Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	$ (118)	$ (617)	$ (118)	$ (617)
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	17,056		17,056		18,600
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance	122	497	61	868
Bad debt expense	0	162	0	184
Recoveries/write-offs/other	(4)	(42)	57	(435)
Total notes receivable allowance	118	617	118	617
Seller Financing [Member]
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, gross	15,853		15,853		17,180
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	0		0		0
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	15,853		15,853		17,180
Number of transactions with seller financing	2
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance					0
Total notes receivable allowance	0		0		0
Promissory Notes [Member]
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, gross	1,321		1,321		1,481
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	(118)		(118)		(61)
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	1,203		1,203		1,420
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance					61
Total notes receivable allowance	118		118		61
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	(118)	(617)	(118)	(617)
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	17,056		17,056		18,600
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance	122	497	61	868
Bad debt expense	0	162	0	184
Recoveries/write-offs/other	(4)	(42)	57	(435)
Total notes receivable allowance	118	617	118	617
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member] | Seller Financing [Member]
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, gross	15,853		15,853		17,180
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	0		0		0
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	15,853		15,853		17,180
Number of transactions with seller financing	2
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance					0
Total notes receivable allowance	0		0		0
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member] | Promissory Notes [Member]
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, gross	1,321		1,321		1,481
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	(118)		(118)		(61)
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	1,203		1,203		1,420
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance					61
Total notes receivable allowance	$ 118		$ 118		$ 61