Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 177,630	$ 191,663	$ 541,139
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	4,161	1,732	5,703
Amortization of cash flow hedges	(2,086)	1,157	3,057
Total other comprehensive income	2,075	2,889	8,760
Total comprehensive income	179,705	194,552	549,899
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,795)	(6,298)	(16,849)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/unitholders	173,910	188,254	533,050
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	177,630	191,663	541,139
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges	4,161	1,732	5,703
Amortization of cash flow hedges	(2,086)	1,157	3,057
Total other comprehensive income	2,075	2,889	8,760
Total comprehensive income	179,705	194,552	549,899
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,207)	(1,239)	(1,253)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/unitholders	$ 178,498	$ 193,313	$ 548,646