Cousins Properties (CUZ) 10-K 10 Feb 16 2013 Q4 Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 05, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	COUSINS PROPERTIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	25,232
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q4
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float					$ 2,128,680,591
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding				211,441,397

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014
Real estate assets:
Operating properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $352,350 and $324,543 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	$ 2,194,781,000	$ 2,181,684,000
Projects under development	27,890,000	91,615,000
Land	17,829,000	21,646,000
Total properties	2,240,500,000	2,294,945,000
Real Estate Held-for-sale	7,246,000	0
Cash and cash equivalents	2,003,000	0
Restricted cash	4,304,000	5,042,000
Notes and accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,353 and $1,643 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	10,828,000	10,732,000
Deferred rents receivable	67,258,000	57,939,000
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	102,577,000	100,498,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill)	124,615,000	163,244,000
Other assets	38,472,000	34,930,000
Total assets	2,597,803,000	2,667,330,000
Liabilities:
Notes payable	721,293,000	792,344,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	71,739,000	76,240,000
Deferred Revenue, Current	29,788,000	23,277,000
Intangible Liabilities	59,592,000	70,020,000
Other liabilities	30,629,000	31,991,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current	1,347,000	0
Total liabilities	914,388,000	993,872,000
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	0	0
Preferred stock, 20,000,000 shares authorized, $1 par value:
7.75% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $25 liquidation preference; 2,993,090 shares issued and outstanding in 2012 and 2011 and 7.50% Series B cumulative redeemable preferred stock, $25 liquidation preference; 3,791,000 shares issued and outstanding in 2012 and 2011	0	0
Common stock, $1 par value, 350,000,000 shares authorized, 220,255,676 and 220,082,610 shares issued in 2015 and 2014, respectively	220,256,000	220,083,000
Additional paid-in capital	1,722,224,000	1,720,972,000
Treasury stock at cost, 8,742,181 and 3,570,082 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively	(134,630,000)	(86,840,000)
Distributions in excess of cumulative net income	(124,435,000)	(180,757,000)
Total equity	1,683,415,000	1,673,458,000
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,597,803,000	$ 2,667,330,000

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Real estate assets:
Accumulated depreciation on operating properties	$ 352,350	$ 324,543
Development in Process, Accumulated Depreciation	0	0
Real Estate Held for Sale, Accumulated Depreciation	7,200	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	103,458	76,050
Allowance for doubtful accounts for notes and other receivables	1,353	1,643
Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization	$ 26,890	$ 16,897
Preferred stock, 20,000,000 shares authorized, $1 par value:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	350,000,000	250,000,000
Treasury stock, shares	5,584,743	3,570,082

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
REVENUES:
Rental property revenues	$ 373,068	$ 343,910	$ 194,420
Fee income	7,297	12,519	10,891
Other Revenue from Continuing Operations	1,278	4,954	5,430
Total consolidated revenues	381,643	361,383	210,741
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Rental property operating expenses	156,157	155,934	90,498
Reimbursed expenses	3,430	3,652	5,215
General and administrative expenses	17,099	19,969	22,460
Interest expense	30,723	29,110	21,709
Depreciation and amortization	135,416	140,018	76,277
Acquisition and related costs	299	1,130	7,484
Other	1,000	3,544	3,693
Total costs and expenses	344,124	353,357	227,336
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes, unconsolidated joint ventures, and sale of investment properties	37,519	8,026	(16,595)
Benefit for income taxes from operations	0	20	23
INCOME (LOSS) FROM UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES	8,302	11,268	67,325
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Gain on Sale of Investment Properties	45,821	19,314	50,753
GAIN ON SALE OF INVESTMENT PROPERTIES	80,394	12,536	61,288
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	126,215	31,850	112,041
Income (loss) from discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(35)	1,800	3,299
Gain (loss) on sale from discontinued operations	(551)	19,358	11,489
Total income from discontinued operations	(586)	21,158	14,788
Net income	125,629	53,008	126,829
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(111)	(1,004)	(5,068)
Net Income (Loss) in Statement on Equity			126,761
Net income attributable to controlling interests	125,518	52,004	121,761
Preferred Share Original Issuance Costs	0	(3,530)	(2,656)
Dividends to preferred stockholders	0	(2,955)	(10,008)
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 125,518	$ 45,519	$ 109,097
PER COMMON SHARE INFORMATION - BASIC AND DILUTED:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest (dollars per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.12	$ 0.66
Income from discontinued operations (dollars per share)	0	0.10	0.10
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders (dollars per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.22	$ 0.76
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES—BASIC (shares)	215,827	204,216	144,255
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES—DILUTED (shares)	215,979	204,460	144,420

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member]	Stockholders' Investment [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Net Income (Loss) in Statement on Equity	$ 126,761	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 121,761	$ 121,761
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Nonredeemable								$ 5,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	121,761
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	642,953	169,602	107,660	690,024	(86,840)	(260,104)	620,342	22,611
Common stock issued pursuant to:
Common stock offering, net of issuance costs	826,233	0	85,507	740,726	0	0	826,233	0
Restricted stock grants, net of amounts withheld for income taxes					0	0		0
Share-based Compensation	(806)	0	111	(917)			(806)
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock, net of forfeitures	1,898	0	(42)	1,940	0	0	1,898	0
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(26,040)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(26,040)
Preferred Stock Redemption	(74,827)	(74,827)	0	(10,822)	0	10,822	(74,827)	0
Cash preferred dividends paid	(10,008)	0	0	0	0	(10,008)	(10,008)	0
Cash common dividends paid	(27,192)	0	0	0	0	(27,192)	(27,192)	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,458,972	$ 94,775	$ 193,236	$ 1,420,951	$ (86,840)	(164,721)	1,457,401	1,571
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	53,008					52,004	52,004
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Nonredeemable								1,004
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	52,004
Common stock issued pursuant to:
Director stock grants	321,896	$ 0	$ 26,700	$ 295,196	$ 0	0	321,896	0
Restricted stock grants, net of amounts withheld for income taxes					0	0		0
Share-based Compensation	(550)	0	156	(706)			(550)
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock, net of forfeitures	1,992	0	(9)	2,001	0	0	1,992	0
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(2,575)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(2,575)
Preferred Stock Redemption	(94,775)	(94,775)	0	3,530	0	(3,530)	(94,775)	0
Cash preferred dividends paid	(2,955)	0	0	0	0	(2,955)	(2,955)	0
Cash common dividends paid	(61,555)	0	0	0	0	(61,555)	(61,555)	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,673,458	0	$ 220,083	$ 1,720,972	$ (86,840)	(180,757)	1,673,458	0
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	125,629	0					125,518
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Nonredeemable								111
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	125,518
Common stock issued pursuant to:
Restricted stock grants, net of amounts withheld for income taxes					$ 0	0		0
Share-based Compensation	72	0	$ 173	$ (245)			72
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock, net of forfeitures	1,473	0	0	1,473	0	0	1,473	0
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(111)	0	0	0	0	0	0	(111)
Preferred Stock Redemption	0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	(47,790)	0	0	0	(47,790)	0	(47,790)	0
Cash common dividends paid	(69,196)	0	0	0	0	(69,196)	(69,196)	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	1,683,415	0	220,256	1,722,224	(134,630)	(124,435)	1,683,415	0
Common stock issued pursuant to:
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other	$ 24	$ 0	$ 0	$ 24	$ 0	$ 0	$ 24	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 125,629	$ 53,008	$ 126,829
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of investment properties, including discontinued operations	(79,843)	(31,894)	(68,200)
Gain on sale of third party management and leasing business	0	0	(4,577)
Depreciation and amortization, including discontinued operations	135,462	141,022	76,478
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,423	604	615
Net amortization of stock options and restricted stock	1,473	1,992
Amortization of stock options and restricted stock, net			1,898
Effect of certain non-cash adjustments to rental revenues	(26,475)	(30,039)	(11,660)
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	(8,302)	(11,268)	(67,325)
Operating distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	8,760	10,296	67,101
Land and multi-family cost of sales, net of closing costs paid	0	302	967
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:
Change in other receivables and other assets, net	(10,937)	(644)	(9,619)
Change in operating liabilities	4,471	9,021	24,833
Net cash provided by operating activities	151,661	142,400	137,340
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from investment property sales	225,307	244,471	178,966
Proceeds from sale of third party management and leasing business	0	0	4,577
Property acquisition, development and tenant asset expenditures	(184,988)	(710,743)	(1,526,263)
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures	(9,985)	(18,342)	(11,922)
Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	7,555	26,179	88,635
Change in notes receivable and other assets	118	(1,819)	(75)
Change in restricted cash	475	(1,361)	(111)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	38,482	(461,615)	(1,266,193)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from credit facility	355,900	764,575	365,075
Repayment of credit facility	(404,100)	(664,450)	(325,000)
Proceeds from notes payable	0	85,068	304,275
Repayment of notes payable	(22,851)	(22,943)	(77,887)
Payment of loan issuance costs	0	(3,995)	(1,693)
Common stock issued, net of expenses	8	321,845	826,233
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	(47,790)	0	0
Common dividends paid	(69,196)	(61,555)	(27,192)
Preferred dividends paid	0	(2,955)	(10,008)
Preferred Stock Redemption	0	(94,775)	(74,827)
Distributions to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(111)	(2,575)	(26,040)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(188,140)	318,240	952,936
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,003	(975)	(175,917)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	0	975	176,892
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 2,003	$ 0	$ 975

Description of Business and Bas

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of Business: Cousins Properties Incorporated (“Cousins”), a Georgia corporation, is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Through December 31, 2014, Cousins Real Estate Corporation (“CREC”) was a taxable entity wholly-owned by and consolidated within Cousins. CREC owned, developed, and managed its own real estate portfolio and performed certain real estate related services for other parties. On December 31, 2014, CREC merged into Cousins and coincident with this merger, Cousins formed Cousins TRS Services LLC ("CTRS"), a new taxable entity wholly-owned by Cousins. Upon formation, CTRS received a capital contribution of some of the real estate assets and contracts that were previously owned by CREC. CTRS owns and manages its own real estate portfolio and performs certain real estate related services for other parties beginning in 2015. Cousins, CREC, CTRS and their subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) develop, acquire, lease, manage, and own primarily Class A office properties and opportunistic mixed-use developments in Sunbelt markets with a focus on Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s portfolio of real estate assets consisted of interests in 14.8 million square feet of office space, 786,000 square feet of mixed use space. Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated partnerships and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company presents its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification” or “ASC”). The Codification is the single source of authoritative accounting principles applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. For the three years ended December 31, 2015 , there were no items of other comprehensive income. Therefore, no presentation of comprehensive income is required. The Company evaluates all partnerships, joint ventures and other arrangements with variable interests to determine if the entity or arrangement qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined in the Codification. If the entity or arrangement qualifies as a VIE and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, the Company is required to consolidate the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the VIE. The Company has a joint venture with Callaway Gardens Resort, Inc. (“Callaway”) for the development of residential lots, which is anticipated to be funded fully through Company contributions. Callaway has the right to receive returns, but no obligation to fund any costs or absorb any losses. The Company is the sole decision maker for the venture and the development manager. The Company has determined that Callaway is a VIE, and the Company is the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the Company consolidates this joint venture. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Callaway had total assets of $4.6 million , and no significant liabilities. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. In 2015, the Company concluded that certain liabilities associated with variable stock-based compensation should be classified as other liabilities. Previously, these items had been classified as accounts payable and accrued expenses. This change in classification does not affect the previously reported consolidated statement of cash flows or consolidated statement of operations for any period. Recently Issued Accounting Standards : In 2015, the FASB issued ASC 2015-02 "Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. The amendment modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities. It also eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. The guidance is effective for public entities with periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2016, and expects no material impact to the financial statements. In 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which will require companies to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the related debt rather than as an asset. These costs will continue to be amortized into interest expense. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. ASU 2015-15 was issued further clarifying that entities may defer and present debt costs as an asset and amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term for line of credit arrangements, regardless of the outstanding balance. The Company adopted the guidance in ASU 2015-03 effective January 1, 2016 for mortgage debt and has elected to defer adoption for costs related to line of credit arrangements. The Company expects no material impact to the financial statements. In 2015, the FASB voted to defer ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." Under the new guidance, companies will recognize revenue when the seller satisfies a performance obligation, which would be when the buyer takes control of the good or service. This new guidance could result in different amounts of revenue being recognized and could result in revenue being recognized in different reporting periods than under the current guidance. The standard specifically excludes revenue associated with lease contracts. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018 and is currently assessing the potential impact of adopting the new guidance.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Real Estate Assets Cost Capitalization: Costs related to planning, developing, leasing, and constructing a property, including costs of development personnel working directly on projects under development, are capitalized. In addition, the Company capitalizes interest to qualifying assets under development based on average accumulated expenditures outstanding during the period. In capitalizing interest to qualifying assets, the Company first uses the interest incurred on specific project debt, if any, and next uses the Company’s weighted average interest rate for non-project specific debt. The Company also capitalizes interest to investments accounted for under the equity method when the investee has property under development with a carrying value in excess of the investee’s borrowings. To the extent debt exists within an unconsolidated joint venture during the construction period, the venture capitalizes interest on that venture-specific debt. The Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain operating expenses on the unoccupied portion of recently completed development properties from the date a project is substantially complete to the earlier of (1) the date on which the project achieves 90% economic occupancy or (2) one year after it is substantially complete. The Company capitalizes direct leasing costs related to leases that are probable of being executed. These costs include commissions paid to outside brokers, legal costs incurred to negotiate and document a lease agreement, and internal costs that are based on time spent by leasing personnel on successful leases. The Company allocates these costs to individual tenant leases and amortizes them over the related lease term. Impairment: For real estate assets that are considered to be held for sale according to accounting guidance, the Company records impairment losses if the fair value of the asset net of estimated selling costs is less than the carrying amount. For those long-lived assets that are held and used according to accounting guidance, management reviews each asset for the existence of any indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company calculates the expected undiscounted future cash flows to be derived from such assets. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company reduces the asset to its fair value. Acquisition of Operating Properties: The Company records the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities of operating property acquisitions at fair value at the acquisition date. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities for an operating property acquisition generally include but are not limited to: land, buildings and improvements, and identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with in-place leases, including leasing costs, value of above-market and below-market tenant leases, value of above-market and below-market ground leases, acquired in-place lease values, and tenant relationships, if any. The fair value of land is derived from comparable sales of land within the same submarket and/or region. The fair value of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements, and leasing costs are based upon current market replacement costs and other relevant market rate information. The fair value of the above-market or below-market component of an acquired in-place lease is based upon the present value (calculated using a market discount rate) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the rents that would be paid using fair market rental rates and rent escalations at the date of acquisition over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts recorded for above-market and below-market ground leases are included in intangible liabilities and intangible assets, respectively, and are amortized on a straight-line basis into rental property operating expenses over the remaining terms of the applicable leases. The fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on management’s assessment of lost revenue and costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased. The amount recorded for acquired in-place leases is included in intangible assets and amortized as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable leases. Depreciation and Amortization: Real estate assets are stated at depreciated cost less impairment losses, if any. Buildings are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which range generally from 24 to 42 years. The life of a particular building depends upon a number of factors including whether the building was developed or acquired and the condition of the building upon acquisition. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives of three to five years. Tenant improvements, leasing costs and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the applicable leases or the estimated useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter. The Company accelerates the depreciation of tenant assets if it estimates that the lease term will end prior to the termination date. This acceleration may occur if a tenant files for bankruptcy, vacates its premises or defaults in another manner on its lease. Deferred expenses are amortized over the period of estimated benefit. The Company uses the straight-line method for all depreciation and amortization. Discontinued Operations: Beginning in the second quarter 2014, only assets held for sale and disposals representing strategic shifts in operations are reflected in discontinued operations. Prior to 2014, the Company classified the results of operations of all properties that were sold or otherwise qualified as held for sale as discontinued operations if the property's operations were expected to be eliminated from ongoing operations and the Company would not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the property after the sale. During 2015, there were no held for sale assets or disposals that represented a strategic shift in operations. The Company ceases depreciation of a property when it is categorized as held for sale. Investment in Joint Ventures For joint ventures that the Company does not control, but exercises significant influence, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's judgment with regard to its level of influence or control of an entity involves consideration of various factors including the form of its ownership interest; its representation in the entity's governance; its ability to participate in policy-making decisions; and the rights of other investors to participate in the decision-making process, to replace the Company as manager, and/or to liquidate the venture. These ventures are recorded at cost and adjusted for equity in earnings (losses) and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on the Company’s balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets on the joint venture’s balance sheet is adjusted as the related underlying assets are depreciated, amortized, or sold. The Company generally allocates income and loss from an unconsolidated joint venture based on the venture's distribution priorities, which may be different from its stated ownership percentage. The Company evaluates the recoverability of its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures in accordance with accounting standards for equity investments by first reviewing each investment for any indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, the Company 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, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the entity, and (3) the Company’s intent and ability to retain its interest long enough for a recovery in market value. If management concludes that the impairment is "other than temporary," the Company reduces the investment to its estimated fair value. The Company consolidates certain joint ventures that it controls. In cases where the entity’s documents do not contain a required redemption clause, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in the equity section of the balance sheets in nonredeemable noncontrolling interests. In cases where the entity’s documents contain a provision requiring the Company to purchase the partner’s share of the venture at a certain value upon demand or at a future date, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in redeemable noncontrolling interests on the balance sheets. Amounts recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted to the higher of fair value or the partner’s cost basis each reporting period. The effect of these adjustments is recorded in additional paid-in capital within total stockholders’ investment. The noncontrolling partners' share of all consolidated joint ventures' income is reflected in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest on the statements of operations. Revenue Recognition Rental Property Revenues: The Company recognizes contractual revenues from leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease. Certain of these leases also provide for percentage rents based upon the level of sales achieved by the lessee. Percentage rents are recognized once the specified sales target is achieved. In addition, leases typically provide for reimbursement of the tenants' share of real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses to the Company. Operating expense reimbursements are recognized as the related expenses are incurred. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company recognized $93.3 million , $86.0 million , and $43.9 million , respectively, in revenues, including discontinued operations, from tenants related to operating expenses. The Company makes valuation adjustments to all tenant-related accounts receivable based upon its estimate of the likelihood of collectibility of amounts due from the tenant. The amount of any valuation adjustment is based on the tenant’s credit and business risk, history of payment, and other factors considered by management. Fee Income: The Company recognizes development, management and leasing fees when earned. The Company recognizes development and leasing fees received from unconsolidated joint ventures and related salaries and other direct costs incurred by the Company as income and expense based on the percentage of the joint venture which the Company does not own. Correspondingly, the Company adjusts the investment in unconsolidated joint ventures asset when fees are paid to the Company by a joint venture in which the Company has an ownership interest. See note 5 for more information related to fee income received by unconsolidated joint ventures. Gain on Sale of Investment Properties : The Company recognizes a gain on sale of investment property when the sale of a property is consummated, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate commitment to pay, any receivable obtained is not subject to future subordination, the usual risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, and the Company has no substantial continuing involvement with the property. If the Company has a commitment to the buyer and that commitment is a specific dollar amount, this commitment is accrued and the gain on sale that the Company recognizes is reduced. If the Company has a construction commitment to the buyer, management makes an estimate of this commitment, defers a portion of the profit from the sale, and recognizes the deferred profit as or when the commitment is fulfilled. Income Taxes Cousins has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, Cousins must distribute annually at least 90% of its adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to its stockholders and satisfy certain other organizational and operating requirements. It is management’s current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain Cousins’ REIT status. As a REIT, Cousins generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level on the taxable income it distributes to its stockholders. If Cousins fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Cousins may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and to federal income taxes on its undistributed taxable income. CTRS is a C-Corporation for federal income tax purposes and uses the liability method for accounting for income taxes. Tax return positions are recognized in the financial statements when they are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authority. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future periods. A valuation allowance may be placed on deferred income tax assets, if it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset may not be realized. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has several types of stock-based compensation plans. These plans are described in note 12, as are the accounting policies by type of award. The Company recognizes compensation expense, net of forfeitures, arising from share-based payment arrangements granted to employees and directors in general and administrative expense in the statements of operations over the related awards’ vesting period, which may be accelerated under the Company’s retirement feature. Earnings per Share (“EPS”) Net income per share-basic is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including nonvested restricted stock which has nonforfeitable dividend rights. Net income per share-diluted is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted weighted average number of common shares uses the same weighted average share number as in the basic calculation and adds the potential dilution that would occur if stock options (or any other contracts to issue common stock) were exercised and resulted in additional common shares outstanding, calculated using the treasury stock method. The numerator is reduced for the effect of preferred dividends in both the basic and diluted net income per share calculations. Stock options are dilutive when the average market price of the Company’s stock during the period exceeds the option exercise price. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly-liquid money market instruments. Highly-liquid money market instruments include securities and repurchase agreements with original maturities of three months or less , money market mutual funds, and United States Treasury Bills with maturities of 30 days or less . Restricted cash primarily represents amounts restricted under debt agreements for future capital expenditures or for specific future operating costs. Software Cost Capitalization Internal and external costs to develop computer software for internal use are capitalized during the development stage in accordance with GAAP. These capitalized costs include the costs to obtain the software, internal and external development costs, and automated data conversion. Training and manual data conversion costs are expensed as incurred. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Property Transactions

