Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	$ 14,498	$ 14,434	$ 32,830	$ 26,877
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	296	(336)	583	(471)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(7,481)	0	(7,087)	0
Amortization of cash flow hedges	782	(29)	1,459	(58)
Total other comprehensive loss	(6,403)	(365)	(5,045)	(529)
Total comprehensive income	8,095	14,069	27,785	26,348
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(909)	(805)	(1,920)	(1,435)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company/Comprehensive income attributable to the Operating Partnership	7,186	13,264	25,865	24,913
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	14,501	14,438	32,835	26,889
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	296	(336)	583	(471)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(7,481)	0	(7,087)	0
Amortization of cash flow hedges	782	(29)	1,459	(58)
Total other comprehensive loss	(6,403)	(365)	(5,045)	(529)
Total comprehensive income	8,098	14,073	27,790	26,360
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(223)	(182)	(407)	(305)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company/Comprehensive income attributable to the Operating Partnership	$ 7,875	$ 13,891	$ 27,383	$ 26,055