Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	$ 131,097	$ 84,235	$ 47,971
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	869	411	234
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	5,778	(10,358)	(2,202)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	3,370	3,053	(118)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	10,017	(6,894)	(2,086)
Total comprehensive income	141,114	77,341	45,885
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,640)	(4,640)	(2,846)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	135,474	72,701	43,039
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Net income	131,046	84,295	48,032
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	869	411	234
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	5,778	(10,358)	(2,202)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	3,370	3,053	(118)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	10,017	(6,894)	(2,086)
Total comprehensive income	141,063	77,401	45,946
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(949)	(786)	(755)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 140,114	$ 76,615	$ 45,191