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Real Estate Assets Real Estate Assets (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Asset acquisition, contingent consideration liability | $ 3,300,000 hiw_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiability | $ 0 hiw_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiability | $ 0 hiw_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiability
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate | 0 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGainOrLoss | 7,451,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGainOrLoss | 0 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGainOrLoss
Acquisition-related costs | 500,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts | 1,800,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts | 1,500,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations | 384,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax | 63,792,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax | 29,455,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 44,352,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets | (3,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets | 0 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets
Impairments [Abstract] |  |  |
Impairments of real estate assets | 588,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse | 0 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse
Orlando, FL Office Property Acquisition (12/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) | 246,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertyAcquisition122014Member |  |
Acquisition purchase price | 67,400,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertyAcquisition122014Member |  |
Richmond, VA Office Property Acquisition (12/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest acquired in affiliate (in hundredths) | 50.00%hiw_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageofEquityInterestsAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RichmondVAOfficePropertyAcquisition122014Member |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) | 66,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RichmondVAOfficePropertyAcquisition122014Member |  |
Acquisition purchase price | 4,200,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RichmondVAOfficePropertyAcquisition122014Member |  |
Nashville, TN Land Acquisition (12/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Acquisition purchase price | 15,800,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTNLandAcquisition122014Member |  |
Asset acquisition, contingent consideration liability | 3,300,000 hiw_AssetAcquisitionContingentConsiderationLiability / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTNLandAcquisition122014Member |  |
Raleigh, NC Office Property Acquisition (9/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) | 374,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCOfficePropertyAcquisition92014Member |  |
Acquisition purchase price | 83,800,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCOfficePropertyAcquisition92014Member |  |
Atlanta, GA Office Properties Acquisition (9/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest acquired in affiliate (in hundredths) |  | 57.00%hiw_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageofEquityInterestsAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Number of office properties acquired |  | 2 hiw_NumberOfOfficePropertiesAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  | 505,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Acquisition purchase price |  | 44,500,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Fair value of debt assumed from the acquisition |  | 37,600,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Effective interest rate of secured debt assumed from the acquisition (in hundredths) |  | 3.34%hiw_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntitySecuredDebtAssumedEffectiveInterestRate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Nashville, TN Office Property Acquisition (9/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  | 520,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTNOfficePropertyAcquisition92013Member |
Acquisition purchase price |  | 150,100,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTNOfficePropertyAcquisition92013Member |
Orlando, FL Office Properties Acquisition (9/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest acquired in affiliate (in hundredths) |  | 60.00%hiw_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageofEquityInterestsAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Number of office properties acquired |  | 5 hiw_NumberOfOfficePropertiesAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  | 1,300,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Purchase price of acquisition of unconsolidated affiliate |  | 112,800,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1 / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Percentage of equity interest in joint venture, previously held (in hundredths) |  | 40.00%us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireePercentage / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Fair value of assets recorded from the acquisition |  | 188,000,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Fair value of debt assumed from the acquisition |  | 127,900,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Effective interest rate of secured debt assumed from the acquisition (in hundredths) |  | 3.11%hiw_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntitySecuredDebtAssumedEffectiveInterestRate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Previously held equity interest remeasured at fair value |  | 75,200,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeFairValue1 / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate |  | 7,500,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationStepAcquisitionEquityInterestInAcquireeRemeasurementGainOrLoss / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFLOfficePropertiesAcquisition92013Member |
Atlanta, GA Office Property Acquisition (6/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  | 553,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertyAcquisition62013Member |
Acquisition purchase price |  | 140,100,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertyAcquisition62013Member |
Greensboro, NC Office Properties Acquisition (3/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties acquired |  | 2 hiw_NumberOfOfficePropertiesAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcOfficePropertiesAcquisition32013Member |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  | 195,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcOfficePropertiesAcquisition32013Member |
Acquisition purchase price |  | 30,800,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcOfficePropertiesAcquisition32013Member |
Tampa, FL Office Properties Acquisition (3/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties acquired |  | 2 hiw_NumberOfOfficePropertiesAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFlOfficePropertiesAcquisition32013Member |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  | 372,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFlOfficePropertiesAcquisition32013Member |
Acquisition purchase price |  | 52,500,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFlOfficePropertiesAcquisition32013Member |
Memphis, TN Development Land Acquisition (3/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Acquisition purchase price |  | 4,800,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_MemphisTnDevelopmentLandAcquisition32013Member |
