Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		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			15,042	$ (11,475)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,558)	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 939	$ 782	13,950	1,378
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,463)	(2,485)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	151,400		151,400
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,648	25,155	464,438	44,471
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			15,042	(11,475)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,558)	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			13,950	1,378
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,463)	(2,485)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	151,400	116,260	151,400	116,260
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,648	25,155	464,438	44,471
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,558	0	1,558	1,206
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 33,206	$ 25,155	$ 465,996	$ 45,677