Columbia Property Trust (CXP) 10-Q 27 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 24, 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	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		123,478,809

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	$ 787,456	$ 896,467
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $500,583 and $613,639, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	2,371,273	2,897,431
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $141,451 and $250,085, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	204,200	259,136
Construction in progress	28,888	31,847
Real estate assets held for sale, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $111,425 as of September 30, 2016	238,876	0
Total real estate assets	3,630,693	4,084,881
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	125,605	118,695
Cash and cash equivalents	190,856	32,645
Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $35 and $8 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	6,366	11,670
Straight-line rent receivable	70,186	109,062
Prepaid expenses and other assets	24,885	35,848
Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $81,735 and $181,482, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	58,645	77,190
Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $33,729 and $40,817, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	60,383	88,127
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Other assets held for sale, less accumulated amortization of $23,125 as of September 30, 2016	32,306	0
Total assets	4,319,925	4,678,118
Liabilities:
Line of credit and notes payable, net of unamortized deferred financing costs of $3,406 and $4,492, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	821,586	1,130,571
Bonds payable, net of discounts of $1,709 and $1,020 and unamortized deferred financing costs of $5,528 and $3,721, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	692,763	595,259
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	81,617	98,759
Dividends payable	0	37,354
Deferred income	20,411	24,814
Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $46,480 and $81,496, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	36,239	57,167
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Liabilities held for sale, less accumulated amortization $1,210 as of September 30, 2016	15,644	0
Total liabilities	1,788,260	2,063,924
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 225,000,000 shares authorized, 123,471,082 and 124,363,073 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	1,234	1,243
Additional paid-in capital	4,565,651	4,588,303
Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings	(2,027,155)	(1,972,916)
Cumulative other comprehensive loss	(8,065)	(2,436)
Total equity	2,531,665	2,614,194
Total liabilities and equity	$ 4,319,925	$ 4,678,118

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Building and improvements, accumulated depreciation	$ 500,583	$ 613,639
Intangible lease assets, accumulated amortization	141,451	250,085
Real estate assets held for sale, accumulated amortization	111,425
Allowance for doubtful accounts	35	8
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	81,735	181,482
Deferred lease costs, accumulated amortization	33,729	40,817
Other assets held for sale, accumulated amortization	23,125
Deferred financing costs, net	3,406	4,492
Bonds payable discount	1,709	1,020
Intangible lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	46,480	$ 81,496
Liabilities held for sale, accumulated amortization	$ 1,210
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	225,000,000	225,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	123,471,082	124,363,073
Common stock, shares outstanding	123,471,082	124,363,073
Term Loans
Deferred financing costs, net	$ 3,406	$ 4,492
Bonds Payable
Deferred financing costs, net	$ 5,528	$ 3,721

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Rental income	$ 87,561	$ 107,011	$ 280,714	$ 332,736
Tenant reimbursements	17,090	22,627	55,551	77,395
Hotel income	6,270	6,941	17,484	18,898
Other property income	2,345	1,140	14,026	4,357
Revenues	113,266	137,719	367,775	433,386
Expenses:
Property operating costs	39,101	46,538	120,679	144,375
Hotel operating costs	4,946	5,331	14,315	15,069
Asset and property management fees	387	472	1,058	1,372
Depreciation	26,778	32,441	84,517	100,261
Amortization	11,895	20,276	42,902	67,233
General and administrative	7,467	6,797	25,718	21,921
Acquisition expenses	0	1,680	0	3,675
Costs and expenses	90,574	113,535	289,189	353,906
Real estate operating income	22,692	24,184	78,586	79,480
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(17,138)	(22,012)	(52,415)	(66,261)
Interest and other income	1,839	1,808	5,452	5,448
Loss on interest rate swaps	0	(1,102)	0	(1,110)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(18,905)	(2,672)	(18,997)	(3,149)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(34,204)	(23,978)	(65,960)	(65,072)
Income (loss) before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and gains on sales of real estate	(11,512)	206	12,626	14,408
Income tax expense	(65)	(245)	(387)	(140)
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	(1,937)	0	(5,441)	0
Income (loss) before gains on sales of real estate	(13,514)	(39)	6,798	14,268
Gains on sales of real estate	50,412	20,182	50,083	20,182
Net income	$ 36,898	$ 20,143	$ 56,881	$ 34,450
Per-share information – basic:
Net income (dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.16	$ 0.46	$ 0.28
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic	123,215	124,359	123,271	124,359
Per-share information – diluted:
Net income (dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.16	$ 0.46	$ 0.28
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted	123,350	124,460	123,348	124,445
Dividends per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.9	$ 0.9

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 36,898	$ 20,143	$ 56,881	$ 34,450
Settlement of interest rate swap	0	1,102	0	1,102
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,250	(4,147)	(5,629)	(3,552)
Comprehensive income	$ 38,148	$ 17,098	$ 51,252	$ 32,000

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Cumulative Distributions in Excess of Earnings	Cumulative Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		124,973,000
Beginning balance, value at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 2,733,478	$ 1,249	$ 4,601,808	$ (1,867,611)	$ (1,968)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repurchases of common stock, shares		(570,000)
Repurchases of common stock	(12,807)	$ (5)	(12,802)
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of income tax witholdings), shares		107,000
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of income tax witholdings)	2,199	$ 1	2,198
Distributions to common stockholders	(112,570)			(112,570)
Net income	34,450			34,450
Settlement of interest rate swap	1,102				1,102
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(3,552)				(3,552)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2015		124,510,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 2,642,300	$ 1,245	4,591,204	(1,945,731)	(4,418)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	124,363,073	124,363,000
Beginning balance, value at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 2,614,194	$ 1,243	4,588,303	(1,972,916)	(2,436)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Repurchases of common stock, shares		(1,105,000)
Repurchases of common stock	(25,000)	$ (11)	(24,989)
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of income tax witholdings), shares		213,000
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of income tax witholdings)	2,339	$ 2	2,337
Distributions to common stockholders	(111,120)			(111,120)
Net income	56,881			56,881
Settlement of interest rate swap	0
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	$ (5,629)				(5,629)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016	123,471,082	123,471,000
Ending balance, value at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 2,531,665	$ 1,234	$ 4,565,651	$ (2,027,155)	$ (8,065)

Consolidated Statements of Equ7

Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Distributions to common stockholders per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.9	$ 0.9
Common Stock
Distributions to common stockholders per share (dollars per share)	$ 0.9	$ 0.9

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 56,881	$ 34,450
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Straight-line rental income	(15,470)	(11,300)
Depreciation	84,517	100,261
Amortization	39,271	59,880
Noncash interest expense	2,765	3,138
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	18,997	3,149
Gain on interest rate swaps	0	(1,532)
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	5,441	0
Gains on sales of real estate	(50,083)	(20,182)
Stock-based compensation expense	3,512	2,925
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in tenant receivables, net	4,646	(3,205)
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets	5,776	377
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(3,799)	6,539
Increase (decrease) in deferred income	(2,750)	479
Net cash provided by operating activities	149,704	174,979
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of real estate	482,089	422,125
Real estate acquisitions	0	(1,062,031)
Capital improvements	(34,447)	(64,086)
Deferred lease costs paid	(19,713)	(15,403)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	(12,351)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	415,578	(719,395)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Financing costs paid	(3,111)	(9,607)
Prepayments to settle debt and interest rate swap	(17,921)	(3,165)
Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable	435,000	1,854,000
Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable	(745,070)	(1,625,187)
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable	348,691	349,507
Repayment of bonds payable	(250,000)	0
Distributions paid to stockholders	(148,474)	(112,570)
Repurchases of common stock	(26,186)	(13,529)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(407,071)	439,449
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	158,211	(104,967)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	32,645	149,790
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 190,856	$ 44,823

Organization

Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust owned 24 office properties and one hotel, containing approximately 11.6 million square feet of commercial space, located in 11 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 September 30, 2016 , the office properties, including 51% of the Market Square Joint Venture, in which Columbia Property Trust owns a 51% interest, were approximately 90.7% leased, excluding the 9127 South Jamaica Street building, which was subsequently sold on October 12, 2016 (see Note 3, Real Estate Transactions).

