Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 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	$ (28,696)	$ 6,068	(25,528)	$ 15,334
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,251)	(44)	(1,251)	(44)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,203	1,624	2,168	3,117
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,495)	(2,726)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	84,583		84,583
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	50,511	59,305	90,771	113,764
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	114,570	121,895	111,689	112,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(28,696)	6,068	(25,528)	15,334
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,251)	(44)	(1,251)	(44)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,203	1,624	2,168	3,117
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,243)	(1,363)	(2,495)	(2,726)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	84,583	128,180	84,583	128,180
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	50,511	59,305	90,771	113,764
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,251	44	1,251	44
Change from net income available for common stockholder and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 51,762	$ 59,349	$ 92,022	$ 113,808
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%