Property Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Transactions [Abstract]
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS	Dispositions The Company sold the following properties in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 ($ in thousands): Property Property Type Location Square Feet Sales Price Discontinued Operations 2015 2100 Ross Office Dallas, Texas 844,000 $ 131,000 No 200, 333, and 555 North Point Center East Office Atlanta, Georgia 411,000 $ 70,300 No The Points at Waterview Office Dallas, Texas 203,000 $ 26,800 No 2014 777 Main Office Ft. Worth, TX 980,000 $ 167,000 No Lakeshore Park Plaza Office Birmingham, AL 197,000 $ 25,000 Yes Mahan Village Retail Tallahassee, FL 147,000 $ 29,500 No 600 University Park Place Office Birmingham, AL 123,000 $ 19,700 Yes 2013 Tiffany Springs MarketCenter Retail Kansas City, MO 238,000 $ 53,500 Yes Inhibitex Office Atlanta, GA 51,000 $ 8,300 Yes None of the dispositions during the year ended December 31, 2015 represented a strategic shift in operations and, therefore, did not qualify for discontinued operations. The following table details the components of income from discontinued operations, and gains (losses) related on the sales of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Rental property revenues $ 4 $ 2,927 $ 10,552 Other revenues 6 29 40 Third party management and leasing revenues — — 76 Third party management and leasing expenses — — (99 ) Depreciation and amortization — — (3,083 ) Other expenses (27 ) (28 ) (25 ) Rental property operating expenses (18 ) (1,128 ) (4,162 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ (35 ) $ 1,800 $ 3,299 Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net $ (551 ) $ 19,358 $ 11,489 Held for sale As of December 31, 2015 , 100 North Point Center East, an 129,000 square foot office building in Atlanta, Georgia was classified as held for sale. The sale does not represent a strategic shift in operations and, therefore, will be presented in continuing operations on the consolidated statements of operations. The major classes of assets and liabilities of the property held for sale as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Real estate assets and related assets held for sale Operating Properties, net of accumulated depreciation of $7,072 $ 6,421 Notes and accounts receivable 210 Deferred rents receivable 496 Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $128 119 $ 7,246 Liabilities of real estate assets held for sale Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 140 Deferred Income 200 Other liabilities 1,007 $ 1,347 In January 2016, the Company sold this property for a gross sales price of $22.0 million . Acquisitions In 2015, the Company acquired a 4.16 acre land site located in Atlanta, Georgia for $27.0 million for the development of NCR's corporate headquarters, a 485,000 square foot office building. The site also includes an additional parcel for a second office building development. In 2014, the Company acquired Northpark Town Center, a 1.5 million square foot office asset located in Atlanta, Georgia. The gross purchase price for this property was $348.0 million , before adjustments for customary closing costs and other closing credits. The Company incurred $643,000 in acquisition and related costs associated with this acquisition. In 2014, the Company acquired Fifth Third Center, a 698,000 square foot Class A office tower located in the Charlotte, North Carolina central business district. The gross purchase price for this property was $215.0 million , before adjustments for customary closing costs and other closing credits. The Company incurred $328,000 in acquisition and related costs associated with this acquisition. In 2013, the Company acquired Greenway Plaza, a 10-building, 4.3 million square foot office complex in Houston, Texas, and 777 Main, a 980,000 square foot Class A office building in the central business district of Fort Worth, Texas (collectively the “Texas Acquisition”). The aggregate purchase price for the Texas Acquisition was $1.1 billion , before adjustment for brokers fees, transfer taxes and other customary closing costs. In conjunction with the Texas Acquisition, the Company entered into a $950 million Loan Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. (the "Term Loan") to assist, if necessary, in the funding of the Texas Acquisition. The Term Loan was not used to finance the Texas Acquisition and, pursuant to the agreement, terminated on the acquisition date. The Company incurred fees and other costs associated with the Term Loan of $2.6 million . In addition, the Company incurred $4.2 million in other acquisition costs related to the Texas Acquisition. The term loan costs and other acquisition costs are included in acquisition and related costs on the statement of operations. In 2013, the Company acquired 816 Congress Avenue, a 435,000 square foot Class-A office property located in the central business district of Austin, Texas. The purchase price for this property, net of rent credits, was $102.4 million . The Company incurred $342,000 in acquisition and related costs associated with this acquisition. In 2013, the Company purchased the remaining 80% interest in MSREF/ Cousins Terminus 200 LLC for $53.8 million and simultaneously repaid the mortgage loan secured by the Terminus 200 property in the amount of $74.6 million . The Company recognized a gain of $19.7 million on this acquisition achieved in stages. Immediately thereafter, the Company contributed its interest in the Terminus 200 property and its interest in the Terminus 100 property, together with the existing mortgage loan secured by the Terminus 100 property, to a newly-formed entity, Terminus Office Holdings LLC (“TOH”), and sold 50% of TOH to institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management for $112.2 million . The Company recognized a gain of $37.1 million on this transaction. The Company incurred $122,000 in acquisition and related costs associated with these transactions. TOH closed a new mortgage loan on the Terminus 200 property in the amount of $82.0 million , and the Company received a distribution of $39.2 million from TOH as a result. TOH is an unconsolidated joint venture of the Company (see note 5). In 2013, the Company purchased Post Oak Central, a 1.3 million square foot, Class-A office complex in the Galleria district of Houston, Texas for $230.9 million , net of rent credits, from an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The Company incurred $231,000 in acquisition and related costs associated with this acquisition. The following tables summarize allocations of the estimated fair values of the assets and liabilities of the operating property acquisitions discussed above (in thousands): 2014 2013 Northpark Town Center Fifth Third Center Post Oak Central Terminus 200 816 Congress Avenue Texas Acquisition Tangible assets: Land and improvements $ 24,577 $ 22,863 $ 88,406 $ 25,040 $ 6,817 $ 306,563 Building 274,151 163,649 118,470 101,472 86,391 586,150 Tenant improvements 21,674 16,781 10,877 17,600 3,500 114,220 Other assets — 1,014 — 101 — — Deferred rents receivable — — — 44 — — Tangible assets 320,402 204,307 217,753 144,257 96,708 1,006,933 Intangible assets: Above-market leases 2,846 632 995 1,512 89 4,959 In-place leases 30,159 17,096 26,968 14,355 8,222 117,630 Below-market ground leases — 338 — — — 2,958 Ground lease purchase option — — — — 2,403 — Total intangible assets 33,005 18,066 27,963 15,867 10,714 125,547 Tangible liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses — (1,026 ) — — — — Total tangible liabilities — (1,026 ) — — — — Intangible liabilities: Below-market leases (8,018 ) (9,374 ) (14,792 ) (9,273 ) (2,820 ) (47,170 ) Above-market ground lease — — — — (1,981 ) (2,508 ) Total intangible liabilities (8,018 ) (9,374 ) (14,792 ) (9,273 ) (4,801 ) (49,678 ) Total net assets acquired $ 345,389 $ 211,973 $ 230,924 $ 150,851 $ 102,621 $ 1,082,802 See note 6 for a schedule of the timing of amortization of the intangible assets and liabilities and the weighted average amortization periods. The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information is presented for acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The pro forma information is based upon the Company's historical consolidated statements of operations, adjusted as if the Northpark Town Center, Post Oak Central, Terminus, 816 Congress Avenue, and the Texas Acquisition transactions discussed above had occurred at the beginning of each of the periods presented below. The supplemental pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of future results or of actual results that would have been achieved had the transactions been consummated at the beginning of each period. 2014 2013 (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues $ 388,791 $ 354,047 Income from continuing operations 31,695 119,825 Net income 52,853 134,613 Net income available to common stockholders 45,364 116,881 Per share information: Basic $ 0.22 $ 0.62 Diluted $ 0.22 $ 0.62

Notes and Accounts Receivables

Notes and Accounts Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES	NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , notes and accounts receivables included the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Notes receivable $ 414 $ 414 Allowance for doubtful accounts related to notes receivable (414 ) (414 ) Tenant and other receivables 11,767 11,961 Allowance for doubtful accounts related to tenant and other receivables (939 ) (1,229 ) $ 10,828 $ 10,732 At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the fair value of the Company’s notes receivable approximated the cost basis. Fair value was calculated by discounting future cash flows from the notes receivable at estimated rates in which similar loans would have been made at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The estimate of the rate, which is the most significant input in the discounted cash flow calculation, is intended to replicate notes of similar type and maturity. This fair value calculation is considered to be a Level 3 calculation under the accounting guidelines, as the Company utilizes internally generated assumptions regarding current interest rates at which similar instruments would be executed.

Investment in Unconsolidated Jo

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES	INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES The following information summarizes financial data and principal activities of the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures. The information included in the following table entitled summary of financial position is as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The information included in the summary of operations table is for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands). Total Assets Total Debt Total Equity (Deficit) Company's Investment SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION: 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Terminus Office Holdings $ 277,444 $ 288,415 $ 211,216 $ 213,640 $ 56,369 $ 62,830 $ 29,110 $ 32,323 EP I LLC 83,115 85,228 58,029 58,029 24,172 26,671 21,502 22,905 EP II LLC 70,704 42,772 40,910 12,735 24,331 24,969 19,118 19,905 Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC 123,531 130,272 17,536 35,530 104,336 92,808 11,190 11,218 HICO Victory Center LP 13,532 10,450 — — 13,229 10,450 9,138 7,572 Carolina Square Holdings LP 15,729 — — — 12,085 — 6,782 — CL Realty, L.L.C. 7,872 7,264 — — 7,662 7,042 3,515 3,546 HICO Avalon LLC 2,107 — — — 1,646 — 1,245 — Temco Associates, LLC 5,284 6,910 — — 5,133 6,709 977 3,027 Wildwood Associates 16,419 16,400 — — 16,354 16,389 (1,122 ) (1) (1,106 ) (1) Crawford Long - CPI, LLC 29,143 29,946 74,286 75,000 (46,238 ) (45,762 ) (22,021 ) (1) (21,931 ) (1) Other — 1,411 — — — 979 — 2 $ 644,880 $ 619,068 $ 401,977 $ 394,934 $ 219,079 $ 203,085 $ 79,434 $ 77,461 Total Revenues Net Income (Loss) Company's Share of Net Income (Loss) SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS: 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Terminus Office Holdings $ 40,250 $ 39,531 $ 33,109 $ 2,789 $ 663 $ (408 ) $ 1,395 $ 308 $ (182 ) EP I LLC 12,558 12,049 8,261 3,177 2,583 100 2,197 1,937 75 EP II LLC 1,264 — — (638 ) — — (466 ) — — Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC 33,724 33,903 33,281 12,737 11,645 10,693 1,183 1,176 1,176 HICO Victory Center LP 262 — — 204 — — 102 — — CL Realty, L.L.C. 855 1,573 1,603 424 1,069 1,027 220 542 524 HICO Avalon LLC — — — (40 ) — — (23 ) — — Temco Associates, LLC 9,485 2,155 630 2,358 495 96 2,351 (6 ) (12 ) Wildwood Associates — 3,329 — (120 ) (1,704 ) (151 ) (59 ) 2,097 (75 ) Crawford Long - CPI, LLC 12,291 11,945 11,829 2,820 2,775 2,827 1,416 1,407 1,372 Other — 4,841 48,394 — 7,831 58,710 (14 ) 3,807 64,447 $ 110,689 $ 109,326 $ 137,107 $ 23,711 $ 25,357 $ 72,894 $ 8,302 $ 11,268 $ 67,325 (1) Negative balances are included in deferred income on the consolidated balance sheets. Terminus Office Holdings LLC ("TOH") – TOH is a 50 - 50 joint venture between the Company and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management ("JPM"), which owns and operates two office buildings in Atlanta, Georgia. TOH has two non-recourse mortgage loans totaling $211.2 million that mature on January 1, 2023 . The weighted average interest rate on these fixed rate loans is 4.69% . The Company does not consolidate TOH because the Company and its partner share decision making abilities and have joint control over the venture. Operating cash flows and proceeds from capital transactions of TOH are allocated to the partners equally until JPM receives an agreed upon return, after which the Company may receive an additional promoted interest. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $5.2 million at December 31, 2015 . EP I LLC ("EP I") – EP I is a joint venture between the Company, with a 75% ownership interest, and Lion Gables Realty Limited Partnership (“Gables”), with a 25% ownership interest, which owns the first phase of Emory Point, a mixed-use property in Atlanta, Georgia. The Company does not consolidate EP I because the Company and Gables share decision making abilities and have joint control over the venture. Operating cash flows and proceeds from capital transactions of EP I are allocated to the partners pro rata based on their percentage ownership interests. EP I has a non-recourse construction loan with an outstanding balance $58.0 million at December 31, 2015 , and the loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.75% . The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $1.5 million at December 31, 2015 . EP II LLC ("EP II") – EP II is a joint venture between the Company, with a 75% ownership interest, and Lion Gables Realty Limited Partnership (“Gables”), with a 25% ownership interest. The venture owns the second phase of Emory Point. The Company does not consolidate EP II because the Company and Gables share decision making abilities and have joint control over the venture. Operating cash flows and proceeds from capital transactions of EP II are allocated to the partners pro rata based on their percentage ownership interests. EP II has a construction loan to provide for up to $46.0 million to fund construction, $40.9 million of which was outstanding at December 31, 2015 . The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.85% . The loan matures October 9, 2016 and may be extended for two, one-year periods if certain conditions are met. The Company and Gables guarantee up to $8.6 million and $2.9 million of the construction loan, respectively. These guarantees may be eliminated after project completion, based on certain conditions. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $1.3 million at December 31, 2015 . Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC ("Gateway") – Gateway is a 50 - 50 joint venture between the Company and Bank of America Corporation (“BOA”), which owns and operates Gateway Village, a 1.1 million square foot office building in Charlotte, North Carolina. The project is 100% leased to BOA through December 31, 2026 . Through December 1, 2016, Gateway’s net income or loss and cash distributions are allocated to the members as follows: first to the Company so that it receives a cumulative compounded return equal to 11.46% on its capital contributions, second to BOA until it receives an amount equal to the aggregate amount distributed to the Company, and then 50% to each member. After December 1, 2016, net income and cash flows are allocated 50% to each member. Proceeds from capital transactions are allocated first, to BOA in an amount not to exceed $80.9 million, second 50% to each member until the Company receives a 17% internal rate of return, and third, 80% to BOA and 20% to the Company. The Company’s total project return on Gateway is ultimately limited to an internal rate of return of 17% on its invested capital. Gateway has a non-recourse mortgage loan with an outstanding balance at December 31, 2015 of $17.5 million which will amortize through the maturity date of December 1, 2016 . The loan has an interest rate of 6.41% . The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $2.3 million at December 31, 2015 . HICO Victory Center LP ("HICO") – In 2014, HICO, a joint venture between the Company and Hines Victory Center Associates Limited Partnership ("Hines Victory"), was formed for the purpose of acquiring and subsequently developing an office parcel in Dallas, Texas. Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, all pre-development expenditures, other than land, are funded equally by the partners. The Company is required to fund 75% of the cost of land while Hines Victory is required to fund 25% . If the partners decide to commence construction of an office building, the capital accounts and economics of the venture will be adjusted such that the Company will effectively own at least 90% of the venture and Hines will own up to 10% . As of December 31, 2015 the Company accounted for its investment in HICO under the equity method because it does not control the activities of the venture. If the partners decide to construct an office building within the venture, the Company expects to consolidate the venture. The Company's investment in HICO at December 31, 2015 includes its share of pre-development expenditures and its share of land purchased by the venture. The assets of the venture in the table above include a cash balance of $35,000 at December 31, 2015 . Carolina Square Holdings LP ("Carolina Square") - In 2015, Carolina Square, a 50 - 50 joint venture between the Company and NR 123 Franklin LLC ("Northwood Ravin") was formed for the purpose of developing and constructing a mixed-use property in Chapel Hill, North Carolina pursuant to a ground lease. Upon formation, each partner contributed $1.7 million in cash towards pre-development costs. Carolina Square also entered into a construction loan agreement, secured by the project, which is expected to provide up to $79.8 million to fund future construction costs. The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.90% and matures on May 1, 2018 . The Company and Northwood Ravin will each guarantee 12.5% of the outstanding loan amount and guarantee completion of the project. As of December 31, 2015 , there is no outstanding balance on this construction loan. The assets of the venture in the table above include a cash balance of $103,000 at December 31, 2015 . CL Realty, L.L.C. ("CL Realty") – CL Realty is a 50 - 50 joint venture between the Company and Forestar Realty Inc. ("Forestar"), that owns one parcel of land in Texas and mineral rights associated with one project in Texas. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $326,000 at December 31, 2015 . HICO Avalon LLC ("HICO Avalon") – In 2015, HICO Avalon, a joint venture between the Company and Hines Avalon Investor LLC ("Hines Avalon") was formed for the purpose of acquiring and potentially developing an office building in Alpharetta, Georgia. Pursuant to the joint venture agreement, all pre-development expenditures, other than land, are funded 75% by Cousins and 25% by Hines. If the project moves forward and HICO Avalon acquires land and commences construction, the acquisition of land and subsequent development expenditures will be funded 90% by Cousins and 10% by Hines. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company accounted for its investment in HICO Avalon under the equity method as it does not currently control the activities of the venture. If the project moves to commence construction, the capital accounts and economics of the venture will be adjusted such that the Company will effectively own at least 90% of the venture, and Hines Avalon will own up to 10% . Additionally, Cousins will have unilateral control over the operational aspects of the venture, and the Company expects to consolidate the venture at that time. The Company's investment in HICO Avalon at December 31, 2015 includes only its share of pre-development expenditures. The assets of the venture in the table above include a cash balance of $5,000 at December 31, 2015 . Temco Associates, LLC ("Temco") – Temco is a 50 - 50 joint venture between the Company and Forestar, that owns various parcels of land and a golf course. The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $205,000 at December 31, 2015 . Wildwood Associates ("Wildwood") – Wildwood is a 50 - 50 joint venture between the Company and IBM which owns 27 acres of undeveloped land in the Wildwood Office Park in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2014, Wildwood sold a tract of land resulting in the Company recognizing income from unconsolidated joint ventures of $2.1 million . Of this income, $582,000 represents recognition of deferred income associated with Wildwood's negative investment. At December 31, 2015 , the Company’s investment in Wildwood was a credit balance of $1.1 million . This credit balance resulted from cumulative distributions from Wildwood over time that exceeded the Company’s basis in its contributions, and essentially represents deferred gain not recognized at venture formation. This credit balance will decline as the venture’s remaining land is sold. The Company does not have any obligation to fund Wildwood’s working capital needs. Crawford Long—CPI, LLC ("Crawford Long" ) – Crawford Long is a 50 - 50 joint venture between the Company and Emory University and owns the Emory University Hospital Midtown Medical Office Tower, a 358,000 square foot medical office building located in Atlanta, Georgia. Crawford Long has a $74.3 million 3.5% fixed rate mortgage note, which matures on June 1, 2023 . The assets of the venture in the above table include a cash balance of $762,000 at December 31, 2015 . Other – In 2013, the Company sold its interests in CP Venture Five LLC, CP Venture Two LLC, and CF Murfreesboro Associates. In 2014, the Company sold its interests in Cousins Watkins LLC. Results of operations of these investments, including the gains recognized upon disposition, are included in Other in the table above. At December 31, 2015 , the Company's unconsolidated joint ventures had aggregate outstanding indebtedness to third parties of $402.0 million . These loans are generally mortgage or construction loans, most of which are non-recourse to the Company, except as described above. In addition, in certain instances, the Company provides “non-recourse carve-out guarantees” on these non-recourse loans. The Company recognized $6.0 million , $5.4 million , and $8.0 million of development, leasing, and management fees, including salary and expense reimbursements, from unconsolidated joint ventures in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. See note 2, fee income, for a discussion of the accounting treatment for fees and reimbursements from unconsolidated joint ventures.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	ASSETS At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , intangible assets included the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 In-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $88,035 and $62,302 in 2015 and 2014, respectively $ 112,937 $ 147,360 Above-market tenant leases, net of accumulated amortization of $15,423 and $13,748 in 2015 and 2014, respectively 8,031 12,017 Goodwill 3,647 3,867 $ 124,615 $ 163,244 Intangible assets, other than goodwill, mainly relate to the acquisitions in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (see note 3). Aggregate net amortization expense related to intangible assets and liabilities was $23.7 million , $32.7 million , and $16.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Over the next five years and thereafter, aggregate amortization of these intangible assets and liabilities is anticipated to be as follows (in thousands): Below Market Rents Above Market Ground Lease Above Market Rents In Place Leases Total 2016 $ (9,020 ) $ (55 ) $ 1,843 $ 23,510 $ 16,278 2017 (8,569 ) (55 ) 1,384 19,893 12,653 2018 (7,793 ) (55 ) 1,305 16,763 10,220 2019 (7,314 ) (55 ) 883 13,644 7,158 2020 (5,427 ) (55 ) 734 10,289 5,541 Thereafter (18,969 ) (2,225 ) 1,882 28,838 9,526 $ (57,092 ) $ (2,500 ) $ 8,031 $ 112,937 $ 61,376 Weighted average remaining lease term 9 years 48 years 7 years 7 years Goodwill relates entirely to the Company's office assets. As office assets are sold, either by the Company or by joint ventures in which the Company has an interest, goodwill is allocated to the cost of each sale. The following is a summary of goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning Balance $ 3,867 $ 4,131 Allocated to property sales (220 ) (264 ) Ending Balance $ 3,647 $ 3,867

