Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance				$ 110,655				$ 120,838	$ 110,655	$ 120,838
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value									16,491	(3,955)	(2,721)
Issuances of Common Units									2,299	0
Conversion of Common Units to Common Stock									(2,096)	(1,906)	(3,061)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	688	1,653	686	827	595	366	623	507	3,854	2,091	3,320
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership									(6,334)	(6,413)	(6,469)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	124,869				110,655				124,869	110,655	120,838
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	14,074	33,357	12,962	16,694	11,427	7,002	10,112	10,136	77,087	38,677	61,790
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversion of Common Units to Common Stock									2,096	1,906	3,060
Issuances of Common Units									(2,299)	0	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests									$ 76,884	$ 40,583	$ 64,850
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%								50.00%
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%								50.00%