Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	$ 35,796	$ 8,244	$ 68,626	$ 35,121
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	(101)	600	482	129
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(3,337)	0	(10,424)	0
Amortization of cash flow hedges	791	(30)	2,250	(87)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(2,647)	570	(7,692)	42
Total comprehensive income	33,149	8,814	60,934	35,163
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,812)	(615)	(3,732)	(2,050)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company/Comprehensive income attributable to the Operating Partnership	31,337	8,199	57,202	33,113
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	35,800	8,244	68,635	35,133
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	(101)	600	482	129
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(3,337)	0	(10,424)	0
Amortization of cash flow hedges	791	(30)	2,250	(87)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(2,647)	570	(7,692)	42
Total comprehensive income	33,153	8,814	60,943	35,175
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(159)	(249)	(566)	(554)
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company/Comprehensive income attributable to the Operating Partnership	$ 32,994	$ 8,565	$ 60,377	$ 34,621