Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 112,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	$ (4,262)	$ (10,430)	11,072	$ (46,955)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(234)		(278)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,967	1,107	5,084	7,084
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(4,144)	(4,092)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	124,233		124,233
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	72,105	40,304	185,869	262,805
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	128,180	106,103	112,499	133,216
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(4,262)	(10,430)	11,072	(46,955)
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	0	6,163
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(234)	0	(278)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,967	1,107	5,084	7,084
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,418)	(1,364)	(4,144)	(4,092)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	124,233	95,416	124,233	95,416
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	72,105	40,304	185,869	262,805
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	234	0	278	0
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	0	(6,163)
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 72,339	$ 40,304	$ 186,147	$ 256,642
Richmond Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Midtown One Joint Venture [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%		20.00%