518 — 2,897,431 Intangible lease assets, net — — 259,136 — 259,136 Construction in progress — 917 30,930 — 31,847 Total real estate assets — 36,071 4,048,810 — 4,084,881 Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — 118,695 — — 118,695 Cash and cash equivalents 989 14,969 16,687 — 32,645 Investment in subsidiaries 2,333,408 1,901,581 — (4,234,989 ) — Tenant receivables, net of allowance — 52 11,618 — 11,670 Straight-line rent receivable — 1,311 107,751 — 109,062 Prepaid expenses and other assets 317,151 265,615 26,153 (573,071 ) 35,848 Intangible lease origination costs, net — — 77,190 — 77,190 Deferred lease costs, net — 2,055 86,072 — 88,127 Investment in development authority bonds — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total assets $ 2,651,548 $ 2,340,349 $ 4,494,281 $ (4,808,060 ) $ 4,678,118 Liabilities: Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable $ — $ 812,836 $ 888,340 $ (570,605 ) $ 1,130,571 Bonds payable, net — 595,259 — — 595,259 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures — 13,313 85,446 — 98,759 Distributions payable 37,354 — — — 37,354 Due to affiliates — 21 2,445 (2,466 ) — Deferred income — 200 24,614 — 24,814 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 57,167 — 57,167 Obligations under capital leases — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total liabilities 37,354 1,421,629 1,178,012 (573,071 ) 2,063,924 Equity: Total equity 2,614,194 918,720 3,316,269 (4,234,989 ) 2,614,194 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,651,548 $ 2,340,349 $ 4,494,281 $ (4,808,060 ) $ 4,678,118 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 849 $ 98,833 $ (96 ) $ 99,586 Tenant reimbursements — 402 19,351 — 19,753 Hotel income — — 4,663 — 4,663 Other property income 245 — 2,420 (88 ) 2,577 245 1,251 125,267 (184 ) 126,579 Expenses: Property operating costs — 771 40,661 (96 ) 41,336 Hotel operating costs — — 4,331 — 4,331 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 30 — (30 ) — Other — — 330 — 330 Depreciation — 698 28,591 — 29,289 Amortization — 76 15,999 — 16,075 General and administrative 38 2,194 8,316 (58 ) 10,490 38 3,769 98,228 (184 ) 101,851 Real estate operating income (loss) 207 (2,518 ) 27,039 — 24,728 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (12,405 ) (12,881 ) 7,389 (17,897 ) Interest and other income 3,555 3,835 1,804 (7,389 ) 1,805 3,555 (8,570 ) (11,077 ) — (16,092 ) Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate 3,762 (11,088 ) 15,962 — 8,636 Income tax expense — (7 ) (70 ) — (77 ) Income from equity investment 2,935 9,293 — (13,780 ) (1,552 ) Income before on loss of real estate assets 6,697 (1,802 ) 15,892 (13,780 ) 7,007 Loss on sale of real estate assets — — (310 ) — (310 ) Net income $ 6,697 $ (1,802 ) $ 15,582 $ (13,780 ) $ 6,697 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 544 $ 112,359 $ (94 ) $ 112,809 Tenant reimbursements — 228 28,021 — 28,249 Hotel income — — 4,993 — 4,993 Other property income — — 1,563 (71 ) 1,492 — 772 146,936 (165 ) 147,543 Expenses: Property operating costs — 739 49,109 (94 ) 49,754 Hotel operating costs — — 4,591 — 4,591 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 14 — (14 ) — Other — — 397 — 397 Depreciation — 623 33,384 — 34,007 Amortization — 56 23,163 — 23,219 General and administrative 38 1,956 6,107 (57 ) 8,044 Acquisition expenses — — 1,995 — 1,995 38 3,388 118,746 (165 ) 122,007 Real estate operating income (loss) (38 ) (2,616 ) 28,190 — 25,536 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (9,225 ) (16,899 ) 4,640 (21,484 ) Interest and other income 1,991 2,657 1,825 (4,640 ) 1,833 Loss on interest rate swaps — — (6 ) — (6 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (477 ) — — (477 ) Income from equity investment 3,645 12,794 — (16,439 ) — 5,636 5,749 (15,080 ) (16,439 ) (20,134 ) Income before income tax benefit 5,598 3,133 13,110 (16,439 ) 5,402 Income tax benefit (expense) — (5 ) 201 — 196 Net income $ 5,598 $ 3,128 $ 13,311 $ (16,439 ) $ 5,598 Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 6,697 $ (1,802 ) $ 15,582 $ (13,780 ) $ 6,697 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (4,857 ) (4,857 ) — 4,857 (4,857 ) Comprehensive income $ 1,840 $ (6,659 ) $ 15,582 $ (8,923 ) $ 1,840 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 5,598 $ 3,128 $ 13,311 $ (16,439 ) $ 5,598 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps 159 159 — (159 ) 159 Comprehensive income $ 5,757 $ 3,287 $ 13,311 $ (16,598 ) $ 5,757 Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ 206 $ (13,343 ) $ 55,977 $ 42,840 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate 159,406 — — 159,406 Investment in real estate and related assets — (336 ) (17,642 ) (17,978 ) Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — (4,641 ) — (4,641 ) Net cash used in investing activities 159,406 (4,977 ) (17,642 ) 136,787 Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings, net of fees — 131,000 — 131,000 Repayments of notes payable — (56,000 ) (1,341 ) (57,341 ) Distributions (74,393 ) — — (74,393 ) Redemptions of common stock (26,162 ) — — (26,162 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) 89,295 (49,348 ) (39,947 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (11,260 ) 25,652 (41,288 ) (26,896 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 148,352 7,332 (2,953 ) 152,731 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 989 14,969 16,687 32,645 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 149,341 $ 22,301 $ 13,734 $ 185,376 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Eliminations Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ (32 ) $ (10,292 ) $ 54,856 $ — $ 44,532 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate — — — — — Investment in real estate and related assets (57,123 ) (494,850 ) (23,364 ) — (575,337 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) (553,203 ) — — 553,203 — Net cash used in investing activities (610,326 ) (494,850 ) (23,364 ) 553,203 (575,337 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings, net of fees — 809,078 — — 809,078 Repayments of line of credit and notes payable — (358,000 ) (684 ) — (358,684 ) Distributions (37,523 ) — — — (37,523 ) Redemptions of common stock (620 ) — — — (620 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) 532,534 51,140 (30,471 ) (553,203 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 494,391 502,218 (31,155 ) (553,203 ) 412,251 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (115,967 ) (2,924 ) 337 — (118,554 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 119,488 10,504 19,798 — 149,790 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 3,521 $ 7,580 $ 20,135 $ — $ 31,236

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Columbia Property Trust has evaluated subsequent events in connection with the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report on Form 10-Q and did not note any additional subsequent events, other than those disclosed elsewhere in this report.

