Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income applicable to Piedmont	$ 80,072	$ 29,976	$ 90,444	$ 49,221
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Effective portion of gain/(loss) on derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (See Note 5)	(4,068)	16,079	(15,029)	874
Plus: Reclassification of previously recorded loss included in net income (See Note 5)	1,113	1,602	2,246	3,069
Gain/(loss) on investment in available for sale securities	13	(2)	12	(2)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(2,942)	17,679	(12,771)	3,941
Comprehensive income applicable to Piedmont	$ 77,130	$ 47,655	$ 77,673	$ 53,162