Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 130,048
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,036	7,434
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,206)	(162)
Redemptions of Common Units	0	(93)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	596	398
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,248)	(1,249)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	133,226
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	19,316	12,128
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	130,048	106,480
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,036	7,434
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,206)	(162)
Redemptions of Common Units	0	(93)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	596	398
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,248)	(1,249)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	133,226	112,808
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	19,316	12,128
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,206	162
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 20,522	$ 12,290