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The consolidated financial statements of Columbia Property Trust have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X, and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the statements for these unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments, which are of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair and consistent presentation of the results for such periods. Results for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year's results. Columbia Property Trust's consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, and any variable interest entity in which Columbia Property Trust or Columbia Property Trust OP was deemed the primary beneficiary. With respect to entities that are not variable interest entities, Columbia Property Trust's consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of any entity in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or their subsidiaries own a controlling financial interest and any limited partnership in which Columbia Property Trust, Columbia Property Trust OP, or their subsidiaries own a controlling general partnership interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fair Value Measurements	Columbia Property Trust estimates the fair value of its assets and liabilities (where currently required under GAAP) consistent with the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"). Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. While various techniques and assumptions can be used to estimate fair value depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures provides the following fair value technique parameters and hierarchy, depending upon availability: Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which the identical term is traded on an active exchange, such as publicly traded instruments or futures contracts. Level 2 – Assets or 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	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 and liabilities may not be recoverable, Columbia Property Trust assesses the recoverability of these assets and liabilities by determining whether the respective carrying values will be recovered through the estimated undiscounted future 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 and liabilities 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. Columbia Property Trust has determined that there is no impairment in the carrying values of our real estate assets and related intangible assets as of March 31, 2016 . Projections of expected future operating cash flows require that Columbia Property Trust estimate 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 liabilities and net income.
Assets Held for Sale	Columbia Property Trust classifies assets as held for sale according to ASC 360, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets ("ASC 360"). According to ASC 360, assets are considered held for sale when the following criteria are met: • Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the property. • The property is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such property. • An active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the property have been initiated. • The sale of the property is probable, and transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year. • The property is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value. • Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. At such time that a property is determined to be held for sale, its carrying amount is adjusted to the lower of its depreciated book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell, and depreciation is no longer recognized.
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 positive or negative 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. This calculation includes significantly below-market renewal options for which exercise of the renewal option appears to be reasonably assured. These intangible leases assets and liabilities are measured over the actual or assumed (in the case of renewal options) remaining lease terms. 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. 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 detail). When calculating the intangible assets and liabilities for above-market and below-market tenant and ground leases where we are either the lessor or the lessee, the difference between the contractual rental rates and our estimate of market rental rates is measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the leases, including significantly below market renewal options for which exercise of the renewal option appears to be reasonably assured. The remaining term of leases with renewal options at terms significantly below market reflect the assumed exercise of such below market renewal options and assume the amortization period would coincide with the extended lease term.
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 swap 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 cash flow hedge, if any, are recognized currently in earnings. All 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 gain (loss) on interest rate swaps for contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
Income Taxes	Columbia Property Trust has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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 Property Trust 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, office properties that Columbia Property Trust does not intend to hold long term and 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.
Reclassification	Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform with the current-period financial statement presentation. Within the financing section of the consolidated statement of cash flows, shares redeemed to fund income tax withholdings presented in prior year is now included in share redemptions .
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"), which amends the existing standards for lease accounting by requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets, and making targeted changes to lessor accounting and reporting. The new standard will require lessees to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months, and classify such leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method (finance leases), on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease (operating leases). Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance as applies to sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 supersedes previous leasing standards. ASU 2016-02 is effective for Columbia Property Trust for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Columbia Property Trust is evaluating the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Summary of Significant Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 Intangible Assets and Liabilities	As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust had the following gross intangible in-place lease assets and liabilities (in thousands): Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Origination Costs Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets Absorption Period Costs March 31, 2016 Gross $ 50,463 $ 298,982 $ 244,740 $ 135,252 Accumulated Amortization (38,764 ) (187,508 ) (174,180 ) (82,098 ) Net $ 11,699 $ 111,474 $ 70,560 $ 53,154 December 31, 2015 Gross $ 50,463 $ 317,841 $ 258,672 $ 138,663 Accumulated Amortization (37,971 ) (194,446 ) (181,482 ) (81,496 ) Net $ 12,492 $ 123,395 $ 77,190 $ 57,167 For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized the following amortization of intangible lease assets and liabilities (in thousands): Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Origination Costs Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets Absorption Period Costs For the three months ended March 31, 2016 $ 794 $ 8,529 $ 5,269 $ 3,681 For the three months ended March 31, 2015 $ 1,367 $ 12,362 $ 8,157 $ 5,411 The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities, as of March 31, 2016 , will be amortized as follows (in thousands): Intangible Lease Assets Intangible Lease Origination Costs Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets Absorption Period Costs For the remainder of 2016 $ 1,769 $ 21,133 $ 12,751 $ 10,084 For the years ending December 31: 2017 1,383 19,396 12,310 9,162 2018 1,041 15,329 9,487 7,218 2019 1,041 13,459 8,507 6,540 2020 1,039 11,487 7,439 5,346 2021 1,032 7,328 3,306 3,095 Thereafter 4,394 23,342 16,760 11,709 $ 11,699 $ 111,474 $ 70,560 $ 53,154
Schedule of Future Amortization Expense for Remaining Net Below-Market Lease Assets	As of March 31, 2016 , the remaining net below-market intangible lease assets will be amortized as follows (in thousands): For the remainder of 2016 $ 1,912 For the years ending December 31: 2017 2,549 2018 2,549 2019 2,549 2020 2,549 2021 2,549 Thereafter 107,953 $ 122,610
Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps	The following tables provide additional information related to Columbia Property Trust's interest rate swaps (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value as of Instrument Type Balance Sheet Classification March 31, December 31, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate contracts Accounts payable $ (7,293 ) $ (2,436 )
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position	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. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and included in other comprehensive income $ (4,857 ) $ 159 Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings $ — $ (6 )

Real Estate Transactions (Table

Real Estate Transactions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Real Estate Property Acquired	During 2015 , Columbia Property Trust acquired the following properties (in thousands): 315 Park Avenue South Building 1881 Campus Commons Building 116 Huntington 229 West 43rd Street Building Location New York, NY Reston, VA Boston, MA New York, NY Date Acquired January 7, 2015 January 7, 2015 January 8, 2015 August 4, 2015 Purchase price: Land $ 119,633 $ 7,179 $ — $ 207,233 Building and improvements 232,598 49,273 108,383 265,952 Intangible lease assets 16,912 4,643 7,907 27,039 Intangible below market ground lease assets — — 30,244 — Intangible lease origination costs 4,148 1,603 2,669 10,059 Intangible below market lease liability (7,487 ) (97 ) (1,878 ) — Total purchase price $ 365,804 $ 62,601 $ 147,325 $ 510,283
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 these acquisitions been consummated as of January 1, 2014 (in thousands). Three Months Ended Revenues $ 154,965 Net income $ 6,723 Net income per share - basic $ 0.05 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.05
Schedule of Properties Sold	The following properties make up the 11 Property Sale: 170 Park Avenue Bannockburn Lake III Acxiom 180 Park Avenue 544 Lakeview 215 Diehl Road Robbins Road Highland Landmark III 1580 West Nursery 550 King Street The Corridors III

