Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 133,216
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(42,301)	$ 23,254
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	(131)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	4,960	193
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,364)	(1,300)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	100,674
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	185,473	7,255
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	133,216	105,960
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(42,301)	23,254
Issuances of Common Units	6,163	0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	(131)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	4,960	193
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,364)	(1,300)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	100,674	127,976
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	185,473	7,255
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	131
Issuances of Common Units	(6,163)	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 179,310	$ 7,386
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Tampa Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%