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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, under current market conditions. 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 residual 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 September 30, 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 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. • The sale of the property is probable (i.e. typically subject to a binding sale contract with a non-refundable deposit), and transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year. 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; and assets and liabilities are required to be classified as held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2016 , the Key Center Tower and the Key Center Marriott and the 9127 South Jamaica Street building were subject to binding sale contracts and met the other aforementioned criteria; thus these properties are classified as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of that date. The sale of the 9127 South Jamaica Street building closed on October 12, 2016 (see Note 3, Real Estate Transactions ). The Key Center Tower and the Key Center Marriott transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016. The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2016 , are provided below (in thousands): September 30, 2016 Real estate assets held for sale: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ 15,036 Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $86,881 210,340 Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $24,544 11,798 Construction in progress 1,702 Total real estate assets held for sale, net $ 238,876 Other assets held for sale: Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,011 Straight-line rent receivable 13,854 Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,721 Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $18,597 1,204 Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $4,528 12,516 Total other assets held for sale, net $ 32,306 Liabilities held for sale: Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures $ 11,224 Deferred income 1,653 Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $1,210 2,767 Total liabilities held for sale, net $ 15,644 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 the 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). As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust had the following 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 September 30, 2016 Gross $ 19,994 $ 184,740 $ 140,380 $ 82,719 Accumulated Amortization (17,328 ) (104,542 ) (81,735 ) (46,480 ) Net $ 2,666 $ 80,198 $ 58,645 $ 36,239 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 and nine months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2016 $ 594 $ 6,133 $ 3,757 $ 2,768 For the three months ended September 30, 2015 $ 823 $ 10,926 $ 6,728 $ 4,634 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 $ 2,014 $ 22,602 $ 13,811 $ 10,206 For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 $ 3,578 $ 35,724 $ 23,006 $ 15,190 The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities, as of September 30, 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 $ 348 $ 5,682 $ 3,289 $ 2,567 For the years ending December 31: 2017 612 17,237 11,371 7,576 2018 270 13,467 9,964 5,649 2019 270 11,639 8,999 4,972 2020 270 9,709 7,950 3,836 2021 270 5,823 4,008 2,171 Thereafter 626 16,641 13,064 9,468 $ 2,666 $ 80,198 $ 58,645 $ 36,239 Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases where Columbia Property Trust Is the Lessee Columbia Property Trust is the lessee on certain in-place ground leases. Intangible 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , and recognized amortization of these assets of approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , and approximately $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 . As of September 30, 2016 , the remaining net below-market intangible lease assets will be amortized as follows (in thousands): For the remainder of 2016 $ 637 For the years ending December 31: 2017 2,549 2018 2,549 2019 2,549 2020 2,549 2021 2,549 Thereafter 107,954 $ 121,336 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 September 30, December 31, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate contracts Accounts payable $ (8,065 ) $ (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 Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and included in other comprehensive income $ 1,250 $ (4,147 ) $ (5,629 ) $ (3,552 ) Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings $ — $ (1,102 ) $ — $ (1,110 ) 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. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Cash Receipts and Payments ("ASU 2016-15"), which addresses the statement of cash flow classification requirements for several types of receipts and payments. ASU 2016-15 provides that, among other things, (i) debt prepayments and extinguishment costs should be classified as financing activities, (ii) insurance proceeds should be classified in accordance with the nature of the respective claims, and (iii) distributions from equity method investees should be classified based on the underlying nature of the investee activity according to specific guidelines. ASU 2016-15 is effective for Columbia Property Trust on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-15 is not expected to materially impact Columbia Property Trust's accounting policies, or its financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB 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), or 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Transactions	Real Estate Transactions Acquisitions During the nine months ended September 30, 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, as described in Note 5, Line of Credit and Notes Payable , 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 September 30, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $18.8 million and a net loss of $4.8 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 September 30, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $4.6 million and a net loss of $1.6 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 September 30, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $8.3 million and a net loss of $0.6 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, as described in Note 5, Line of Credit and Notes Payable, and borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility. 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% ). For the period from August 4, 2015 to September 30, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust recognized revenues of $5.5 million and net income of $0.4 million from the 229 West 43rd Street Building. The net income includes acquisition expenses of $1.7 million . Proforma Financial Information The following unaudited pro forma statements of operations presented for the three and nine months ended September 30, 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. Other than 1881 Campus Commons, which was sold in December 2015, Columbia Property Trust owned these buildings for the entirety of the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Revenues $ 140,225 $ 450,020 Net income $ 21,534 $ 36,183 Net income per share - basic $ 0.17 $ 0.29 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.17 $ 0.29 Dispositions During 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust closed on the following transactions: 9127 South Jamaica Street Building On October 12, 2016, Columbia Property Trust sold the 9127 South Jamaica Street building, one of the four buildings at the South Jamaica Street Property in Denver, Colorado, for $19.5 million , before purchase price adjustments. 80 Park Plaza Property On September 30, 2016, Columbia Property Trust sold the 80 Park Plaza Property in Newark, New Jersey, for $174.5 million , before purchase price adjustments, and recognized a gain of approximately $21.6 million on the sale in the third quarter of 2016. A portion of the net sale proceeds of $169.3 million were used to repay the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility of $99.0 million after quarter end. South Jamaica Street Property On September 22, 2016, Columbia Property Trust sold three of the four buildings at the South Jamaica Street Property in Denver, Colorado, for $122.0 million , before purchase price adjustments, and recognized a gain of approximately $27.2 million on the sale in the third quarter of 2016. The net sale proceeds of $108.0 million were used to reduce the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility. 800 North Frederick Property On July 8, 2016, Columbia Property Trust sold the 800 North Frederick Property in suburban Maryland for $48.0 million , before purchase price adjustments, and recognized a gain of approximately $2.1 million on the sale in the third quarter of 2016. The net sale proceeds of $45.4 million were used to reduce the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility. 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. Market Square Buildings - Partial Sale On October 28, 2015, Columbia Property Trust transferred the Market Square Buildings, as described in Note 4, Unconsolidated Joint Venture , 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 $19.7 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 698,000 square feet of office space in Washington, D.C. (the "Market Square Buildings") 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 September 30, 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 has been reduced to $23.3 million as of September 30, 2016 , as a result of leasing at the Market Square Buildings. The amount of the guaranty will continue to be reduced as space is leased. Condensed balance sheet information for the Market Square Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total assets $ 578,097 $ 573,073 Total debt $ 324,642 $ 324,603 Total equity $ 239,845 $ 230,060 Columbia Property Trust's investment $ 125,605 $ 118,695 Condensed income statement information for the Market Square Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands). The Market Square Joint Venture was formed subsequent to September 30, 2015. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Total revenues $ 9,787 $ 31,226 Net loss $ (3,799 ) $ (10,669 ) Columbia Property Trust's share $ (1,937 ) $ (5,441 ) 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 receives asset management fees of $1.0 million annually, payable in equal quarterly installments. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust earned $0.6 million and $1.9 million , respectively, in fees related to these asset and property management services, which are included in other property income on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The Market Square Joint Venture was formed in October 2015, so similar fees were not earned during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016 , $0.1 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit and Notes Payable	Line of Credit and Notes Payable As of September 30, 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 September 30, December 31, $300 Million Term Loan $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $150 Million Term Loan 150,000 150,000 650 California Street Building mortgage note 126,920 128,785 Revolving Credit Facility 99,000 247,000 221 Main Street Building mortgage note 73,000 73,000 263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note 49,000 49,000 One Glenlake Building mortgage note 27,072 29,278 $300 Million Bridge Loan — 119,000 SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes — 39,000 Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization (3,406 ) (4,492 ) Total indebtedness $ 821,586 $ 1,130,571 Fair Value of Debt The estimated fair value of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit and notes payable as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , was approximately $829.4 million and $1,140.1 million , respectively. The related carrying value of the line of credit and notes payable as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , was $825.0 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust made interest payments totaling approximately $21.7 million and $43.4 million , respectively, of which approximately $0.2 million and $0.4 million were capitalized during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of September 30, 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 Subsequent to quarter end, Columbia Property Trust used proceeds from the 80 Park Plaza Property sale to fully repay the Revolving Credit Facility balance of $99.0 million . On June 30, 2016, Columbia Property Trust used borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility to repay the $39.0 million SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes, which were scheduled to mature on October 11, 2016. In the second quarter of 2016, Columbia Property Trust wrote off approximately $10,000 of related unamortized financing costs, which are included in loss on early extinguishment in the accompanying statements of operations. 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. Columbia Property Trust recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $82,000 related to unamortized deferred financing costs.

Bonds Payable

Bonds Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bonds Payable	Bonds Payable On August 12, 2016, Columbia Property Trust OP issued $350.0 million of ten -year, unsecured 3.650% senior notes at 99.626% of their face value (the "2026 Bonds Payable"), which are guaranteed by Columbia Property Trust. Columbia Property Trust OP received net proceeds from the 2026 Bonds Payable of $346.4 million , which were used to redeem $250.0 million of seven -year, unsecured 5.875% senior notes due April 2018 (the "2018 Bonds Payable"), including a $17.9 million make-whole payment reflected as an early loss on extinguishment of debt in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The remaining net proceeds were used to repay borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility. The 2026 Bonds Payable require semi-annual interest payments in February and August based on a contractual annual interest rate of 3.650% . In the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, the 2026 Bonds Payable are shown net of the initial issuance discount of approximately $1.3 million , which will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2026 Bonds Payable using the effective interest method. The principal amount of the 2026 Bonds Payable is due and payable on the maturity date, August 15, 2026. 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 . Interest payments of $20.8 million were made on the 2018 Bonds Payable and the 2025 Bonds Payable during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and interest payments of $7.3 million were made on the 2018 Bonds Payable during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Columbia Property Trust is subject to substantially similar covenants under the 2026 Bonds Payable and the 2025 Bonds Payable. As of September 30, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust believes it was in compliance with the restrictive financial covenants on the 2026 Bonds Payable and the 2025 Bonds Payable. As of September 30, 2016 , the estimated fair value of the 2026 Bonds Payable and the 2025 Bonds Payable was approximately $703.2 million , and as of December 31, 2015 , the estimated fair value of the 2025 Bonds Payable and the 2018 Bonds Payable was approximately $602.3 million . The related carrying value of the bonds payable, net of discounts, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , was $698.3 million and $599.0 million , respectively. 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 bonds as of the respective reporting dates (Level 2). The discounted cash flow method of assessing fair value results in a general approximation of value, which may differ from the price that could be achieved in a market transaction.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust is committed, under a recently signed lease, to contribute approximately $70.1 million toward leasehold improvements at our 222 East 41st Street property, which is expected to be paid during 2016 and 2017. Guaranty of Debt of Unconsolidated Joint Venture Upon entering into 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 is reduced as space is leased. As a result of leasing the guaranty has been reduced to $23.3 million as of September 30, 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 as of September 30, 2016 . 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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"). Since this program commenced on September 4, 2015, Columbia Property Trust has spent a total of $41.3 million to acquire 1.8 million shares at an average price of $22.60 per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , Columbia Property Trust made no share repurchases. As of September 30, 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. 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. Long-Term Incentive Plan Columbia Property Trust maintains a shareholder-approved, long-term incentive plan that provides for grants of up to 2.0 million shares of stock to be made to certain employees and independent directors of Columbia Property Trust (the "LTIP"). On January 21, 2016, Columbia Property Trust granted 231,015 shares of common stock to employees, net of 20,842 shares repurchased to fund income tax witholdings, under the LTIP (the "2015 LTIP Employee Grant"), of which 25% vested upon grant, and the remaining shares will vest in three equal increments 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 follows: For the Nine Months Ended Shares Weighted-Average (1) Unvested shares - beginning of period 151 $ 24.59 Granted 247 $ 21.79 Vested (138 ) $ 23.32 Forfeited (3 ) $ 21.90 Unvested shares - end of period (2) 257 $ 22.62 (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 September 30, 2016 , we expect approximately 244,000 of the 257,000 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 nine months ended September 30, 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 April 1, 2016 8,120 $ 21.89 July 1, 2016 8,158 $ 21.52 2015 Director Grants: January 2, 2015 5,850 $ 25.75 April 1, 2015 4,995 $ 27.16 July 1, 2015 4,144 $ 24.84 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust incurred the stock-based compensation expense related to the following events (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization of unvested LTIP awards $ 650 $ 381 $ 2,190 $ 1,308 Future employee awards (1) 91 412 797 1,228 Issuance of shares to independent directors 176 103 525 389 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 917 $ 896 $ 3,512 $ 2,925 (1) These estimated 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 September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , there was $3.8 million and $2.2 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 Investments in real estate funded with other assets $ 1,442 $ 27,000 Other assets assumed at acquisition $ — $ 7,785 Other liabilities assumed at acquisition $ — $ 4,765 Discount on issuance of bonds payable $ 1,309 $ 494 Amortization of net discounts (premiums) on debt $ 222 $ (94 ) Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment $ — $ (3,552 ) Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs $ 16,074 $ 16,444 Accrued deferred financing costs $ 12 $ 2 Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of income tax witholdings) $ 2,339 $ 2,925

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share For the three and nine months ended September 30, 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. The following table reconciles the numerator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income $ 36,898 $ 20,143 $ 56,881 $ 34,450 Distributions paid on unvested shares (77 ) (45 ) (237 ) (139 ) Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share $ 36,821 $ 20,098 $ 56,644 $ 34,311 The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted-average common shares - basic 123,215 124,359 123,271 124,359 Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions, less assumed share repurchases: Previously granted LTIP awards, unvested 82 37 46 28 Future LTIP awards for the current year 53 64 31 58 Weighted-average common shares - diluted 123,350 124,460 123,348 124,445

