<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.19.3.a.u2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>457</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>491</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>159</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>17</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001001 - Document - Cover Page</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CoverPage</Role>
      <ShortName>Cover Page</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001002 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002003 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETSParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003004 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFINCOME</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004005 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOME</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1005006 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1006007 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1007008 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101101 - Disclosure - Organization</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Organization</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103102 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108103 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111104 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116105 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122106 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsofFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2125107 - Disclosure - Impairment Loss on Real Estate Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ImpairmentLossonRealEstateAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment Loss on Real Estate Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2128108 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2130109 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2132110 - Disclosure - Stock Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/StockBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2136111 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2139112 - Disclosure - Operating Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeases</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2144113 - Disclosure - Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/PropertyDispositionsandAssetsHeldforSale</Role>
      <ShortName>Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2148114 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosures for the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresfortheStatementofConsolidatedCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Disclosures for the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2151115 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2154116 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results (unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/QuarterlyResultsunaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results (unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2157117 - Disclosure - Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/GuarantorandNonGuarantorFinancialInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2163118 - Disclosure - Subsequent events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Subsequentevents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2165119 - Disclosure - Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ScheduleIIIRealEstateandAccumulatedDepreciation</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2204201 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309302 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/AcquisitionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Acquisitions</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312303 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Debt</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317304 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2323305 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsofFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsofFinancialInstruments</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2326306 - Disclosure - Impairment Loss on Real Estate Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ImpairmentLossonRealEstateAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment Loss on Real Estate Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ImpairmentLossonRealEstateAssets</ParentRole>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2333307 - Disclosure - Stock Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/StockBasedCompensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2337308 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/EarningsPerShare</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2340309 - Disclosure - Operating Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeases</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2345310 - Disclosure - Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/PropertyDispositionsandAssetsHeldforSaleTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/PropertyDispositionsandAssetsHeldforSale</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2349311 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosures for the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresfortheStatementofConsolidatedCashFlowsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Disclosures for the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresfortheStatementofConsolidatedCashFlows</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2352312 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/IncomeTaxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2355313 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/QuarterlyResultsunauditedTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/QuarterlyResultsunaudited</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2358314 - Disclosure - Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/GuarantorandNonGuarantorFinancialInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/GuarantorandNonGuarantorFinancialInformation</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402401 - Disclosure - Organization (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OrganizationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Organization (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Organization</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407403 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Maturities of Operating Leases Under Prior Guidance (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesMaturitiesofOperatingLeasesUnderPriorGuidanceDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Maturities of Operating Leases Under Prior Guidance (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410404 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/AcquisitionsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413405 - Disclosure - Debt (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DebtTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2414406 - Disclosure - Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DebtScheduleofDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DebtTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415407 - Disclosure - Debt (Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DebtMaturitiesofLongtermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DebtTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2418408 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419409 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsScheduleofNotionalAmountsofOutstandingDerivativePositionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420410 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsScheduleofInterestRateDerivativesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421411 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments (Effect on other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsEffectonotherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments (Effect on other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2424412 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsofFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsofFinancialInstrumentsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2427413 - Disclosure - Impairment Loss on Real Estate Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ImpairmentLossonRealEstateAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment Loss on Real Estate Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ImpairmentLossonRealEstateAssetsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2429414 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2431415 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2434416 - Disclosure - Stock Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/StockBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2435417 - Disclosure - Stock Based Compensation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/StockBasedCompensationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Based Compensation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2438418 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2441419 - Disclosure - Operating Leases (Rental Income Maturity) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeasesRentalIncomeMaturityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases (Rental Income Maturity) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2442420 - Disclosure - Operating Leases (Operating Income) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeasesOperatingIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases (Operating Income) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2443421 - Disclosure - Operating Leases (Narrative) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeasesNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Operating Leases (Narrative) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/OperatingLeasesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2446422 - Disclosure - Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale (Property Dispositions) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/PropertyDispositionsandAssetsHeldforSalePropertyDispositionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale (Property Dispositions) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/PropertyDispositionsandAssetsHeldforSaleTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2447423 - Disclosure - Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale (Assets Held-for-Sale) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/PropertyDispositionsandAssetsHeldforSaleAssetsHeldforSaleDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property Dispositions and Assets Held for Sale (Assets Held-for-Sale) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/PropertyDispositionsandAssetsHeldforSaleTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2450424 - Disclosure - Supplemental Disclosures for the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresfortheStatementofConsolidatedCashFlowsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Supplemental Disclosures for the Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SupplementalDisclosuresfortheStatementofConsolidatedCashFlowsTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2453425 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2456426 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/QuarterlyResultsunauditedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Quarterly Results (unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/QuarterlyResultsunauditedTables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2459427 - Disclosure - Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/GuarantorandNonGuarantorFinancialInformationBalanceSheetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2460428 - Disclosure - Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Statements of Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/GuarantorandNonGuarantorFinancialInformationStatementsofIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Statements of Income (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2461429 - Disclosure - Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Comprehensive Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/GuarantorandNonGuarantorFinancialInformationComprehensiveIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Comprehensive Income (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2462430 - Disclosure - Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Cash Flows (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/GuarantorandNonGuarantorFinancialInformationCashFlowsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Financial Information - Cash Flows (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2464431 - Disclosure - Subsequent events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/SubsequenteventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent events (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/Subsequentevents</ParentRole>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2466432 - Disclosure - Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ScheduleIIIRealEstateandAccumulatedDepreciationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://piedmontreit.com/role/ScheduleIIIRealEstateandAccumulatedDepreciation</ParentRole>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="pdm-20191231.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9999.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>Uncategorized Items - pdm-20191231.htm</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://xbrl.sec.gov/role/uncategorizedFacts</Role>
      <ShortName>Uncategorized Items - pdm-20191231.htm</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-K" original="pdm-20191231.htm">pdm-20191231.htm</File>
    <File>ex1033employeeawardagr.htm</File>
    <File>ex1034directorawardagr.htm</File>
    <File>pdm-20191231.xsd</File>
    <File>pdm-20191231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>pdm-20191231_def.xml</File>
    <File>pdm-20191231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>pdm-20191231_pre.xml</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex211.htm</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex231.htm</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex232.htm</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex311.htm</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex312.htm</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex321.htm</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex322.htm</File>
    <File>pdm123119ex415.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>pdm-20191231_g1.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