Notes Payable

Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
NOTES PAYABLE	30% but ≤ 35% 1.10% 0.10% 0.20% >35% but ≤ 40% 1.15% 0.15% 0.20% >40% but ≤ 45% 1.20% 0.20% 0.20% >45% but ≤ 50% 1.20% 0.20% 0.25% >50% 1.45% 0.45% 0.30% At December 31, 2015 , the Credit Facility's spread over LIBOR was 1.1% . The amount that the Company may draw under the Credit Facility is a defined calculation based on the Company's unencumbered assets and other factors. The total available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was $407.0 million at December 31, 2015 , and the Credit Facility is recourse to the Company. Other Debt Information In 2015, the Company prepaid, without penalty, the $14.2 million The Points at Waterview mortgage note. The note was scheduled to mature on January 1, 2016 . The real estate and other assets of The American Cancer Society Center (the “ACS Center”) are restricted under the ACS Center loan agreement in that they are not available to settle debts of the Company. However, provided that the ACS Center loan has not incurred any uncured event of default, as defined in the loan agreement, the cash flows from the ACS Center, after payments of debt service, operating expenses and reserves, are available for distribution to the Company. The majority of the Company’s consolidated debt is fixed-rate long-term non-recourse mortgage notes payable. Assets with depreciated carrying values of $675.7 million were pledged as security on the $629.3 million mortgage notes payable. As of December 31, 2015 , the weighted average maturity of the Company’s consolidated debt was 4.5 years. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable was $738.1 million and $835.4 million , respectively, calculated by discounting the debt's remaining contractual cash flows at estimated rates at which similar loans could have been obtained at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The estimate of the current market rate, which is the most significant input in the discounted cash flow calculation, is intended to replicate debt of similar maturity and loan-to-value relationship. These fair value calculations are considered to be Level 2 under the guidelines as set forth in ASC 820 as the Company utilizes market rates for similar type loans from third party brokers. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , interest was recorded as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Total interest incurred $ 34,302 $ 31,862 $ 22,227 Interest capitalized (3,579 ) (2,752 ) (518 ) Total interest expense $ 30,723 $ 29,110 $ 21,709 Debt Maturities Future principal payments due on the Company's notes payable at December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 10,070 2017 138,195 2018 105,734 2019 101,447 2020 195,022 Thereafter 170,825 $ 721,293" id="sjs-B4">OTES PAYABLE The following table summarizes the terms of notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Description Interest Rate Maturity 2015 2014 Post Oak Central mortgage note 4.26% 2020 $ 181,770 $ 185,109 The American Cancer Society Center mortgage note 6.45% 2017 129,342 131,083 Promenade mortgage note 4.27% 2022 108,203 110,946 191 Peachtree Tower mortgage note 3.35% 2018 100,000 100,000 Credit Facility, unsecured 1.53% 2019 92,000 140,200 816 Congress mortgage note 3.75% 2024 85,000 85,000 Meridian Mark Plaza mortgage note 6.00% 2020 24,978 25,408 The Points at Waterview 5.66% — — 14,598 $ 721,293 $ 792,344 Credit Facility The Company has a $500 million senior unsecured line of credit (the "Credit Facility") that matures on May 28, 2019 . The Credit Facility may be expanded to $750 million at the election of the Company, subject to the receipt of additional commitments from the lenders and other customary conditions. The Credit Facility contains financial covenants that require, among other things, the maintenance of an unencumbered interest coverage ratio of at least 2.00 ; a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50 ; an overall leverage ratio of no more than 60% ; and a minimum shareholders' equity in an amount equal to $1.0 billion , plus a portion of the net cash proceeds from certain equity issuances. The Credit Facility also contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary events of default. The amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility may be accelerated upon the occurrence of any events of default. The interest rate applicable to the Credit Facility varies according to the Company’s leverage ratio, and may, at the election of the Company, be determined based on either (1) the current London Interbank Offered Rate (" LIBOR ") plus the applicable spread as detailed below or (2) the greater of Bank of America's prime rate , the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or the one-month LIBOR plus 1.0% (the “Base Rate”), plus the applicable spread as detailed below. Fees on letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility are payable at an annual rate equal to the spread applicable to loans bearing interest based on LIBOR. The Company also pays an annual facility fee on the total commitments under the Credit Facility. The pricing spreads and the facility fee under the Credit Facility are as follows: Leverage Ratio Applicable % Spread for LIBOR Applicable % Spread for Base Rate Annual Facility Fee % ≤ 30% 1.10% 0.10% 0.15% >30% but ≤ 35% 1.10% 0.10% 0.20% >35% but ≤ 40% 1.15% 0.15% 0.20% >40% but ≤ 45% 1.20% 0.20% 0.20% >45% but ≤ 50% 1.20% 0.20% 0.25% >50% 1.45% 0.45% 0.30% At December 31, 2015 , the Credit Facility's spread over LIBOR was 1.1% . The amount that the Company may draw under the Credit Facility is a defined calculation based on the Company's unencumbered assets and other factors. The total available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility was $407.0 million at December 31, 2015 , and the Credit Facility is recourse to the Company. Other Debt Information In 2015, the Company prepaid, without penalty, the $14.2 million The Points at Waterview mortgage note. The note was scheduled to mature on January 1, 2016 . The real estate and other assets of The American Cancer Society Center (the “ACS Center”) are restricted under the ACS Center loan agreement in that they are not available to settle debts of the Company. However, provided that the ACS Center loan has not incurred any uncured event of default, as defined in the loan agreement, the cash flows from the ACS Center, after payments of debt service, operating expenses and reserves, are available for distribution to the Company. The majority of the Company’s consolidated debt is fixed-rate long-term non-recourse mortgage notes payable. Assets with depreciated carrying values of $675.7 million were pledged as security on the $629.3 million mortgage notes payable. As of December 31, 2015 , the weighted average maturity of the Company’s consolidated debt was 4.5 years. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the estimated fair value of the Company’s notes payable was $738.1 million and $835.4 million , respectively, calculated by discounting the debt's remaining contractual cash flows at estimated rates at which similar loans could have been obtained at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The estimate of the current market rate, which is the most significant input in the discounted cash flow calculation, is intended to replicate debt of similar maturity and loan-to-value relationship. These fair value calculations are considered to be Level 2 under the guidelines as set forth in ASC 820 as the Company utilizes market rates for similar type loans from third party brokers. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , interest was recorded as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Total interest incurred $ 34,302 $ 31,862 $ 22,227 Interest capitalized (3,579 ) (2,752 ) (518 ) Total interest expense $ 30,723 $ 29,110 $ 21,709 Debt Maturities Future principal payments due on the Company's notes payable at December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 10,070 2017 138,195 2018 105,734 2019 101,447 2020 195,022 Thereafter 170,825 $ 721,293

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments The Company had a total of $82.4 million in future obligations under leases to fund tenant improvements and in other future construction obligations at December 31, 2015 . The Company had outstanding letters of credit and performance bonds totaling $1.9 million at December 31, 2015 . The Company recorded lease expense of $2.0 million , $1.3 million , and $1.1 million in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The Company has future lease commitments under ground leases and operating leases totaling $144.9 million over weighted average remaining terms of 85.6 and 2.2 years, respectively. Amounts due under these lease commitments are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 1,784 2017 1,736 2018 1,696 2019 1,657 2020 1,659 Thereafter 136,404 $ 144,936 Litigation The Company 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 potential loss relating to these matters using the latest information available. The Company 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, the Company accrues the best estimate within the range. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company accrues the minimum amount within the range. If an unfavorable outcome is probable but the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company 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, the Company discloses the nature and estimate of the possible loss of the litigation. The Company does not disclose information with respect to litigation where an unfavorable outcome is considered to be remote or where the estimated loss would not be material. 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 the Company.

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)

Stockholders' Equity (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY In 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to $100 million of its outstanding common shares. The plan expires on September 8, 2017 . The repurchases may be executed in the open market, through private negotiations, or in other transactions permitted under applicable law. The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company in its discretion and will be subject to economic and market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Under this plan, through December 31, 2015 , the Company has repurchased 5.2 million shares of its common stock for a total cost of $47.8 million , including broker commissions. The share repurchases were funded from cash on hand, borrowings under the Company's Credit Facility, and proceeds from the sale of assets. The repurchased shares were recorded as treasury shares on the consolidated balance sheet. Subsequent to year-end, through January 31, 2016, the Company has repurchased 193,000 shares of its common stock for a total cost of $1.6 million . In 2014, the Company issued 26.7 million shares of common stock, in two offerings, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $321.9 million , which includes customary legal, accounting, and other expenses. In 2013, the Company issued 85.6 million shares of common stock, in two offerings, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $826.2 million . In 2014, the Company redeemed all outstanding shares of its 7.5% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $1 per share, for $25 per share or $94.8 million , excluding accrued dividends. In connection with this redemption, the Company decreased net income available for common stockholders by $3.5 million (non-cash), which represents the original issuance costs applicable to the shares redeemed. Ownership Limitations — In order to minimize the risk that the Company will not meet one of the requirements for qualification as a REIT, the Company's Articles of Incorporation include certain restrictions on the ownership of more than 3.9% of the Company’s total common and preferred stock, subject to waiver by Board of Directors. Distribution of REIT Taxable Income — The following reconciles dividends paid and dividends applied in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 to meet REIT distribution requirements (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Common and preferred dividends paid $ 69,196 $ 64,510 $ 37,200 Dividends treated as taxable compensation (94 ) (110 ) (98 ) Portion of dividends declared in current year, and paid in current year, which was applied to the prior year distribution requirements (731 ) (2,182 ) (470 ) Portion of dividends declared in subsequent year, and paid in subsequent year, which apply to current year distribution requirements 34 731 2,182 Dividends applied to meet current year REIT distribution requirements $ 68,405 $ 62,949 $ 38,814 Tax Status of Distributions — The following summarizes the components of the taxability of the Company’s distributions for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Total Ordinary Long-Term Unrecaptured Cash Liquidation Distributions Common: 2015 $ 0.320000 $ 0.161738 $ 0.158262 $ 0.097271 $ — 2014 $ 0.300000 $ 0.281564 $ 0.018436 $ 0.018436 $ — 2013 $ 0.180000 $ 0.170355 $ 0.009645 $ 0.009457 $ — Series A Preferred: 2013 $ 25.968750 $ 0.966882 $ 0.001868 $ — $ 25.000000 Series B Preferred: 2014 $ 25.776040 $ 0.467750 $ 0.001000 $ 0.001000 $ 25.307290 2013 $ 1.875000 $ 1.774673 $ 0.100327 $ 0.098519 $ — (A) Represents a portion of the dividend allocated to long-term capital gain.

Rental Property Revenues

Rental Property Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
RENTAL PROPERTY REVENUES	The Company’s leases typically contain escalation provisions and provisions requiring tenants to pay a pro rata share of operating expenses. The leases typically include renewal options and are classified and accounted for as operating leases. At December 31, 2015 future minimum rents to be received by consolidated entities under existing non-cancelable leases are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 217,863 2017 219,458 2018 217,711 2019 202,868 2020 174,144 Thereafter 639,051 $ 1,671,095

Equity and Stock-Based Compensa

Equity and Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
EQUITY AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company maintains the 2009 Incentive Stock Plan (the “2009 Plan”), which allows the Company to issue awards of stock options, stock grants, or stock appreciation rights to employees and directors. As of December 31, 2015 , 2,426,451 shares were authorized to be awarded pursuant to the 2009 Plan. The Company also maintains the 2005 Restricted Stock Unit ("RSU")Plan, as amended, which allows the Company to issue awards to employees that are paid in cash on the vesting date in an amount equal to the fair market value, as defined, of one share of the Company’s stock. The Company has granted stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units to employees as discussed below. Stock Options At December 31, 2015 , the Company had 1,763,316 stock options outstanding to key employees and outside directors pursuant to the 2009 Plan. The Company typically uses authorized, unissued shares to provide shares for option exercises. The stock options have a term of ten years from the date of grant and have a vesting period of four years , except director stock options, which vest immediately. The Company calculates the fair value of each option grant on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the Company to provide certain inputs as follows: • The risk-free interest rate utilized is the interest rate on U.S. Treasury Strips or Bonds having a term equal to the estimated life of the Company’s option awards. • Expected life of the options granted is estimated based on historical data reflecting actual hold periods plus an estimated hold period for unexercised options outstanding. • Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock over a period equal to the estimated option life. • The assumed dividend yield is based on the Company’s expectation of an annual dividend rate for regular dividends over the estimated life of the option. In 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , there were no stock option grants. The Company recognizes compensation expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period of the options, with the offset recognized in additional paid-in capital. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , $15,000 , $140,000 and $226,000 , respectively, was recognized as compensation expense. The Company does not anticipate recognizing any future compensation expense related to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 . During 2015 , total cash proceeds from the exercise of options equaled $185,000 . As of December 31, 2015 , the intrinsic value of the options outstanding and exercisable was $888,000 . The intrinsic value is calculated using the exercise prices of the options compared to the market value of the Company’s stock. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the weighted-average contractual lives for the options outstanding and exercisable were 2.3 years and 2.8 years, respectively. The following is a summary of stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Number of Options (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Option Outstanding at December 31, 2012 4,437 $ 21.74 Exercised (283 ) 8.12 Forfeited/Expired (1,076 ) 21.98 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 3,078 22.90 Exercised (206 ) 8.26 Forfeited/Expired (661 ) 28.18 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 2,211 22.69 Exercised (23 ) 8.02 Forfeited/Expired (425 ) 26.13 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,763 22.05 Options Exercisable at December 31, 2015 1,763 $ 22.05 Restricted Stock In 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company issued 165,922 , 137,591 , and 159,782 shares of restricted stock to employees, which vest ratably over three years from the issuance date. In 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company also issued 78,985 , 55,293 , and 50,085 shares of stock to independent members of the board of directors which vested immediately on the issuance date. All shares of restricted stock receive dividends and have voting rights during the vesting period. The Company records restricted stock in common stock and additional paid-in capital at fair value on the grant date, with the offsetting deferred compensation also recorded in additional paid-in capital. The Company records compensation expense over the vesting period. Compensation expense related to restricted stock was $1.5 million , $1.8 million , and $1.8 million in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had recorded $1.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost included in additional paid-in capital related to restricted stock, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of the restricted stock which vested during 2015 was $2.0 million . The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Number of Shares (000s) Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2012 703 $ 7.55 Granted 160 8.91 Vested (361 ) 7.50 Forfeited (52 ) 8.24 Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2013 450 8.00 Granted 138 10.75 Vested (236 ) 8.00 Forfeited (10 ) 9.48 Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2014 342 9.08 Granted 166 11.06 Vested (210 ) 8.41 Forfeited (5 ) 10.68 Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2015 293 $ 10.65 Restricted Stock Units During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company awarded two types of performance-based RSUs to key employees: one based on the total stockholder return of the Company, as defined, relative to that of office peers included in the SNL US Office REIT Index (the "TSR RSUs") and the other based on the ratio of cumulative funds from operations per share to targeted cumulative funds from operations per share (the “FFO RSUs”). The performance period for these awards is three years and the ultimate payout of these awards can range from 0% to 200% of the targeted number of units depending on the achievement of the performance metrics described above. Both of these RSUs are to be settled in cash with payment dependent upon the attainment of required service, market, and performance criteria. The Company expenses an estimate of the fair value of the TSR RSUs over the performance period using a quarterly Monte Carlo valuation. The Company expenses the FFO RSUs over the vesting period using the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the reporting date multiplied by the anticipated number of units to be paid based on the current estimate of what the ratio is expected to be upon vesting. Dividend equivalents on the TSR RSUs and FFO RSUs will also be paid based upon the percentage vested. The targeted number of performance-based RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2015 are 241,370 , 159,745 , and 160,107 related to the 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 grants, respectively. In 2012, the Company also issued 281,532 performance-based RSUs to the Chief Executive Officer. The payout of these awards can range from 0% to 150% of the targeted number of units depending on the total stockholder return of the Company, as defined, as compared to that of a peer group of companies. The performance period of the awards is five years with interim performance measurement dates at each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries . To the extent that the Company has attained the defined performance goals at the end each of these periods, one-third of the units may be credited after each of the third and fourth anniversaries, with the balance credited at the end of the fifth anniversary, and to be awarded in cash subject to continuous employment on the fifth anniversary. This award is expensed using a quarterly Monte Carlo valuation over the vesting period. The following table summarizes the performance-based RSU activity as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands): Outstanding at December 31, 2012 782 Granted 196 Exercised (94 ) Forfeited (129 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2013 755 Granted 205 Exercised (150 ) Forfeited (14 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 796 Granted 244 Exercised (191 ) Forfeited (6 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2015 843 The Company estimates future expense for all types of RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2015 to be $2.0 million (using stock prices and estimated target percentages as of December 31, 2015 ), which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. During 2015 , total cash paid for all types of RSUs and related dividend payments was $4.4 million . During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , $67,000 , $5.4 million , and $5.3 million , respectively, was recognized as compensation expense related to RSUs for employees and directors. Other Long-Term Compensation In 2009, the Company granted a long-term incentive compensation award to key employees to be settled in cash if the Company’s stock price achieved a specified level of growth at the testing dates and a service requirement is met. This award was valued using the Monte Carlo method. The Company reversed $28,000 and $286,000 in compensation expense related to this plan in 2014 and 2013, respectively. This award expired in 2014 with no amounts paid to key employees thereunder.