Financial Information for Paren

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 2026 Bonds Payable and the 2025 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 2026 Bonds Payable or the 2025 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 September 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands); and its condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands). Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) As of September 30, 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 $ 781,215 $ — $ 787,456 Buildings and improvements, net — 28,707 2,342,566 — 2,371,273 Intangible lease assets, net — — 204,200 — 204,200 Construction in progress — 448 28,440 — 28,888 Real estate assets held for sale, net — — 238,876 — 238,876 Total real estate assets — 35,396 3,595,297 — 3,630,693 Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — 125,605 — — 125,605 Cash and cash equivalents 169,434 9,343 12,079 — 190,856 Investment in subsidiaries 2,045,043 1,880,585 — (3,925,628 ) — Tenant receivables, net of allowance — 77 6,289 — 6,366 Straight-line rent receivable — 1,557 68,629 — 70,186 Prepaid expenses and other assets 317,188 262,417 16,580 (571,300 ) 24,885 Intangible lease origination costs, net — — 58,645 — 58,645 Deferred lease costs, net — 1,955 58,428 — 60,383 Investment in development authority bonds — — 120,000 — 120,000 Other assets held for sale — — 32,306 — 32,306 Total assets $ 2,531,665 $ 2,316,935 $ 3,968,253 $ (4,496,928 ) $ 4,319,925 Liabilities: Line of credit and notes payable $ — $ 546,505 $ 705,844 $ (430,763 ) $ 821,586 Bonds payable, net — 692,763 — — 692,763 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures — 20,352 61,265 — 81,617 Due to affiliates — 31 1,561 (1,592 ) — Deferred income — 249 20,162 — 20,411 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 36,239 — 36,239 Obligations under capital leases — — 120,000 — 120,000 Liabilities held for sale — — 154,589 (138,945 ) 15,644 Total liabilities — 1,259,900 1,099,660 (571,300 ) 1,788,260 Equity: Total equity 2,531,665 1,057,035 2,868,593 (3,925,628 ) 2,531,665 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,531,665 $ 2,316,935 $ 3,968,253 $ (4,496,928 ) $ 4,319,925 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 and notes payable, net $ — $ 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 Dividends 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 September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 956 $ 86,702 $ (97 ) $ 87,561 Tenant reimbursements — 564 16,526 — 17,090 Hotel income — — 6,270 — 6,270 Other property income 245 — 2,196 (96 ) 2,345 245 1,520 111,694 (193 ) 113,266 Expenses: Property operating costs — 860 38,338 (97 ) 39,101 Hotel operating costs — — 4,946 — 4,946 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 40 — (40 ) — Other — — 387 — 387 Depreciation — 745 26,033 — 26,778 Amortization — 86 11,809 — 11,895 General and administrative 38 2,297 5,188 (56 ) 7,467 38 4,028 86,701 (193 ) 90,574 Real estate operating income (loss) 207 (2,508 ) 24,993 — 22,692 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (12,249 ) (12,256 ) 7,367 (17,138 ) Interest and other income 3,571 3,813 1,822 (7,367 ) 1,839 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (18,905 ) — — (18,905 ) 3,571 (27,341 ) (10,434 ) — (34,204 ) Income before income taxes, equity method investments, and gains on sales of real estate 3,778 (29,849 ) 14,559 — (11,512 ) Income tax expense — — (65 ) — (65 ) Income from subsidiaries 33,120 61,442 — (94,562 ) — Loss from unconsolidated joint venture — (1,937 ) — — (1,937 ) Income before on gains on sales of real estate assets 36,898 29,656 14,494 (94,562 ) (13,514 ) Gain on sales of real estate assets — — 50,412 — 50,412 Net income $ 36,898 $ 29,656 $ 64,906 $ (94,562 ) $ 36,898 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 682 $ 106,424 $ (95 ) $ 107,011 Tenant reimbursements — 290 22,337 — 22,627 Hotel income — — 6,941 — 6,941 Other property income — — 1,227 (87 ) 1,140 — 972 136,929 (182 ) 137,719 Expenses: Property operating costs — 752 45,881 (95 ) 46,538 Hotel operating costs — — 5,331 — 5,331 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 30 — (30 ) — Other — — 472 — 472 Depreciation — 651 31,790 — 32,441 Amortization — 59 20,217 — 20,276 General and administrative 37 2,338 4,479 (57 ) 6,797 Acquisition expenses — — 1,680 — 1,680 37 3,830 109,850 (182 ) 113,535 Real estate operating income (loss) (37 ) (2,858 ) 27,079 — 24,184 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (12,189 ) (16,709 ) 6,886 (22,012 ) Interest and other income 3,469 3,417 1,808 (6,886 ) 1,808 Loss on interest rate swaps — (1,101 ) (1 ) — (1,102 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (573 ) (2,099 ) — (2,672 ) Income from subsidiaries 16,711 24,273 — (40,984 ) — 20,180 13,827 (17,001 ) (40,984 ) (23,978 ) Income before income tax expense 20,143 10,969 10,078 (40,984 ) 206 Income tax expense — (5 ) (240 ) — (245 ) Income before gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets 20,143 10,964 9,838 (40,984 ) (39 ) Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets — (19 ) 20,201 — 20,182 Net income $ 20,143 $ 10,945 $ 30,039 $ (40,984 ) $ 20,143 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 2,669 $ 278,330 $ (285 ) $ 280,714 Tenant reimbursements — 1,421 54,130 — 55,551 Hotel income — — 17,484 — 17,484 Other property income 735 — 13,571 (280 ) 14,026 735 4,090 363,515 (565 ) 367,775 Expenses: Property operating costs — 2,360 118,604 (285 ) 120,679 Hotel operating costs — — 14,315 — 14,315 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 112 — (112 ) — Other — — 1,058 — 1,058 Depreciation — 2,166 82,351 — 84,517 Amortization — 239 42,663 — 42,902 General and administrative 116 6,575 19,195 (168 ) 25,718 116 11,452 278,186 (565 ) 289,189 Real estate operating income (loss) 619 (7,362 ) 85,329 — 78,586 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (36,479 ) (38,071 ) 22,135 (52,415 ) Interest and other income 10,680 11,471 5,436 (22,135 ) 5,452 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (18,987 ) (10 ) — (18,997 ) 10,680 (43,995 ) (32,645 ) — (65,960 ) Income before income taxes, equity method investments, and gains on sales of real estate 11,299 (51,357 ) 52,684 — 12,626 Income tax expense — (12 ) (375 ) — (387 ) Income from subsidiaries 45,582 89,972 — (135,554 ) — Loss from unconsolidated joint venture — (5,441 ) — — (5,441 ) Income before gains on sales of real estate 56,881 33,162 52,309 (135,554 ) 6,798 Gains on sales of real estate — — 50,083 — 50,083 Net income $ 56,881 $ 33,162 $ 102,392 $ (135,554 ) $ 56,881 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 1,926 $ 331,089 $ (279 ) $ 332,736 Tenant reimbursements — 804 76,591 — 77,395 Hotel income — — 18,898 — 18,898 Other property income — — 4,605 (248 ) 4,357 — 2,730 431,183 (527 ) 433,386 Expenses: Property operating costs — 2,286 142,368 (279 ) 144,375 Hotel operating costs — — 15,069 — 15,069 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 70 — (70 ) — Other — — 1,372 — 1,372 Depreciation — 1,907 98,354 — 100,261 Amortization — 173 67,060 — 67,233 General and administrative 113 6,492 15,494 (178 ) 21,921 Acquisition expenses — 11 3,664 — 3,675 113 10,939 343,381 (527 ) 353,906 Real estate operating income (loss) (113 ) (8,209 ) 87,802 — 79,480 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (32,656 ) (52,904 ) 19,299 (66,261 ) Interest and other income 10,586 8,720 5,441 (19,299 ) 5,448 Loss on interest rate swaps — (1,101 ) (9 ) — (1,110 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (1,050 ) (2,099 ) — (3,149 ) Income from subsidiaries 23,977 46,301 — (70,278 ) — 34,563 20,214 (49,571 ) (70,278 ) (65,072 ) Income before income tax expense and gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets 34,450 12,005 38,231 (70,278 ) 14,408 Income tax expense — (16 ) (124 ) — (140 ) Income before gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets 34,450 11,989 38,107 (70,278 ) 14,268 Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets — (19 ) 20,201 — 20,182 Net income $ 34,450 $ 11,970 $ 58,308 $ (70,278 ) $ 34,450 Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 36,898 $ 29,656 $ 64,906 $ (94,562 ) $ 36,898 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps 1,250 1,250 — (1,250 ) 1,250 Comprehensive income $ 38,148 $ 30,906 $ 64,906 $ (95,812 ) $ 38,148 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 20,143 $ 10,945 $ 30,039 $ (40,984 ) $ 20,143 Settlement of interest rate swap 1,102 1,102 — (1,102 ) 1,102 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (4,147 ) (4,147 ) — 4,147 (4,147 ) Comprehensive income $ 17,098 $ 7,900 $ 30,039 $ (37,939 ) $ 17,098 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 56,881 $ 33,162 $ 102,392 $ (135,554 ) $ 56,881 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (5,629 ) (5,629 ) — 5,629 (5,629 ) Comprehensive income $ 51,252 $ 27,533 $ 102,392 $ (129,925 ) $ 51,252 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 34,450 $ 11,970 $ 58,308 $ (70,278 ) $ 34,450 Settlement of interest rate swap 1,102 1,102 — (1,102 ) 1,102 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (3,552 ) (3,552 ) — 3,552 (3,552 ) Comprehensive income $ 32,000 $ 9,520 $ 58,308 $ (67,828 ) $ 32,000 Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ 635 $ (38,952 ) $ 188,021 $ 149,704 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate 482,089 — — 482,089 Investment in real estate and related assets — (1,552 ) (52,608 ) (54,160 ) Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — (12,351 ) — (12,351 ) Net cash used in investing activities 482,089 (13,903 ) (52,608 ) 415,578 Cash flows from financing activities: Debt prepayment and interest rate settlement costs paid (17,921 ) — — (17,921 ) Borrowings, net of fees 348,691 431,889 — 780,580 Repayments (250,000 ) (702,000 ) (43,070 ) (995,070 ) Distributions (148,474 ) — — (148,474 ) Repurchases of common stock (26,186 ) — — (26,186 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) (220,389 ) 317,340 (96,951 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (314,279 ) 47,229 (140,021 ) (407,071 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 168,445 (5,626 ) (4,608 ) 158,211 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 989 14,969 16,687 32,645 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 169,434 $ 9,343 $ 12,079 $ 190,856 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Eliminations Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ (107 ) $ (37,391 ) $ 212,477 $ — $ 174,979 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate 10,727 411,398 — — 422,125 Investment in real estate and related assets (57,198 ) (1,006,340 ) (77,982 ) — (1,141,520 ) Investment in subsidiaries (1,065,695 ) — — 1,065,695 — Net cash used in investing activities (1,112,166 ) (594,942 ) (77,982 ) 1,065,695 (719,395 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Debt prepayment and interest rate swap settlement costs paid — (1,102 ) (2,063 ) — (3,165 ) Borrowings, net of fees — 2,193,900 — — 2,193,900 Repayments of line of credit and notes payable — (1,290,000 ) (335,187 ) — (1,625,187 ) Distributions (112,570 ) — — — (112,570 ) Repurchases of common stock (13,529 ) — — — (13,529 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) 1,121,404 (268,560 ) 212,851 (1,065,695 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 995,305 634,238 (124,399 ) (1,065,695 ) 439,449 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (116,968 ) 1,905 10,096 — (104,967 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 119,488 10,504 19,798 — 149,790 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 2,520 $ 12,409 $ 29,894 $ — $ 44,823

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event Columbia Property Trust has evaluated subsequent events in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report and noted the following item in addition to those disclosed elsewhere in this report: Property Disposition During October 2016, Columbia Property Trust closed on the sale of the 9127 South Jamaica Street building in Denver, Colorado, as described in Note 3, Real Estate Transactions.

