Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate (in sq feet)	32,100,000
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate under development (in sq feet)	800,000
Undeveloped land suitable for future development (in acres)	600
Common Units redeemed for cash (in shares)	2,500
Redemption of Common Units	$ 93	$ 0
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares)	4,417
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period	153	55,804
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares)	89,700,000
Percentage of ownership of Common Units	96.80%		96.80%
Redemption of Common Units	93	0
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares)	23,584
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share)	$ 38.29
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period	900
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership not owned by the Company (in shares)	2,900,000
Redemption of Common Units	$ 93	$ 0