Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 112,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	$ 6,068	$ 5,776	15,334	$ (36,525)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(44)		(44)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,624	1,017	3,117	5,977
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,726)	(2,728)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	128,180		128,180
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	59,305	37,028	113,764	222,501
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	121,895	100,674	112,499	133,216
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	6,068	5,776	15,334	(36,525)
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	0	6,163
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(44)	0	(44)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,624	1,017	3,117	5,977
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,363)	(1,364)	(2,726)	(2,728)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	128,180	106,103	128,180	106,103
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	59,305	37,028	113,764	222,501
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	44	0	44	0
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	0	(6,163)
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 59,349	$ 37,028	$ 113,808	$ 216,338
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Midtown One Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%