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (T

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Information for the Market Square Joint Venture	Condensed balance sheet information for the Market Square Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total assets $ 573,428 $ 573,073 Total debt $ 324,616 $ 324,603 Total equity $ 233,973 $ 230,060 Columbia Property Trust's investment $ 121,784 $ 118,695 Condensed income statement information for the Market Square Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Total revenues $ 11,663 Net loss $ (3,043 ) Columbia Property Trust's share $ (1,552 )

Line of Credit and Notes Paya25

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit, Term Loan and Notes Payable Indebtedness Outstanding	As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust had the following line of credit and notes payable indebtedness (excluding bonds payable; see Note 6, Bonds Payable ) in thousands: Facility March 31, December 31, Revolving Credit Facility $ 322,000 $ 247,000 $300 Million Term Loan 300,000 300,000 $150 Million Term Loan 150,000 150,000 650 California Street Building mortgage note 128,169 128,785 $300 Million Bridge Loan 119,000 119,000 221 Main Street Building mortgage note 73,000 73,000 263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note 49,000 49,000 SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes 39,000 39,000 One Glenlake Building mortgage note 28,553 29,278 Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization (4,044 ) (4,492 ) Total indebtedness $ 1,204,678 $ 1,130,571

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of the Activity of Employee Stock Grants	A summary of the activity for the employee stock grants under the LTIP for the three months ended March 31, 2016 follows: For the Three Months Ended Shares Weighted-Average (1) Unvested shares - beginning of period 151 $ 24.59 Granted 247 $ 21.79 Vested (135 ) $ 23.33 Forfeited (1 ) $ 21.90 Unvested shares - end of period (2) 262 $ 22.61 (1) Columbia Property Trust determined the weighted-average grant-date fair value using the market closing price on the date of the respective grants. (2) As of March 31, 2016 , we expect approximately 249,000 of the 262,000 unvested shares to ultimately vest, assuming a forfeiture rate of 5.0% , which was determined based on peer company data, adjusted for the specifics of the LTIP.
Summary of Shares Granted to Independent Directors	A summary of these grants, made under the LTIP, follows: Date of Grant Shares Grant-Date Fair Value 2016 Director Grants: January 4, 2016 7,439 $ 23.00 2015 Director Grants: January 2, 2015 5,850 $ 25.75
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense Incurred	For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust incurred the stock-based compensation expense related to the following events (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Amortization of unvested LTIP awards $ 851 $ 563 Future employee awards (1) 360 300 Issuance of shares to independent directors 171 151 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 1,382 $ 1,014 (1) These future employee awards relate to service during the period, to be granted in January of the subsequent year, with 25% vesting on the date of grant, and the remaining 75% vesting ratably on January 31st of each of the following three years.

Supplemental Disclosures of N27

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Significant Noncash Investing and Financing Activities	Outlined below are significant noncash investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Investments in real estate funded with other assets $ — $ 27,000 Other assets assumed at acquisition $ — $ 6,119 Other liabilities assumed at acquisition $ — $ 2,917 Discount on issuance of bonds payable $ — $ 494 Amortization of net (premiums) discounts on debt $ 75 $ (119 ) Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment $ (4,857 ) $ 159 Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs $ 2,631 $ 10,153 Accrued deferred financing costs $ — $ 461 Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes) $ 225 $ 393

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations	The following table reconciles the numerator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net income $ 6,697 $ 5,598 Distributions paid on unvested shares (82 ) (49 ) Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share $ 6,615 $ 5,549 The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Weighted-average common shares - basic 123,393 124,903 Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions, less assumed share repurchases: Previously granted LTIP awards, unvested 5 17 Future LTIP awards for 2016 14 15 Weighted-average common shares - diluted 123,412 124,935

