Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Deferred Lease Costs

Deferred Lease Costs

Deferred lease costs are comprised of costs and incentives incurred to acquire operating leases, including intangible lease origination costs and direct payroll costs incurred related to negotiating and executing specific leases, and are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related underlying leases. The amortization of deferred lease costs and intangibles is recorded as amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Upon receipt of a lease termination notice, Piedmont adjusts any unamortized deferred lease costs to their net realizable value ratably over the revised remaining term of the lease after giving effect to the termination notice. If there is no remaining lease term and no other obligation to provide the tenant space in the property, then any unamortized tenant-specific costs are recognized immediately upon termination.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

All leases of real estate assets held by Piedmont are classified as operating leases, and the related base rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Tenant reimbursements are recognized as revenue in the period that the related operating cost is incurred. Rents and tenant reimbursements collected in advance are recorded as deferred income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Lease termination revenues are recognized ratably as rental revenue over the revised remaining lease term after giving effect to the termination notice. Contingent rental income recognition is deferred until the specific lease-related targets are achieved.

Gains on the sale of real estate assets are recognized upon completing the sale and, among other things, determining the sale price and transferring all of the risks and rewards of ownership without significant continuing involvement with the purchaser. Recognition of all or a portion of the gain would be deferred until both of these conditions are met. Losses are recognized through impairment charges when identified.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Piedmont has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and has operated as such, beginning with its taxable year ended December 31, 1998. To qualify as a REIT, Piedmont must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income. As a REIT, Piedmont is generally not subject to federal income taxes. Piedmont is subject to certain taxes related to the operations of properties in certain locations, as well as operations conducted by its taxable REIT subsidiary, POH, which have been provided for in the financial statements.