| Cover Page | Oct. 16, 2019 |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 16, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Columbia Property Trust, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-36113 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-0068852 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 315 Park Avenue South |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10010 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 687-0800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | CXP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001252849 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Former Address [Member] | |
| Entity Addresses [Line Items] | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1170 Peachtree Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 600 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30309 |