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	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	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, under current market conditions. 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	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	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 residual 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 September 30, 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	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 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. • The sale of the property is probable (i.e. typically subject to a binding sale contract with a non-refundable deposit), and transfer of the property is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year. 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; and assets and liabilities are required to be classified as held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases where Columbia Property Trust Is the Lessor/Lessee	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 the 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). Intangible Assets and Liabilities Arising from In-Place Leases where Columbia Property Trust Is the Lessee Columbia Property Trust is the lessee on certain in-place ground leases. Intangible 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.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements Columbia Property Trust enters into interest rate swap contracts to mitigate its interest rate risk on the related financial instruments. Columbia Property Trust does not enter into derivative or interest rate 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	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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Cash Receipts and Payments ("ASU 2016-15"), which addresses the statement of cash flow classification requirements for several types of receipts and payments. ASU 2016-15 provides that, among other things, (i) debt prepayments and extinguishment costs should be classified as financing activities, (ii) insurance proceeds should be classified in accordance with the nature of the respective claims, and (iii) distributions from equity method investees should be classified based on the underlying nature of the investee activity according to specific guidelines. ASU 2016-15 is effective for Columbia Property Trust on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-15 is not expected to materially impact Columbia Property Trust's accounting policies, or its financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB 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), or 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Major Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held for Sale	The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2016 , are provided below (in thousands): September 30, 2016 Real estate assets held for sale: Real estate assets, at cost: Land $ 15,036 Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $86,881 210,340 Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $24,544 11,798 Construction in progress 1,702 Total real estate assets held for sale, net $ 238,876 Other assets held for sale: Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,011 Straight-line rent receivable 13,854 Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,721 Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $18,597 1,204 Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $4,528 12,516 Total other assets held for sale, net $ 32,306 Liabilities held for sale: Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures $ 11,224 Deferred income 1,653 Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $1,210 2,767 Total liabilities held for sale, net $ 15,644
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities	As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , Columbia Property Trust had the following 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 September 30, 2016 Gross $ 19,994 $ 184,740 $ 140,380 $ 82,719 Accumulated Amortization (17,328 ) (104,542 ) (81,735 ) (46,480 ) Net $ 2,666 $ 80,198 $ 58,645 $ 36,239 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 and nine months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2016 $ 594 $ 6,133 $ 3,757 $ 2,768 For the three months ended September 30, 2015 $ 823 $ 10,926 $ 6,728 $ 4,634 For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 $ 2,014 $ 22,602 $ 13,811 $ 10,206 For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 $ 3,578 $ 35,724 $ 23,006 $ 15,190 The remaining net intangible assets and liabilities, as of September 30, 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 $ 348 $ 5,682 $ 3,289 $ 2,567 For the years ending December 31: 2017 612 17,237 11,371 7,576 2018 270 13,467 9,964 5,649 2019 270 11,639 8,999 4,972 2020 270 9,709 7,950 3,836 2021 270 5,823 4,008 2,171 Thereafter 626 16,641 13,064 9,468 $ 2,666 $ 80,198 $ 58,645 $ 36,239
Schedule of Future Amortization Expense for Remaining Net Below-Market Lease Assets	As of September 30, 2016 , the remaining net below-market intangible lease assets will be amortized as follows (in thousands): For the remainder of 2016 $ 637 For the years ending December 31: 2017 2,549 2018 2,549 2019 2,549 2020 2,549 2021 2,549 Thereafter 107,954 $ 121,336
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 September 30, December 31, Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate contracts Accounts payable $ (8,065 ) $ (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 Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments and included in other comprehensive income $ 1,250 $ (4,147 ) $ (5,629 ) $ (3,552 ) Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings $ — $ (1,102 ) $ — $ (1,110 )

Real Estate Transactions (Table

Real Estate Transactions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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
Schedule of Pro Forma Financial Results	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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Revenues $ 140,225 $ 450,020 Net income $ 21,534 $ 36,183 Net income per share - basic $ 0.17 $ 0.29 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.17 $ 0.29
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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total assets $ 578,097 $ 573,073 Total debt $ 324,642 $ 324,603 Total equity $ 239,845 $ 230,060 Columbia Property Trust's investment $ 125,605 $ 118,695 Condensed income statement information for the Market Square Joint Venture is as follows (in thousands). The Market Square Joint Venture was formed subsequent to September 30, 2015. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Total revenues $ 9,787 $ 31,226 Net loss $ (3,799 ) $ (10,669 ) Columbia Property Trust's share $ (1,937 ) $ (5,441 )

Line of Credit and Notes Paya25

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Line of Credit, Term Loan and Notes Payable Indebtedness Outstanding	As of September 30, 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 September 30, December 31, $300 Million Term Loan $ 300,000 $ 300,000 $150 Million Term Loan 150,000 150,000 650 California Street Building mortgage note 126,920 128,785 Revolving Credit Facility 99,000 247,000 221 Main Street Building mortgage note 73,000 73,000 263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note 49,000 49,000 One Glenlake Building mortgage note 27,072 29,278 $300 Million Bridge Loan — 119,000 SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes — 39,000 Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization (3,406 ) (4,492 ) Total indebtedness $ 821,586 $ 1,130,571

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 follows: For the Nine Months Ended Shares Weighted-Average (1) Unvested shares - beginning of period 151 $ 24.59 Granted 247 $ 21.79 Vested (138 ) $ 23.32 Forfeited (3 ) $ 21.90 Unvested shares - end of period (2) 257 $ 22.62 (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 September 30, 2016 , we expect approximately 244,000 of the 257,000 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 April 1, 2016 8,120 $ 21.89 July 1, 2016 8,158 $ 21.52 2015 Director Grants: January 2, 2015 5,850 $ 25.75 April 1, 2015 4,995 $ 27.16 July 1, 2015 4,144 $ 24.84
Schedule of Stock-based Compensation Expense Incurred	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , Columbia Property Trust incurred the stock-based compensation expense related to the following events (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization of unvested LTIP awards $ 650 $ 381 $ 2,190 $ 1,308 Future employee awards (1) 91 412 797 1,228 Issuance of shares to independent directors 176 103 525 389 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 917 $ 896 $ 3,512 $ 2,925 (1) These estimated 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Significant Noncash Investing and Financing Activities	Outlined below are significant noncash investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 Investments in real estate funded with other assets $ 1,442 $ 27,000 Other assets assumed at acquisition $ — $ 7,785 Other liabilities assumed at acquisition $ — $ 4,765 Discount on issuance of bonds payable $ 1,309 $ 494 Amortization of net discounts (premiums) on debt $ 222 $ (94 ) Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment $ — $ (3,552 ) Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs $ 16,074 $ 16,444 Accrued deferred financing costs $ 12 $ 2 Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of income tax witholdings) $ 2,339 $ 2,925

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income $ 36,898 $ 20,143 $ 56,881 $ 34,450 Distributions paid on unvested shares (77 ) (45 ) (237 ) (139 ) Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share $ 36,821 $ 20,098 $ 56,644 $ 34,311 The following table reconciles the denominator for the basic and diluted earnings-per-share computations shown on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Weighted-average common shares - basic 123,215 124,359 123,271 124,359 Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions, less assumed share repurchases: Previously granted LTIP awards, unvested 82 37 46 28 Future LTIP awards for the current year 53 64 31 58 Weighted-average common shares - diluted 123,350 124,460 123,348 124,445

