Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss) applicable to Piedmont	$ 126,133	$ (13,107)	$ 164,947	$ 69,543
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Effective portion of gain/(loss) on derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (See Note 5)	175	2,847	307	(12,182)
Plus: Reclassification of previously recorded loss included in net income (See Note 5)	653	1,045	2,936	3,291
Gain on investment in available for sale securities	25	7	53	19
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	853	3,899	3,296	(8,872)
Comprehensive income/(loss) applicable to Piedmont	$ 126,986	$ (9,208)	$ 168,243	$ 60,671