Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Tenant reimbursements Tenant Reimbursements Hotel income Revenue from Owned Hotels Other property income Other Real Estate Revenue Revenues Revenues Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Property operating costs Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Hotel operating costs Direct Costs of Hotels Asset and property management fees: Investment Advisory, Management and Administrative Fees [Abstract] Related-party Asset And Property Management Fees Related Party The aggregate costs related to asset and property management during the reporting period paid to a related party. Other Owned Property Management Costs Depreciation Depreciation Continuing Operations The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives for continuing operations. Includes production and non-production related depreciation. Amortization Adjustment For Amortization Continuing Operations The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of assets over their estimated remaining economic lives for continuing operations Impairment loss on real estate assets Impairment of Real Estate General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Listing costs Other General Expense Acquisition fees and expenses Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Costs and expenses Operating Expenses Real estate operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest and other income Interest and Other Income Loss on interest rate swaps Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Loss on the early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment of Debt Continuing Operations Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment of Debt Continuing Operations Nonoperating income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income tax expense and gains on sale of real estate Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income before gains of sale of real estate assets Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Gain or Loss on Sale of Properties This element is for Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) statement of income purposes. It represents the income or loss from continuing operations Gains on sale of real estate assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties, Net of Applicable Income Taxes Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Operating income (loss) from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Per-share information – basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Per-share information – diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common shares – diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related-Party Transactions and Agreements Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] JPMorgan Chase Term Loan JPMorgan Chase Term Loan [Member] JPMorgan Chase Term Loan [Member] JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility [Member] JPMorgan Chase Credit Facility [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Credit Facilities Line of Credit [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] DocuSign, Inc DocuSign, Inc [Member] DocuSign, Inc [Member] Littler Mendelson Littler Mendelson [Member] Littler Mendelson [Member] Credit Suisse Credit Suisse [Member] Credit Suisse [Member] Goodby Silverstein Goodby Silverstein [Member] Goodby Silverstein [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer concentration risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] JPMorgan JPMorgan [Member] JPMorgan [Member] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate [Domain] Office Building Office Building [Member] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property [Domain] 18 Property Sale Eighteen Property Sale [Member] Eighteen Property Sale [Member] Dvintsev Business Center - Tower B DVINTSEV BUSINESS CENTER -- TOWER B [Member] DVINTSEV BUSINESS CENTER -- TOWER B [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] 221 MAIN STREET 221 Main Street Building [Member] 221 Main Street Building [Member] 650 CALIFORNIA STREET 650 California Street Building [Member] 650 California Street Building [Member] 315 Park Ave S and 1881 Campus Commons Building 315 Park Avenue South and 1881 Campus Commons Building [Member] 315 Park Avenue South and 1881 Campus Commons Building 116 Huntington Avenue 116 Huntington Avenue [Member] 116 Huntington Avenue [Member] 315 Park Avenue Commons Building 315 Park Avenue Commons Building [Member] 315 Park Avenue Commons Building [Member] 1881 Campus Commons Building 1881 Campus Commons Building [Member] 1881 Campus Commons Building [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] 160 Park Avenue Building 160 Park Avenue Building [Member] 160 Park Avenue Building [Member] 200 South Orange Building 200 South Orange Building [Member] 200 South Orange Building [Member] 7031 Columbia Gateway Drive 7031 Columbia Gateway Drive [Member] 7031 Columbia Gateway Drive [Member] Nine Technology Drive Building Nine Technology Drive Building [Member] Nine Technology Drive Building [Member] Lenox Park Buildings Lenox Park Buildings [Member] Lenox Park Buildings [Member] Landlink Ltd Landlink Ltd [Member] Landlink Ltd [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Square feet of commercial space Area of Real Estate Property Payments to acquire real estate Payments to Acquire Real Estate Liability assumed from business acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Proceeds from borrowings on line of credit Proceeds from Lines of Credit Revenues recognized since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Net loss recognized since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Leased office space of owned properties, percent Leased Office Space of Owned Properties, Percent Leased Office Space of Owned Properties, Percent Number of tenants Number of Tenants Number of Tenants Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Number