CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income applicable to Piedmont	$ 229,261	$ 130,296	$ 133,564
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Effective portion of gain/(loss) on derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (See Note 5)	(5,659)	692	2,479
Plus/(less): Reclassification of net loss/(gain) included in net income (See Note 5)	(1,836)	(300)	3,502
Gain on investment in available for sale securities	0	0	79
Other comprehensive income	(7,495)	392	6,060
Comprehensive income applicable to Piedmont	$ 221,766	$ 130,688	$ 139,624