Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 126,429
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	429	$ 5,036
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	13,011	596
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,232)	(1,248)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	138,637
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	432,790	19,316
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	126,429	130,048
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	429	5,036
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	13,011	596
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,232)	(1,248)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	138,637	133,226
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	432,790	19,316
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	1,206
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 432,790	$ 20,522