Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)	$ 86.25	$ 86.25	$ 86.25
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Dividends on Common Stock (per share)	1.90	1.85	1.76
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)	86.25	86.25	86.25
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Distributions on Common Units (per unit)	1.90	1.85	1.76
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member] | Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]
Dividends on Preferred Stock (per share)/Distributions on Preferred Units (per unit)	$ 86.25	$ 86.25	$ 86.25