Financial Information for Par29

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) As of March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ — $ 6,241 $ 858,449 $ — $ 864,690 Buildings and improvements, net — 29,300 2,760,703 — 2,790,003 Intangible lease assets, net — — 245,783 — 245,783 Construction in progress — 25 11,198 — 11,223 Total real estate assets — 35,566 3,876,133 — 3,911,699 Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — 121,784 — — 121,784 Cash and cash equivalents 149,341 22,301 13,734 — 185,376 Investment in subsidiaries 2,087,639 1,882,787 — (3,970,426 ) — Tenant receivables, net of allowance — 141 11,590 — 11,731 Straight-line rent receivable — 1,455 101,912 — 103,367 Prepaid expenses and other assets 317,246 264,587 26,438 (572,492 ) 35,779 Intangible lease origination costs, net — — 70,560 — 70,560 Deferred lease costs, net — 1,983 72,519 — 74,502 Investment in development authority bonds — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total assets $ 2,554,226 $ 2,330,604 $ 4,292,886 $ (4,542,918 ) $ 4,634,798 Liabilities: Line of credit and notes payable $ — $ 888,145 $ 886,563 $ (570,030 ) $ 1,204,678 Bonds payable, net — 595,509 — — 595,509 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures 6 24,846 60,499 — 85,351 Due to affiliates — 29 2,433 (2,462 ) — Deferred income — 38 21,848 — 21,886 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 53,154 — 53,154 Obligations under capital leases — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total liabilities 6 1,508,567 1,144,497 (572,492 ) 2,080,578 Equity: Total equity 2,554,220 822,037 3,148,389 (3,970,426 ) 2,554,220 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,554,226 $ 2,330,604 $ 4,292,886 $ (4,542,918 ) $ 4,634,798 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) As of December 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Assets: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ — $ 6,241 $ 890,226 $ — $ 896,467 Building and improvements, net — 28,913 2,868,518 — 2,897,431 Intangible lease assets, net — — 259,136 — 259,136 Construction in progress — 917 30,930 — 31,847 Total real estate assets — 36,071 4,048,810 — 4,084,881 Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — 118,695 — — 118,695 Cash and cash equivalents 989 14,969 16,687 — 32,645 Investment in subsidiaries 2,333,408 1,901,581 — (4,234,989 ) — Tenant receivables, net of allowance — 52 11,618 — 11,670 Straight-line rent receivable — 1,311 107,751 — 109,062 Prepaid expenses and other assets 317,151 265,615 26,153 (573,071 ) 35,848 Intangible lease origination costs, net — — 77,190 — 77,190 Deferred lease costs, net — 2,055 86,072 — 88,127 Investment in development authority bonds — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total assets $ 2,651,548 $ 2,340,349 $ 4,494,281 $ (4,808,060 ) $ 4,678,118 Liabilities: Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable $ — $ 812,836 $ 888,340 $ (570,605 ) $ 1,130,571 Bonds payable, net — 595,259 — — 595,259 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures — 13,313 85,446 — 98,759 Distributions payable 37,354 — — — 37,354 Due to affiliates — 21 2,445 (2,466 ) — Deferred income — 200 24,614 — 24,814 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 57,167 — 57,167 Obligations under capital leases — — 120,000 — 120,000 Total liabilities 37,354 1,421,629 1,178,012 (573,071 ) 2,063,924 Equity: Total equity 2,614,194 918,720 3,316,269 (4,234,989 ) 2,614,194 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,651,548 $ 2,340,349 $ 4,494,281 $ (4,808,060 ) $ 4,678,118
Consolidating Statements of Operations	Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 849 $ 98,833 $ (96 ) $ 99,586 Tenant reimbursements — 402 19,351 — 19,753 Hotel income — — 4,663 — 4,663 Other property income 245 — 2,420 (88 ) 2,577 245 1,251 125,267 (184 ) 126,579 Expenses: Property operating costs — 771 40,661 (96 ) 41,336 Hotel operating costs — — 4,331 — 4,331 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 30 — (30 ) — Other — — 330 — 330 Depreciation — 698 28,591 — 29,289 Amortization — 76 15,999 — 16,075 General and administrative 38 2,194 8,316 (58 ) 10,490 38 3,769 98,228 (184 ) 101,851 Real estate operating income (loss) 207 (2,518 ) 27,039 — 24,728 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (12,405 ) (12,881 ) 7,389 (17,897 ) Interest and other income 3,555 3,835 1,804 (7,389 ) 1,805 3,555 (8,570 ) (11,077 ) — (16,092 ) Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate 3,762 (11,088 ) 15,962 — 8,636 Income tax expense — (7 ) (70 ) — (77 ) Income from equity investment 2,935 9,293 — (13,780 ) (1,552 ) Income before on loss of real estate assets 6,697 (1,802 ) 15,892 (13,780 ) 7,007 Loss on sale of real estate assets — — (310 ) — (310 ) Net income $ 6,697 $ (1,802 ) $ 15,582 $ (13,780 ) $ 6,697 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 544 $ 112,359 $ (94 ) $ 112,809 Tenant reimbursements — 228 28,021 — 28,249 Hotel income — — 4,993 — 4,993 Other property income — — 1,563 (71 ) 1,492 — 772 146,936 (165 ) 147,543 Expenses: Property operating costs — 739 49,109 (94 ) 49,754 Hotel operating costs — — 4,591 — 4,591 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 14 — (14 ) — Other — — 397 — 397 Depreciation — 623 33,384 — 34,007 Amortization — 56 23,163 — 23,219 General and administrative 38 1,956 6,107 (57 ) 8,044 Acquisition expenses — — 1,995 — 1,995 38 3,388 118,746 (165 ) 122,007 Real estate operating income (loss) (38 ) (2,616 ) 28,190 — 25,536 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (9,225 ) (16,899 ) 4,640 (21,484 ) Interest and other income 1,991 2,657 1,825 (4,640 ) 1,833 Loss on interest rate swaps — — (6 ) — (6 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (477 ) — — (477 ) Income from equity investment 3,645 12,794 — (16,439 ) — 5,636 5,749 (15,080 ) (16,439 ) (20,134 ) Income before income tax benefit 5,598 3,133 13,110 (16,439 ) 5,402 Income tax benefit (expense) — (5 ) 201 — 196 Net income $ 5,598 $ 3,128 $ 13,311 $ (16,439 ) $ 5,598
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income	Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 6,697 $ (1,802 ) $ 15,582 $ (13,780 ) $ 6,697 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (4,857 ) (4,857 ) — 4,857 (4,857 ) Comprehensive income $ 1,840 $ (6,659 ) $ 15,582 $ (8,923 ) $ 1,840 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 5,598 $ 3,128 $ 13,311 $ (16,439 ) $ 5,598 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps 159 159 — (159 ) 159 Comprehensive income $ 5,757 $ 3,287 $ 13,311 $ (16,598 ) $ 5,757
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ 206 $ (13,343 ) $ 55,977 $ 42,840 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate 159,406 — — 159,406 Investment in real estate and related assets — (336 ) (17,642 ) (17,978 ) Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — (4,641 ) — (4,641 ) Net cash used in investing activities 159,406 (4,977 ) (17,642 ) 136,787 Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings, net of fees — 131,000 — 131,000 Repayments of notes payable — (56,000 ) (1,341 ) (57,341 ) Distributions (74,393 ) — — (74,393 ) Redemptions of common stock (26,162 ) — — (26,162 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) 89,295 (49,348 ) (39,947 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (11,260 ) 25,652 (41,288 ) (26,896 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 148,352 7,332 (2,953 ) 152,731 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 989 14,969 16,687 32,645 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 149,341 $ 22,301 $ 13,734 $ 185,376 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Eliminations Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ (32 ) $ (10,292 ) $ 54,856 $ — $ 44,532 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate — — — — — Investment in real estate and related assets (57,123 ) (494,850 ) (23,364 ) — (575,337 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) (553,203 ) — — 553,203 — Net cash used in investing activities (610,326 ) (494,850 ) (23,364 ) 553,203 (575,337 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings, net of fees — 809,078 — — 809,078 Repayments of line of credit and notes payable — (358,000 ) (684 ) — (358,684 ) Distributions (37,523 ) — — — (37,523 ) Redemptions of common stock (620 ) — — — (620 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) 532,534 51,140 (30,471 ) (553,203 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 494,391 502,218 (31,155 ) (553,203 ) 412,251 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (115,967 ) (2,924 ) 337 — (118,554 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 119,488 10,504 19,798 — 149,790 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 3,521 $ 7,580 $ 20,135 $ — $ 31,236

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details) ft² in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016ft²statepropertyhotel
Real Estate
Square feet of real estate | ft²	13.3
Number of states with properties | state	12
Percent of leased office space of owned properties	92.40%
Office Building
Real Estate
Number of real estate properties | property	26
Hotel
Real Estate
Number of real estate properties | hotel	1

