HRLP - Consolidated Statements of Capital - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2021
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 2,499,558	$ 2,358,170
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	5,291	2,982
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(1,411)	(782)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0
Comprehensive income:
Net income	42,103	56,855
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(15)	122
Total comprehensive income	42,088	56,977
Balance	2,492,521	2,354,921
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance	2,470,737	2,329,344
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	4,173	(1,198)
Distributions on Common Units	(53,471)	(51,014)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(621)	(622)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	5,291	2,982
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(1,411)	(782)
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner	(3,086)	(9,592)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0
Comprehensive income:
Net income	42,103	56,855
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(15)	122
Total comprehensive income	42,088	56,977
Balance	2,463,700	2,326,095
General Partners' Common Units [Member] | Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance	24,492	23,087
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	42	(12)
Distributions on Common Units	(535)	(510)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(6)	(6)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	53	30
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner	(31)	(96)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(3)	(3)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	421	569
Balance	24,433	23,059
Limited Partners' Common Units [Member] | Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance	2,424,802	2,285,673
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	4,131	(1,186)
Distributions on Common Units	(52,936)	(50,504)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(615)	(616)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	5,238	2,952
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner	(3,055)	(9,496)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(254)	(278)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	41,682	56,286
Balance	2,418,993	2,282,831
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] | Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance	(973)	(1,462)
Comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(15)	122
Balance	(988)	(1,340)
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member] | Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Partners' Capital [Roll Forward]
Balance	22,416	22,046
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(1,411)	(782)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	257	281
Comprehensive income:
Balance	$ 21,262	$ 21,545