Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
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			(14,649)	$ 8,955
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	$ 918	$ 1,673	2,296	2,813
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,721)	(3,745)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	112,768		112,768
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	29,749	51,708	74,220	86,541
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			(14,649)	8,955
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			2,296	2,813
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,721)	(3,745)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	112,768	114,248	112,768	114,248
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	29,749	51,708	74,220	86,541
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	$ 29,749	$ 51,708	$ 75,426	$ 86,703