Financial Information for Par29

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (in thousands) As of September 30, 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 $ 781,215 $ — $ 787,456 Buildings and improvements, net — 28,707 2,342,566 — 2,371,273 Intangible lease assets, net — — 204,200 — 204,200 Construction in progress — 448 28,440 — 28,888 Real estate assets held for sale, net — — 238,876 — 238,876 Total real estate assets — 35,396 3,595,297 — 3,630,693 Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — 125,605 — — 125,605 Cash and cash equivalents 169,434 9,343 12,079 — 190,856 Investment in subsidiaries 2,045,043 1,880,585 — (3,925,628 ) — Tenant receivables, net of allowance — 77 6,289 — 6,366 Straight-line rent receivable — 1,557 68,629 — 70,186 Prepaid expenses and other assets 317,188 262,417 16,580 (571,300 ) 24,885 Intangible lease origination costs, net — — 58,645 — 58,645 Deferred lease costs, net — 1,955 58,428 — 60,383 Investment in development authority bonds — — 120,000 — 120,000 Other assets held for sale — — 32,306 — 32,306 Total assets $ 2,531,665 $ 2,316,935 $ 3,968,253 $ (4,496,928 ) $ 4,319,925 Liabilities: Line of credit and notes payable $ — $ 546,505 $ 705,844 $ (430,763 ) $ 821,586 Bonds payable, net — 692,763 — — 692,763 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures — 20,352 61,265 — 81,617 Due to affiliates — 31 1,561 (1,592 ) — Deferred income — 249 20,162 — 20,411 Intangible lease liabilities, net — — 36,239 — 36,239 Obligations under capital leases — — 120,000 — 120,000 Liabilities held for sale — — 154,589 (138,945 ) 15,644 Total liabilities — 1,259,900 1,099,660 (571,300 ) 1,788,260 Equity: Total equity 2,531,665 1,057,035 2,868,593 (3,925,628 ) 2,531,665 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,531,665 $ 2,316,935 $ 3,968,253 $ (4,496,928 ) $ 4,319,925 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 and notes payable, net $ — $ 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 Dividends 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 September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 956 $ 86,702 $ (97 ) $ 87,561 Tenant reimbursements — 564 16,526 — 17,090 Hotel income — — 6,270 — 6,270 Other property income 245 — 2,196 (96 ) 2,345 245 1,520 111,694 (193 ) 113,266 Expenses: Property operating costs — 860 38,338 (97 ) 39,101 Hotel operating costs — — 4,946 — 4,946 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 40 — (40 ) — Other — — 387 — 387 Depreciation — 745 26,033 — 26,778 Amortization — 86 11,809 — 11,895 General and administrative 38 2,297 5,188 (56 ) 7,467 38 4,028 86,701 (193 ) 90,574 Real estate operating income (loss) 207 (2,508 ) 24,993 — 22,692 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (12,249 ) (12,256 ) 7,367 (17,138 ) Interest and other income 3,571 3,813 1,822 (7,367 ) 1,839 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (18,905 ) — — (18,905 ) 3,571 (27,341 ) (10,434 ) — (34,204 ) Income before income taxes, equity method investments, and gains on sales of real estate 3,778 (29,849 ) 14,559 — (11,512 ) Income tax expense — — (65 ) — (65 ) Income from subsidiaries 33,120 61,442 — (94,562 ) — Loss from unconsolidated joint venture — (1,937 ) — — (1,937 ) Income before on gains on sales of real estate assets 36,898 29,656 14,494 (94,562 ) (13,514 ) Gain on sales of real estate assets — — 50,412 — 50,412 Net income $ 36,898 $ 29,656 $ 64,906 $ (94,562 ) $ 36,898 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 682 $ 106,424 $ (95 ) $ 107,011 Tenant reimbursements — 290 22,337 — 22,627 Hotel income — — 6,941 — 6,941 Other property income — — 1,227 (87 ) 1,140 — 972 136,929 (182 ) 137,719 Expenses: Property operating costs — 752 45,881 (95 ) 46,538 Hotel operating costs — — 5,331 — 5,331 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 30 — (30 ) — Other — — 472 — 472 Depreciation — 651 31,790 — 32,441 Amortization — 59 20,217 — 20,276 General and administrative 37 2,338 4,479 (57 ) 6,797 Acquisition expenses — — 1,680 — 1,680 37 3,830 109,850 (182 ) 113,535 Real estate operating income (loss) (37 ) (2,858 ) 27,079 — 24,184 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (12,189 ) (16,709 ) 6,886 (22,012 ) Interest and other income 3,469 3,417 1,808 (6,886 ) 1,808 Loss on interest rate swaps — (1,101 ) (1 ) — (1,102 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (573 ) (2,099 ) — (2,672 ) Income from subsidiaries 16,711 24,273 — (40,984 ) — 20,180 13,827 (17,001 ) (40,984 ) (23,978 ) Income before income tax expense 20,143 10,969 10,078 (40,984 ) 206 Income tax expense — (5 ) (240 ) — (245 ) Income before gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets 20,143 10,964 9,838 (40,984 ) (39 ) Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets — (19 ) 20,201 — 20,182 Net income $ 20,143 $ 10,945 $ 30,039 $ (40,984 ) $ 20,143 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 2,669 $ 278,330 $ (285 ) $ 280,714 Tenant reimbursements — 1,421 54,130 — 55,551 Hotel income — — 17,484 — 17,484 Other property income 735 — 13,571 (280 ) 14,026 735 4,090 363,515 (565 ) 367,775 Expenses: Property operating costs — 2,360 118,604 (285 ) 120,679 Hotel operating costs — — 14,315 — 14,315 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 112 — (112 ) — Other — — 1,058 — 1,058 Depreciation — 2,166 82,351 — 84,517 Amortization — 239 42,663 — 42,902 General and administrative 116 6,575 19,195 (168 ) 25,718 116 11,452 278,186 (565 ) 289,189 Real estate operating income (loss) 619 (7,362 ) 85,329 — 78,586 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (36,479 ) (38,071 ) 22,135 (52,415 ) Interest and other income 10,680 11,471 5,436 (22,135 ) 5,452 Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (18,987 ) (10 ) — (18,997 ) 10,680 (43,995 ) (32,645 ) — (65,960 ) Income before income taxes, equity method investments, and gains on sales of real estate 11,299 (51,357 ) 52,684 — 12,626 Income tax expense — (12 ) (375 ) — (387 ) Income from subsidiaries 45,582 89,972 — (135,554 ) — Loss from unconsolidated joint venture — (5,441 ) — — (5,441 ) Income before gains on sales of real estate 56,881 33,162 52,309 (135,554 ) 6,798 Gains on sales of real estate — — 50,083 — 50,083 Net income $ 56,881 $ 33,162 $ 102,392 $ (135,554 ) $ 56,881 Consolidating Statements of Operations (in thousands) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Revenues: Rental income $ — $ 1,926 $ 331,089 $ (279 ) $ 332,736 Tenant reimbursements — 804 76,591 — 77,395 Hotel income — — 18,898 — 18,898 Other property income — — 4,605 (248 ) 4,357 — 2,730 431,183 (527 ) 433,386 Expenses: Property operating costs — 2,286 142,368 (279 ) 144,375 Hotel operating costs — — 15,069 — 15,069 Asset and property management fees: Related-party — 70 — (70 ) — Other — — 1,372 — 1,372 Depreciation — 1,907 98,354 — 100,261 Amortization — 173 67,060 — 67,233 General and administrative 113 6,492 15,494 (178 ) 21,921 Acquisition expenses — 11 3,664 — 3,675 113 10,939 343,381 (527 ) 353,906 Real estate operating income (loss) (113 ) (8,209 ) 87,802 — 79,480 Other income (expense): Interest expense — (32,656 ) (52,904 ) 19,299 (66,261 ) Interest and other income 10,586 8,720 5,441 (19,299 ) 5,448 Loss on interest rate swaps — (1,101 ) (9 ) — (1,110 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt — (1,050 ) (2,099 ) — (3,149 ) Income from subsidiaries 23,977 46,301 — (70,278 ) — 34,563 20,214 (49,571 ) (70,278 ) (65,072 ) Income before income tax expense and gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets 34,450 12,005 38,231 (70,278 ) 14,408 Income tax expense — (16 ) (124 ) — (140 ) Income before gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets 34,450 11,989 38,107 (70,278 ) 14,268 Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets — (19 ) 20,201 — 20,182 Net income $ 34,450 $ 11,970 $ 58,308 $ (70,278 ) $ 34,450
Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income	Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (in thousands) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 36,898 $ 29,656 $ 64,906 $ (94,562 ) $ 36,898 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps 1,250 1,250 — (1,250 ) 1,250 Comprehensive income $ 38,148 $ 30,906 $ 64,906 $ (95,812 ) $ 38,148 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 20,143 $ 10,945 $ 30,039 $ (40,984 ) $ 20,143 Settlement of interest rate swap 1,102 1,102 — (1,102 ) 1,102 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (4,147 ) (4,147 ) — 4,147 (4,147 ) Comprehensive income $ 17,098 $ 7,900 $ 30,039 $ (37,939 ) $ 17,098 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 56,881 $ 33,162 $ 102,392 $ (135,554 ) $ 56,881 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (5,629 ) (5,629 ) — 5,629 (5,629 ) Comprehensive income $ 51,252 $ 27,533 $ 102,392 $ (129,925 ) $ 51,252 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP Non- Guarantors Consolidating adjustments Columbia Property Trust Net income $ 34,450 $ 11,970 $ 58,308 $ (70,278 ) $ 34,450 Settlement of interest rate swap 1,102 1,102 — (1,102 ) 1,102 Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps (3,552 ) (3,552 ) — 3,552 (3,552 ) Comprehensive income $ 32,000 $ 9,520 $ 58,308 $ (67,828 ) $ 32,000
Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ 635 $ (38,952 ) $ 188,021 $ 149,704 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate 482,089 — — 482,089 Investment in real estate and related assets — (1,552 ) (52,608 ) (54,160 ) Investment in unconsolidated joint venture — (12,351 ) — (12,351 ) Net cash used in investing activities 482,089 (13,903 ) (52,608 ) 415,578 Cash flows from financing activities: Debt prepayment and interest rate settlement costs paid (17,921 ) — — (17,921 ) Borrowings, net of fees 348,691 431,889 — 780,580 Repayments (250,000 ) (702,000 ) (43,070 ) (995,070 ) Distributions (148,474 ) — — (148,474 ) Repurchases of common stock (26,186 ) — — (26,186 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) (220,389 ) 317,340 (96,951 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (314,279 ) 47,229 (140,021 ) (407,071 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 168,445 (5,626 ) (4,608 ) 158,211 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 989 14,969 16,687 32,645 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 169,434 $ 9,343 $ 12,079 $ 190,856 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Columbia Property Trust (Guarantor) Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer) Non- Guarantors Eliminations Columbia Property Trust Cash flows from operating activities $ (107 ) $ (37,391 ) $ 212,477 $ — $ 174,979 Cash flows from investing activities: Net proceeds from sale of real estate 10,727 411,398 — — 422,125 Investment in real estate and related assets (57,198 ) (1,006,340 ) (77,982 ) — (1,141,520 ) Investment in subsidiaries (1,065,695 ) — — 1,065,695 — Net cash used in investing activities (1,112,166 ) (594,942 ) (77,982 ) 1,065,695 (719,395 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Debt prepayment and interest rate swap settlement costs paid — (1,102 ) (2,063 ) — (3,165 ) Borrowings, net of fees — 2,193,900 — — 2,193,900 Repayments of line of credit and notes payable — (1,290,000 ) (335,187 ) — (1,625,187 ) Distributions (112,570 ) — — — (112,570 ) Repurchases of common stock (13,529 ) — — — (13,529 ) Intercompany contributions (distributions) 1,121,404 (268,560 ) 212,851 (1,065,695 ) — Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 995,305 634,238 (124,399 ) (1,065,695 ) 439,449 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (116,968 ) 1,905 10,096 — (104,967 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 119,488 10,504 19,798 — 149,790 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 2,520 $ 12,409 $ 29,894 $ — $ 44,823

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details) ft² in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016ft²statepropertyhotel	Oct. 28, 2015
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Square feet of real estate | ft²	11.6
Number of states with properties | state	11
Percent of leased office space of owned properties	90.70%
Office Building
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties | property	24
Hotel
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Number of real estate properties | hotel	1
Corporate Joint Venture
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	51.00%	51.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment loss on real estate assets			$ 0
Amortization of intangible assets			$ 39,271,000	$ 59,880,000
Requirement to distribute taxable income (at least)	90.00%		90.00%
Limit on investments in taxable real estate investment trusts (percent)	25.00%		25.00%
Intangible Below Market Lease Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross intangible assets	$ 140,900,000		$ 140,900,000		$ 140,900,000
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 600,000	$ 600,000	$ 1,900,000	$ 1,900,000
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 (Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities Classified as Held For Sale) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other assets held for sale:
Total other assets held for sale, net	$ 32,306	$ 0
Liabilities held for sale:
Total liabilities held for sale, net	15,644	$ 0
Key Center Tower, Key Center Marriott and 9127 South Jamaica Street Building | Held-for-Sale
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	15,036
Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $86,881	210,340
Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $24,544	11,798
Construction in progress	1,702
Total real estate assets held for sale, net	238,876
Other assets held for sale:
Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,011
Straight-line rent receivable	13,854
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,721
Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $18,597	1,204
Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $4,528	12,516
Total other assets held for sale, net	32,306
Liabilities held for sale:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	11,224
Deferred income	1,653
Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $1,210	2,767
Total liabilities held for sale, net	15,644
Buildings and improvements, accumulated depreciation	86,881
Intangible lease assets, accumulated amortization	24,544
Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization	18,597
Deferred lease costs, accumulated amortization	4,528
Intangible lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	$ 1,210