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets	$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 14,753	$ 20,477
Requirement to distribute taxable income (percent)	90.00%
Limit on investments in taxable real estate investment trusts (percent)	25.00%
Intangible Below Market Lease Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets	$ 140,900		$ 140,900
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 600	$ 600
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of real estate assets	40 years
Building Improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of real estate assets	5 years
Building Improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of real estate assets	25 years

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Intangible Assets & Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (244,578)	$ (250,085)
Intangible lease assets, net	245,783	259,136
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Accumulated Amortization	(174,180)	(181,482)
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	70,560	77,190
Below Market Lease, Gross	135,252	138,663
Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization	(82,098)	(81,496)
Below Market Lease, Net	53,154	57,167
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	50,463	50,463
Intangible Lease Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(38,764)	(37,971)
Intangible lease assets, net	11,699	12,492
Absorption Period Costs
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	298,982	317,841
Intangible Lease Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(187,508)	(194,446)
Intangible lease assets, net	111,474	123,395
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Gross	244,740	258,672
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Accumulated Amortization	(174,180)	(181,482)
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	$ 70,560	$ 77,190

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Recognized Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	$ 16,075	$ 23,219
Amortization of Below Market In-Place Lease Liabilities	3,681	5,411
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	794	1,367
Absorption Period Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	8,529	12,362
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	$ 5,269	$ 8,157

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Future Amortization by Intangible Asset Class) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
For the years ending December 31:
Intangible lease assets, net	$ 245,783	$ 259,136
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	70,560	77,190
Below Market Lease [Abstract]
For the remainder of 2016	10,084
2,017	9,162
2,018	7,218
2,019	6,540
2,020	5,346
2,021	3,095
Thereafter	11,709
Below Market Lease, Net	53,154	57,167
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	1,769
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	1,383
2,018	1,041
2,019	1,041
2,020	1,039
2,021	1,032
Thereafter	4,394
Intangible lease assets, net	11,699	12,492
Absorption Period Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	21,133
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	19,396
2,018	15,329
2,019	13,459
2,020	11,487
2,021	7,328
Thereafter	23,342
Intangible lease assets, net	111,474	123,395
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	12,751
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	12,310
2,018	9,487
2,019	8,507
2,020	7,439
2,021	3,306
Thereafter	16,760
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	$ 70,560	$ 77,190

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Future Amortization for Below-Market Lease Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
For the years ending December 31:
Intangible lease assets, net	$ 245,783	$ 259,136
Intangible below market ground lease assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	1,912
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	2,549
2,018	2,549
2,019	2,549
2,020	2,549
2,021	2,549
Thereafter	107,953
Intangible lease assets, net	$ 122,610

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
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	$ (4,857)	$ 159
Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings	0	$ (6)
Interest rate contracts | Accounts payable
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts	$ (7,293)		$ (2,436)

Real Estate Transactions (Sched

Real Estate Transactions (Schedule of Properties Acquired) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 04, 2015	Jan. 08, 2015	Jan. 07, 2015
315 Park Avenue South Building
Purchase price:
Land			$ 119,633
Building and improvements			232,598
Intangible below market lease liability			(7,487)
Total purchase price			365,804
1881 Campus Commons Building
Purchase price:
Land			7,179
Building and improvements			49,273
Intangible below market lease liability			(97)
Total purchase price			62,601
116 Huntington Avenue Building
Purchase price:
Land		$ 0
Building and improvements		108,383
Intangible below market lease liability		(1,878)
Total purchase price		147,325
229 West 43rd Street Building
Purchase price:
Land	$ 207,233
Building and improvements	265,952
Intangible below market lease liability	0
Total purchase price	510,283
Intangible lease assets | 315 Park Avenue South Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			16,912
Intangible lease assets | 1881 Campus Commons Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			4,643
Intangible lease assets | 116 Huntington Avenue Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets		7,907
Intangible lease assets | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets	27,039
Intangible below market ground lease assets | 315 Park Avenue South Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			0
Intangible below market ground lease assets | 1881 Campus Commons Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			0
Intangible below market ground lease assets | 116 Huntington Avenue Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets		30,244
Intangible below market ground lease assets | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets	0
Intangible lease origination costs | 315 Park Avenue South Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			4,148
Intangible lease origination costs | 1881 Campus Commons Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			$ 1,603
Intangible lease origination costs | 116 Huntington Avenue Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets		$ 2,669
Intangible lease origination costs | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets	$ 10,059

Real Estate Transactions (Acqui

Real Estate Transactions (Acquisitions) (Details) ft² in Thousands	Aug. 04, 2015USD ($)ft²Tenant	Jan. 08, 2015USD ($)ft²Tenant	Jan. 07, 2015USD ($)ft²Tenantproperty	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²property	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²				13,300
Real estate acquisitions				$ 0			$ 551,277,000
Percent of leased office space of owned properties				92.40%
Acquisition expenses				$ 0			1,995,000
315 Park Avenue South Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue recognized since acquisition date					$ 6,200,000
Net income (loss) recognized since acquisition date					(1,300,000)
Acquisition expenses					1,200,000
1881 Campus Commons Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue recognized since acquisition date					1,500,000
Net income (loss) recognized since acquisition date					(600,000)
Acquisition expenses					500,000
116 Huntington Avenue Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue recognized since acquisition date						$ 2,900,000
Net income (loss) recognized since acquisition date						200,000
Acquisition expenses						300,000
229 West 43rd Street Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²	732
Customer Concentration Risk | Credit Suisse | 315 Park Avenue South Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			74.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | SOS International | 1881 Campus Commons Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			15.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Siemens | 1881 Campus Commons Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage			12.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | American Tower | 116 Huntington Avenue Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		21.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | GE Healthcare | 116 Huntington Avenue Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		13.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Brigham and Women's | 116 Huntington Avenue Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		12.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Yahoo! | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	40.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Snapchat | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	13.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Collective, Inc. | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	12.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | MongoDB | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%
Office Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties | property				26
Office Building | 315 Park Avenue South Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²			327
Percent of leased office space of owned properties			94.90%
Number of customers | Tenant			9
Office Building | 1881 Campus Commons Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²			244
Percent of leased office space of owned properties			78.00%
Number of customers | Tenant			15
Office Building | 116 Huntington Avenue Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²		271
Real estate acquisitions		$ 152,000,000
Percent of leased office space of owned properties		78.00%
Number of customers | Tenant		17
Office Building | 229 West 43rd Street Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²	481
Real estate acquisitions	$ 516,000,000
Percent of leased office space of owned properties	98.00%
Number of customers | Tenant	9
Office Building | 315 Park Avenue South and 1881 Campus Commons Building
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties | property			2
Real estate acquisitions			$ 436,000,000
Unsecured Debt | 2025 Bonds Payable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Face amount of issued debt instrument					$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Unsecured Debt | $300 Million Bridge Loan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Bridge loan	$ 300,000,000

