Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 105,960
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	$ 10,493	$ (9,335)	19,025	$ (9,607)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(219)	(147)	(572)	(1,231)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	737	902	1,974	3,171
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(3,894)	(3,895)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	122,493		122,493
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	27,901	33,160	74,578	116,295
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	112,778	142,323	105,960	144,009
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	10,493	(9,335)	19,025	(9,607)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(219)	(147)	(572)	(1,231)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	737	902	1,974	3,171
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,296)	(1,296)	(3,894)	(3,895)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	122,493	132,447	122,493	132,447
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	27,901	33,160	74,578	116,295
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	219	147	572	1,231
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 28,120	$ 33,307	$ 75,150	$ 117,526
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Tampa Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%