of properties Number of Real Estate Properties Earnest money deposits Payments for Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions Debt face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Proceeds from sale of real estate Proceeds from Sale of Real Estate Gain on sale of real estate Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Number of property sold Number of Real Estate Properties Sold Number of Real Estate Properties Sold Gain (loss) on sale of real estate properties Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Real Estate, Discontinued Operations Real estate ownership percentage Real Estate, Ownership Percentage Real Estate, Ownership Percentage Gain (loss) on disposition of discontinued operations Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Hotel Hotel [Member] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Corporate Joint Venture Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Real Estate Real Estate [Abstract] Number of operational buildings Number of Buildings Owned Number of Buildings Owned Number of states with properties Number of States in which Entity Operates Number of real estate properties acquired Number of Real Estate Properties Acquired Number of Real Estate Properties Acquired SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, by Property [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building Improvements Building Improvements [Member] Building Building [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] 515 POST OAK Five One Five Post Oak [Member] Five One Five Post Oak [Member] 170 PARK AVENUE 170 Park Avenue [Member] 170 Park Avenue [Member] ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY ONE GLENLAKE PARKWAY [Member] One Glenlake Parkway [Member] 80 M STREET EIGHTY M STREET [Member] EIGHTY M STREET [MEMBER] ACXIOM ACXIOM [Member] ACXIOM [Member] 800 NORTH FREDERICK EIGHT HUNDRED NORTH FREDERICK [Member] EIGHT HUNDRED NORTH FREDERICK [Member] THE CORRIDORS III THE CORRIDORS III [Member] THE CORRIDORS III [Member] HIGHLAND LANDMARK III HIGHLAND LANDMARK III [Member] HIGHLAND LANDMARK III [Member] 180 PARK AVENUE ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY PARK AVENUE [Member] ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY PARK AVENUE [Member] 215 DIEHL ROAD TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN DIEHL ROAD [Member] TWO HUNDRED FIFTEN DIEHL ROAD [Member] 100 EAST PRATT ONE HUNDRED EAST PRATT [Member] ONE HUNDRED EAST PRATT [Member] ROBBINS ROAD Robbins Road Property [Member] Robbins Road Property [Member] UNIVERSITY CIRCLE University Circle [Member] University Circle [Member] 5 HOUSTON CENTER FIVE HOUSTON CENTER [Member] FIVE HOUSTON CENTER [Member] KEY CENTER TOWER KEY CENTER TOWER [Member] KEY CENTER TOWER [Member] KEY CENTER MARRIOTT KEY CENTER MARRIOTT [Member] KEY CENTER MARRIOTT [Member] SANTAN CORPORATE CENTER Santan Corporate Center [Member] Santan Corporate Center [Member] 263 SHUMAN BOULEVARD TWO HUNDRED SIXTY THREE SHUMAN BOULEVARD [Member] TWO HUNDRED SIXTY THREE SHUMAN BOULEVARD [Member] 80 PARK PLAZA EIGHTY PARK PLAZA [Member] EIGHTY PARK PLAZA[Member] INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER [Member] INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL TOWER [Member] STERLING COMMERCE STERLING COMMERCE [Member] STERLING COMMERCE [Member] PASADENA CORPORATE PARK PASADENA CORPORATE PARK [Member] PASADENA CORPORATE PARK [Member] 222 EAST 41ST STREET TWO HUNDRED TWENTY TWO EAST FOURTY FIRST STREET [Member] TWO HUNDRED TWENTY TWO EAST FOURTY FIRST STREET [Member] BANNOCKBURN LAKE III BANNOCKBURN LAKE III [Member] BANNOCKBURN LAKE III [Member] SOUTH JAMAICA STREET SOUTH JAMAICA STREET [Member] SOUTH JAMAICA STREET [Member] LINDBERGH CENTER LINDBERGH CENTER [Member] LINDBERGH CENTER [Member] THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING [Member] THREE GLENLAKE BUILDING [Member] 1580 WEST NURSERY ROAD ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY WEST NURSERY ROAD [Member] ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY WEST NURSERY ROAD [Member] 550 KING STREET BUILDINGS FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY KING STREET BUILDING [Member] FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY KING STREET BUILDING [Member] CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE [Member] CRANBERRY WOODS DRIVE [Member] HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I [Member] HOUSTON ENERGY CENTER I [Member] MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS [Member] MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS [Member] 544 LAKEVIEW FIVE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR LAKEVIEW [Member] FIVE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR LAKEVIEW [Member] 333 MARKET STREET THREE HUNDRED THIRTY THREE MARKET STREET [Member] THREE HUNDRED THIRTY THREE MARKET STREET [Member] Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items] Ownership percentage Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Ownership Percentage Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation, Ownership Percentage Encumbrances SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Amount of Encumbrances Initial Costs, Land SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land Initial Costs, Building and Improvements SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Buildings and Improvements Initial Costs, Total Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land, Buildings and Improvements Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Initial Cost of Land, Buildings and Improvements Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition, Carrying Costs Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Land SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Land Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Buildings and Improvements SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Carrying Amount of