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Intangible Assets & Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (141,451)	$ (250,085)
Intangible lease assets, net	204,200	259,136
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Accumulated Amortization	(81,735)	(181,482)
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	58,645	77,190
Below Market Lease, Gross	82,719	138,663
Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization	(46,480)	(81,496)
Below Market Lease, Net	36,239	57,167
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	19,994	50,463
Intangible Lease Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(17,328)	(37,971)
Intangible lease assets, net	2,666	12,492
Absorption Period Costs
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Assets, Gross	184,740	317,841
Intangible Lease Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(104,542)	(194,446)
Intangible lease assets, net	80,198	123,395
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Gross Intangible In-Place Lease Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Gross	140,380	258,672
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Accumulated Amortization	(81,735)	(181,482)
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	$ 58,645	$ 77,190

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Recognized Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	$ 11,895	$ 20,276	$ 42,902	$ 67,233
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities	2,768	4,634	10,206	15,190
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	594	823	2,014	3,578
Absorption Period Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	6,133	10,926	22,602	35,724
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Lease Assets	$ 3,757	$ 6,728	$ 13,811	$ 23,006

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Future Amortization by Intangible Asset Class) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
For the years ending December 31:
Intangible lease assets, net	$ 204,200	$ 259,136
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	58,645	77,190
Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities
For the remainder of 2016	2,567
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	7,576
2,018	5,649
2,019	4,972
2,020	3,836
2,021	2,171
Thereafter	9,468
Below Market Lease, Net	36,239	57,167
Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	348
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	612
2,018	270
2,019	270
2,020	270
2,021	270
Thereafter	626
Intangible lease assets, net	2,666	12,492
Absorption Period Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	5,682
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	17,237
2,018	13,467
2,019	11,639
2,020	9,709
2,021	5,823
Thereafter	16,641
Intangible lease assets, net	80,198	123,395
Intangible Lease Origination Costs
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	3,289
For the years ending December 31:
2,017	11,371
2,018	9,964
2,019	8,999
2,020	7,950
2,021	4,008
Thereafter	13,064
Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net	$ 58,645	$ 77,190

Summary of Significant Accoun36

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Future Amortization for Below-Market Lease Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
For the years ending December 31:
Intangible lease assets, net	$ 204,200	$ 259,136
Intangible below market ground lease assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
For the remainder of 2016	637
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	107,954
Intangible lease assets, net	$ 121,336

Summary of Significant Accoun37

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Interest Rate Swaps) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 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	$ 1,250	$ (4,147)	$ (5,629)	$ (3,552)
Loss on interest rate swap recognized through earnings	0	$ (1,102)	0	$ (1,110)
Interest rate contracts | Accounts payable
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts	$ (8,065)		$ (8,065)		$ (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
315 Park Avenue South Building | Intangible lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			16,912
315 Park Avenue South Building | Intangible below market ground lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			0
315 Park Avenue South Building | Intangible lease origination costs
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			4,148
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
1881 Campus Commons Building | Intangible lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			4,643
1881 Campus Commons Building | Intangible below market ground lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			0
1881 Campus Commons Building | Intangible lease origination costs
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets			$ 1,603
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
116 Huntington Avenue Building | Intangible lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets		7,907
116 Huntington Avenue Building | Intangible below market ground lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets		30,244
116 Huntington Avenue Building | Intangible lease origination costs
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets		$ 2,669
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
229 West 43rd Street Building | Intangible lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets	27,039
229 West 43rd Street Building | Intangible below market ground lease assets
Purchase price:
Intangible lease assets	0
229 West 43rd Street Building | Intangible lease origination costs
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

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)ft²property

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)ft²property

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of real estate | ft²

11,600

11,600

Real estate acquisitions

$ 0

$ 1,062,031,000

Percent of leased office space of owned properties

90.70%

90.70%

Acquisition expenses

$ 0

$ 1,680,000

$ 0

$ 3,675,000

315 Park Avenue South Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenue recognized since acquisition date

$ 18,800,000

Net income (loss) recognized since acquisition date

(4,800,000)

Acquisition expenses

1,200,000

1881 Campus Commons Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenue recognized since acquisition date

4,600,000

Net income (loss) recognized since acquisition date

(1,600,000)

Acquisition expenses

$ 500,000

116 Huntington Avenue Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Revenue recognized since acquisition date

$ 8,300,000

Net income (loss) recognized since acquisition date

(600,000)

Acquisition expenses

$ 300,000

229 West 43rd Street Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Square feet of real estate | ft²

732

Revenue recognized since acquisition date

$ 5,500,000

Net income (loss) recognized since acquisition date

400,000

Acquisition expenses

$ 1,700,000

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%

Bridge Loan | 2025 Bonds Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Face amount of issued debt instrument

$ 350,000,000

$ 350,000,000

Bridge Loan | $300 Million Bridge Loan

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Face amount of issued debt instrument

$ 300,000,000

$ 300,000,000

$ 300,000,000

Bridge loan

$ 300,000,000

Office Building

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of real estate properties | property

24

24

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

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 tenants | 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 tenants | 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 tenants | 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 tenants | Tenant

9

Real Estate Transactions (Pro F

Real Estate Transactions (Pro Forma) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 140,225	$ 450,020
Net income	$ 21,534	$ 36,183
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.29
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 0.29

Real Estate Transactions (Dispo

Real Estate Transactions (Dispositions) (Details)

Oct. 27, 2016USD ($)

Oct. 12, 2016USD ($)building

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 22, 2016USD ($)building

Jul. 08, 2016USD ($)

Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 10, 2015USD ($)

Oct. 28, 2015USD ($)

Jul. 01, 2015USD ($)property

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 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

$ 482,089,000

$ 422,125,000

South Jamaica Street

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Number of buildings sold | building

3

Gross proceeds from sale of real estate

$ 122,000,000

Gain (loss) on sale of real estate

$ 27,200,000

Net proceeds from the sale of real estate

$ 108,000,000

80 Park Plaza Property

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross proceeds from sale of real estate

$ 174,500,000

Gain (loss) on sale of real estate

21,600,000

Net proceeds from the sale of real estate

$ 169,300,000

800 North Fredrick

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Gross proceeds from sale of real estate

$ 48,000,000

Gain (loss) on sale of real estate

$ 2,100,000

Net proceeds from the sale of real estate

$ 45,400,000

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 estate

(300,000)

Net proceeds from the sale of real estate

$ 159,400,000

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 estate

$ 500,000

Disposed of by Sale | 11 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 estate

$ 19,700,000

Number of real estate properties | property

11

Aggregate net income excluding the gain on sale

$ 6,500,000

$300 Million Bridge Loan | Bridge Loan

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Repayment of debt

$ 119,000,000

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 estate

$ 3,100,000

Net proceeds from the sale of real estate

$ 120,000,000

Ownership percentage

51.00%

51.00%

51.00%

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

$ 325,000,000

Ownership percentage

49.00%

49.00%

49.00%

49.00%

Subsequent Event | South Jamaica Street

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Number of buildings sold | building

1

Gross proceeds from sale of real estate

$ 19,500,000

Subsequent Event | Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Facilities

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Repayments of lines of credit

$ 99,000,000

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (N

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Narrative) (Details) ft² in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)ft²building	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)ft²building	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2015USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Square feet of office space | ft²	11,600	11,600
Corporate Joint Venture
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	51.00%	51.00%		51.00%
Monthly property management fee earned (percent)		3.00%
Asset management fee earned annually		$ 1,000,000
Corporate Joint Venture | Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Property management fees due to Company	$ 100,000	100,000
Corporate Joint Venture | Other Income
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset and property management fees earned	$ 600,000	$ 1,900,000
Corporate Joint Venture | Blackstone Property Partners
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	49.00%	49.00%		49.00%
Mortgage note transferred to joint venture	$ 325,000,000	$ 325,000,000		$ 325,000,000
Mortgage note interest rate	5.07%	5.07%
Guaranty liability	$ 23,300,000	$ 23,300,000	$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Corporate Joint Venture | Market Square East & West LLC | Washington, D.C.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of office buildings | building	2	2
Square feet of office space | ft²	698	698

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (C

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Condensed Balance Sheet Information for Market Square Joint Venture) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Total assets	$ 578,097	$ 573,073
Total debt	324,642	324,603
Total equity	239,845	230,060
Columbia Property Trust's investment	$ 125,605	$ 118,695

Unconsolidated Joint Venture 44

Unconsolidated Joint Venture (Condensed Income Statement Information for the Market Square Joint Venture) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 9,787		$ 31,226
Net loss	(3,799)		(10,669)
Columbia Property Trust's share	$ (1,937)	$ 0	$ (5,441)	$ 0

Line of Credit and Notes Paya45

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Schedule of Long-Term Debt (excluding Bonds Payable)) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 04, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	$ 821,586,000	$ 1,130,571,000
Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization	(3,406,000)	(4,492,000)
Credit Facilities | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	99,000,000	247,000,000
Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization	(3,406,000)	(4,492,000)
Term Loans | $300 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	300,000,000	300,000,000
Face amount of issued debt instrument	300,000,000	300,000,000
Term Loans | $150 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	150,000,000	150,000,000
Face amount of issued debt instrument	150,000,000	150,000,000
Mortgage Notes | 650 California Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	126,920,000	128,785,000
Mortgage Notes | 221 Main Street Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	73,000,000	73,000,000
Mortgage Notes | 263 Shuman Boulevard Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	49,000,000	49,000,000
Mortgage Notes | One Glenlake Building mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	27,072,000	29,278,000
Mortgage Notes | SanTan Corporate Center mortgage notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	0	39,000,000
Bridge Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Deferred financing costs related to term loans and notes payable, net of accumulated amortization	(5,528,000)	(3,721,000)
Bridge Loan | $300 Million Bridge Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	0	119,000,000	$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Face amount of issued debt instrument	$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000

