Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance	$ 112,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	11,461	$ (30,617)	$ 29,557
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(15,076)	(145)	(663)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	8,321	9,338	3,551
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(5,516)	(5,456)	(5,189)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	111,689	112,499
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	$ 310,791	344,914	134,430
Ownership Percentage [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance	$ 112,499	133,216
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	11,461	(30,617)
Isssuances of Common Units	0	6,163
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(15,076)	(145)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	8,321	9,338
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(5,516)	(5,456)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	111,689	112,499	133,216
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	310,791	344,914	134,430
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	15,076	145	663
Issuances of Common Units	0	(6,163)	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 325,867	$ 338,896	$ 135,093
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Ownership Percentage [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%