Retirement Savings Plan

Retirement Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN	RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN The Company maintains a defined contribution plan (the “Retirement Savings Plan”) pursuant to Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) which covers active regular employees. Employees are eligible under the Retirement Savings Plan immediately upon hire, and pre-tax contributions are allowed up to the limits set by the Code. The Company has a match program of up to 3% of an employee’s eligible pre-tax Retirement Savings Plan contributions up to certain Code limits. Employees vest in Company contributions over a three -year period. The Company may change this percentage at its discretion, and, in addition, the Company could decide to make discretionary contributions in the future. The Company contributed $639,000 , $592,000 , and $422,000 to the Retirement Savings Plan for the 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 plan years, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES On December 31, 2014, CREC merged into Cousins and Cousins formed CTRS. Amounts included in the following table for 2015 reflect the benefit (provision) of CTRS and the amounts for 2014 and 2013 reflect the benefit (provision) for CREC. 2015 2014 2013 Current tax benefit: Federal $ — $ — $ — State 20 23 — 20 23 Deferred tax benefit: Federal — — — State — — — — — — Benefit for income taxes from operations $ — $ 20 $ 23 The net income tax benefit differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to CTRS' income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and to CREC’s income before taxes for the years ended 2014 and 2013 as follows ($ in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate Federal income tax benefit (expense) $ 778 35 % $ (1,124 ) (35 )% $ (1,287 ) (35 )% State income tax benefit (expense), net of federal income tax effect 90 4 % (125 ) (4 )% (147 ) (4 )% Valuation allowance (833 ) (37 )% 1,644 50 % (361 ) (10 )% State deferred tax adjustment (35 ) (2 )% (375 ) (11 )% 1,818 49 % Benefit applicable to income (loss) from continuing operations $ — — % $ 20 — % $ 23 — % On December 31, 2014, CREC merged into Cousins and Cousins contributed some of the assets and contracts that were previously owned by CREC to CTRS, a newly formed taxable REIT subsidiary of Cousins. Cousins retained many of CREC's tax benefits, including the significant portion of CREC's Federal and state tax carryforwards. Some of CREC's tax benefits were assumed by CTRS upon the contributions Cousins made to CTRS immediately following CREC's merger into Cousins. The tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities of CTRS as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Income from unconsolidated joint ventures $ 928 $ 2,441 Federal and state tax carryforwards 680 — Total deferred tax assets 1,608 2,441 Valuation allowance (1,608 ) (2,441 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ — A valuation allowance is required to be recorded against deferred tax assets if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. When assessing the need for a valuation allowance, appropriate consideration should be given to all positive and negative evidence related to this realization. This evidence includes, among other things, the existence of current and recent cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the length of statutory carryforward periods, the Company’s history with loss carryforwards and available tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the deferred tax asset of CTRS equaled $1.6 million and $2.4 million , respectively, with a valuation allowance placed against the full amount of each. The conclusion that a valuation allowance should be recorded as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was based the lack of evidence that CTRS, could generate future taxable income to realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Supplemental information related to cash flows, including significant non-cash activity affecting the consolidated statements of cash flows, for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 29,337 $ 28,840 $ 21,216 Income taxes paid 2 4 90 Non-Cash Transactions: Transfer from projects under development to operating properties 121,709 — 25,629 Transfer from operating properties and related assets to real estate assets and other assets held for sale 7,246 — 24,554 Transfer from operating properties and related liabilities to liabilities of real estate assets held for sale 1,347 — — Change in accrued property acquisition, development, and tenant asset expenditures (2,483 ) (531 ) 1,559 Transfer from other assets to projects under development — — 3,062 Transfer from land to projects under development — 5,185 —

Reportable Segments

Reportable Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
REPORTABLE SEGMENTS	REPORTABLE SEGMENTS The Company's segments are based on the method of internal reporting which classifies operations by property type and geographical area. The segments by property type are: Office, Mixed Use, and Other. The segments by geographical region are: Atlanta, Houston, Austin, Charlotte, and Other. In 2014 and 2013, the Company's reportable segments were Office, Retail, Land and Other. In 2014 , the Company sold the remaining stand-alone retail properties, completing a strategic shift to focus on office properties. In conjunction, segment reporting has been adjusted to reflect the current Company profile and internal reporting. These reportable segments represent an aggregation of operating segments reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker based on similar economic characteristics that include the type of product and the geographical location. Prior period information has been revised to reflect the change in segment reporting. Each segment includes both consolidated operations and the Company's share of joint venture operations. Company management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments in part based on net operating income (“NOI”). NOI represents rental property expenses less rental property operating expenses. NOI is not a measure of cash flows or operating results as measured by GAAP, is not indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. All companies may not calculate NOI in the same manner. The Company considers NOI to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income as it helps both management and investors understand the core operations of the Company's operating assets. NOI excludes corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, impairments, gains/loss on sales of real estate, and other non-operating items. Segment net income, amount of capital expenditures, and total assets are not presented in the following tables because management does not utilize these measures when analyzing its segments or when making resource allocation decisions. Information on the Company's segments along with a reconciliation of NOI to net income available to common stockholders is as follows (in thousands): Year ended December 31, 2015 Office Mixed-Use Other Total Net Operating Income: Houston $ 103,210 $ — $ — $ 103,210 Atlanta 93,438 5,854 — 99,292 Austin 15,294 — — 15,294 Charlotte 16,164 — — 16,164 Other 7,104 — 168 7,272 Total Net Operating Income $ 235,210 $ 5,854 $ 168 241,232 Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures (24,335 ) Net operating loss from discontinued operations 14 Fee income 7,297 Other income 1,278 General and administrative expenses (17,099 ) Reimbursed expenses (3,430 ) Interest expense (30,723 ) Depreciation and amortization (135,416 ) Other expenses (1,299 ) Income from unconsolidated joint ventures 8,302 Loss from discontinued operations (586 ) Gain on sale of investment properties 80,394 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (111 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 125,518 Year ended December 31, 2014 Office Mixed-Use Other Total Net Operating Income: Houston $ 100,816 $ — $ — $ 100,816 Atlanta 73,434 5,727 — 79,161 Austin 6,992 — — 6,992 Charlotte 6,839 — — 6,839 Other 18,470 — 3,395 18,470 Total Net Operating Income $ 206,551 $ 5,727 $ 3,395 215,673 Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures (25,897 ) Net operating income from discontinued operations (1,800 ) Fee income 12,519 Other income 4,954 General and administrative expenses (19,969 ) Reimbursed expenses (3,652 ) Interest expense (29,110 ) Depreciation and amortization (140,018 ) Other expenses (4,654 ) Preferred share original issuance costs (3,530 ) Dividends to preferred stockholders (2,955 ) Income from unconsolidated joint ventures 11,268 Income from discontinued operations 21,158 Gain on sale of investment properties 12,536 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,004 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 45,519 Year ended December 31, 2013 Office Mixed-Use Other Total Net Operating Income: Houston $ 40,199 $ — $ — $ 40,199 Atlanta 62,211 3,511 — 65,722 Austin 4,029 — — 4,029 Charlotte 1,208 — — 1,208 Other 14,856 — 12,066 26,922 Total Net Operating Income $ 122,503 $ 3,511 $ 12,066 138,080 Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures (27,768 ) Net operating income from discontinued operations (6,390 ) Fee income 10,891 Other income 5,430 General and administrative expenses (22,460 ) Reimbursed expenses (5,215 ) Interest expense (21,709 ) Depreciation and amortization (76,277 ) Other expenses (11,154 ) Preferred share original issuance costs (2,656 ) Dividends to preferred stockholders (10,008 ) Income from unconsolidated joint ventures 67,325 Income from discontinued operations 14,788 Gain on sale of investment properties 61,288 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (5,068 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 109,097

Real Estate and Accumulated Dep

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION	COUSINS PROPERTIES INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Initial Cost to Company Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Description/Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land and Improvements Buildings and Improvements Land and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Building and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Land and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Building and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Total (a) Accumulated Depreciation (a) Date of Construction/ Renovation Date Acquired Life on Which Depreciation in 2015 Statement of Operations is Computed (b) OPERATING PROPERTIES Greenway Plaza $ — $ 273,651 $ 595,547 $ — $ 76,561 $ 273,651 $ 672,108 $ 945,759 $ 85,617 — 2013 30 years Houston, TX Northpark Town Center — 24,577 295,825 — 10,741 24,577 306,566 331,143 15,006 — 2014 39 years Atlanta, GA Fifth Third Center — 22,863 180,430 — 5,701 22,863 186,131 208,994 8,671 — 2014 40 years Charlotte, NC 191 Peachtree Tower 100,000 5,355 141,012 4,034 98,643 9,389 239,655 249,044 88,637 — 2006 40 years Atlanta, GA Post Oak Central 181,770 87,264 129,347 — 36,047 87,264 165,394 252,658 26,333 — 2013 42 years Houston, TX Promenade 108,203 13,439 102,790 — 33,987 13,439 136,777 150,216 25,841 — 2011 34 years Atlanta, GA The American Cancer Society Center 129,342 5,226 67,370 — 31,953 5,226 99,323 104,549 68,082 — 1999 25 years Atlanta, GA 816 Congress 85,000 6,817 89,891 3,282 10,712 10,099 100,603 110,702 10,096 — 2013 42 years Austin, TX Meridian Mark Plaza 24,978 2,219 — — 28,142 2,219 28,142 30,361 17,656 1997 1997 30 years Atlanta, GA 221 Peachtree Center Avenue Parking Garage — 4,217 13,337 1 347 4,218 13,684 17,902 3,127 — 2007 39 years Atlanta, GA Colorado Tower — — — 4,014 110,906 4,014 110,906 114,920 3,284 2013 2013 30 years Austin, TX Research Park — 4,373 — — 26,510 4,373 26,510 30,883 — 2014 1998 0 years Austin, TX Total Operating Properties $ 629,293 $ 450,001 $ 1,615,549 $ 11,331 $ 470,250 $ 461,332 $ 2,085,799 $ 2,547,131 $ 352,350	Initial Cost to Company Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition Gross Amount at Which Carried at Close of Period Description/Metropolitan Area Encumbrances Land and Improvements Buildings and Improvements Land and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Building and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Land and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Building and Improvements less Cost of Sales, Transfers and Other Total (a) Accumulated Depreciation (a) Date of Construction/ Renovation Date Acquired Life on Which Depreciation in 2015 Statement of Operations is Computed (b) PROJECTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT NCR Phase 1 — 20,032 — — 7,858 20,032 7,858 27,890 — 2015 2015 0 years Atlanta, GA Total Projects Under Development $ — $ 20,032 $ — $ — $ 7,858 $ 20,032 $ 7,858 $ 27,890 $ — LAND Commercial Land Land Adjacent to The Avenue Forsyth — 11,240 — (7,540 ) — 3,700 — 3,700 — — 2007 0 years Suburban Atlanta, GA NCR Phase II — 8,099 — — — 8,099 — 8,099 — — 2015 0 years Atlanta, GA North Point — 10,294 — (8,851 ) — 1,443 — 1,443 — — 1970-1985 0 years Suburban Atlanta, GA Total Commercial Land $ — $ 29,633 $ — $ (16,391 ) $ — $ 13,242 $ — $ 13,242 $ — Residential Land Callaway Gardens — 1,584 — 3,003 — 4,587 — 4,587 — 2006 2006 0 years Pine Mountain, GA Total Residential Land $ — $ 1,584 $ — $ 3,003 $ — $ 4,587 $ — $ 4,587 $ — Total Land $ — $ 31,217 $ — $ (13,388 ) $ — $ 17,829 $ — $ 17,829 $ — Operating properties held for sale 100 North Point Center East — 1,475 9,625 (11 ) 2,404 1,464 12,029 13,493 7,072 — 2003 25 years Suburban Atlanta, GA Total Operating Properties held for sale $ — $ 1,475 $ 9,625 $ (11 ) $ 2,404 $ 1,464 $ 12,029 $ 13,493 $ 7,072 Total Properties $ 629,293 $ 502,725 $ 1,625,174 $ (2,068 ) $ 480,512 $ 500,657 $ 2,105,686 $ 2,606,343 $ 359,422 NOTES: (a) Reconciliations of total real estate carrying value and accumulated depreciation for the three years ended December 31, 2015 are as follows: Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Balance at beginning of period $ 2,619,488 $ 2,164,815 $ 997,323 $ 324,543 $ 257,151 $ 258,258 Additions during the period: Acquisition 28,131 523,695 1,321,394 — — — Improvements and other capitalized costs 139,676 109,959 86,376 — — — Depreciation expense — — — 99,067 86,824 56,234 167,807 633,654 1,407,770 99,067 86,824 56,234 Deductions during the period: Cost of real estate sold or foreclosed (180,952 ) (178,981 ) (240,278 ) (64,188 ) (19,432 ) (57,341 ) Write-off of fully depreciated assets — — — — — — (180,952 ) (178,981 ) (240,278 ) (64,188 ) (19,432 ) (57,341 ) Balance at end of period $ 2,606,343 $ 2,619,488 $ 2,164,815 $ 359,422 $ 324,543 $ 257,151 (b) Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 24 to 42 years. Leasehold improvements and other capitalized leasing costs are depreciated over the life of the asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.

Other Assets Other Assets (Note

Other Assets Other Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	OTHER ASSETS At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , other assets included the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 FF&E and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation of $22,572 and $19,137 in 2015 and 2014, respectively $ 13,523 $ 10,590 Lease inducements, net of accumulated amortization of $6,865 and $5,475 in 2015 and 2014, respectively 13,306 12,245 Prepaid expenses and other assets 4,408 3,428 Predevelopment costs and earnest money 1,780 1,789 Loan closing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $3,388 and $2,286 in 2015 and 2014, respectively 5,455 6,878 $ 38,472 $ 34,930 Lease inducements represent incentives paid to tenants in conjunction with leasing space, such as moving costs, sublease arrangements of prior space and other costs. These amounts are amortized into rental revenues over the individual underlying lease terms. Predevelopment costs represent amounts that are capitalized related to predevelopment projects that the Company determines are probable of future development.

