Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
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				$ 124,869					$ 124,869
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value									11,375	16,491	(3,955)
Conversion of Common Units to Common Stock									(28,788)	(2,096)	(1,906)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	978	1,889	1,243	581	688	1,653	686	827	4,691	3,854	2,091
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership									(5,667)	(6,334)	(6,413)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	106,480				124,869				106,480	124,869
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	29,729	53,349	27,522	12,349	14,074	33,357	12,962	16,694	122,949	77,087	38,677
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance				124,869				110,655	124,869	110,655
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value									11,375	16,491
Issuances of Common Units									0	2,299
Conversion of Common Units to Common Stock									(28,788)	(2,096)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership									4,691	3,854
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership									(5,667)	(6,334)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	106,480				124,869				106,480	124,869	110,655
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders									122,949	77,087	38,677
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversion of Common Units to Common Stock									28,788	2,096	1,906
Issuances of Common Units									0	(2,299)	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests									$ 151,737	$ 76,884	$ 40,583