Buildings and Improvements Gross Amount at Which Carried at December 31, 2014, Total SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Gross Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization Investment in development authority bonds Investment in Development Authority Bonds Investments in development authority bonds which were assumed upon acquisition of certain real estate assets and allow for property tax abatement benefits over the term of the agreement. Columbia Property Trust's interest in property through a subsidiary Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Percent Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Percent Real estate and accumulated depreciation, life used for depreciation SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation, Life Used for Depreciation Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of revenues and expenses of the discontinued operations Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] GAAP basis financial statement net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. Depreciation and amortization expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Depreciation and Amortization Expense Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Depreciation and Amortization Expense Rental income accrued for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Rental Income Accrued Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Rental Income Accrued Net amortization of above-/below-market lease intangibles for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Net Amortization of Lease Intangibles Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Net Amortization of Lease Intangibles Gain on interest rate swaps that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Loss (Gain) Interest Rate Swaps Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Loss (Gain) Interest Rate Swaps Bad debt expense for financial reporting purposes less than amounts for income tax purposes Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Bad Debt Expense Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Bad Debt Expense Gains or losses on disposition of real property for financial reporting purposes that are more favorable than amounts for income tax purposes Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Gains on Sale of Real Property Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Gains on Sale of Real Property Other expenses for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts for income tax purposes Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Other Expenses Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation, Other Expenses Income tax basis net income (loss), prior to dividends-paid deduction Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Tax Basis Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Tax Basis Schedule of Income Tax Basis Net Income Reconciliation Schedule of Income Tax Basis Net Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income Tax Basis Net Income Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Distributions to Common Stockholders Schedule of Distributions to Common Stockholders [Table Text Block] Schedule of Distributions to Common Stockholders [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets: Assets [Abstract] Land Land Buildings and improvements, less accumulated depreciation of $660,098 and $604,497, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Investment Building And Building Improvements , Net Aggregate of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of investments in building and building improvements net of accumulated depreciation Intangible lease assets, less accumulated amortization of $313,822 and $298,975, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Total real estate assets Real Estate Investment Property, Net Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Tenant receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3 and $52, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net Straight-line rent receivable Deferred Rent Receivables, Net Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Deferred financing costs, less accumulated amortization of $15,205 and $11,938, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Deferred Finance Costs, Net Intangible lease origination costs, less accumulated amortization of $219,626 and $216,598, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases Deferred lease costs, less accumulated amortization of $36,589 and $27,375, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Deferred Costs, Leasing, Net Total assets Assets Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Line of credit, term loan, and notes payable Loans Payable Bonds payable, net of discount of $818 and $1,070, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Unsecured Debt Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued capital expenditures Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred income Deferred Revenue Intangible lease liabilities, less accumulated amortization of $84,935 and $76,500, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Below Market Lease, Net Obligations under capital leases Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value, 225,000,000 and 900,000,000 shares authorized, 124,973,304 and 124,830,122 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Cumulative distributions in excess of earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Real Estate [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Additions to/improvements of real estate SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Improvements Sale/transfer of real estate SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Cost of Real Estate Sold Impairment of real estate Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Impairment Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Amount Write-offs of building and tenant