Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	$ 18,332	$ 12,443
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gain/(loss) on tax increment financing bond	287	(135)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	1,104	0
Amortization of settled cash flow hedges	(33)	(29)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,358	(164)
Total comprehensive income	19,690	12,279
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,011)	(630)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company/Comprehensive income attributable to the Operating Partnership	18,679	11,649
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	18,334	12,451
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gain/(loss) on tax increment financing bond	287	(135)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	1,104	0
Amortization of settled cash flow hedges	(33)	(29)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,358	(164)
Total comprehensive income	19,692	12,287
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(184)	(123)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company/Comprehensive income attributable to the Operating Partnership	$ 19,508	$ 12,164