Name:	hiw_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsBuildingAndTenantImprovements
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of real estate held for productive use.

No definition available.

Name:	hiw_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLand
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), the carrying amount of land available for development.

No definition available.

Name:	hiw_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLandHeldForDevelopment
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), the cumulative amount of depreciation for real estate property held for investment purposes.

No definition available.

Name:	hiw_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsRealEstateInvestmentPropertyAccumulatedDepreciation
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of investments in land and buildings held for sale, excluding real estate considered to be inventory of the entity.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910