Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)		$ 86.25	$ 86.25	$ 86.25
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Dividends on Common Stock (per share)		1.85	1.76	1.70
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Special Dividend [Member]
Dividends on Common Stock (per share)	$ 0.80			2.50
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)		86.25	86.25	86.25
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Distributions on Common Units (per unit)		1.85	1.76	1.70
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member] | Special Dividend [Member]
Distributions on Common Units (per unit)	$ 0.80			2.50
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member] | Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)		$ 86.25	$ 86.25	$ 86.25