Real Estate Transactions (Pro F

Real Estate Transactions (Pro Forma) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares
Real Estate [Abstract]
Revenues | $	$ 154,965
Net income | $	$ 6,723
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.05
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.05

Real Estate Transactions (Dispo

Real Estate Transactions (Dispositions) (Details)	Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 10, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2015USD ($)property	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 04, 2015USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate						$ 159,406,000	$ 0
100 East Pratt Building
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from sale of real estate		$ 187,000,000
Gain (loss) on sale of real estates		(300,000)
1881 Campus Commons Building
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from sale of real estate			$ 65,000,000
Gain (loss) on sale of real estates			$ 500,000
Disposed of by Sale | Eleven Property Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gross proceeds from sale of real estate					$ 433,300,000
Gain (loss) on sale of real estates					$ 20,200,000
Number of real estate properties | property					11
Aggregate net income excluding the gain on sale								$ 6,500,000
$300 Million Bridge Loan | Unsecured Debt
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Bridge loan									$ 300,000,000
Corporate Joint Venture
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of real estates				$ 3,100,000
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate				$ 120,000,000
Ownership percentage				51.00%
Blackstone Property Partners | Corporate Joint Venture
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Mortgage note transferred to joint venture		$ 325,000,000		$ 325,000,000		$ 325,000,000
Ownership percentage				49.00%
Subsequent Event | $300 Million Loan | Unsecured Debt
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Repayment of debt	$ 119,000,000

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (N

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Narrative) (Details) ft² in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²	Oct. 28, 2015USD ($)ft²building
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²	13,300
Corporate Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		51.00%
Property management fee, percent, payable monthly	3.00%
Asset managementf fee	$ 1,000,000
Blackstone Property Partners | Corporate Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage		49.00%
Mortgage note transferred to joint venture	$ 325,000,000	$ 325,000,000
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)	5.07%
Guaranty liability		$ 25,000,000
Washington, D.C. | Market Square East & West LLC | Corporate Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties | building		2
Square feet of real estate | ft²		687
Other Income | Corporate Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset and property management fees	$ 700,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets | Corporate Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Property management fees due to Columbia Property Trust	$ 200,000

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (C

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Condensed Balance Sheet Information for Market Square Joint Venture) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Total assets	$ 573,428	$ 573,073
Total debt	324,616	324,603
Total equity	233,973	230,060
Columbia Property Trust's investment	$ 121,784	$ 118,695

Unconsolidated Joint Venture 43

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Condensed Income Statement Information for the Market Square Joint Venture) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 11,663
Net loss	(3,043)
Columbia Property Trust's share	$ (1,552)	$ 0

Line of Credit and Notes Paya44

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Schedule of Long-Term Debt (excluding Bonds Payable)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	$ 1,204,678	$ 1,130,571
Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization	(4,044)	(4,492)
Credit Facilities | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	322,000	247,000
Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization	(4,044)	(4,492)
Term Loans | $300 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	300,000	300,000
Term Loans | $150 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	150,000	150,000
Mortgage Notes | 650 California Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	128,169	128,785
Mortgage Notes | 221 Main Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	73,000	73,000
Mortgage Notes | 263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	49,000	49,000
Mortgage Notes | SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	39,000	39,000
Mortgage Notes | One Glenlake Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	28,553	29,278
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization	(3,546)	(3,721)
Unsecured Debt | $300 Million Bridge Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	$ 119,000	$ 119,000

Line of Credit and Notes Paya45

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2016	Aug. 04, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable			$ 1,204,678,000		$ 1,130,571,000
Loans Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of line of credit and notes payable			1,214,500,000		1,140,100,000
Carrying value of the line of credit and notes payable			1,208,700,000		1,135,100,000
Interest payments			7,600,000	$ 15,500,000
Interest capitalized			100,000	$ 100,000
Term Loans | $300 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable			$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Unsecured Debt | $300 Million Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable		$ 300,000,000
Maturity of debt instrument		6 months
Subsequent Event | Unsecured Debt | $300 Million Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of debt	$ 119,000,000

Bonds Payable (Details)

Bonds Payable (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable		$ 0	$ 349,507,000
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable		945,000			$ 1,020,000
Bonds payable, net		595,509,000			595,259,000
Unsecured Debt | 2025 Bonds Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of issued debt instrument	$ 350,000,000		$ 350,000,000
Maturity of debt instrument	10 years
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)	4.15%		4.15%
Discount rate of face value of issued debt instrument (percent)	99.859%		99.859%
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable	$ 347,200,000
Frequency of payments	semi-annual
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable	$ 500,000		$ 500,000
Maturity date	Apr. 1, 2025
Unsecured Debt | 2018 Bonds Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of issued debt instrument				$ 250,000,000
Maturity of debt instrument				7 years
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)				5.875%
Discount rate of face value of issued debt instrument (percent)				99.295%
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable				$ 246,700,000
Frequency of payments				semi-annual
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable				$ 1,800,000
Maturity date				Apr. 1, 2018
Interest payments		0	$ 0
Level 2 | Unsecured Debt | 2025 and 2018 Bonds Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of debt instrument		602,200,000			602,300,000
Bonds payable, net		$ 599,000,000			$ 599,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	Oct. 28, 2015USD ($)
Blackstone Property Partners | Corporate Joint Venture
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guaranty liability	$ 25,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 21, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Shares		247,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards		$ 5,000,000	$ 3,200,000
2013 Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized		2,000,000
Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares	231,015
Shares withheld to settle tax liability	20,842
Grant Date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)		25.00%
Grant Date | Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)	25.00%
January 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)	25.00%
January 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)	25.00%
January 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)	25.00%
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs recognition period (years)		1 year
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs recognition period (years)		3 years
Stock Repurchase Program | Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 200,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)		1,800,000
Shares repurchased, average cost per share		$ 22.60
Value of stock repurchased		$ 41,300,000
Stock repurchase program, amount available for repurchase		$ 158,700,000

Stockholders' Equity (Unvested

Stockholders' Equity (Unvested Activity Rollforward) (Details) shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Shares Rollforward
Unvested shares, beginning of period	151
Granted	247
Vested	(135)
Forfeited	(1)
Unvested shares, end of period	262	[1]
Weighted-Average, Grant-Date Fair Value Rollforward
Unvested shares, beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 24.59	[2]
Granted | $ / shares	21.79	[2]
Vested | $ / shares	23.33	[2]
Forfeited | $ / shares	21.90	[2]
Unvested shares, end of period | $ / shares	$ 22.61	[1],[2]
Shares expected to ultimately vest	249
Expected forfeiture rate	5.00%
[1]	As of March 31, 2016, we expect approximately 249,000 of the 262,000 unvested shares to ultimately vest, assuming a forfeiture rate of 5.0%, which was determined based on peer company data, adjusted for the specifics of the LTIP.
[2]	Columbia Property Trust determined the weighted-average grant-date fair value using the market closing price on the date of the respective grants.

