Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
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			$ 144,802
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(287)	$ 15,042
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(305)	(1,558)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 1,043	$ 939	1,931	13,950
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,495)	(2,463)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	143,646		143,646
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	37,589	31,648	69,263	464,438
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			144,802	126,429
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(287)	15,042
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(305)	(1,558)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			1,931	13,950
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,495)	(2,463)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	143,646	151,400	143,646	151,400
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	37,589	31,648	69,263	464,438
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	203	1,558	305	1,558
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 37,792	$ 33,206	$ 69,568	$ 465,996