Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	$ 84,235	$ 47,971	$ 72,303
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	411	234	(177)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(10,358)	(2,202)	0
Amortization of cash flow hedges	3,053	(118)	237
Sale of cash flow hedge related to disposition of investments in unconsolidated affiliate	0	0	103
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(6,894)	(2,086)	163
Total comprehensive income	77,341	45,885	72,466
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,640)	(2,846)	(3,805)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	72,701	43,039	68,661
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	84,295	48,032	72,276
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	411	234	(177)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(10,358)	(2,202)	0
Amortization of cash flow hedges	3,053	(118)	237
Sale of cash flow hedge related to disposition of investments in unconsolidated affiliate	0	0	103
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(6,894)	(2,086)	163
Total comprehensive income	77,401	45,946	72,439
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(786)	(755)	(485)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 76,615	$ 45,191	$ 71,954