Stockholders' Equity (Summary o

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Shares Granted to Independent Directors) (Details) - $ / shares		Jan. 04, 2016	Jan. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares				247,000
Grant-Date Fair Value	[1]			$ 21.79
Director | January 4, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares		7,439
Grant-Date Fair Value		$ 23
Director | January 2, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares			5,850
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 respective grants.

Stockholders' Equity (Stock-bas

Stockholders' Equity (Stock-based Compensation Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 1,382	$ 1,014
Future employee awards	[1]	360	300
Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		851	563
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 171	$ 151
Grant Date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)		25.00%
Annually over Three Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (in percent)		75.00%
[1]	These future employee awards relate to service during the period, to be granted in January of the subsequent year, with 25% vesting on the date of grant, and the remaining 75% vesting ratably on January 31st of each of the following three years.

Supplemental Disclosures of N52

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Investments in real estate funded with other assets	$ 0	$ 27,000
Other assets assumed at acquisition	0	6,119
Other liabilities assumed at acquisition	0	2,917
Discount on issuance of bonds payable	0	494
Amortization of net (premiums) discounts on debt	75	(119)
Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	(4,857)	159
Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	2,631	10,153
Accrued deferred financing costs	0	461
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for income taxes)	$ 225	$ 393

Earnings Per Share (Basic and D

Earnings Per Share (Basic and Diluted EPS Computations) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income	$ 6,697	$ 5,598
Distributions paid on unvested shares	(82)	(49)
Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 6,615	$ 5,549
Weighted-average common shares - basic	123,393	124,903
Weighted-average common shares - diluted	123,412	124,935
Previously granted LTIP awards, unvested
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions, less assumed share repurchases	5	17
Future LTIP awards for 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions, less assumed share repurchases	14	15

Financial Information for Par54

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Ownership percentage of wholly owned subsidiary	100.00%

Financial Information for Par55

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Land	$ 864,690	$ 896,467
Buildings and improvements, net	2,790,003	2,897,431
Intangible lease assets, net	245,783	259,136
Construction in progress	11,223	31,847
Total real estate assets	3,911,699	4,084,881
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	121,784	118,695
Cash and cash equivalents	185,376	32,645	$ 31,236	$ 149,790
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	11,731	11,670
Straight-line rent receivable	103,367	109,062
Prepaid expenses and other assets	35,779	35,848
Intangible lease origination costs, net	70,560	77,190
Deferred lease costs, net	74,502	88,127
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Total assets	4,634,798	4,678,118
Liabilities:
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	1,204,678	1,130,571
Bonds payable, net	595,509	595,259
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	85,351	98,759
Dividends payable	0	37,354
Due to affiliates	0	0
Deferred income	21,886	24,814
Intangible lease liabilities, net	53,154	57,167
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Total liabilities	2,080,578	2,063,924
Equity:
Total equity	2,554,220	2,614,194	2,702,106	2,733,478
Total liabilities and equity	4,634,798	4,678,118
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent) (Guarantor)
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
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	149,341	989	3,521	119,488
Investment in subsidiaries	2,087,639	2,333,408
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	317,246	317,151
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Total assets	2,554,226	2,651,548
Liabilities:
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	0	0
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	6	0
Dividends payable		37,354
Due to affiliates	0	0
Deferred income	0	0
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Total liabilities	6	37,354
Equity:
Total equity	2,554,220	2,614,194
Total liabilities and equity	2,554,226	2,651,548
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Assets:
Land	6,241	6,241
Buildings and improvements, net	29,300	28,913
Intangible lease assets, net	0	0
Construction in progress	25	917
Total real estate assets	35,566	36,071
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	121,784	118,695
Cash and cash equivalents	22,301	14,969	7,580	10,504
Investment in subsidiaries	1,882,787	1,901,581
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	141	52
Straight-line rent receivable	1,455	1,311
Prepaid expenses and other assets	264,587	265,615
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	1,983	2,055
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Total assets	2,330,604	2,340,349
Liabilities:
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	888,145	812,836
Bonds payable, net	595,509	595,259
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	24,846	13,313
Dividends payable		0
Due to affiliates	29	21
Deferred income	38	200
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Total liabilities	1,508,567	1,421,629
Equity:
Total equity	822,037	918,720
Total liabilities and equity	2,330,604	2,340,349
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Assets:
Land	858,449	890,226
Buildings and improvements, net	2,760,703	2,868,518
Intangible lease assets, net	245,783	259,136
Construction in progress	11,198	30,930
Total real estate assets	3,876,133	4,048,810
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	13,734	16,687	20,135	19,798
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	11,590	11,618
Straight-line rent receivable	101,912	107,751
Prepaid expenses and other assets	26,438	26,153
Intangible lease origination costs, net	70,560	77,190
Deferred lease costs, net	72,519	86,072
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Total assets	4,292,886	4,494,281
Liabilities:
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	886,563	888,340
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	60,499	85,446
Dividends payable		0
Due to affiliates	2,433	2,445
Deferred income	21,848	24,614
Intangible lease liabilities, net	53,154	57,167
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Total liabilities	1,144,497	1,178,012
Equity:
Total equity	3,148,389	3,316,269
Total liabilities and equity	4,292,886	4,494,281
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
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Investment in subsidiaries	(3,970,426)	(4,234,989)
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(572,492)	(573,071)
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Total assets	(4,542,918)	(4,808,060)
Liabilities:
Lines of credit, term loans, and notes payable	(570,030)	(570,605)
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	0	0
Dividends payable		0
Due to affiliates	(2,462)	(2,466)
Deferred income	0	0
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Total liabilities	(572,492)	(573,071)
Equity:
Total equity	(3,970,426)	(4,234,989)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (4,542,918)	$ (4,808,060)