improvements Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Building and Tenant Improvements Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Building and Tenant Improvements Write-offs of intangible assets Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Intangible Assets Real Estate, Write-down or Reserve, Intangible Assets Write-offs of fully depreciated assets SEC Schedule III, Real Estate, Other Deductions Balance at end of the year Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule III, Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation Depreciation and amortization expense SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Depreciation Expense Sale/transfer of real estate SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Real Estate Sold Write-offs of tenant improvements Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deductions, Tenant Improvements Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deductions, Tenant Improvements Write-offs of intangible assets Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deductions, Intangible Assets Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deductions, Intangible Assets Write-offs of fully depreciated assets SEC Schedule III, Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation, Other Deductions Balance at end of the year Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit, Term Loan, and Notes Payable Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Line of credit and notes payable indebtedness outstanding Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Aggregate maturities of Columbia Property Trust's line of credit, term loan, and notes payable Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Financial Information for Parent Guarantor, Other Guarantor Subsidiaries, and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives for Real Estate Assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Fair Value Adjustments for Real Estate Properties Schedule of Recognized Fair Value Adjustments for Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Fair Value Adjustments for Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Interests in Properties Acquired Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Properties of the 18 Property Sale Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets [Member] Above-Market In-Place Lease Assets [Member] Absorption Period Costs Absorption Period Costs [Member] Absorption Period Costs [Member] Intangible Lease Origination Costs Intangible Lease Origination Costs [Member] Intangible Lease Origination Costs [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Lease Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Intangible Lease Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Acquired-in-Place Leases, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Acquired in Place leases, Accumulated Amortization The accumulated amount of amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for acquired in-place leases. Intangible Lease Assets, Net Intangible Lease Origination Costs, Net Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Below Market Lease, Net [Abstract] Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities, Gross Below Market Lease, Gross Intangible Below-Market In-Please Lease Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization Below Market Lease, Accumulated Amortization Below Market Lease, Net Amortization of Below Market Lease Amortization of Below Market Lease Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Real Estate and Other Transactions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Market value adjustment to interest rate swap Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Comprehensive income attributable to the common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Investment in real estate funded with other assets Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Investments Acquired Other assets assumed upon acquisition Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Assets Acquired Other liabilities assumed upon acquisition Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed Other liabilities settled at disposition Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Interest rate swap assumed upon acquisition of property Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Derivative Liabilities Assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Derivative Liabilities Assumed Notes payable assumed at acquisition Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Payables Assumed Interest accruing into notes payable Interest Accruing to Notes Payable Interest Accruing to Notes Payable Amortization of discounts (premiums) on debt Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Market value adjustment to interest rate swaps that qualify for hedge accounting treatment Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Accrued capital expenditures and deferred lease costs Other Significant Noncash Transactions, Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid and Deferred Leasing Costs, Noncash Other Significant Noncash Transactions, Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid and Deferred Leasing Costs, Noncash Accrued deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs Incurred During Noncash or Partial Noncash Transaction Common stock issued to employees and directors, and amortized (net of amounts withheld for taxes) Common Stock Issued, Value, Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings Common Stock Issued, Value, Net of Shares for Tax Withholdings Accrued redemptions of common stock Other Significant Noncash Transactions, Accrued Redemptions of Common Stock Other Significant Noncash Transactions, Accrued Redemptions of Common Stock Transfer of development authority bonds Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed Stock-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Increase (decrease) in redeemable common