Significant Accounting Polici24

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business: Cousins Properties Incorporated (“Cousins”), a Georgia corporation, is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). Through December 31, 2014, Cousins Real Estate Corporation (“CREC”) was a taxable entity wholly-owned by and consolidated within Cousins. CREC owned, developed, and managed its own real estate portfolio and performed certain real estate related services for other parties. On December 31, 2014, CREC merged into Cousins and coincident with this merger, Cousins formed Cousins TRS Services LLC ("CTRS"), a new taxable entity wholly-owned by Cousins. Upon formation, CTRS received a capital contribution of some of the real estate assets and contracts that were previously owned by CREC. CTRS owns and manages its own real estate portfolio and performs certain real estate related services for other parties beginning in 2015. Cousins, CREC, CTRS and their subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) develop, acquire, lease, manage, and own primarily Class A office properties and opportunistic mixed-use developments in Sunbelt markets with a focus on Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s portfolio of real estate assets consisted of interests in 14.8 million square feet of office space, 786,000
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated partnerships and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company presents its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) as outlined in the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification” or “ASC”). The Codification is the single source of authoritative accounting principles applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. For the three years ended December 31, 2015 , there were no items of other comprehensive income. Therefore, no presentation of comprehensive income is required. The Company evaluates all partnerships, joint ventures and other arrangements with variable interests to determine if the entity or arrangement qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”), as defined in the Codification. If the entity or arrangement qualifies as a VIE and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, the Company is required to consolidate the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the VIE. The Company has a joint venture with Callaway Gardens Resort, Inc. (“Callaway”) for the development of residential lots, which is anticipated to be funded fully through Company contributions. Callaway has the right to receive returns, but no obligation to fund any costs or absorb any losses. The Company is the sole decision maker for the venture and the development manager. The Company has determined that Callaway is a VIE, and the Company is the primary beneficiary. Therefore, the Company consolidates this joint venture. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Callaway had total assets of $4.6 million
Cost capitalization	Cost Capitalization: Costs related to planning, developing, leasing, and constructing a property, including costs of development personnel working directly on projects under development, are capitalized. In addition, the Company capitalizes interest to qualifying assets under development based on average accumulated expenditures outstanding during the period. In capitalizing interest to qualifying assets, the Company first uses the interest incurred on specific project debt, if any, and next uses the Company’s weighted average interest rate for non-project specific debt. The Company also capitalizes interest to investments accounted for under the equity method when the investee has property under development with a carrying value in excess of the investee’s borrowings. To the extent debt exists within an unconsolidated joint venture during the construction period, the venture capitalizes interest on that venture-specific debt. The Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain operating expenses on the unoccupied portion of recently completed development properties from the date a project is substantially complete to the earlier of (1) the date on which the project achieves 90% economic occupancy or (2) one year after it is substantially complete. The Company capitalizes direct leasing costs related to leases that are probable of being executed. These costs include commissions paid to outside brokers, legal costs incurred to negotiate and document a lease agreement, and internal costs that are based on time spent by leasing personnel on successful leases. The Company allocates these costs to individual tenant leases and amortizes them over the related lease term.
Impairment	Impairment: For real estate assets that are considered to be held for sale according to accounting guidance, the Company records impairment losses if the fair value of the asset net of estimated selling costs is less than the carrying amount. For those long-lived assets that are held and used according to accounting guidance, management reviews each asset for the existence of any indicators of impairment. If indicators of impairment are present, the Company calculates the expected undiscounted future cash flows to be derived from such assets. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company reduces the asset to its fair value.
Acquisition of Operating Properties	Acquisition of Operating Properties: The Company records the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities of operating property acquisitions at fair value at the acquisition date. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities for an operating property acquisition generally include but are not limited to: land, buildings and improvements, and identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities associated with in-place leases, including leasing costs, value of above-market and below-market tenant leases, value of above-market and below-market ground leases, acquired in-place lease values, and tenant relationships, if any. The fair value of land is derived from comparable sales of land within the same submarket and/or region. The fair value of buildings and improvements, tenant improvements, and leasing costs are based upon current market replacement costs and other relevant market rate information. The fair value of the above-market or below-market component of an acquired in-place lease is based upon the present value (calculated using a market discount rate) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the lease over its remaining term and (ii) management’s estimate of the rents that would be paid using fair market rental rates and rent escalations at the date of acquisition over the remaining term of the lease. The amounts recorded for above-market and below-market ground leases are included in intangible liabilities and intangible assets, respectively, and are amortized on a straight-line basis into rental property operating expenses over the remaining terms of the applicable leases. The fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on management’s assessment of lost revenue and costs incurred for the period required to lease the “assumed vacant” property to the occupancy level when purchased. The amount recorded for acquired in-place leases is included in intangible assets and amortized as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable leases.
Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and Amortization: Real estate assets are stated at depreciated cost less impairment losses, if any. Buildings are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, which range generally from 24 to 42 years. The life of a particular building depends upon a number of factors including whether the building was developed or acquired and the condition of the building upon acquisition. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives of three to five years. Tenant improvements, leasing costs and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the applicable leases or the estimated useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter. The Company accelerates the depreciation of tenant assets if it estimates that the lease term will end prior to the termination date. This acceleration may occur if a tenant files for bankruptcy, vacates its premises or defaults in another manner on its lease. Deferred expenses are amortized over the period of estimated benefit. The Company uses the straight-line method for all depreciation and amortization.
Discontinued Operation	Discontinued Operations: Beginning in the second quarter 2014, only assets held for sale and disposals representing strategic shifts in operations are reflected in discontinued operations. Prior to 2014, the Company classified the results of operations of all properties that were sold or otherwise qualified as held for sale as discontinued operations if the property's operations were expected to be eliminated from ongoing operations and the Company would not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the property after the sale. During 2015, there were no held for sale assets or disposals that represented a strategic shift in operations. The Company ceases depreciation of a property when it is categorized as held for sale.
Investments in Joint Ventures	Investment in Joint Ventures For joint ventures that the Company does not control, but exercises significant influence, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's judgment with regard to its level of influence or control of an entity involves consideration of various factors including the form of its ownership interest; its representation in the entity's governance; its ability to participate in policy-making decisions; and the rights of other investors to participate in the decision-making process, to replace the Company as manager, and/or to liquidate the venture. These ventures are recorded at cost and adjusted for equity in earnings (losses) and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on the Company’s balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets on the joint venture’s balance sheet is adjusted as the related underlying assets are depreciated, amortized, or sold. The Company generally allocates income and loss from an unconsolidated joint venture based on the venture's distribution priorities, which may be different from its stated ownership percentage. The Company evaluates the recoverability of its investment in unconsolidated joint ventures in accordance with accounting standards for equity investments by first reviewing each investment for any indicators of impairment. If indicators are present, the Company 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, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the entity, and (3) the Company’s intent and ability to retain its interest long enough for a recovery in market value. If management concludes that the impairment is "other than temporary," the Company reduces the investment to its estimated fair value. The Company consolidates certain joint ventures that it controls. In cases where the entity’s documents do not contain a required redemption clause, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in the equity section of the balance sheets in nonredeemable noncontrolling interests. In cases where the entity’s documents contain a provision requiring the Company to purchase the partner’s share of the venture at a certain value upon demand or at a future date, the Company records the partner’s share of the entity in redeemable noncontrolling interests on the balance sheets. Amounts recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests are adjusted to the higher of fair value or the partner’s cost basis each reporting period. The effect of these adjustments is recorded in additional paid-in capital within total stockholders’ investment. The noncontrolling partners' share of all consolidated joint ventures' income is reflected in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest on the statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Rental Property Revenues: The Company recognizes contractual revenues from leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease. Certain of these leases also provide for percentage rents based upon the level of sales achieved by the lessee. Percentage rents are recognized once the specified sales target is achieved. In addition, leases typically provide for reimbursement of the tenants' share of real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses to the Company. Operating expense reimbursements are recognized as the related expenses are incurred. During 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , the Company recognized $93.3 million , $86.0 million , and $43.9 million , respectively, in revenues, including discontinued operations, from tenants related to operating expenses. The Company makes valuation adjustments to all tenant-related accounts receivable based upon its estimate of the likelihood of collectibility of amounts due from the tenant. The amount of any valuation adjustment is based on the tenant’s credit and business risk, history of payment, and other factors considered by management. Fee Income: The Company recognizes development, management and leasing fees when earned. The Company recognizes development and leasing fees received from unconsolidated joint ventures and related salaries and other direct costs incurred by the Company as income and expense based on the percentage of the joint venture which the Company does not own. Correspondingly, the Company adjusts the investment in unconsolidated joint ventures asset when fees are paid to the Company by a joint venture in which the Company has an ownership interest. See note 5 for more information related to fee income received by unconsolidated joint ventures. Gain on Sale of Investment Properties : The Company recognizes a gain on sale of investment property when the sale of a property is consummated, the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate commitment to pay, any receivable obtained is not subject to future subordination, the usual risks and rewards of ownership are transferred, and the Company has no substantial continuing involvement with the property. If the Company has a commitment to the buyer and that commitment is a specific dollar amount, this commitment is accrued and the gain on sale that the Company recognizes is reduced. If the Company has a construction commitment to the buyer, management makes an estimate of this commitment, defers a portion of the profit from the sale, and recognizes the deferred profit as or when the commitment is fulfilled.
Receivable Policy	The Company makes valuation adjustments to all tenant-related accounts receivable based upon its estimate of the likelihood of collectibility of amounts due from the tenant. The amount of any valuation adjustment is based on the tenant’s credit and business risk, history of payment, and other factors considered by management.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Cousins has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, Cousins must distribute annually at least 90% of its adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to its stockholders and satisfy certain other organizational and operating requirements. It is management’s current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain Cousins’ REIT status. As a REIT, Cousins generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level on the taxable income it distributes to its stockholders. If Cousins fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Cousins may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and to federal income taxes on its undistributed taxable income. CTRS is a C-Corporation for federal income tax purposes and uses the liability method for accounting for income taxes. Tax return positions are recognized in the financial statements when they are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authority. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future periods. A valuation allowance may be placed on deferred income tax assets, if it is determined that it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset may not be realized.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has several types of stock-based compensation plans. These plans are described in note 12, as are the accounting policies by type of award. The Company recognizes compensation expense, net of forfeitures, arising from share-based payment arrangements granted to employees and directors in general and administrative expense in the statements of operations over the related awards’ vesting period, which may be accelerated under the Company’s retirement feature.
Earnings per Share (EPS)	Earnings per Share (“EPS”) Net income per share-basic is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including nonvested restricted stock which has nonforfeitable dividend rights. Net income per share-diluted is calculated as net income available to common stockholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted weighted average number of common shares uses the same weighted average share number as in the basic calculation and adds the potential dilution that would occur if stock options (or any other contracts to issue common stock) were exercised and resulted in additional common shares outstanding, calculated using the treasury stock method. The numerator is reduced for the effect of preferred dividends in both the basic and diluted net income per share calculations. Stock options are dilutive when the average market price of the Company’s stock during the period exceeds the option exercise price.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly-liquid money market instruments. Highly-liquid money market instruments include securities and repurchase agreements with original maturities of three months or less , money market mutual funds, and United States Treasury Bills with maturities of 30 days or less . Restricted cash primarily represents amounts restricted under debt agreements for future capital expenditures or for specific future operating costs.
New Accounting Pronouncement Adoption	Recently Issued Accounting Standards :
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
Segment Reporting	The Company's segments are based on the method of internal reporting which classifies operations by property type and geographical area. The segments by property type are: Office, Mixed Use, and Other. The segments by geographical region are: Atlanta, Houston, Austin, Charlotte, and Other. In 2014 and 2013, the Company's reportable segments were Office, Retail, Land and Other. In 2014 , the Company sold the remaining stand-alone retail properties, completing a strategic shift to focus on office properties. In conjunction, segment reporting has been adjusted to reflect the current Company profile and internal reporting. These reportable segments represent an aggregation of operating segments reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker based on similar economic characteristics that include the type of product and the geographical location. Prior period information has been revised to reflect the change in segment reporting. Each segment includes both consolidated operations and the Company's share of joint venture operations. Company management evaluates the performance of its reportable segments in part based on net operating income (“NOI”). NOI represents rental property expenses less rental property operating expenses. NOI is not a measure of cash flows or operating results as measured by GAAP, is not indicative of cash available to fund cash needs and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. All companies may not calculate NOI in the same manner. The Company considers NOI to be an appropriate supplemental measure to net income as it helps both management and investors understand the core operations of the Company's operating assets. NOI excludes corporate general and administrative expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, impairments, gains/loss on sales of real estate, and other non-operating items. Segment net income, amount of capital expenditures, and total assets are not presented in the following tables because management does not utilize these measures when analyzing its segments or when making resource allocation decisions.

Significant Accounting Polici25

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Weighted average shares basic and diluted

Property Transactions (Tables)

Property Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Transactions [Abstract]
Properties sold that qualify as discontinued operations	The Company sold the following properties in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 ($ in thousands): Property Property Type Location Square Feet Sales Price Discontinued Operations 2015 2100 Ross Office Dallas, Texas 844,000 $ 131,000 No 200, 333, and 555 North Point Center East Office Atlanta, Georgia 411,000 $ 70,300 No The Points at Waterview Office Dallas, Texas 203,000 $ 26,800 No 2014 777 Main Office Ft. Worth, TX 980,000 $ 167,000 No Lakeshore Park Plaza Office Birmingham, AL 197,000 $ 25,000 Yes Mahan Village Retail Tallahassee, FL 147,000 $ 29,500 No 600 University Park Place Office Birmingham, AL 123,000 $ 19,700 Yes 2013 Tiffany Springs MarketCenter Retail Kansas City, MO 238,000 $ 53,500 Yes Inhibitex Office Atlanta, GA 51,000 $ 8,300 Yes
Components of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations	The following table details the components of income from discontinued operations, and gains (losses) related on the sales of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Rental property revenues $ 4 $ 2,927 $ 10,552 Other revenues 6 29 40 Third party management and leasing revenues — — 76 Third party management and leasing expenses — — (99 ) Depreciation and amortization — — (3,083 ) Other expenses (27 ) (28 ) (25 ) Rental property operating expenses (18 ) (1,128 ) (4,162 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations $ (35 ) $ 1,800 $ 3,299 Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net $ (551 ) $ 19,358 $ 11,489
Gain (loss) on sale of investment properties in discontinued operations
Fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired		2014 2013 Northpark Town Center Fifth Third Center Post Oak Central Terminus 200 816 Congress Avenue Texas Acquisition Tangible assets: Land and improvements $ 24,577 $ 22,863 $ 88,406 $ 25,040 $ 6,817 $ 306,563 Building 274,151 163,649 118,470 101,472 86,391 586,150 Tenant improvements 21,674 16,781 10,877 17,600 3,500 114,220 Other assets — 1,014 — 101 — — Deferred rents receivable — — — 44 — — Tangible assets 320,402 204,307 217,753 144,257 96,708 1,006,933 Intangible assets: Above-market leases 2,846 632 995 1,512 89 4,959 In-place leases 30,159 17,096 26,968 14,355 8,222 117,630 Below-market ground leases — 338 — — — 2,958 Ground lease purchase option — — — — 2,403 — Total intangible assets 33,005 18,066 27,963 15,867 10,714 125,547 Tangible liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses — (1,026 ) — — — — Total tangible liabilities — (1,026 ) — — — — Intangible liabilities: Below-market leases (8,018 ) (9,374 ) (14,792 ) (9,273 ) (2,820 ) (47,170 ) Above-market ground lease — — — — (1,981 ) (2,508 ) Total intangible liabilities (8,018 ) (9,374 ) (14,792 ) (9,273 ) (4,801 ) (49,678 ) Total net assets acquired $ 345,389 $ 211,973 $ 230,924 $ 150,851 $ 102,621 $ 1,082,802

Notes and Accounts Receivables

Notes and Accounts Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Components of Notes and Accounts Receivables	At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , notes and accounts receivables included the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Notes receivable $ 414 $ 414 Allowance for doubtful accounts related to notes receivable (414 ) (414 ) Tenant and other receivables 11,767 11,961 Allowance for doubtful accounts related to tenant and other receivables (939 ) (1,229 ) $ 10,828 $ 10,732

Investment in Unconsolidated 28

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of financial data and principal activities of Company's Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	The information included in the following table entitled summary of financial position is as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The information included in the summary of operations table is for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands). Total Assets Total Debt Total Equity (Deficit) Company's Investment SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION: 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Terminus Office Holdings $ 277,444 $ 288,415 $ 211,216 $ 213,640 $ 56,369 $ 62,830 $ 29,110 $ 32,323 EP I LLC 83,115 85,228 58,029 58,029 24,172 26,671 21,502 22,905 EP II LLC 70,704 42,772 40,910 12,735 24,331 24,969 19,118 19,905 Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC 123,531 130,272 17,536 35,530 104,336 92,808 11,190 11,218 HICO Victory Center LP 13,532 10,450 — — 13,229 10,450 9,138 7,572 Carolina Square Holdings LP 15,729 — — — 12,085 — 6,782 — CL Realty, L.L.C. 7,872 7,264 — — 7,662 7,042 3,515 3,546 HICO Avalon LLC 2,107 — — — 1,646 — 1,245 — Temco Associates, LLC 5,284 6,910 — — 5,133 6,709 977 3,027 Wildwood Associates 16,419 16,400 — — 16,354 16,389 (1,122 ) (1) (1,106 ) (1) Crawford Long - CPI, LLC 29,143 29,946 74,286 75,000 (46,238 ) (45,762 ) (22,021 ) (1) (21,931 ) (1) Other — 1,411 — — — 979 — 2 $ 644,880 $ 619,068 $ 401,977 $ 394,934 $ 219,079 $ 203,085 $ 79,434 $ 77,461 Total Revenues Net Income (Loss) Company's Share of Net Income (Loss) SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS: 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 Terminus Office Holdings $ 40,250 $ 39,531 $ 33,109 $ 2,789 $ 663 $ (408 ) $ 1,395 $ 308 $ (182 ) EP I LLC 12,558 12,049 8,261 3,177 2,583 100 2,197 1,937 75 EP II LLC 1,264 — — (638 ) — — (466 ) — — Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC 33,724 33,903 33,281 12,737 11,645 10,693 1,183 1,176 1,176 HICO Victory Center LP 262 — — 204 — — 102 — — CL Realty, L.L.C. 855 1,573 1,603 424 1,069 1,027 220 542 524 HICO Avalon LLC — — — (40 ) — — (23 ) — — Temco Associates, LLC 9,485 2,155 630 2,358 495 96 2,351 (6 ) (12 ) Wildwood Associates — 3,329 — (120 ) (1,704 ) (151 ) (59 ) 2,097 (75 ) Crawford Long - CPI, LLC 12,291 11,945 11,829 2,820 2,775 2,827 1,416 1,407 1,372 Other — 4,841 48,394 — 7,831 58,710 (14 ) 3,807 64,447 $ 110,689 $ 109,326 $ 137,107 $ 23,711 $ 25,357 $ 72,894 $ 8,302 $ 11,268 $ 67,325 (1) Negative balances are included in deferred income on the consolidated balance sheets.

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , intangible assets included the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 In-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $88,035 and $62,302 in 2015 and 2014, respectively $ 112,937 $ 147,360 Above-market tenant leases, net of accumulated amortization of $15,423 and $13,748 in 2015 and 2014, respectively 8,031 12,017 Goodwill 3,647 3,867 $ 124,615 $ 163,244
Aggregate Amortization of Intangible Assets and Liabilities		Over the next five years and thereafter, aggregate amortization of these intangible assets and liabilities is anticipated to be as follows (in thousands): Below Market Rents Above Market Ground Lease Above Market Rents In Place Leases Total 2016 $ (9,020 ) $ (55 ) $ 1,843 $ 23,510 $ 16,278 2017 (8,569 ) (55 ) 1,384 19,893 12,653 2018 (7,793 ) (55 ) 1,305 16,763 10,220 2019 (7,314 ) (55 ) 883 13,644 7,158 2020 (5,427 ) (55 ) 734 10,289 5,541 Thereafter (18,969 ) (2,225 ) 1,882 28,838 9,526 $ (57,092 ) $ (2,500 ) $ 8,031 $ 112,937 $ 61,376 Weighted average remaining lease term 9 years 48 years 7 years 7 years
Summary of Goodwill Activity		The following is a summary of goodwill activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning Balance $ 3,867 $ 4,131 Allocated to property sales (220 ) (264 ) Ending Balance $ 3,647 $ 3,867

Notes Payable (Tables)

Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of terms of notes payable	The following table summarizes the terms of notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): Description Interest Rate Maturity 2015 2014 Post Oak Central mortgage note 4.26% 2020 $ 181,770 $ 185,109 The American Cancer Society Center mortgage note 6.45% 2017 129,342 131,083 Promenade mortgage note 4.27% 2022 108,203 110,946 191 Peachtree Tower mortgage note 3.35% 2018 100,000 100,000 Credit Facility, unsecured 1.53% 2019 92,000 140,200 816 Congress mortgage note 3.75% 2024 85,000 85,000 Meridian Mark Plaza mortgage note 6.00% 2020 24,978 25,408 The Points at Waterview 5.66% — — 14,598 $ 721,293 $ 792,344
Summary of the credit facility pricing spreads and the facility fees	The pricing spreads and the facility fee under the Credit Facility are as follows: Leverage Ratio Applicable % Spread for LIBOR Applicable % Spread for Base Rate Annual Facility Fee % ≤ 30% 1.10% 0.10% 0.15% >30% but ≤ 35% 1.10% 0.10% 0.20% >35% but ≤ 40% 1.15% 0.15% 0.20% >40% but ≤ 45% 1.20% 0.20% 0.20% >45% but ≤ 50% 1.20% 0.20% 0.25% >50% 1.45% 0.45% 0.30%
Summary of interest recorded	For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , interest was recorded as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Total interest incurred $ 34,302 $ 31,862 $ 22,227 Interest capitalized (3,579 ) (2,752 ) (518 ) Total interest expense $ 30,723 $ 29,110 $ 21,709
Aggregate debt maturities	Future principal payments due on the Company's notes payable at December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 10,070 2017 138,195 2018 105,734 2019 101,447 2020 195,022 Thereafter 170,825 $ 721,293

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of amounts due under lease commitments	Amounts due under these lease commitments are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 1,784 2017 1,736 2018 1,696 2019 1,657 2020 1,659 Thereafter 136,404 $ 144,936

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Schedule Reconciling Dividends Paid and Dividends Applied to Meet REIT Distribution Requirements [Table Text Block]	The following reconciles dividends paid and dividends applied in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 to meet REIT distribution requirements (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Common and preferred dividends paid $ 69,196 $ 64,510 $ 37,200 Dividends treated as taxable compensation (94 ) (110 ) (98 ) Portion of dividends declared in current year, and paid in current year, which was applied to the prior year distribution requirements (731 ) (2,182 ) (470 ) Portion of dividends declared in subsequent year, and paid in subsequent year, which apply to current year distribution requirements 34 731 2,182 Dividends applied to meet current year REIT distribution requirements $ 68,405 $ 62,949 $ 38,814
Schedule of Components of Taxability of Company Dividends [Table Text Block]	The following summarizes the components of the taxability of the Company’s distributions for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Total Ordinary Long-Term Unrecaptured Cash Liquidation Distributions Common: 2015 $ 0.320000 $ 0.161738 $ 0.158262 $ 0.097271 $ — 2014 $ 0.300000 $ 0.281564 $ 0.018436 $ 0.018436 $ — 2013 $ 0.180000 $ 0.170355 $ 0.009645 $ 0.009457 $ — Series A Preferred: 2013 $ 25.968750 $ 0.966882 $ 0.001868 $ — $ 25.000000 Series B Preferred: 2014 $ 25.776040 $ 0.467750 $ 0.001000 $ 0.001000 $ 25.307290 2013 $ 1.875000 $ 1.774673 $ 0.100327 $ 0.098519 $ — (A) Represents a portion of the dividend allocated to long-term capital gain.

