Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 130,048
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(11,475)	$ 18,337
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,206)	(162)
Redemptions of Common Units			0	(93)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 782	$ 742	1,378	1,140
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,485)	(2,497)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	116,260		116,260
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	$ 25,155	22,705	$ 44,471	34,833
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			$ 130,048	106,480
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(11,475)	18,337
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,206)	(162)
Redemptions of Common Units			0	(93)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			1,378	1,140
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,485)	(2,497)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 116,260	123,205	116,260	123,205
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	25,155	22,705	44,471	34,833
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	0	1,206	162
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 25,155	$ 22,705	$ 45,677	$ 34,995