CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income applicable to Piedmont	$ 130,296	$ 133,564	$ 99,732
Other comprehensive income:
Effective portion of gain/(loss) on derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (See Note 5)	692	2,479	(4,126)
Plus: Reclassification of net (gain)/loss included in net income (See Note 5)	(300)	3,502	4,548
Gain on investment in available for sale securities	0	79	21
Other comprehensive income	392	6,060	443
Comprehensive income applicable to Piedmont	$ 130,688	$ 139,624	$ 100,175