Rental Property Revenues (Table

Rental Property Revenues (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Future minimum rentals to be received under existing non-cancelable leases	At December 31, 2015 future minimum rents to be received by consolidated entities under existing non-cancelable leases are as follows (in thousands): 2016 $ 217,863 2017 219,458 2018 217,711 2019 202,868 2020 174,144 Thereafter 639,051 $ 1,671,095

Equity and Stock-Based Compen34

Equity and Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options and their results	In 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , there were no stock option grants.
Stock options activity	The following is a summary of stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Number of Options (000s) Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Option Outstanding at December 31, 2012 4,437 $ 21.74 Exercised (283 ) 8.12 Forfeited/Expired (1,076 ) 21.98 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 3,078 22.90 Exercised (206 ) 8.26 Forfeited/Expired (661 ) 28.18 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 2,211 22.69 Exercised (23 ) 8.02 Forfeited/Expired (425 ) 26.13 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,763 22.05 Options Exercisable at December 31, 2015 1,763 $ 22.05
Summary of restricted stock activity	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Number of Shares (000s) Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2012 703 $ 7.55 Granted 160 8.91 Vested (361 ) 7.50 Forfeited (52 ) 8.24 Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2013 450 8.00 Granted 138 10.75 Vested (236 ) 8.00 Forfeited (10 ) 9.48 Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2014 342 9.08 Granted 166 11.06 Vested (210 ) 8.41 Forfeited (5 ) 10.68 Non-vested restricted stock at December 31, 2015 293 $ 10.65
Summary of regular RSU activity
Summary of all performance-based RSU activity	The following table summarizes the performance-based RSU activity as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 (in thousands): Outstanding at December 31, 2012 782 Granted 196 Exercised (94 ) Forfeited (129 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2013 755 Granted 205 Exercised (150 ) Forfeited (14 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 796 Granted 244 Exercised (191 ) Forfeited (6 ) Outstanding at December 31, 2015 843
Summary of distribution of taxable income	The following reconciles dividends paid and dividends applied in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 to meet REIT distribution requirements (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Common and preferred dividends paid $ 69,196 $ 64,510 $ 37,200 Dividends treated as taxable compensation (94 ) (110 ) (98 ) Portion of dividends declared in current year, and paid in current year, which was applied to the prior year distribution requirements (731 ) (2,182 ) (470 ) Portion of dividends declared in subsequent year, and paid in subsequent year, which apply to current year distribution requirements 34 731 2,182 Dividends applied to meet current year REIT distribution requirements $ 68,405 $ 62,949 $ 38,814
Summary of components of the taxability of the Company's dividends	The following summarizes the components of the taxability of the Company’s distributions for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 : Total Ordinary Long-Term Unrecaptured Cash Liquidation Distributions Common: 2015 $ 0.320000 $ 0.161738 $ 0.158262 $ 0.097271 $ — 2014 $ 0.300000 $ 0.281564 $ 0.018436 $ 0.018436 $ — 2013 $ 0.180000 $ 0.170355 $ 0.009645 $ 0.009457 $ — Series A Preferred: 2013 $ 25.968750 $ 0.966882 $ 0.001868 $ — $ 25.000000 Series B Preferred: 2014 $ 25.776040 $ 0.467750 $ 0.001000 $ 0.001000 $ 25.307290 2013 $ 1.875000 $ 1.774673 $ 0.100327 $ 0.098519 $ — (A) Represents a portion of the dividend allocated to long-term capital gain.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidated benefit (provision) for income taxes from operations	CREC merged into Cousins and Cousins formed CTRS. Amounts included in the following table for 2015 reflect the benefit (provision) of CTRS and the amounts for 2014 and 2013 reflect the benefit (provision) for CREC. 2015 2014 2013 Current tax benefit: Federal $ — $ — $ — State 20 23 — 20 23 Deferred tax benefit: Federal — — — State — — — — — — Benefit for income taxes from operations $ — $ 20 $ 23
Difference between income tax benefit (provision) and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before taxes	The net income tax benefit differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to CTRS' income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and to CREC’s income before taxes for the years ended 2014 and 2013 as follows ($ in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate Federal income tax benefit (expense) $ 778 35 % $ (1,124 ) (35 )% $ (1,287 ) (35 )% State income tax benefit (expense), net of federal income tax effect 90 4 % (125 ) (4 )% (147 ) (4 )% Valuation allowance (833 ) (37 )% 1,644 50 % (361 ) (10 )% State deferred tax adjustment (35 ) (2 )% (375 ) (11 )% 1,818 49 % Benefit applicable to income (loss) from continuing operations $ — — % $ 20 — % $ 23 — %
Tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities	The tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities of CTRS as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 Income from unconsolidated joint ventures $ 928 $ 2,441 Federal and state tax carryforwards 680 — Total deferred tax assets 1,608 2,441 Valuation allowance (1,608 ) (2,441 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ —

Consolidated Statements of Ca36

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Information Related to Cash Flows	Supplemental information related to cash flows, including significant non-cash activity affecting the consolidated statements of cash flows, for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 is as follows (in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 29,337 $ 28,840 $ 21,216 Income taxes paid 2 4 90 Non-Cash Transactions: Transfer from projects under development to operating properties 121,709 — 25,629 Transfer from operating properties and related assets to real estate assets and other assets held for sale 7,246 — 24,554 Transfer from operating properties and related liabilities to liabilities of real estate assets held for sale 1,347 — — Change in accrued property acquisition, development, and tenant asset expenditures (2,483 ) (531 ) 1,559 Transfer from other assets to projects under development — — 3,062 Transfer from land to projects under development — 5,185 —

Reportable Segments (Tables)

Reportable Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Operating Income (Loss) by Reportable Segment and Reconciliation to Net Income	Information on the Company's segments along with a reconciliation of NOI to net income available to common stockholders is as follows (in thousands): Year ended December 31, 2015 Office Mixed-Use Other Total Net Operating Income: Houston $ 103,210 $ — $ — $ 103,210 Atlanta 93,438 5,854 — 99,292 Austin 15,294 — — 15,294 Charlotte 16,164 — — 16,164 Other 7,104 — 168 7,272 Total Net Operating Income $ 235,210 $ 5,854 $ 168 241,232 Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures (24,335 ) Net operating loss from discontinued operations 14 Fee income 7,297 Other income 1,278 General and administrative expenses (17,099 ) Reimbursed expenses (3,430 ) Interest expense (30,723 ) Depreciation and amortization (135,416 ) Other expenses (1,299 ) Income from unconsolidated joint ventures 8,302 Loss from discontinued operations (586 ) Gain on sale of investment properties 80,394 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (111 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 125,518 Year ended December 31, 2014 Office Mixed-Use Other Total Net Operating Income: Houston $ 100,816 $ — $ — $ 100,816 Atlanta 73,434 5,727 — 79,161 Austin 6,992 — — 6,992 Charlotte 6,839 — — 6,839 Other 18,470 — 3,395 18,470 Total Net Operating Income $ 206,551 $ 5,727 $ 3,395 215,673 Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures (25,897 ) Net operating income from discontinued operations (1,800 ) Fee income 12,519 Other income 4,954 General and administrative expenses (19,969 ) Reimbursed expenses (3,652 ) Interest expense (29,110 ) Depreciation and amortization (140,018 ) Other expenses (4,654 ) Preferred share original issuance costs (3,530 ) Dividends to preferred stockholders (2,955 ) Income from unconsolidated joint ventures 11,268 Income from discontinued operations 21,158 Gain on sale of investment properties 12,536 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,004 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 45,519 Year ended December 31, 2013 Office Mixed-Use Other Total Net Operating Income: Houston $ 40,199 $ — $ — $ 40,199 Atlanta 62,211 3,511 — 65,722 Austin 4,029 — — 4,029 Charlotte 1,208 — — 1,208 Other 14,856 — 12,066 26,922 Total Net Operating Income $ 122,503 $ 3,511 $ 12,066 138,080 Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures (27,768 ) Net operating income from discontinued operations (6,390 ) Fee income 10,891 Other income 5,430 General and administrative expenses (22,460 ) Reimbursed expenses (5,215 ) Interest expense (21,709 ) Depreciation and amortization (76,277 ) Other expenses (11,154 ) Preferred share original issuance costs (2,656 ) Dividends to preferred stockholders (10,008 ) Income from unconsolidated joint ventures 67,325 Income from discontinued operations 14,788 Gain on sale of investment properties 61,288 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (5,068 ) Net income available to common stockholders $ 109,097

Other Assets Other Assets (Tabl

Other Assets Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , other assets included the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 FF&E and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation of $22,572 and $19,137 in 2015 and 2014, respectively $ 13,523 $ 10,590 Lease inducements, net of accumulated amortization of $6,865 and $5,475 in 2015 and 2014, respectively 13,306 12,245 Prepaid expenses and other assets 4,408 3,428 Predevelopment costs and earnest money 1,780 1,789 Loan closing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $3,388 and $2,286 in 2015 and 2014, respectively 5,455 6,878 $ 38,472 $ 34,930

Description of Business and B39

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation of Financial Statements
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Company's portfolio of real estate assets - Office space (square feet) | ft²	14,770,000
Company's portfolio of real estate assets - Retail space (square feet) | ft²	786,000
Total Assets | $	$ 2,597,803	$ 2,667,330
Callaway [Member]
Organization Consolidation And Presentation of Financial Statements
Total Assets | $	$ 4,600

Significant Accounting Polici40

Significant Accounting Policies (Earnings per Share) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Weighted average shares basic and diluted
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES—BASIC (shares)	215,827	204,216	144,255
Dilutive potential common shares-stock options (shares)	152	244	165
Weighted average shares-diluted (shares)	215,979	204,460	144,420
Weighted average anti-dilutive stock options (shares)	1,128	1,553	2,208

Significant Accounting Polici41

Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Period in which the company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes and certain operating expenses on the unoccupied portion of recently completed properties, beginning with the date it is substantially complete (percent)	90.00%
Period in which the company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes and certain operating expenses on the unoccupied portion of recently completed properties, beginning with the date it is substantially complete (in years)	1 year
Reimbursement of rental revenue from tenants	$ 93.3	$ 86	$ 43.9
Required distribution of adjusted taxable income to qualify as a REIT	90.00%
Number of subsequent tax year (in years)	4 years
Original maturities of securities and repurchase agreements included in highly-liquid money market instruments	three months or less
Money market mutual funds and treasury bills included in highly-liquid money market instruments	30 days or less
Minimum [Member] | Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	24 years
Minimum [Member] | Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	42 years
Maximum [Member] | Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life	5 years

Property Transactions (Properti

Property Transactions (Properties Held for Sale) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)ft²
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating properties, net held for sale	$ 6,421
Notes and accounts receivable	210
Operating properties accumulated depreciation, held for sale	$ 7,072
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Gain (loss) on sale from discontinued operations	$ (551)	$ 19,358	$ 11,489
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Other assets accumulated depreciation, held for sale	$ 128
Deferred rents receivable	496
Held for sale, other assets	119
Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group	7,246
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	140
Deferred income held for sale	200
Other liabilities	1,007
Total liabilities held for sale	$ 1,347
2100 Ross Avenue [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²	129,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations	$ 22,000
200, 333, and 555 North Point Center [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²	411,000,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations	$ 70,300
The Points at Waterview [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²	203,000,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations	$ 26,800
2100 Ross Avenue [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²	844,000,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations	$ 131,000
777 Main Fort Worth, TX [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²		980,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations		$ 167,000
Tiffany Springs MarketCenter Kansas City [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²			238,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations			$ 53,500
Lakeshore Park Plaza Birmingham [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²		197,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations		$ 25,000
Mahan Village Tallahassee FL [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²		147,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations		$ 29,500
Six Hundred University Park Place Birmingham [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²		123,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations		$ 19,700
Inhibitex Suburban Atlanta, GA [Member]
Summary of sales in discontinued operations
Area of disposed real estate assets (square feet) | ft²			51,000
Sales price of property held for sale, discontinued operations			$ 8,300

Property Transactions (Componen

Property Transactions (Components of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Components of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ (35)	$ 1,800	$ 3,299
Gain (loss) on sale from discontinued operations	(551)	19,358	11,489
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Components of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
Rental property revenues	4	2,927	10,552
Other revenues	6	29	40
Third party management and leasing revenues	0	0	76
Third party management and leasing expenses	0	0	(99)
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	(3,083)
Rental property operating expenses	(27)	(28)	(25)
Rental property operating expenses	(18)	(1,128)	(4,162)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ (35)	$ 1,800	$ 3,299

Property Transactions (Gain (Lo

Property Transactions (Gain (Loss) on Sales of Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Gain on sale of investment properties included in discontinued operations
Gain (loss) on sale from discontinued operations	$ (551)	$ 19,358	$ 11,489

Property Transactions (Fair Val

Property Transactions (Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Acquired) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ft²a	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 19, 2013USD ($)ft²	Apr. 25, 2013USD ($)ft²	Feb. 28, 2013USD ($)ft²
Intangible assets:
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases	$ 112,937,000	$ 147,360,000
Intangible liabilities:
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	8,760,000	10,296,000	$ 67,101,000
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment	225,307,000	244,471,000	178,966,000
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture	$ 402,000,000
Spring & 8th/ NCR [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acres of Land Available for Development or Sale | a	4.16
Intangible liabilities:
Total net assets acquired	$ 0
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²	485,000
816 Congress Austin, TX [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Total net assets acquired					$ 102,400,000
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²					435,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			342,000
Texas Acquisition [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Total net assets acquired				$ 1,100,000,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			4,200,000
777 Main Fort Worth, TX [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²				980,000
Greenway Plaza Houston, TX [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²				4,300,000
Post Oak Central [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Total net assets acquired						$ 200,000,000
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²						1,300,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			231,000
Terminus Two Hundred LLC [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property			19,700,000
Term Loan [Member] | Texas Acquisition [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt			2,600,000
MSREF Terminus Two Hundred LLC [Member] | Terminus Two Hundred LLC [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Total net assets acquired						$ 53,800,000
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture						74,600,000
Terminus Office Holdings [Member]
Intangible liabilities:
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 82,000,000
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions			39,200,000
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs			122,000
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture						50.00%
Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Held-for-investment			112,200,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property			37,100,000
Terminus Two Hundred LLC [Member]
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price allocation
Land and improvements			25,040,000
Building			101,472,000
Tenant improvements			17,600,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Assets Other			101,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Rent Receivable			44,000
Tangible assets			144,257,000
Intangible assets:
Above-market leases			1,512,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases			14,355,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Below Market Ground Lease			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Ground Lease Purchase Option			0
Total intangible assets			15,867,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Liabilities Accounts Payable			0
Intangible liabilities:
Below-market leases			(9,273,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Above Market Ground Lease			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Liabilities Total			(9,273,000)
Total net assets acquired			150,851,000
816 Congress Austin, TX [Member]
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price allocation
Land and improvements			6,817,000
Building			86,391,000
Tenant improvements			3,500,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Assets Other			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Rent Receivable			0
Tangible assets			96,708,000
Intangible assets:
Above-market leases			89,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases			8,222,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Below Market Ground Lease			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Ground Lease Purchase Option			2,403,000
Total intangible assets			10,714,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Liabilities Accounts Payable			0
Intangible liabilities:
Below-market leases			(2,820,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Above Market Ground Lease			(1,981,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Liabilities Total			(4,801,000)
Total net assets acquired			102,621,000
Texas Acquisition [Member]
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price allocation
Land and improvements			306,563,000
Building			586,150,000
Tenant improvements			114,220,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Assets Other			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Rent Receivable			0
Tangible assets			1,006,933,000
Intangible assets:
Above-market leases			4,959,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases			117,630,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Below Market Ground Lease			2,958,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Ground Lease Purchase Option			0
Total intangible assets			125,547,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Liabilities Accounts Payable			0
Intangible liabilities:
Below-market leases			(47,170,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Above Market Ground Lease			(2,508,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Liabilities Total			(49,678,000)
Total net assets acquired			1,082,802,000
Post Oak Central [Member]
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price allocation
Land and improvements			88,406,000
Building			118,470,000
Tenant improvements			10,877,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Assets Other			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Rent Receivable			0
Tangible assets			217,753,000
Intangible assets:
Above-market leases			995,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases			26,968,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Below Market Ground Lease			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Ground Lease Purchase Option			0
Total intangible assets			27,963,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Liabilities Accounts Payable			0
Intangible liabilities:
Below-market leases			(14,792,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Above Market Ground Lease			0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Liabilities Total			(14,792,000)
Total net assets acquired			$ 230,924,000
Northpark Town Center [Member]
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price allocation
Land and improvements		24,577,000
Building		274,151,000
Tenant improvements		21,674,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Assets Other		0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Rent Receivable		0
Tangible assets		320,402,000
Intangible assets:
Above-market leases		2,846,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases		30,159,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Below Market Ground Lease		0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Ground Lease Purchase Option		0
Total intangible assets		33,005,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Liabilities Accounts Payable		0
Intangible liabilities:
Below-market leases		(8,018,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Above Market Ground Lease		0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Liabilities Total		(8,018,000)
Total net assets acquired		345,389,000
Fifth Third Center [Member]
Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price allocation
Land and improvements		22,863,000
Building		163,649,000
Tenant improvements		16,781,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Assets Other		1,014,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Rent Receivable		0
Tangible assets		204,307,000
Intangible assets:
Above-market leases		632,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases		17,096,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Below Market Ground Lease		338,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Ground Lease Purchase Option		0
Total intangible assets		18,066,000
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Tangible Liabilities Accounts Payable		(1,026,000)
Intangible liabilities:
Below-market leases		(9,374,000)
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Liabilities Above Market Ground Lease		0
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Intangible Liabilities Total		(9,374,000)
Total net assets acquired		$ 211,973,000

