Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 29,579		$ 14,498		$ 43,339		$ 32,830
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	(91)		296		299		583
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	6,319		(7,481)		6,599		(7,087)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	800	[1]	782	[1]	1,588	[1]	1,459	[1]
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	7,028		(6,403)		8,486		(5,045)
Total comprehensive income	36,607		8,095		51,825		27,785
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,430)		(909)		(2,214)		(1,920)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	35,177		7,186		49,611		25,865
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	29,582		14,501		43,289		32,835
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	(91)		296		299		583
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	6,319		(7,481)		6,599		(7,087)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	800		782		1,588		1,459
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	7,028		(6,403)		8,486		(5,045)
Total comprehensive income	36,610		8,098		51,775		27,790
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(187)		(223)		(390)		(407)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 36,423		$ 7,875		$ 51,385		$ 27,383

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