Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 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			8,570	12,485
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(28,788)	(731)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,889	1,653	3,713	3,166
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			4,416	4,733
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	103,948		103,948
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	53,349	33,357	93,220	63,013
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			8,570	12,485
Issuances of Common Units			0	2,299
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(28,788)	(731)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			3,713	3,166
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(4,416)	(4,733)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	103,948	123,141	103,948	123,141
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	53,349	33,357	93,220	63,013
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	25,937	100	28,788	731
Issuance of Common Units	0	(2,299)	0	(2,299)
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 79,286	$ 31,158	$ 122,008	$ 61,445