Property Transactions (Textual)

Property Transactions (Textual) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2014USD ($)ft²	Aug. 08, 2014USD ($)ft²	Jul. 19, 2013USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale from discontinued operations	$ (551,000)	$ 19,358,000	$ 11,489,000
Distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	7,555,000	26,179,000	88,635,000
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture	402,000,000
Proceeds from investment property sales	$ 225,307,000	244,471,000	178,966,000
Terminus Two Hundred LLC [Member] | MSREF Terminus Two Hundred LLC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture							80.00%
Fifth Third Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²					698,000
Acquisition costs related to purchase		328,000
Purchase price of property purchase					$ 200,000,000
Texas Acquisition [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Acquisition costs related to purchase			4,200,000
Purchase price of property purchase						$ 1,100,000,000
Northpark Town Center [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²				1,500,000
Acquisition costs related to purchase		$ 643,000
Purchase price of property purchase				$ 300,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Texas Acquisition [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Term loan agreement			$ 950,000,000

Property Transactions Acquisiti

Property Transactions Acquisition Pro Forma (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 125,518	$ 45,519	$ 109,097
Acquisition Pro Forma [Member]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Revenues		388,791	354,047
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		31,695	119,825
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		52,853	134,613
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		$ 45,364	$ 116,881
Earnings Per Share, Basic		$ 0.22	$ 0.62
Earnings Per Share, Diluted		$ 0.22	$ 0.62

Notes and Accounts Receivable48

Notes and Accounts Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Components of Notes and Accounts Receivables
Notes receivable	$ 414	$ 414
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to notes receivable	(414)	(414)
Tenant and other receivables	11,767	11,961
Allowance for doubtful accounts related to tenant and other receivables	(939)	(1,229)
Total notes and other receivables	$ 10,828	$ 10,732

Investment in Unconsolidated 49

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Summary of Financial Data and Principal Activities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Fees Earned from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures		$ 6,000	$ 5,400	$ 8,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus		2,015	2,014	2,013
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		$ 644,880	$ 619,068
Total Debt		401,977	394,934
Total Equity		219,079	203,085
Company's Investment		79,434	77,461
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		110,689	109,326	$ 137,107
Net Income (Loss)		23,711	25,357	72,894
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		8,302	11,268	67,325
Terminus Office Holdings [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		277,444	288,415
Total Debt		211,216	213,640
Total Equity		56,369	62,830
Company's Investment		29,110	32,323
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		40,250	39,531	33,109
Net Income (Loss)		2,789	663	(408)
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		1,395	308	(182)
EP I LLC [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		83,115	85,228
Total Debt		58,029	58,029
Total Equity		24,172	26,671
Company's Investment		21,502	22,905
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		12,558	12,049	8,261
Net Income (Loss)		3,177	2,583	100
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		2,197	1,937	75
Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		123,531	130,272
Total Debt		17,536	35,530
Total Equity		104,336	92,808
Company's Investment		11,190	11,218
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		33,724	33,903	33,281
Net Income (Loss)		12,737	11,645	10,693
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		1,183	1,176	1,176
HICO Victory Center LP [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		13,532	10,450
Total Debt			0
Total Equity		13,229	10,450
Company's Investment		9,138	7,572
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		262	0	0
Net Income (Loss)		204	0	0
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		102	0	0
Carolina Square Holdings LP [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		15,729	0
Total Debt			0
Total Equity		12,085	0
Company's Investment		6,782	0
EP II LLC [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		70,704	42,772
Total Debt		40,910	12,735
Total Equity		24,331	24,969
Company's Investment		19,118	19,905
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		1,264	0	0
Net Income (Loss)		(638)	0	0
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		(466)	0	0
Temco Associates
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		5,284	6,910
Total Debt		0	0
Total Equity		5,133	6,709
Company's Investment		977	3,027
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		9,485	2,155	630
Net Income (Loss)		2,358	495	96
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		2,351	(6)	(12)
CL Realty, L.L.C. [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		7,872	7,264
Total Debt		0	0
Total Equity		7,662	7,042
Company's Investment		3,515	3,546
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		855	1,573	1,603
Net Income (Loss)		424	1,069	1,027
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		220	542	524
HICO Avalon LLC [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		2,107	0
Total Debt			0
Total Equity		1,646	0
Company's Investment		1,245	0
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		0	0	0
Net Income (Loss)		(40)	0	0
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		(23)	0	0
Wildwood Associates [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		16,419	16,400
Total Debt		0	0
Total Equity		16,354	16,389
Company's Investment	[1]	(1,122)	(1,106)
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		0	3,329	0
Net Income (Loss)		(120)	(1,704)	(151)
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		(59)	2,097	(75)
Crawford Long CPI LLC [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		29,143	29,946
Total Debt		74,286	75,000
Total Equity		(46,238)	(45,762)
Company's Investment	[1]	(22,021)	(21,931)
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		12,291	11,945	11,829
Net Income (Loss)		2,820	2,775	2,827
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		1,416	1,407	1,372
Other [Member]
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
Total Assets		0	1,411
Total Debt		0	0
Total Equity		0	979
Company's Investment		0	2
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:
Total Revenues		0	4,841	48,394
Net Income (Loss)		0	7,831	58,710
Company's Share of Income (Loss)		$ (14)	$ 3,807	$ 64,447
[1]	Negative balances are included in deferred income on the consolidated balance sheets.

Investment in Unconsolidated 50

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Terminus Office Holdings LLC) (Details) - Terminus Office Holdings [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Property	Feb. 28, 2013USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture		50.00%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 82,000
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Cash	$ 5,200
Secured Mortgage Note Payable [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 211,200
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Final Maturity Date	Jan. 1, 2023
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.69%
Office Building [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties Owned by Equity Investee | Property	2
Institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	50.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 51

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (EP I LLC) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Loan
EP I LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.00%
Maximum amount available under construction facility, revised	$ 58,000,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 1,500,000
EP II LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of possible loan extensions | Loan	2
Period of loan extension	1 year
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.00%
Maximum amount available under construction facility, revised	$ 46,000,000
Outstanding balance of mortgage loan	$ 40,900,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.85%
Extension of mortgage loans maturity, conditions	two, one-year periods
Approximate amount of loans guaranteed by Company	$ 8,600,000
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 1,300,000
LIBOR [Member] | EP I LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
LIBOR [Member] | EP II LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Gables Realty Limited [Member] | EP I LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	25.00%
Gables Realty Limited [Member] | EP II LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	25.00%
Approximate amount of loans guaranteed by Company	$ 2,900,000

Investment in Unconsolidated 52

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Cousins Watkins LLC) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 8,760	$ 10,296	$ 67,101

Investment in Unconsolidated 53

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Charlotte Gateway Village, LLC) (Details) ft² in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ft²
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture	$ 402
Charlotte Gateway Village LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²	1.1
Percentage of real estate property leased (percent)	100.00%
Lease Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2026
Compounded rate of return received by Company (percent)	11.46%
Percentage of Company's income (loss) received in final step of distribution	0.5
Maximum IRR on project (percent)	17.00%
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 2.3
Charlotte Gateway Village LLC [Member] | Secured Mortgage Note Payable [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture	$ 17.5
Maturity date of debt instrument	Dec. 1, 2016
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	6.41%
Bank of America Corporation [Member] | Charlotte Gateway Village LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	5000.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 54

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (EP II LLC) (Details) - EP II LLC [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Loan	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of possible loan extensions | Loan	2
Period of loan extension	1 year
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	75.00%
Maximum Amount Available Under Construction Facility Revised	$ 46,000,000
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 40,900,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.85%
Extension of Mortgage Loans Maturity Conditions	two, one-year periods
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 8,600,000
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Cash	$ 1,300,000
LIBOR [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Gables Realty Limited [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	25.00%
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	$ 2,900,000
Secured Mortgage Note Payable [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument of Equity Investee Maturity Date		Oct. 9, 2016

Investment in Unconsolidated 55

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Temco Associates, LLC) (Details) - Temco Associates $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 205
Forestar [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	50.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 56

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (CL Realty, L.L.C.) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Venture	Dec. 31, 2014
CL Realty, L.L.C. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 326
Temco Associates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 205
Forestar [Member] | CL Realty, L.L.C. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	5000.00%	5000.00%
Forestar [Member] | Temco Associates
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	50.00%
Land | CL Realty, L.L.C. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties | Venture	1

Investment in Unconsolidated 57

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Wildwood Associates) (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)a	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions		$ 8,760,000	$ 10,296,000	$ 67,101,000
Equity Method Investments Including those with Negative Balances		79,434,000	77,461,000
Company's Investment		$ 102,577,000	$ 100,498,000
Wildwood Associates [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture		5000.00%	5000.00%
Acres of land available for development or sale (acres) | a			27
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions		$ 2,100,000
Recognition of Deferred Revenue		582,000
Equity Method Investments Including those with Negative Balances	[1]	$ (1,122,000)	$ (1,106,000)
[1]	Negative balances are included in deferred income on the consolidated balance sheets.

Investment in Unconsolidated 58

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Crawford Long—CPI, LLC) (Details) ft² in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)ft²	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture	$ 402,000,000
Crawford Long CPI LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²	0.4
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	$ 74,300,000
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 762,000
Charlotte Gateway Village LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Square footage of real estate property (square feet) | ft²	1.1
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 2,300,000
EP II LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Carrying Amount of Mortgages	40,900,000
Cash balance of joint venture	$ 1,300,000
Secured Mortgage Note Payable [Member] | Crawford Long CPI LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	3.50%
Debt Instrument of Equity Investee Maturity Date	Jun. 1, 2023
Secured Mortgage Note Payable [Member] | Charlotte Gateway Village LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture	$ 17,500,000
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	6.41%
Debt Instrument of Equity Investee Maturity Date	Dec. 1, 2016
Secured Mortgage Note Payable [Member] | EP II LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument of Equity Investee Maturity Date		Oct. 9, 2016
Emory University [Member] | Crawford Long CPI LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	5000.00%	5000.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 59

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (HICO Victory Center LP) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	$ 110,689	$ 109,326	$ 137,107
HICO Victory Center LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Cash	$ 0
Land Funding Requirement	75.00%
Future Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	90.00%
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	$ 262	$ 0	$ 0
Hines [Member] | HICO Victory Center LP [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Land Funding Requirement	25.00%
Future Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	10.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 60

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures Carolina Square (Details) - Carolina Square Holdings LP [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Cash	$ 0.1
General Partners' Contributed Capital	1.7
Maximum Amount Available Under Construction Facility Revised	$ 79.8
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.90%
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Final Maturity Date	May 1, 2018
Maximum Percentage Guaranteed Under Construction Loan	12.50%
NR 123 Franklin LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	5000.00%
LIBOR [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR

Investment in Unconsolidated 61

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Hines Avalon LLC) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
HICO Avalon LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Funding percentage of joint venture (excluding land)	75.00%
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Cash	$ 5
Future Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	90.00%
CL Realty, L.L.C. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments Summarized Financial Information Cash	$ 326
Hines [Member] | HICO Avalon LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Funding percentage of joint venture (excluding land)	25.00%
Future Ownership Percentage of Partner in Joint Venture	10.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated 62

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Other Data) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Outstanding Amount of Mortgage Note Payable of Joint Venture	$ 402
Fees Earned from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	$ 6	$ 5.4	$ 8

Intangible Assets Intangible As

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Intangible Assets:
In-place leases, net of accumulated amortization of $88,035 and $62,302 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	$ 112,937	$ 147,360
Above-market tenant leases, net of accumulated amortization of $15,423 and $13,748 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	8,031	12,017
Goodwill	3,647	3,867	$ 4,131
Total Other Assets	124,615	163,244
Accumulated Amortization of Finite Lived Intangible Asset Acquired in Place Leases	88,035	62,302
Accumulated Amortization of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Above Market Leases	$ 15,423	$ 13,748

Intangible Assets (Intangibles

Intangible Assets (Intangibles - Future Amortization) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,013	$ 16,278
2,014	12,653
2,015	10,220
2,016	7,158
2,017	5,541
Thereafter	9,526
Total aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities	61,376
Below Market Rents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,013	(9,020)
2,014	(8,569)
2,015	(7,793)
2,016	(7,314)
2,017	(5,427)
Thereafter	(18,969)
Total aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities	$ (57,092)
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	9 years
Above Market Ground Lease [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,013	$ (55)
2,014	(55)
2,015	(55)
2,016	(55)
2,017	(55)
Thereafter	(2,225)
Total aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities	$ (2,500)
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	48 years
Above Market Rents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,013	$ 1,843
2,014	1,384
2,015	1,305
2,016	883
2,017	734
Thereafter	1,882
Total aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities	$ 8,031
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	7 years
In Place Leases [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
2,013	$ 23,510
2,014	19,893
2,015	16,763
2,016	13,644
2,017	10,289
Thereafter	28,838
Total aggregate amortization of intangible assets and liabilities	$ 112,937
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)	7 years

Intangible Assets (Goodwill Rol

Intangible Assets (Goodwill Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Assets [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,867	$ 4,131
Allocated to property sales	(220)	(264)
Ending Balance	$ 3,647	$ 3,867	$ 4,131

Intangible Assets (Textual) (De

Intangible Assets (Textual) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Net amortization expense of intangible assets and liabilities	$ 23,700,000	$ 32,700,000	$ 16,900,000

Notes Payable (Debt Table) (Det

Notes Payable (Debt Table) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 01, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Notes Payable	$ 721,293	$ 792,344
Post Oak Central mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	4.26%
Notes Payable	$ 181,770	185,109
Credit Facility, unsecured
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	1.53%
Notes Payable	$ 92,000	140,200
The American Cancer Society Center mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	6.45%
Notes Payable	$ 129,342	131,083
Promenade mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	4.27%
Notes Payable	$ 108,203	110,946
191 Peachtree Tower mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	3.35%
Notes Payable	$ 100,000	100,000
816 Congress mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	3.75%
Notes Payable	$ 85,000	85,000
Meridian Mark Plaza mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	6.00%
Notes Payable	$ 24,978	25,408
The Points at Waterview mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate (percent)	5.66%
Notes Payable	$ 0	$ 14,598		$ 14,200

Notes Payable (Credit Facility

Notes Payable (Credit Facility Table) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Less than or equal to 30% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual Facility Fee (percent)	0.15%
Greater than 30% but less than or equal to 35% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual Facility Fee (percent)	0.20%
Greater than 35% but less than or equal to 40% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual Facility Fee (percent)	0.20%
Greater than 40% but less than or equal to 45% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual Facility Fee (percent)	0.20%
Greater than 45% but less than or equal to 50% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual Facility Fee (percent)	0.25%
Greater than 50% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Annual Facility Fee (percent)	0.30%
Base rate [Member] | Less than or equal to 30% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.10%
Base rate [Member] | Greater than 30% but less than or equal to 35% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.10%
Base rate [Member] | Greater than 35% but less than or equal to 40% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.15%
Base rate [Member] | Greater than 40% but less than or equal to 45% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.20%
Base rate [Member] | Greater than 45% but less than or equal to 50% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.20%
Base rate [Member] | Greater than 50% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.45%
LIBOR [Member] | Less than or equal to 30% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.10%
LIBOR [Member] | Greater than 30% but less than or equal to 35% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.10%
LIBOR [Member] | Greater than 35% but less than or equal to 40% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.15%
LIBOR [Member] | Greater than 40% but less than or equal to 45% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.20%
LIBOR [Member] | Greater than 45% but less than or equal to 50% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.20%
LIBOR [Member] | Greater than 50% [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.45%
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 500
Leverage ratio, upper limit (percent)	60.00%
Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.10%

Notes Payable (Interest Expense

Notes Payable (Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Total interest incurred	$ 34,302	$ 31,862	$ 22,227
Interest capitalized	(3,579)	(2,752)	(518)
Total interest expense	$ 30,723	$ 29,110	$ 21,709

Notes Payable (Debt Maturities)

Notes Payable (Debt Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Maturities
2,014	$ 10,070
2,015	138,195
2,016	105,734
2,017	101,447
2,018	195,022
Thereafter	170,825
Notes Payable	$ 721,293	$ 792,344

Notes Payable (Credit Facilit71

Notes Payable (Credit Facility and Construction Loan Textuals) (Details) - Line of Credit [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	May 28, 2019
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 750,000,000
Line of credit maximum borrowing capacity	$ 407,000,000
Unencumbered interest coverage ratio	2
Minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	1.50
Leverage ratio, upper limit (percent)	60.00%
Shareholders' Equity, Minimum	$ 1,000,000,000
Prime rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	prime rate
Federal funds rate [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	federal funds rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
LIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Adjusted interest rate for construction loan	LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.10%
Debt Instrument, Base Rate Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%

Notes Payable (Other Debt Infor

Notes Payable (Other Debt Information Textuals) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 01, 2015	Feb. 28, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Notes payable	$ 721,293	$ 792,344
Mortgage Notes Payable	629,300
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	738,100	835,400
Long Term Debt Nonrecourse
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of assets pledged as collateral for debt	$ 675,700
Weighted average maturity of consolidated debt	4 years 6 months
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 92,000	140,200
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	1.53%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	May 28, 2019
Post Oak Central Mortgage Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 181,770	185,109
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	4.26%
Promenade mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 108,203	110,946
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	4.27%
191 Peachtree Tower mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 100,000	100,000
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	3.35%
816 Congress mortgage note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 85,000	85,000
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	3.75%
Points at Waterview Mortgage Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 0	$ 14,598		$ 14,200
Mortgage note maturity date	Jan. 1, 2016
Interest rate on mortgage loan (percent)	5.66%
Terminus Office Holdings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument original principal amount					$ 82,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage					50.00%
Institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management [Member] | Terminus Office Holdings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Commitments and Contingencies73

Commitments and Contingencies (Lease Commitments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease operating expenses	$ 2,000	$ 1,300	$ 1,100
Lease commitments
2,014	1,784
2,015	1,736
2,016	1,696
2,017	1,657
2,018	1,659
Theraefter	136,404
Total	144,900
Outstanding Commitments to Fund Real Estate Projects	$ 82,400
Weighted average remaining terms of ground leases (in years)	85 years 7 months
Weighted average remaining terms of operating leases (in years)	2 years 2 months

Commitments and Contingencies74

Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding commitments to fund real estate projects	$ 82,400
Outstanding Performance Bonds and Letters of Credit	1,900
Lease operating expenses	2,000	$ 1,300	$ 1,100
Future lease commitments	$ 144,900
Weighted average remaining terms of ground leases (in years)	85 years 7 months
Weighted average remaining terms of operating leases (in years)	2 years 2 months

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 14, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued during a Period			26,700,000	85,600,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0	0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	220,082,610	220,255,502	220,082,610
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock			$ 321,900	$ 826,200
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1		$ 1
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share					$ 25
Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount					$ 94,800
Preferred Share Original Issuance Costs	$ (3,500)	$ 0	$ 3,530	$ 2,656
Percentage of Restrictions on Ownership of Company Common and Preferred Stock			3.90%
Document Fiscal Year Focus		2,015	2,014	2,013

Stockholders' Equity Distributi

Stockholders' Equity Distribution of REIT Taxable Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends Preferred and Common Stock	$ 69,196	$ 64,510	$ 37,200
Dividends Treated as Taxable Compensation	(94)	(110)	(98)
Portion Of Dividends Declared in Current Year and Paid in Current Year which was Applied to the Prior Year Distribution Requirements	(731)	(2,182)	(470)
Portion Of Dividends Declared in Subsequent Year and Paid in Subsequent Year which Apply to Current Year Distribution Requirements	34	731	2,182
Dividends Applied to Meet Current Year REIT Distribution Requirements	$ 68,405	$ 62,949	$ 38,814

Stockholders' Equity Tax Status

Stockholders' Equity Tax Status of Distributions (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus		2,015	2,014	2,013
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of common stock dividends per share declared		$ 0.320000	$ 0.300000	$ 0.180000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of preferred stock dividends per share declared				25.968750
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of preferred stock dividends per share declared			25.776040	1.875000
Ordinary Dividends [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of common stock dividends per share declared		0.161738	0.281564	0.170355
Ordinary Dividends [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of preferred stock dividends per share declared				0.966882
Ordinary Dividends [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of preferred stock dividends per share declared			0.467750	1.774673
Long Term Capital Gain [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of common stock dividends per share declared		0.158262	0.018436	0.009645
Unrecaptured Section One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Gain	[1]	$ 0.097271	$ 0.018436	$ 0.009457
Cash Liquidation Distributions		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Long Term Capital Gain [Member] | Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of preferred stock dividends per share declared				$ 0.001868
Unrecaptured Section One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Gain	[1]			$ 0
Cash Liquidation Distributions				$ 25
Long Term Capital Gain [Member] | Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Tax status of preferred stock dividends per share declared			$ 0.001000	$ 0.100327
Unrecaptured Section One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Gain	[1]		$ 0.001000	$ 0.098519
Cash Liquidation Distributions			$ 25.307290	$ 0
[1]	(A)Represents a portion of the dividend allocated to long-term capital gain.

