CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income applicable to Piedmont	$ 107,887	$ 172,990	$ 43,348
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Effective portion of loss on derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (See Note 7)	(4,126)	(12,509)	(17,122)
Reclassification of previously recorded loss included in net income (See Note 7)	4,548	5,875	5,145
Gain/(loss) on investment in available for sale securities	21	(6)	0
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	443	(6,640)	(11,977)
Comprehensive income applicable to Piedmont	$ 108,330	$ 166,350	$ 31,371