Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 65,977
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	$ (6,334)	$ (16,952)	(15,521)	$ (42,480)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(4,795)		(4,795)	(1,251)
Redemptions of Common Units			(163)	(3,101)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	453	881	2,386	3,049
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,432)	(3,687)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	44,452		44,452
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	22,101	38,251	108,233	129,022
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	56,206	84,583	65,977	111,689
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(6,334)	(16,952)	(15,521)	(42,480)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(4,795)	0	(4,795)	(1,251)
Redemptions of Common Units	0	(3,101)	(163)	(3,101)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	453	881	2,386	3,049
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,078)	(1,192)	(3,432)	(3,687)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	44,452	64,219	44,452	64,219
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	22,101	38,251	108,233	129,022
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	4,795	0	4,795	1,251
Redemptions of Common Units	0	3,101	163	3,101
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 26,896	$ 41,352	$ 113,191	$ 133,374
Midtown West Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%