Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 105,960
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	$ (14,722)	$ 19,310	8,532	$ (272)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(222)	(182)	(353)	(1,084)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,044	1,381	1,237	2,269
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,598)	(2,599)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	112,778		112,778
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	39,422	50,686	46,677	83,135
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	127,976	123,113	105,960	144,009
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(14,722)	19,310	8,532	(272)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(222)	(182)	(353)	(1,084)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,044	1,381	1,237	2,269
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,298)	(1,299)	(2,598)	(2,599)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	112,778	142,323	112,778	142,323
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	39,422	50,686	46,677	83,135
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	222	182	353	1,084
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 39,644	$ 50,868	$ 47,030	$ 84,219
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Tampa Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%