Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance	$ 65,977
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(10,152)	$ (39,502)	$ 11,461
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(4,795)	(1,251)	(15,076)
Redemptions of Common Units	(163)	(3,763)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	3,164	3,670	8,321
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(4,511)	(4,866)	(5,516)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	49,520	65,977
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	146,230	156,572	310,791
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance	65,977	111,689
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(10,152)	(39,502)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(4,795)	(1,251)
Redemptions of Common Units	(163)	(3,763)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	3,164	3,670
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(4,511)	(4,866)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	49,520	65,977	111,689
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	146,230	156,572	310,791
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	4,795	1,251	15,076
Redemptions of Common Units	163	3,763	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 151,188	$ 161,586	$ 325,867
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Ownership Percentage [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%			20.00%