Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 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	$ (10,430)	$ 10,493	(46,955)	$ 19,025
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock		(219)	0	(572)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,107	737	7,084	1,974
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(4,092)	(3,894)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	95,416		95,416
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	40,304	27,901	262,805	74,578
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	106,103	112,778	133,216	105,960
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(10,430)	10,493	(46,955)	19,025
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	6,163	0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	(219)	0	(572)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,107	737	7,084	1,974
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,364)	(1,296)	(4,092)	(3,894)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	95,416	122,493	95,416	122,493
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	40,304	27,901	262,805	74,578
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	219	0	572
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	(6,163)	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 40,304	$ 28,120	$ 256,642	$ 75,150
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%