Atlanta, GA Office Property Acquisition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  |  | 492,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaOfficePropertyAcquisition2012Member
Acquisition purchase price |  |  | 144,900,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaOfficePropertyAcquisition2012Member
Pittsburgh PA Office Property Acquisition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  |  | 616,000 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_PittsburghPaOfficePropertyAcquisition2012Member
Acquisition purchase price |  |  | 91,200,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_PittsburghPaOfficePropertyAcquisition2012Member
Greensboro, NC Medical Office Properties Acquisition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties acquired |  |  | 3 hiw_NumberOfOfficePropertiesAcquired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcMedicalOfficePropertiesAcquisitionMember
Acquisition purchase price |  |  | 29,600,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcMedicalOfficePropertiesAcquisitionMember
Common Units issued to acquire real estate assets (in shares) |  |  | 66,864 hiw_CommonUnitsOfPartnershipIssued / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcMedicalOfficePropertiesAcquisitionMember
Business combination, contingent consideration at fair value |  |  | 700,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcMedicalOfficePropertiesAcquisitionMember
Fair value of debt assumed from the acquisition |  |  | 7,900,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedFinancialLiabilities / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcMedicalOfficePropertiesAcquisitionMember
Effective interest rate of secured debt assumed from the acquisition (in hundredths) |  |  | 4.06%hiw_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntitySecuredDebtAssumedEffectiveInterestRate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNcMedicalOfficePropertiesAcquisitionMember
Nashville TN Development Land Acquisition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Acquisition purchase price |  |  | 15,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTnDevelopmentLandAcquisition2012Member
Square footage zoned for future development |  |  | 1,300,000 hiw_SquareFootageZonedForFutureDevelopment / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTnDevelopmentLandAcquisition2012Member
Cary, NC Office Property Acquisition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Acquisitions [Abstract] |  |  |
Net rentable square feet of acquisition (in sqft) |  |  | 178,300 hiw_RentableSquareFeetOfAcquisitions / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_CaryNcOfficePropertyAcquisitionMember
Acquisition purchase price |  |  | 26,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_CaryNcOfficePropertyAcquisitionMember
Atlanta, GA Industrial Property/Land Parcel Disposition (10/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 11,400,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertyLandParcelDisposition102014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 1,700,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertyLandParcelDisposition102014Member |  |
Raleigh, NC Land Disposition (12/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of land parcels sold | 2 hiw_NumberofLandParcelsSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCLandDisposition122014Member |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 1,700,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCLandDisposition122014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 500,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCLandDisposition122014Member |  |
Winston-Salem, NC Office Properties Disposition (12/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 9,900,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertiesDisposition122014Member |  |
Closing credits excluded for unfunded building and/or tenant improvements | 1,600,000 hiw_DispositionImprovementsClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertiesDisposition122014Member |  |
Closing credits excluded for free rent | 700,000 hiw_DispositionRentClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertiesDisposition122014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | (100,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertiesDisposition122014Member |  |
Raleigh, NC Office Properties Disposition (9/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold | 5 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 58,700,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 11,700,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Richmond, VA Office Properties Disposition (9/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold | 11 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RichmondVAOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 40,700,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RichmondVAOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 17,600,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RichmondVAOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Greensboro, NC Office Properties Disposition (9/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold | 6 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Number of industrial properties sold | 8 hiw_NumberOfIndustrialRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 28,200,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Closing credits excluded for unfunded building and/or tenant improvements | 1,200,000 hiw_DispositionImprovementsClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Closing credits excluded for free rent | 400,000 hiw_DispositionRentClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 4,700,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92014Member |  |
Greenville, SC Office Property Disposition (9/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 27,200,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertyDisposition92014Member |  |
Closing credits excluded for unfunded building and/or tenant improvements | 5,800,000 hiw_DispositionImprovementsClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertyDisposition92014Member |  |
Closing credits excluded for free rent | 1,800,000 hiw_DispositionRentClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertyDisposition92014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 2,200,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertyDisposition92014Member |  |
Atlanta, GA Land Disposition (6/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of land parcels sold | 2 hiw_NumberofLandParcelsSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGALandDisposition62014Member |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 9,500,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGALandDisposition62014Member |  |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property | 5,900,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGALandDisposition62014Member |  |
Greenville, SC Office Properties Disposition (12/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold |  | 8 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 57,900,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Closing credits for unfunded tenant improvements |  | 100,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Closing credits included for free rent |  | 300,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsIncluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 3,100,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreenvilleSCOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Tampa, FL Office Properties Disposition (12/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 11,500,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFLOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Closing credits for unfunded tenant improvements |  | 600,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFLOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 2,800,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFLOfficePropertiesDisposition122013Member |
