Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 13,760		$ 18,332
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	390		287
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	280		1,104
Amortization of cash flow hedges	788	[1]	(33)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income	1,458		1,358
Total comprehensive income	15,218		19,690
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(784)		(1,011)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	14,434		18,679
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	13,707		18,334
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	390		287
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	280		1,104
Amortization of cash flow hedges	788	[1]	(33)	[1]
Total other comprehensive income	1,458		1,358
Total comprehensive income	15,165		19,692
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(203)		(184)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 14,962		$ 19,508

[1] Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.