Financial Information for Par56

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Rental income	$ 99,586	$ 112,809
Tenant reimbursements	19,753	28,249
Hotel income	4,663	4,993
Other property income	2,577	1,492
Revenues	126,579	147,543
Expenses:
Property operating costs	41,336	49,754
Hotel operating costs	4,331	4,591
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	0	0
Other	330	397
Depreciation	29,289	34,007
Amortization	16,075	23,219
General and administrative	10,490	8,044
Acquisition expenses	0	1,995
Costs and expenses	101,851	122,007
Real estate operating income	24,728	25,536
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(17,897)	(21,484)
Interest and other income	1,805	1,833
Loss on interest rate swaps	0	(6)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	(477)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(16,092)	(20,134)
Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate	8,636	5,402
Income tax benefit (expense)	(77)	196
Income from equity investment	(1,552)	0
Income before loss on sale of real estate	7,007	5,598
Loss on sale of real estate assets	(310)	0
Net income	6,697	5,598
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent) (Guarantor)
Revenues:
Rental income	0	0
Tenant reimbursements	0	0
Hotel income	0	0
Other property income	245	0
Revenues	245	0
Expenses:
Property operating costs	0	0
Hotel operating costs	0	0
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	0	0
Other	0	0
Depreciation	0	0
Amortization	0	0
General and administrative	38	38
Acquisition expenses		0
Costs and expenses	38	38
Real estate operating income	207	(38)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	0	0
Interest and other income	3,555	1,991
Loss on interest rate swaps		0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		0
Nonoperating income (expense)	3,555	5,636
Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate	3,762	5,598
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Income from equity investment	2,935	3,645
Income before loss on sale of real estate	6,697	5,598
Loss on sale of real estate assets	0
Net income	6,697	5,598
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Revenues:
Rental income	849	544
Tenant reimbursements	402	228
Hotel income	0	0
Other property income	0	0
Revenues	1,251	772
Expenses:
Property operating costs	771	739
Hotel operating costs	0	0
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	30	14
Other	0	0
Depreciation	698	623
Amortization	76	56
General and administrative	2,194	1,956
Acquisition expenses		0
Costs and expenses	3,769	3,388
Real estate operating income	(2,518)	(2,616)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(12,405)	(9,225)
Interest and other income	3,835	2,657
Loss on interest rate swaps		0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		(477)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(8,570)	5,749
Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate	(11,088)	3,133
Income tax benefit (expense)	(7)	(5)
Income from equity investment	9,293	12,794
Income before loss on sale of real estate	(1,802)	3,128
Loss on sale of real estate assets	0
Net income	(1,802)	3,128
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Revenues:
Rental income	98,833	112,359
Tenant reimbursements	19,351	28,021
Hotel income	4,663	4,993
Other property income	2,420	1,563
Revenues	125,267	146,936
Expenses:
Property operating costs	40,661	49,109
Hotel operating costs	4,331	4,591
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	0	0
Other	330	397
Depreciation	28,591	33,384
Amortization	15,999	23,163
General and administrative	8,316	6,107
Acquisition expenses		1,995
Costs and expenses	98,228	118,746
Real estate operating income	27,039	28,190
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(12,881)	(16,899)
Interest and other income	1,804	1,825
Loss on interest rate swaps		(6)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		0
Nonoperating income (expense)	(11,077)	(15,080)
Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate	15,962	13,110
Income tax benefit (expense)	(70)	201
Income from equity investment	0	0
Income before loss on sale of real estate	15,892	13,311
Loss on sale of real estate assets	(310)
Net income	15,582	13,311
Consolidating adjustments
Revenues:
Rental income	(96)	(94)
Tenant reimbursements	0	0
Hotel income	0	0
Other property income	(88)	(71)
Revenues	(184)	(165)
Expenses:
Property operating costs	(96)	(94)
Hotel operating costs	0	0
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	(30)	(14)
Other	0	0
Depreciation	0	0
Amortization	0	0
General and administrative	(58)	(57)
Acquisition expenses		0
Costs and expenses	(184)	(165)
Real estate operating income	0	0
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	7,389	4,640
Interest and other income	(7,389)	(4,640)
Loss on interest rate swaps		0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		0
Nonoperating income (expense)	0	(16,439)
Income before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and loss on sale of real estate	0	(16,439)
Income tax benefit (expense)	0	0
Income from equity investment	(13,780)	(16,439)
Income before loss on sale of real estate	(13,780)	(16,439)
Loss on sale of real estate assets	0
Net income	$ (13,780)	$ (16,439)

Financial Information for Par57

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 6,697	$ 5,598
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(4,857)	159
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,840	5,757
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent) (Guarantor)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	6,697	5,598
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(4,857)	159
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,840	5,757
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(1,802)	3,128
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(4,857)	159
Comprehensive income (loss)	(6,659)	3,287
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	15,582	13,311
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	15,582	13,311
Consolidating adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(13,780)	(16,439)
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	4,857	(159)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (8,923)	$ (16,598)

Financial Information for Par58

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	$ 42,840	$ 44,532
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	159,406	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	(17,978)	(575,337)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	(4,641)	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	136,787	(575,337)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees	131,000	809,078
Repayments of line of credit and notes payable	(57,341)	(358,684)
Distributions	(74,393)	(37,523)
Redemptions of common stock	(26,162)	(620)
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(26,896)	412,251
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	152,731	(118,554)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	32,645	149,790
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	185,376	31,236
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent) (Guarantor)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	206	(32)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	159,406	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	0	(57,123)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		(553,203)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	159,406	(610,326)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees	0	0
Repayments of line of credit and notes payable	0	0
Distributions	(74,393)	(37,523)
Redemptions of common stock	(26,162)	(620)
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	89,295
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		532,534
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(11,260)	494,391
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	148,352	(115,967)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	989	119,488
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	149,341	3,521
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	(13,343)	(10,292)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	0	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	(336)	(494,850)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	(4,641)
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(4,977)	(494,850)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees	131,000	809,078
Repayments of line of credit and notes payable	(56,000)	(358,000)
Distributions	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	(49,348)
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		51,140
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	25,652	502,218
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	7,332	(2,924)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	14,969	10,504
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	22,301	7,580
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	55,977	54,856
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	0	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	(17,642)	(23,364)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(17,642)	(23,364)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees	0	0
Repayments of line of credit and notes payable	(1,341)	(684)
Distributions	0	0
Redemptions of common stock	0	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	(39,947)
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		(30,471)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(41,288)	(31,155)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(2,953)	337
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	16,687	19,798
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	13,734	20,135
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities		0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate		0
Investment in real estate and related assets		0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		553,203
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		553,203
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings, net of fees		0
Repayments of line of credit and notes payable		0
Distributions		0
Redemptions of common stock		0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		(553,203)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(553,203)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 0	$ 0