Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance	$ 111,689
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(39,502)	$ 11,461	$ (30,617)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,251)	(15,076)	(145)
Redemptions of Common Units	(3,763)	0	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	3,670	8,321	9,338
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(4,866)	(5,516)	(5,456)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	65,977	111,689
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	$ 156,572	310,791	344,914
Ownership Percentage [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, beginning balance	$ 111,689	112,499
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(39,502)	11,461
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,251)	(15,076)
Redemptions of Common Units	(3,763)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	3,670	8,321
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(4,866)	(5,516)
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, ending balance	65,977	111,689	112,499
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
Net income available for common stockholders	156,572	310,791	344,914
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,251	15,076	145
Redemptions of Common Units	3,763	0	0
Issuances of Common Units	0	0	(6,163)
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 161,586	$ 325,867	$ 338,896
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Ownership Percentage [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	20.00%			20.00%