Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 110,655	$ 120,838
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			12,485	(10,177)
Issuances of Common Units			2,299	0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(731)	(1,344)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,653	366	3,166	1,496
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(4,733)	(4,818)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,141	105,995	123,141	105,995
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	33,357	7,002	63,013	27,250
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversion of Common Units to Common Stock	100	709	731	1,344
Issuances of Common Units	(2,299)	0	(2,299)	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 31,158	$ 7,711	$ 61,445	$ 28,594
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%