| Cover Page | Aug. 31, 2020 | Jun. 01, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 31, 2020 | |
| 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, City or Town | New York | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 315 Park Avenue South | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10010 | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY | |
| City Area Code | 212 | |
| Local Phone Number | 687-0800 | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Trading Symbol | CXP | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001252849 | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
