Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum	50.00%
Difference between cost of investments and the net book value of underlying net assets	$ 700	$ (1,200)
Development, management and leasing fees revenue	1,400	800	$ 1,400
Receivables from management and leasing fees	100	100
Consolidated Affiliates:
Joint venture partner's interest in unconsolidated affiliate (in hundredths)			80.00%
Gain recorded on disposition of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,155
Plaza Colonnade, Tenant-in-Common [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum	50.00%
Kessinger/Hunter & Company, LC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum	26.50%
Highwoods DLF Forum, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum	25.00%
Highwoods DLF 98/29, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum	22.80%
Highwoods-Markel Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Consolidated Affiliates:
Percentage of equity interest in consolidated affiliates	50.00%
Fair value of noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliate	$ 26,100
SF-Harborview Plaza, LP Joint Venture [Member]
Consolidated Affiliates:
Percentage of equity interest in consolidated affiliates			20.00%
Advance to consolidated affiliate			$ 20,800	$ 20,800
Term of debt instrument (in years)				3 years
Scheduled maturity date				Sep. 30, 2015
Gain recorded on disposition of investment in unconsolidated affiliate			4,200
Net proceeds received from disposition of investment in unconsolidated affiliate			$ 6,900