Line of Credit and Notes Paya46

Line of Credit and Notes Payable (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 27, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Aug. 04, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net					$ 821,586,000			$ 821,586,000		$ 1,130,571,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt					18,905,000		$ 2,672,000	18,997,000	$ 3,149,000
Loans Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of line of credit and notes payable					829,400,000			829,400,000		1,140,100,000
Carrying value of the line of credit and notes payable					825,000,000			825,000,000		1,135,100,000
Interest payments								21,700,000	43,400,000
Interest capitalized								200,000	$ 400,000
Term Loans | $300 Million Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net					300,000,000			300,000,000		300,000,000
Credit Facilities | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net					99,000,000			99,000,000		247,000,000
Mortgages | SanTan Corporate Center Mortgage Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net					0			0		39,000,000
Repayment of debt		$ 39,000,000
Write off of unamortized deferred financing costs						$ 10,000
Bridge Loan | $300 Million Bridge Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Lines of credit and notes payable, net				$ 300,000,000	0			$ 0		$ 119,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Repayment of debt			$ 119,000,000
Term of loan				6 months
Loss on early extinguishment of debt					$ 82,000
Subsequent Event | Credit Facilities | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit	$ 99,000,000

Bonds Payable (Details)

Bonds Payable (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 12, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 07, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Make-whole payment reflected as a loss on early extinguishment of debt			$ 17,921,000	$ 3,165,000
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable			348,691,000	349,507,000
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable			1,709,000		$ 1,020,000
Bonds payable, net			692,763,000		595,259,000
Bonds Payable | 2026 Bonds Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of issued debt instrument	$ 350,000,000
Maturity of debt instrument	10 years
Interest rate for debt instrument (percent)	3.65%
Discount rate of face value of issued debt instrument (percent)	99.626%
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable	$ 346,400,000
Frequency of payments	semi-annual
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable	$ 1,300,000
Bonds Payable | 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%
Make-whole payment reflected as a loss on early extinguishment of debt	$ 17,900,000
Interest payments				$ 7,300,000
Bonds Payable | 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%
Discount rate of face value of issued debt instrument (percent)		99.859%
Proceeds from issuance of bonds payable		$ 347,200,000
Frequency of payments		semi-annual
Initial issuance discount of bonds payable		$ 500,000
Maturity date		Apr. 1, 2025
Bonds Payable | 2025 and 2018 Bonds Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payments			20,800,000
Bonds Payable | 2025 and 2018 Bonds Payable | Level 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of debt instrument					602,300,000
Bonds Payable | 2026 and 2025 Bonds Payable | Level 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Estimated fair value of debt instrument			703,200,000
Bonds Payable | 2026, 2025 and 2018 Bonds Payable | Level 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bonds payable, net			$ 698,300,000		$ 599,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 28, 2015
Blackstone Property Partners | Corporate Joint Venture
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guaranty liability	$ 23,300,000	$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000
222 East 41st Street | Leasehold improvements
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contractual obligation for tenant improvements	$ 70,100,000

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 21, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Granted (shares)			247,000
Unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested awards		$ 3,800,000	$ 3,800,000	$ 3,800,000	$ 2,200,000
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
Grant Date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percent)			25.00%
2013 Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized		2,000,000	2,000,000	2,000,000
Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (shares)	231,015
Shares withheld to settle tax liability	20,842
Long Term Incentive Plan | Grant Date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percent)	25.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan | January 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percent)	25.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan | January 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percent)	25.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan | January 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percent)	25.00%
Stock Repurchase Program | Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 200,000,000	$ 200,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Common stock, par value (dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Value of stock repurchased				$ 41,300,000
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)		0		1,800,000
Shares repurchased, average cost per share (dollars per share)				$ 22.60
Stock repurchase program, amount available for repurchase		$ 158,700,000	$ 158,700,000	$ 158,700,000

Stockholders' Equity (Unvested

Stockholders' Equity (Unvested Activity Rollforward) (Details) shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Shares Rollforward
Unvested shares - beginning of period (shares)	151
Granted (shares)	247
Vested (shares)	(138)
Forfeited (shares)	(3)
Unvested shares - end of period (shares)	257	[1]
Weighted-Average, Grant-Date Fair Value Rollforward
Unvested shares - beginning of period (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.59	[2]
Granted (dollars per share) | $ / shares	21.79	[2]
Vested (dollars per share) | $ / shares	23.32	[2]
Forfeited (dollars per share) | $ / shares	21.90	[2]
Unvested shares - end of period (dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.62	[1],[2]
Shares expected to ultimately vest	244
Expected forfeiture rate	5.00%
[1]	As of September 30, 2016, we expect approximately 244,000 of the 257,000 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		Jul. 01, 2016	Apr. 01, 2016	Jan. 04, 2016	Jul. 01, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Jan. 02, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares								247,000
Grant-Date Fair Value (dollars per share)	[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 (dollars per share)				$ 23
Director | April 1, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares			8,120
Grant-Date Fair Value (dollars per share)			$ 21.89
Director | July 1, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares		8,158
Grant-Date Fair Value (dollars per share)		$ 21.52
Director | January 2, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares							5,850
Grant-Date Fair Value (dollars per share)							$ 25.75
Director | April 1, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares						4,995
Grant-Date Fair Value (dollars per share)						$ 27.16
Director | July 1, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares					4,144
Grant-Date Fair Value (dollars per share)					$ 24.84
[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		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 917	$ 896	$ 3,512	$ 2,925
Future employee awards	[1]	91	412	797	1,228
Employees
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		650	381	2,190	1,308
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 176	$ 103	$ 525	$ 389
Grant Date
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percent)				25.00%
Annually over Three Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (percent)				75.00%
[1]	These estimated 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 N53

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Investments in real estate funded with other assets	$ 1,442	$ 27,000
Other assets assumed at acquisition	0	7,785
Other liabilities assumed at acquisition	0	4,765
Discount on issuance of bonds payable	1,309	494
Amortization of net discounts (premiums) on debt	222	(94)
Market value adjustments to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment	0	(3,552)
Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs	16,074	16,444
Accrued deferred financing costs	12	2
Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of income tax witholdings)	$ 2,339	$ 2,925

Earnings Per Share (Basic and D

Earnings Per Share (Basic and Diluted EPS Computations) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income	$ 36,898	$ 20,143	$ 56,881	$ 34,450
Distributions paid on unvested shares	(77)	(45)	(237)	(139)
Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	$ 36,821	$ 20,098	$ 56,644	$ 34,311
Weighted-average common shares - basic	123,215	124,359	123,271	124,359
Weighted-average common shares - diluted	123,350	124,460	123,348	124,445
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	82	37	46	28
Future LTIP awards for the current year
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions, less assumed share repurchases	53	64	31	58

Financial Information for Par55

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Ownership percentage of wholly owned subsidiary	100.00%

Financial Information for Par56

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Land	$ 787,456	$ 896,467
Buildings and improvements, net	2,371,273	2,897,431
Intangible lease assets, net	204,200	259,136
Construction in progress	28,888	31,847
Real estate assets held for sale, net	238,876	0
Total real estate assets	3,630,693	4,084,881
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	125,605	118,695
Cash and cash equivalents	190,856	32,645	$ 44,823	$ 149,790
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	6,366	11,670
Straight-line rent receivable	70,186	109,062
Prepaid expenses and other assets	24,885	35,848
Intangible lease origination costs, net	58,645	77,190
Deferred lease costs, net	60,383	88,127
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Other assets held for sale	32,306	0
Total assets	4,319,925	4,678,118
Liabilities:
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	821,586	1,130,571
Bonds payable, net	692,763	595,259
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	81,617	98,759
Dividends payable	0	37,354
Due to affiliates	0	0
Deferred income	20,411	24,814
Intangible lease liabilities, net	36,239	57,167
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Liabilities held for sale	15,644	0
Total liabilities	1,788,260	2,063,924
Equity:
Total equity	2,531,665	2,614,194	2,642,300	2,733,478
Total liabilities and equity	4,319,925	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
Real estate assets held for sale, net	0
Total real estate assets	0	0
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	169,434	989	2,520	119,488
Investment in subsidiaries	2,045,043	2,333,408
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	317,188	317,151
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Other assets held for sale	0
Total assets	2,531,665	2,651,548
Liabilities:
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	0	0
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	0	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
Liabilities held for sale	0
Total liabilities	0	37,354
Equity:
Total equity	2,531,665	2,614,194
Total liabilities and equity	2,531,665	2,651,548
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Assets:
Land	6,241	6,241
Buildings and improvements, net	28,707	28,913
Intangible lease assets, net	0	0
Construction in progress	448	917
Real estate assets held for sale, net	0
Total real estate assets	35,396	36,071
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	125,605	118,695
Cash and cash equivalents	9,343	14,969	12,409	10,504
Investment in subsidiaries	1,880,585	1,901,581
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	77	52
Straight-line rent receivable	1,557	1,311
Prepaid expenses and other assets	262,417	265,615
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	1,955	2,055
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Other assets held for sale	0
Total assets	2,316,935	2,340,349
Liabilities:
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	546,505	812,836
Bonds payable, net	692,763	595,259
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	20,352	13,313
Dividends payable		0
Due to affiliates	31	21
Deferred income	249	200
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Liabilities held for sale	0
Total liabilities	1,259,900	1,421,629
Equity:
Total equity	1,057,035	918,720
Total liabilities and equity	2,316,935	2,340,349
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Assets:
Land	781,215	890,226
Buildings and improvements, net	2,342,566	2,868,518
Intangible lease assets, net	204,200	259,136
Construction in progress	28,440	30,930
Real estate assets held for sale, net	238,876
Total real estate assets	3,595,297	4,048,810
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents	12,079	16,687	29,894	19,798
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	6,289	11,618
Straight-line rent receivable	68,629	107,751
Prepaid expenses and other assets	16,580	26,153
Intangible lease origination costs, net	58,645	77,190
Deferred lease costs, net	58,428	86,072
Investment in development authority bonds	120,000	120,000
Other assets held for sale	32,306
Total assets	3,968,253	4,494,281
Liabilities:
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	705,844	888,340
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	61,265	85,446
Dividends payable		0
Due to affiliates	1,561	2,445
Deferred income	20,162	24,614
Intangible lease liabilities, net	36,239	57,167
Obligations under capital leases	120,000	120,000
Liabilities held for sale	154,589
Total liabilities	1,099,660	1,178,012
Equity:
Total equity	2,868,593	3,316,269
Total liabilities and equity	3,968,253	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
Real estate assets held for sale, net	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	(3,925,628)	(4,234,989)
Tenant receivables, net of allowance	0	0
Straight-line rent receivable	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(571,300)	(573,071)
Intangible lease origination costs, net	0	0
Deferred lease costs, net	0	0
Investment in development authority bonds	0	0
Other assets held for sale	0
Total assets	(4,496,928)	(4,808,060)
Liabilities:
Lines of credit and notes payable, net	(430,763)	(570,605)
Bonds payable, net	0	0
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures	0	0
Dividends payable		0
Due to affiliates	(1,592)	(2,466)
Deferred income	0	0
Intangible lease liabilities, net	0	0
Obligations under capital leases	0	0
Liabilities held for sale	(138,945)
Total liabilities	(571,300)	(573,071)
Equity:
Total equity	(3,925,628)	(4,234,989)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (4,496,928)	$ (4,808,060)

