Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 124,869
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			9,649	16,501
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(2,851)	(631)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,243	686	1,824	1,513
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,140)	(3,158)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	130,351		130,351
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	27,522	12,962	39,871	29,656
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
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			9,649	16,501
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(2,851)	(631)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			1,824	1,513
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			3,140	3,158
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	130,351	124,880	130,351	124,880
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	27,522	12,962	39,871	29,656
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	2,500	568	2,851	631
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 30,022	$ 13,530	$ 42,722	$ 30,287