stock Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Period Increase (Decrease) Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Table Text Block] Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Quarterly Results (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] 650 California Street Building and 221 Main Street Building 650 California Street Building and 221 Main Street Building [Member] 650 California Street Building and 221 Main Street Building [Member] Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services [Member] Columbia Property Trust Advisory Services and Columbia Property Trust Services [Member] Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income (loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Domain] Award Date [Domain] January 02, 2015 January 02, 2015 [Member] January 02, 2015 [Member] January 21, 2014 January 21, 2014 [Member] January 21, 2014 [Member] April 1, 2014 April 1, 2014 [Member] April 1, 2014 [Member] July 1, 2014 July 1, 2014 [Member] July 1, 2014 [Member] October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 [Member] October 1, 2014 [Member] September 13, 2013 September 13, 2013 [Member] September 13, 2013 [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2013 LTIP Employee Grant 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Director Director [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] 2018 Bonds Payable Two-Thousand and Eighteen Bonds Payable [Member] Two-Thousand and Eighteen Bonds Payable [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Lindbergh Center One Glenlake Parkway Nine-Property Sale Nine-Property Sale [Member] Nine-Property Sale [Member] 180 E 100 South Property One 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Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Intangible Below-Market In-Place Lease Liabilities Below Market Lease, Net, Amortization Income, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Next Twelve Months 2016 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Two 2017 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Three 2018 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Four 2019 Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, Year Five Thereafter Below Market Lease, Amortization Income, after Year Five Weighted-Average Amortization Period Below Market Lease, Weighted Average Useful Life Below Market Lease, Weighted Average Useful Life Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Columbia TRS Columbia Taxable REIT Subsidiary [Member] Columbia Taxable REIT Subsidiary [Member] Effective Tax Reconciliation [Line Items] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Federal income tax Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations State income tax State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Total income tax Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Land Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Land Building and improvements Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Buildings Intangible lease assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Intangible lease origination costs Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Lease Origination Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Lease Origination Intangible below market lease liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Below Market Lease Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Below Market Lease Liability Total Purchase Price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization SEC Schedule III, Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block] Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, beginning period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Outstanding, period end Exercise Price per Share Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding exercise price, beginning period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding exercise price, period end Outstanding shares exercisable, beginning period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Outstanding shares exercisable, period end Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Transitional Services Agreement Transitional Services Agreement [Member] Transitional Services Agreement [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] WREF Wells Real Estate Funds [Member] Wells Real Estate Funds [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Total amount payable to related party under agreement Related Party Transaction, Amount Payable Under Agreement Related Party Transaction, Amount Payable Under Agreement Due to affiliates Due to Affiliate Building and improvements, accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Intangible lease assets, accumulated amortization Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Deferred financing costs, accumulated amortization Accumulated Amortization, Deferred Finance Costs Intangible lease origination costs, accumulated amortization Deferred lease costs, accumulated amortization Deferred Costs, Leasing, Accumulated Amortization Bonds payable, discount Intangible lease liabilities, accumulated amortization Off market lease, unfavorable, Accumulated Amortization The accumulated amount of amortization of off-market leases, unfavorable. Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Straight-line rental income Straight Line Rent Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Impairment losses on real estate assets Impairment of Real Estate, Continuing and Discontinued Operations Impairment of Real Estate, Continuing and Discontinued Operations Noncash interest expense Noncash interest expense The component of interest expense representing interest paid other than in cash for example by increasing the balance of debt securities and the noncash expenses charged against earnings in the period to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the related debt instruments. Loss on interest rate swaps Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Gain on sale of real estate Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions: Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in tenant receivables, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Decrease in due to affiliates Increase (Decrease) in Due to Related Parties, Current Increase (decrease) in deferred income Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Real estate acquisitions Earnest money paid Capital improvements Payments to Acquire and Develop Real Estate Deferred lease costs paid Increase (Decrease) in Lease Acquisition Costs Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing costs paid Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from lines of credit and notes payable Proceeds from Notes Payable Repayments of lines of credit and notes payable Prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt Issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Redemptions of common stock Tender offer redemptions of common stock Payments for Tender Offer Redemptions of Common Stock Payments for Tender Offer Redemptions of Common Stock Distributions paid to stockholders Payments of Dividends Distributions paid to stockholders and reinvested in shares of our common stock Distributions paid to stockholders and reinvested in shares of our common stock The cash outflow from the entity's earnings to the shareholders and reinvested in shares of common stock. Redemption of noncontrolling interests Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Tender offer and offering costs paid Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Distributions paid to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Nature of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Consulting Fees Consulting Fees [Member] Consulting Fees [Member] Transition services Transition Services [Member] Transition Services [Member] Asset management fees Asset Management Fees [Member] Asset Management Fees [Member] Administrative reimbursements, net Administrative Reimbursements, Net [Member] Administrative Reimbursements, Net [Member] Investor Services Investor Services [Member] Investor Services [Member] Property management fees Property Management Fees [Member] Property Management Fees [Member] Construction fees Construction Fees [Member] Construction Fees [Member] Other offering costs Other Offering Expenses [Member] Other Offering Expenses [Member] Acquisition Fees Acquisition Fees [Member] Acquisition Fees [Member] Disposition Fee Disposition Fee [Member] Disposition Fee [Member] Total related-party costs Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Tenant reimbursements Tenant Reimbursements Netted Against Administrative Reimbursements Tenant Reimbursements Netted Against Administrative Reimbursements Summary of the Activity of the Employee Stock Grants Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of Shares Granted to Independent Directors Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Summary of Stock Option Activity Under the Director Plan Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Revenues Basic net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share (in dollars per share) Diluted net income attributable to common stockholders of Columbia Property Trust, Inc. per share (in dollars per share) Distributions declared per share (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Ownership percentage of wholly owned subsidiary Ownership Percentage, Wholly Owned Subsidiary Ownership Percentage, Wholly Owned Subsidiary Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Distributions paid on unvested shares Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Net income used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted-average common shares – basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Plus incremental weighted-average shares from time-vested conversions less assumed share repurchases: Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Legal Entities Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Cash flows from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Investment in real estate and related assets Payments to Acquire and Develop Real Estate and Lease Acquisition Costs Payments to Acquire and Develop Real Estate and Lease Acquisition Costs Investments in subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings, net of fees and prepayment penalty on early extinguishment of debt Proceeds from Notes Payable, Net of Financing Costs Proceeds from Notes Payable, Net of Financing Costs Repayments Loss on early extinguishment of debt Redemptions of common stock and fees, net of issuances Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net of Redemptions and Fees Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Net of Redemptions and Fees Distributions Distributions Paid to Stockholders for Dividends and Reinvested Shares of Common Stock Distributions Paid to Stockholders for Dividends and Reinvested Shares of Common Stock Intercompany transfers, net Increase (Decrease) in Due to Affiliates Redemptions of noncontrolling interest Tax basis carrying value of total assets Assets Tax Basis Carrying Value Assets Tax Basis Carrying Value Ordinary income Distributions To Common Stockholders, Ordinary Income, Percentage For income tax purposes, distributions to common stockholders characterized as ordinary income Capital gains Distributions To Common Stockholders, Capital Gains, Percentage For income tax purposes, percentage of distributions to common stockholders characterized as capital gains Return of capital Distributions To Common Stockholders, Return of Capital, Percentage For income tax purposes, percentage of distributions to common stockholders characterized as return of capital Total Distributions To Common Stockholders, Percentage Distributions To Common Stockholders, Percentage Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]