Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
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			$ 144,009
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(9,607)	$ 3,297
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,231)	(408)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 902	$ 1,571	3,171	3,502
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,895)	(3,742)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	132,447		132,447
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	33,160	57,040	116,295	126,303
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			(9,607)	3,297
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,231)	(408)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			3,171	3,502
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,895)	(3,742)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	132,447	147,451	132,447	147,451
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	33,160	57,040	116,295	126,303
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	147	103	1,231	408
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 33,307	$ 57,143	$ 117,526	$ 126,711