Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 144,009
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(19,582)	$ (4,972)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(902)	(102)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	888	888
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,300)	(1,249)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,113
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	32,449	31,674
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	144,009	144,802
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(19,582)	(4,972)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(902)	(102)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	888	888
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,300)	(1,249)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,113	139,367
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	32,449	31,674
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	902	102
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 33,351	$ 31,776