Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 106,480
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			8,955	8,570
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(162)	(28,788)
Redemptions of Common Units			(93)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,673	1,889	2,813	3,713
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,745)	(4,416)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	114,248		114,248
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	51,708	53,349	86,541	93,220
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			106,480	124,869
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			8,955	8,570
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(162)	(28,788)
Redemptions of Common Units			(93)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			2,813	3,713
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,745)	(4,416)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	114,248	103,948	114,248	103,948
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	51,708	53,349	86,541	93,220
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	25,937	162	28,788
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 51,708	$ 79,286	$ 86,703	$ 122,008