Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 24,512	$ 29,579	$ 38,088	$ 43,339
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	105	(91)	270	299
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(2,846)	6,319	(4,250)	6,599
Amortization of cash flow hedges	944	800	1,872	1,588
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(1,797)	7,028	(2,108)	8,486
Total comprehensive income	22,715	36,607	35,980	51,825
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,180)	(1,430)	(2,001)	(2,214)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	21,535	35,177	33,979	49,611
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	24,512	29,582	38,088	43,289
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	105	(91)	270	299
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(2,846)	6,319	(4,250)	6,599
Amortization of cash flow hedges	944	800	1,872	1,588
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(1,797)	7,028	(2,108)	8,486
Total comprehensive income	22,715	36,610	35,980	51,775
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(438)	(187)	(861)	(390)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$ 22,277	$ 36,423	$ 35,119	$ 51,385