Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 54,299	$ 56,068	$ 92,387	$ 99,407
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	23	97	293	396
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	913	(1,798)	(3,337)	4,801
Amortization of cash flow hedges	952	840	2,824	2,428
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,888	(861)	(220)	7,625
Total comprehensive income	56,187	55,207	92,167	107,032
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,964)	(2,092)	(3,965)	(4,306)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	54,223	53,115	88,202	102,726
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	54,299	56,067	92,387	99,356
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	23	97	293	396
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	913	(1,798)	(3,337)	4,801
Amortization of cash flow hedges	952	840	2,824	2,428
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,888	(861)	(220)	7,625
Total comprehensive income	56,187	55,206	92,167	106,981
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(291)	(203)	(1,152)	(593)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$ 55,896	$ 55,003	$ 91,015	$ 106,388