Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 56,068	$ 35,796	$ 99,407	$ 68,626
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	97	(101)	396	482
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,798)	(3,337)	4,801	(10,424)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	840	791	2,428	2,250
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(861)	(2,647)	7,625	(7,692)
Total comprehensive income	55,207	33,149	107,032	60,934
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,092)	(1,812)	(4,306)	(3,732)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	53,115	31,337	102,726	57,202
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	56,067	35,800	99,356	68,635
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	97	(101)	396	482
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,798)	(3,337)	4,801	(10,424)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	840	791	2,428	2,250
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(861)	(2,647)	7,625	(7,692)
Total comprehensive income	55,206	33,153	106,981	60,943
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(203)	(159)	(593)	(566)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$ 55,003	$ 32,994	$ 106,388	$ 60,377