Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%								50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance				$ 105,960					$ 105,960
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value									29,557	$ (33,427)	$ (354)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock									(663)	(4,043)	(511)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 1,577	$ 737	$ 1,044	193	$ 1,417	$ 902	$ 1,381	$ 888	3,551	4,588	5,059
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership									(5,189)	(5,167)	(4,987)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	133,216				105,960				133,216	105,960
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	59,852	$ 27,901	$ 39,422	7,255	53,048	$ 33,160	$ 50,686	32,449	134,430	169,343	182,873
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance				$ 105,960				$ 144,009	105,960	144,009
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value									29,557	(33,427)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock									(663)	(4,043)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership									3,551	4,588
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership									(5,189)	(5,167)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	$ 133,216				$ 105,960				133,216	105,960	144,009
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders									134,430	169,343	182,873
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock									663	4,043	511
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests									$ 135,093	$ 173,386	$ 183,384
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%								20.00%