Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 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			3,297	$ 13,390
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(408)	(3,006)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 1,571	$ 926	3,502	14,876
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,742)	(3,684)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	147,451		147,451
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	57,040	31,971	126,303	496,409
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			3,297	13,390
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(408)	(3,006)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			3,502	14,876
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,742)	(3,684)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	147,451	148,005	147,451	148,005
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	57,040	31,971	126,303	496,409
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	103	1,448	408	3,006
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 57,143	$ 33,419	$ 126,711	$ 499,415