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Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate (in sq feet) | 32,100,000 |  |
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate under development (in sq feet) | 800,000 |  |
Undeveloped land suitable for future development (in acres) | 600 |  |
Common Units redeemed for cash (in shares) | 2,500 |  |
Redemption of Common Units | $ 93 | $ 0 |
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares) | 4,417 |  |
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | 153 | 55,804 |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] |  |  |
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares) | 89,700,000 |  |
Percentage of ownership of Common Units | 96.80% |  | 96.80%
Redemption of Common Units | 93 | 0 |
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member] |  |  |
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares) | 23,584 |  |
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share) | $ 38.29 |  |
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | 900 |  |
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member] |  |  |
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |
Common Units of partnership not owned by the Company (in shares) | 2,900,000 |  |
Redemption of Common Units | $ 93 | $ 0 |

X
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