Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
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	$ 105,960
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	23,254	$ (19,582)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(131)	(902)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	193	888
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,300)	(1,300)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	127,976
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	7,255	32,449
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	105,960	144,009
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	23,254	(19,582)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(131)	(902)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	193	888
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,300)	(1,300)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	127,976	123,113
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	7,255	32,449
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	131	902
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 7,386	$ 33,351