Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 126,429
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			13,390	$ (14,649)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(3,006)	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 926	$ 918	14,876	2,296
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,684)	(3,721)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	148,005		148,005
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,971	29,749	496,409	74,220
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			126,429	130,048
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			13,390	(14,649)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(3,006)	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			14,876	2,296
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,684)	(3,721)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	148,005	112,768	148,005	112,768
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,971	29,749	496,409	74,220
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,448	0	3,006	1,206
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 33,419	$ 29,749	$ 499,415	$ 75,426