Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 124,869	$ 110,655
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	23,802	14,366
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(351)	(63)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	581	827
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,584)	(1,584)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	147,317	124,201
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	12,349	16,694
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	351	63
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 12,700	$ 16,757
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%

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- Definition

This element represents the total net income attributable to the parent for the period and the effect of net changes during the period impacting the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary as it relates to the total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent. The changes to the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary represented by this element did not result in a deconsolidation of the subsidiary from the consolidated financial statements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 810

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 4M

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591554-111686

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A7

-Appendix A

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- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the period impacting the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary as it relates to the total (consolidated) equity attributable to the parent. The changes to the parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary represented by this element did not arise in a deconsolidation of the subsidiary from the consolidated financial statements.

+ References

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- Definition

Change in noncontrolling interest during the period as a result of a change in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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- Definition

Amount of net Income or Loss for the period allocated to noncontrolling partners in an operating partnership included in the entity's consolidated financial statements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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- Definition

The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Net income after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period).

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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- Definition

Cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends to noncontrolling interests, generally out of earnings.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Glossary Financing Activities

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-Topic 230

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- Definition

Value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of units. An example of a convertible unit is an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust unit (UPREIT unit).

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-Publisher FASB

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 29, 30, 31

-Article 5

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- Definition

Carrying amount, attributable to noncontrolling interests, of an entity's issued and outstanding stock which is not included within permanent equity. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. Includes stock with a put option held by an ESOP and stock redeemable by a holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

+ References

No definition available.

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