Stockholders' Equity Repurchase

Stockholders' Equity Repurchase of Outstanding Common Shares (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 100
Stock Repurchase Program Expiration Date		Sep. 8, 2017
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0.2	5.2
Payments for Repurchase of Equity	$ 1.6	$ 47.8

Rental Property Revenues (Detai

Rental Property Revenues (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current	$ 217,863
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years	219,458
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years	217,711
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years	202,868
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years	174,144
Thereafter	639,051
Total Rentals	$ 1,671,095

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Options Granted) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013

Stock-Based Compensation (Sto81

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	1,763
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of year, (number of options)	2,211	3,078	4,437
Exercised (number of options)	(23)	(206)	283
Forfeited/Expired (number of options)	(425)	(661)	1,076
Outstanding, end of year, (number of options)	1,763	2,211	3,078
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of year, weighted average exercise price per option (dollars per option)	$ 22.69	$ 22.90	$ 21.74
Exercised, weighted average exercise price per option (dollars per option)	8.02	8.26	8.12
Forfeited/Expired, weighted average exercise price per option (dollars per option)	26.13	28.18	21.98
Outstanding, end of year, weighted average exercise price per option (dollars per option)	$ 22.05	22.69	$ 22.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 22.05

Stock-Based Compensation (Restr

Stock-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Regular RSU activity
Outstanding at beginning of year (number of shares)	342,000	450,000	703,000
Granted, (number of shares)	165,922	137,591	159,782
Vested, (number of shares)	(210,000)	(236,000)	(361,000)
Forfeited, (number of shares)	(5,000)	(10,000)	(52,000)
Outstanding at end of year (number of shares)	293,000	342,000	450,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested restricted stock at beginning of year, weighted-average grant date fair value (dollars per share)	$ 9.08	$ 8	$ 7.55
Granted, weighted-average grant date fair value (dollars per share)	11.06	10.75	8.91
Vested, weighted-average grant date fair value (dollars per share)	8.41	8	7.50
Forfeited, weighted-average grant date fair value (dollars per share)	10.68	9.48	8.24
Non-vested restricted stock at en of year, weighted-average grant date fair value (dollars per share)	$ 10.65	$ 9.08	$ 8
Immediately on grant date [Member]
Summary of Regular RSU activity
Granted, (number of shares)	78,985	55,293	50,085

Stock-Based Compensation (Pefor

Stock-Based Compensation (Peformance-Based RSU Activity) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2014shares	Dec. 31, 2013shares	Dec. 31, 2012shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Performance-based RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Targeted Number of Units Outstanding	241,370	159,745	160,107
Types of performance-based RSUs	2
Summary of all performance-based RSU activity
Outstanding at beginning of year (number of shares)	796,000	755,000	782,000
Granted, (number of shares)	244,000	205,000	196,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	(191,000)	(150,000)	(94,000)
Forfeited, (number of shares)	(6,000)	(14,000)	(129,000)
Outstanding at end of year (number of shares)	843,000	796,000	755,000	782,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash Paid for RSU Vesting and Dividend Payments | $	$ 4,400
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-based RSU [Member]
Summary of all performance-based RSU activity
Granted, (number of shares)				281,532
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Interim measurement dates	each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries

Stock-Based Compensation (Sto84

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Textuals) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized under stock option plan (shares)	2,426,451
Stock options outstanding (number of options)	1,763,000	2,211,000	3,078,000	4,437,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options outstanding (number of options)	1,763,316
Term life of stock options (years)	P10Y
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 15,000	$ 140,000	$ 200,000
Cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options	185,000,000
Fair value of options exercisable	$ 888,000,000
Weighted average contractual life of outstanding options (in years)	2 years 3 months
Weighted average contractual life of exercisable options (in years)		2 years 9 months
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period			3 years
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 1,800,000
Number of restricted stock units granted	165,922	137,591	159,782
Compensation expense, restricted stock	$ 1,500,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, period for recognition (in years)	1 year 9 months
Total fair value of the restricted stock which vested	$ 2,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost, period for recognition (in years)	1 year 2 months
Total cash paid for vesting and dividend payments	$ 4,400,000
Estimate of future expense for all types of RSUs outstanding	2,000,000
Recognized compensation expense related to RSUs for employees and directors, before capitalization or income tax benefit, if any	$ 100,000	$ 5,400,000	$ 5,300,000
Performance-based RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Number of restricted stock units granted	244,000	205,000	196,000
Payout range minimum	0.00%
Payout range maximum	200.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Targeted Number of Units Outstanding	241,370	159,745	160,107
Long-term incentive compensation [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ (28,000)	$ (286,000)
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Performance-based RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Number of restricted stock units granted				281,532
Payout range minimum	0.00%
Payout range maximum	150.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Other

Stock-Based Compensation (Other Stockholder Investment Information Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	5,584,743	3,570,082
Aggregate price of repurchase stock	$ 134,630	$ 86,840
Percentage of Restrictions on Ownership of Company Common and Preferred Stock		3.90%
Long term incentive compensation [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ (28)	$ (286)

Retirement Savings Plan (Detail

Retirement Savings Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Savings Plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Employer contribution matching percentage	3.00%
Employee vesting period in the retirement saving plan	3 years
Company defined contribution plan	$ 639	$ 592	$ 400

Income Taxes (Tax Benefit (Prov

Income Taxes (Tax Benefit (Provision) From Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Current tax benefit (provision):
Federal	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
State		20	23
Current tax benefit (provision)	$ 0	20	23
Deferred tax benefit (provision):
Federal	0	0	0
State	0	0	0
Deferred tax benefit (provision)	0	0	0
Benefit (provision) applicable to income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0	$ 20	$ 23

Income Taxes (Statutory Federal

Income Taxes (Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Difference between income tax benefit and statutory federal income tax rate
Federal income tax benefit	$ 778	$ (1,124)	$ (1,287)
Federal income tax benefit, rate (percent)	(35.00%)	35.00%	35.00%
State income tax benefit, net of federal income tax effect	$ 90	$ (125)	$ (147)
State income tax benefit, net of federal income tax effect, rate (percent)	4.00%	(4.00%)	(4.00%)
Valuation allowance	$ (833)	$ 1,644	$ (361)
Valuation allowance, rate (percent)	(37.00%)	50.00%	(10.00%)
State deferred tax adjustment	$ (35)	$ (375)	$ 1,818
State deferred tax adjustment (percent)	(2.00%)	(11.00%)	49.00%
Benefit (provision) applicable to income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0	$ 20	$ 23
Benefit (provision) applicable to income (loss) from continuing operations, rate (percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Income Taxes (Tax Effect of Sig

Income Taxes (Tax Effect of Significant Temporary Differences) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Tax effect of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities
Income from unconsolidated joint ventures	$ 928	$ 2,441
Federal and state tax carryforwards	680	0
Total deferred tax assets	1,608	2,441
Valuation allowance	(1,608)	(2,441)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes (Textual) (Details

Income Taxes (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Deferred tax asset of the company's taxable REIT subsidiary, CREC	$ 1,608	$ 2,441

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES—BASIC (shares)	215,827	204,216	144,255
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	152	244	165
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES—DILUTED (shares)	215,979	204,460	144,420
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,128	1,553	2,208

Consolidated Statements of Ca92

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 29,337	$ 28,840	$ 21,216
Income taxes paid	2	4	90
Non-Cash Transactions:
Transfer from projects under development to operating properties	121,709	0	25,629
Transfer from operating properties to operating properties and related assets held for sale	7,246	0	24,554
Transfer from operating properties and related liabilities to liabilities of real estate assets held for sale	1,347	0	0
Change in accrued property acquisition, development, and tenant asset expenditures	(2,483)	(531)	1,559
Transfer from other assets to projects under development	0	0	3,062
Transfer from land to projects under development	$ 0	$ 5,185	$ 0

Reportable Segments (Net Income

Reportable Segments (Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		$ 241,232	$ 215,673	$ 138,080
Reconciliation from Segment Totals to Consolidated
Net operating income from unconsolidated joint ventures		24,335	(25,897)	(27,768)
Net operating income from discontinued operations		14	(1,800)	(6,390)
Fee Income		7,297	12,519	10,891
Other Revenue from Continuing Operations		1,278	4,954	5,430
Other General and Administrative Expense		(17,099)	(19,969)	(22,460)
Reimbursed Expenses		3,430	3,652	5,215
Interest expense		(30,723)	(29,110)	(21,709)
Depreciation and amortization		(135,416)	(140,018)	(76,277)
Other General Expense		(1,299)	(4,654)	(11,154)
Preferred Share Original Issuance Costs	$ 3,500	0	(3,530)	(2,656)
Dividends, Preferred Stock		0	2,955	10,008
INCOME (LOSS) FROM UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES		8,302	11,268	67,325
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(586)	21,158	14,788
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes		80,394	12,536	61,288
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(111)	(1,004)	(5,068)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic		125,518	45,519	109,097
Houston, TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		103,210	100,816	40,199
Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		99,292	79,161	65,722
Austin TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		15,294	6,992	4,029
Charlotte, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		16,164	6,839	1,208
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		7,272	18,470	26,922
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		168	3,395	12,066
Other [Member] | Houston, TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Other [Member] | Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Other [Member] | Austin TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Other [Member] | Charlotte, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Other [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		168	3,395	12,066
Mixed-Use [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		5,854	5,727	3,511
Mixed-Use [Member] | Houston, TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Mixed-Use [Member] | Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		5,854	5,727	3,511
Mixed-Use [Member] | Austin TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Mixed-Use [Member] | Charlotte, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Mixed-Use [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		0	0	0
Office Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		235,210	206,551	122,503
Office Segment [Member] | Houston, TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		103,210	100,816	40,199
Office Segment [Member] | Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		93,438	73,434	62,211
Office Segment [Member] | Austin TX [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		15,294	6,992	4,029
Office Segment [Member] | Charlotte, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		16,164	6,839	1,208
Office Segment [Member] | Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)		$ 7,104	$ 18,470	$ 14,856

Real Estate and Accumulated D94

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Schedule of Properties) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	$ 2,606,343	$ 2,619,488	$ 2,164,815	$ 997,323
Accumulated depreciation	359,422	$ 324,543	$ 257,151	$ 258,258
Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Impairment moved to discontinued operations
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	29,633
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	(16,391)
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	13,242
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	13,242
Accumulated depreciation	0
Residential Lots [Member] | Impairment moved to discontinued operations
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	1,584
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	3,003
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	4,587
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	4,587
Accumulated depreciation	0
Greenway Plaza Houston, TX [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	273,651
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	595,547
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	76,561
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	273,651
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	672,108
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	945,759
Accumulated depreciation	$ 85,617
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	30 years
One Ninety One Peachtree Tower Atlanta [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 100,000
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	5,355
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	141,012
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	4,034
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	98,643
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	9,389
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	239,655
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	249,044
Accumulated depreciation	$ 88,637
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	40 years
Terminus 100 Atlanta, GA [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 181,770
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	87,264
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	129,347
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	36,047
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	87,264
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	165,394
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	252,658
Accumulated depreciation	$ 26,333
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	42 years
Promenade Atlanta, GA [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 108,203
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	13,439
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	102,790
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	33,987
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	13,439
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	136,777
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	150,216
Accumulated depreciation	$ 25,841
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	34 years
The American Cancer Society Center Atlanta, GA [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 129,342
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	5,226
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	67,370
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	31,953
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	5,226
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	99,323
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	104,549
Accumulated depreciation	$ 68,082
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	25 years
816 Congress Austin, TX [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 85,000
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	6,817
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	89,891
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	3,282
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	10,712
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	10,099
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	100,603
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	110,702
Accumulated depreciation	$ 10,096
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	42 years
Meridian Mark Plaza Atlanta, GA [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 24,978
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	2,219
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	28,142
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	2,219
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	28,142
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	30,361
Accumulated depreciation	$ 17,656
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	30 years
221 Peachtree Center Avenue Parking Garage Atlanta, GA [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	4,217
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	13,337
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	1
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	347
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	4,218
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	13,684
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	17,902
Accumulated depreciation	$ 3,127
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	39 years
100 North Point Center East Suburban Atlanta, GA [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	1,475
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	9,625
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	(11)
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	2,404
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	1,464
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	12,029
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	13,493
Accumulated depreciation	$ 7,072
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	25 years
Research Park Austin [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	4,373
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	26,510
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	4,373
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	26,510
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	30,883
Accumulated depreciation	$ 0
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	0 years
Land Adjacent to The Avenue Forsyth Suburban Atlanta [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Impairment moved to discontinued operations
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	11,240
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	(7,540)
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	3,700
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	3,700
Accumulated depreciation	$ 0
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	0 years
Colorado Tower [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Impairment moved to discontinued operations
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	8,099
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	8,099
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	8,099
Accumulated depreciation	$ 0
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	0 years
North Point Suburban Atlanta, GA [Member] | Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Impairment moved to discontinued operations
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	10,294
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	(8,851)
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	1,443
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	1,443
Accumulated depreciation	$ 0
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	0 years
Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain [Member] | Residential Lots [Member] | Impairment moved to discontinued operations
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	1,584
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	3,003
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	4,587
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	0
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	4,587
Accumulated depreciation	$ 0
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	0 years
Northpark Town Center [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	24,577
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	295,825
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	10,741
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	24,577
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	306,566
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	331,143
Accumulated depreciation	$ 15,006
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	39 years
Fifth Third Center [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	22,863
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	180,430
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	5,701
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	22,863
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	186,131
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	208,994
Accumulated depreciation	$ 8,671
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	40 years
Colorado Tower [Member] | Operating Properties Office [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	0
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	4,014
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	110,906
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	4,014
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	110,906
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	114,920
Accumulated depreciation	$ 3,284
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	30 years
Projects under Development [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	$ 0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	20,032
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	7,858
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	20,032
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	7,858
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	27,890
Accumulated depreciation	0
Projects under Development [Member] | Colorado Tower [Member]
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation
Encumbrances	0
Initial cost to company, land and improvements	20,032
Initial cost to company, building and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, land and improvements	0
Costs capitalized subsequent to acquisition, building and improvements	7,858
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, land and improvements	20,032
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, building and Improvements less cost of sales, transfers and other	7,858
Gross amount at which carried at close of period, total	27,890
Accumulated depreciation	$ 0
Life on which depreciation in statement of operations is computed (b)	0 years

(Notes to Schedule III) (Detail

(Notes to Schedule III) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015	2,014	2,013
Real Estate
Real estate, beginning balance	$ 2,619,488	$ 2,164,815	$ 997,323
Additions during the period:
Cost of real property acquired	28,131	523,695	1,321,394
Improvements and other capitalized costs	139,676	109,959	86,376
Depreciation expense	0	0	0
Real estate additions, total	167,807	633,654	1,407,770
Deductions during the period:
Cost of real estate sold or foreclosed	180,952	178,981	240,278
Write-off of fully depreciated assets	0	0	0
Real estate deductions, total	180,952	178,981	240,278
Real estate, ending balance	2,606,343	2,619,488	2,164,815
Accumulated Depreciation
Real estate accumulated depreciation, beginning balance	324,543	257,151	258,258
Additions during the period:
Acquisition	0	0	0
Improvements and other capitalized costs	0	0	0
Depreciation expense	99,067	86,824	56,234
Real estate accumulated depreciation additions, total	99,067	86,824	56,234
Deductions during the period:
Cost of real estate sold or foreclosed	(64,188)	(19,432)	(57,341)
Write-off of fully depreciated assets	0	0	0
Real estate accumulated depreciation deductions, total	(64,188)	(19,432)	(57,341)
Real estate accumulated depreciation, ending balance	$ 359,422	$ 324,543	$ 257,151
Minimum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Deductions during the period:
Useful life		24 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Deductions during the period:
Useful life		42 years

Other Assets Other Assets (Deta

Other Assets Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets [Abstract]
Incentive to Lessee	$ 13,306	$ 12,245
Furniture, Fixture and Equipments and Leasehold Improvements	13,523	10,590
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current	4,408	3,428
Predevelopment Costs and Earnest Money	1,780	1,789
Deferred Finance Costs, Net	5,455	6,878
Other Assets	38,472	34,930
Accumulated Amortization Incentives to Lessees	6,865	5,475
Furniture, Fixture and Equipments and Leasehold Improvements Accumulated Depreciation	22,572	19,137
Accumulated Amortization, Deferred Finance Costs	$ 3,388	$ 2,286