Financial Information for Par57

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Rental income	$ 87,561	$ 107,011	$ 280,714	$ 332,736
Tenant reimbursements	17,090	22,627	55,551	77,395
Hotel income	6,270	6,941	17,484	18,898
Other property income	2,345	1,140	14,026	4,357
Revenues	113,266	137,719	367,775	433,386
Expenses:
Property operating costs	39,101	46,538	120,679	144,375
Hotel operating costs	4,946	5,331	14,315	15,069
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	0	0	0	0
Other	387	472	1,058	1,372
Depreciation	26,778	32,441	84,517	100,261
Amortization	11,895	20,276	42,902	67,233
General and administrative	7,467	6,797	25,718	21,921
Acquisition expenses	0	1,680	0	3,675
Costs and expenses	90,574	113,535	289,189	353,906
Real estate operating income	22,692	24,184	78,586	79,480
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(17,138)	(22,012)	(52,415)	(66,261)
Interest and other income	1,839	1,808	5,452	5,448
Loss on interest rate swaps	0	(1,102)	0	(1,110)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(18,905)	(2,672)	(18,997)	(3,149)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(34,204)	(23,978)	(65,960)	(65,072)
Income (loss) before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and gains on sales of real estate	(11,512)	206	12,626	14,408
Income tax expense	(65)	(245)	(387)	(140)
Income from subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	(1,937)	0	(5,441)	0
Income (loss) before gains on sales of real estate	(13,514)	(39)	6,798	14,268
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets	50,412	20,182	50,083	20,182
Net income	36,898	20,143	56,881	34,450
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent) (Guarantor)
Revenues:
Rental income	0	0	0	0
Tenant reimbursements	0	0	0	0
Hotel income	0	0	0	0
Other property income	245	0	735	0
Revenues	245	0	735	0
Expenses:
Property operating costs	0	0	0	0
Hotel operating costs	0	0	0	0
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0	0
Depreciation	0	0	0	0
Amortization	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	38	37	116	113
Acquisition expenses		0		0
Costs and expenses	38	37	116	113
Real estate operating income	207	(37)	619	(113)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Interest and other income	3,571	3,469	10,680	10,586
Loss on interest rate swaps		0		0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)	3,571	20,180	10,680	34,563
Income (loss) before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and gains on sales of real estate	3,778	20,143	11,299	34,450
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Income from subsidiaries	33,120	16,711	45,582	23,977
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	0		0
Income (loss) before gains on sales of real estate	36,898	20,143	56,881	34,450
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets	0	0	0	0
Net income	36,898	20,143	56,881	34,450
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Revenues:
Rental income	956	682	2,669	1,926
Tenant reimbursements	564	290	1,421	804
Hotel income	0	0	0	0
Other property income	0	0	0	0
Revenues	1,520	972	4,090	2,730
Expenses:
Property operating costs	860	752	2,360	2,286
Hotel operating costs	0	0	0	0
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	40	30	112	70
Other	0	0	0	0
Depreciation	745	651	2,166	1,907
Amortization	86	59	239	173
General and administrative	2,297	2,338	6,575	6,492
Acquisition expenses		0		11
Costs and expenses	4,028	3,830	11,452	10,939
Real estate operating income	(2,508)	(2,858)	(7,362)	(8,209)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(12,249)	(12,189)	(36,479)	(32,656)
Interest and other income	3,813	3,417	11,471	8,720
Loss on interest rate swaps		(1,101)		(1,101)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(18,905)	(573)	(18,987)	(1,050)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(27,341)	13,827	(43,995)	20,214
Income (loss) before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and gains on sales of real estate	(29,849)	10,969	(51,357)	12,005
Income tax expense	0	(5)	(12)	(16)
Income from subsidiaries	61,442	24,273	89,972	46,301
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	(1,937)		(5,441)
Income (loss) before gains on sales of real estate	29,656	10,964	33,162	11,989
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets	0	(19)	0	(19)
Net income	29,656	10,945	33,162	11,970
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Revenues:
Rental income	86,702	106,424	278,330	331,089
Tenant reimbursements	16,526	22,337	54,130	76,591
Hotel income	6,270	6,941	17,484	18,898
Other property income	2,196	1,227	13,571	4,605
Revenues	111,694	136,929	363,515	431,183
Expenses:
Property operating costs	38,338	45,881	118,604	142,368
Hotel operating costs	4,946	5,331	14,315	15,069
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	0	0	0	0
Other	387	472	1,058	1,372
Depreciation	26,033	31,790	82,351	98,354
Amortization	11,809	20,217	42,663	67,060
General and administrative	5,188	4,479	19,195	15,494
Acquisition expenses		1,680		3,664
Costs and expenses	86,701	109,850	278,186	343,381
Real estate operating income	24,993	27,079	85,329	87,802
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(12,256)	(16,709)	(38,071)	(52,904)
Interest and other income	1,822	1,808	5,436	5,441
Loss on interest rate swaps		(1)		(9)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	(2,099)	(10)	(2,099)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(10,434)	(17,001)	(32,645)	(49,571)
Income (loss) before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and gains on sales of real estate	14,559	10,078	52,684	38,231
Income tax expense	(65)	(240)	(375)	(124)
Income from subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	0		0
Income (loss) before gains on sales of real estate	14,494	9,838	52,309	38,107
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets	50,412	20,201	50,083	20,201
Net income	64,906	30,039	102,392	58,308
Consolidating adjustments
Revenues:
Rental income	(97)	(95)	(285)	(279)
Tenant reimbursements	0	0	0	0
Hotel income	0	0	0	0
Other property income	(96)	(87)	(280)	(248)
Revenues	(193)	(182)	(565)	(527)
Expenses:
Property operating costs	(97)	(95)	(285)	(279)
Hotel operating costs	0	0	0	0
Asset and property management fees:
Related-party	(40)	(30)	(112)	(70)
Other	0	0	0	0
Depreciation	0	0	0	0
Amortization	0	0	0	0
General and administrative	(56)	(57)	(168)	(178)
Acquisition expenses		0		0
Costs and expenses	(193)	(182)	(565)	(527)
Real estate operating income	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	7,367	6,886	22,135	19,299
Interest and other income	(7,367)	(6,886)	(22,135)	(19,299)
Loss on interest rate swaps		0		0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	0
Nonoperating income (expense)	0	(40,984)	0	(70,278)
Income (loss) before income taxes, unconsolidated joint venture, and gains on sales of real estate	0	(40,984)	0	(70,278)
Income tax expense	0	0	0	0
Income from subsidiaries	(94,562)	(40,984)	(135,554)	(70,278)
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture	0		0
Income (loss) before gains on sales of real estate	(94,562)	(40,984)	(135,554)	(70,278)
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets	0	0	0	0
Net income	$ (94,562)	$ (40,984)	$ (135,554)	$ (70,278)

Financial Information for Par58

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 36,898	$ 20,143	$ 56,881	$ 34,450
Settlement of interest rate swap	0	1,102	0	1,102
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,250	(4,147)	(5,629)	(3,552)
Comprehensive income	38,148	17,098	51,252	32,000
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent) (Guarantor)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	36,898	20,143	56,881	34,450
Settlement of interest rate swap		1,102		1,102
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,250	(4,147)	(5,629)	(3,552)
Comprehensive income	38,148	17,098	51,252	32,000
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	29,656	10,945	33,162	11,970
Settlement of interest rate swap		1,102		1,102
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	1,250	(4,147)	(5,629)	(3,552)
Comprehensive income	30,906	7,900	27,533	9,520
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	64,906	30,039	102,392	58,308
Settlement of interest rate swap		0		0
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	64,906	30,039	102,392	58,308
Consolidating adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(94,562)	(40,984)	(135,554)	(70,278)
Settlement of interest rate swap		(1,102)		(1,102)
Market value adjustment to interest rate swap	(1,250)	4,147	5,629	3,552
Comprehensive income	$ (95,812)	$ (37,939)	$ (129,925)	$ (67,828)

Financial Information for Par59

Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Issuer Subsidiary, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	$ 149,704	$ 174,979
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	482,089	422,125
Investment in real estate and related assets	(54,160)	(1,141,520)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	(12,351)	0
Investment in subsidiaries		0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	415,578	(719,395)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt prepayment and interest rate swap settlement costs paid	(17,921)	(3,165)
Borrowings, net of fees	780,580	2,193,900
Repayments	(995,070)	(1,625,187)
Distributions	(148,474)	(112,570)
Repurchases of common stock	(26,186)	(13,529)
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(407,071)	439,449
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	158,211	(104,967)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	32,645	149,790
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	190,856	44,823
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust (Parent) (Guarantor)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	635	(107)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	482,089	10,727
Investment in real estate and related assets	0	(57,198)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	0
Investment in subsidiaries		(1,065,695)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	482,089	(1,112,166)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt prepayment and interest rate swap settlement costs paid	(17,921)	0
Borrowings, net of fees	348,691	0
Repayments	(250,000)	0
Distributions	(148,474)	(112,570)
Repurchases of common stock	(26,186)	(13,529)
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	(220,389)	1,121,404
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(314,279)	995,305
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	168,445	(116,968)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	989	119,488
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	169,434	2,520
Reportable Legal Entities | Columbia Property Trust OP (the Issuer)
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	(38,952)	(37,391)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	0	411,398
Investment in real estate and related assets	(1,552)	(1,006,340)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	(12,351)
Investment in subsidiaries		0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(13,903)	(594,942)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt prepayment and interest rate swap settlement costs paid	0	(1,102)
Borrowings, net of fees	431,889	2,193,900
Repayments	(702,000)	(1,290,000)
Distributions	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	317,340	(268,560)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	47,229	634,238
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(5,626)	1,905
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	14,969	10,504
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	9,343	12,409
Reportable Legal Entities | Non- Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash flows from operating activities	188,021	212,477
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of real estate	0	0
Investment in real estate and related assets	(52,608)	(77,982)
Investments in unconsolidated joint venture	0
Investment in subsidiaries		0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(52,608)	(77,982)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt prepayment and interest rate swap settlement costs paid	0	(2,063)
Borrowings, net of fees	0	0
Repayments	(43,070)	(335,187)
Distributions	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)	(96,951)	212,851
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(140,021)	(124,399)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,608)	10,096
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	16,687	19,798
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	12,079	29,894
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
Investment in subsidiaries		1,065,695
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		1,065,695
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt prepayment and interest rate swap settlement costs paid		0
Borrowings, net of fees		0
Repayments		0
Distributions		0
Repurchases of common stock		0
Intercompany contributions (distributions)		(1,065,695)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(1,065,695)
Net increase (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