Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 111,689
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	3,168	$ 9,266
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	965	1,493
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,252)	(1,363)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	114,570
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	111,689	112,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	3,168	9,266
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	965	1,493
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,252)	(1,363)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 114,570	$ 121,895
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Midtown One Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%