Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 133,216
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	$ 5,776	$ (14,722)	(36,525)	$ 8,532
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock		(222)	0	(353)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,017	1,044	5,977	1,237
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,728)	(2,598)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	106,103		106,103
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	37,028	39,422	222,501	46,677
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	100,674	127,976	133,216	105,960
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,776	(14,722)	(36,525)	8,532
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	6,163	0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	(222)	0	(353)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,017	1,044	5,977	1,237
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,364)	(1,298)	(2,728)	(2,598)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	106,103	112,778	106,103	112,778
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	37,028	39,422	222,501	46,677
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	222	0	353
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	(6,163)	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 37,028	$ 39,644	$ 216,338	$ 47,030
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Tampa Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%