Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
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			$ 144,009
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(272)	$ (287)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,084)	(305)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 1,381	$ 1,043	2,269	1,931
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,599)	(2,495)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	142,323		142,323
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	50,686	37,589	83,135	69,263
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			144,009	144,802
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(272)	(287)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,084)	(305)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			2,269	1,931
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,599)	(2,495)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	142,323	143,646	142,323	143,646
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	50,686	37,589	83,135	69,263
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	182	203	1,084	305
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 50,868	$ 37,792	$ 84,219	$ 69,568