Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 106,480
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			18,337	9,649
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(162)	(2,851)
Redemptions of Common Units			(93)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	742	1,243	1,140	1,824
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,497)	(3,140)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,205		123,205
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	22,705	27,522	34,833	39,871
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			106,480	124,869
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			18,337	9,649
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(162)	(2,851)
Redemptions of Common Units			(93)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			1,140	1,824
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,497)	(3,140)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,205	130,351	123,205	130,351
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	22,705	27,522	34,833	39,871
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	2,500	162	2,851
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 22,705	$ 30,022	$ 34,995	$ 42,722