Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 13,576	$ 13,760
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	165	390
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,404)	280
Amortization of cash flow hedges	928	788
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(311)	1,458
Total comprehensive income	13,265	15,218
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(821)	(784)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	12,444	14,434
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	13,576	13,707
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	165	390
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(1,404)	280
Amortization of cash flow hedges	928	788
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(311)	1,458
Total comprehensive income	13,265	15,165
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(423)	(203)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$ 12,842	$ 14,962