Atlanta, GA Office Property Dispositon (10/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 13,800,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertyDispositon102013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 3,000,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAOfficePropertyDispositon102013Member |
Winston-Salem, NC Office Property Disposition 2 (10/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 5,300,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertyDisposition2102013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 2,500,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertyDisposition2102013Member |
Winston-Salem, NC Office Properties Disposition (9/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold |  | 4 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92013Member |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 6,200,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 100,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficePropertiesDisposition92013Member |
Atlanta, GA Industrial Properties/Land Disposition (9/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of industrial properties sold |  | 16 hiw_NumberOfIndustrialRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertiesLandDisposition92013Member |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 91,600,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertiesLandDisposition92013Member |
Closing credits for unfunded tenant improvements |  | 300,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertiesLandDisposition92013Member |
Closing credits included for free rent |  | 300,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsIncluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertiesLandDisposition92013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 36,700,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertiesLandDisposition92013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property |  | 100,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGAIndustrialPropertiesLandDisposition92013Member |
Tampa, FL Office Property Disposition (9/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 11,600,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFLOfficePropertyDisposition92013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 1,200,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_TampaFLOfficePropertyDisposition92013Member |
Atlanta, GA Industrial Property Disposition (6/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of industrial properties sold |  | 5 hiw_NumberOfIndustrialRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertyDisposition62013Member |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 4,500,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertyDisposition62013Member |
Closing credits included for free rent |  | 100,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsIncluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertyDisposition62013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 100,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertyDisposition62013Member |
Atlanta, GA Industrial Property/Land Disposition 2 (6/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of industrial properties sold |  | 6 hiw_NumberOfIndustrialRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertylandDisposition262013Member |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 38,700,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertylandDisposition262013Member |
Closing credits for unfunded tenant improvements |  | 1,800,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertylandDisposition262013Member |
Closing credits included for free rent |  | 1,300,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsIncluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertylandDisposition262013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | 13,200,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertylandDisposition262013Member |
Atlanta, GA Industrial Property Disposition 3 (6/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of industrial properties sold |  | 2 hiw_NumberOfIndustrialRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertyDisposition362013Member |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 4,800,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertyDisposition362013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | (100,000)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialPropertyDisposition362013Member |
Orlando, FL Office Properties Disposition (3/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold |  | 2 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFlOfficePropertiesDisposition32013Member |
Purchase price of real estate |  | 14,600,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFlOfficePropertiesDisposition32013Member |
Closing credits for unfunded tenant improvements |  | 800,000 hiw_DispositionClosingCreditsExcluded / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFlOfficePropertiesDisposition32013Member |
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  | (300,000)us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_OrlandoFlOfficePropertiesDisposition32013Member |
Atlanta GA and Jackson MS Office Properties Disposition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold |  |  | 3 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaAndJacksonMsOfficePropertiesDispositionMember
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 86,500,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaAndJacksonMsOfficePropertiesDispositionMember
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  |  | 14,000,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaAndJacksonMsOfficePropertiesDispositionMember
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property |  | 1,500,000 us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaAndJacksonMsOfficePropertiesDispositionMember |
Additional purchase price consideration |  |  | 1,500,000 us-gaap_DeferredGainOnSaleOfProperty / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaAndJacksonMsOfficePropertiesDispositionMember
Nashville, TN Office Properties Disposition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of office properties sold |  |  | 5 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTnOfficePropertiesDispositionMember
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 41,000,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTnOfficePropertiesDispositionMember
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  |  | 7,000,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_NashvilleTnOfficePropertiesDispositionMember
Pinellas County, FL Office Property Disposition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 9,500,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_PinellasCountyFlOfficePropertyDispositionMember
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  |  | 1,400,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_PinellasCountyFlOfficePropertyDispositionMember
Kansas City, MO Office Property Disposition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 6,500,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_KansasCityMoOfficePropertyDisposition2012Member
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  |  | 1,900,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_KansasCityMoOfficePropertyDisposition2012Member
Kansas City, MO Rental Residential Disposition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Residential units (in units) |  |  | 96 hiw_NumberOfRentalResidentialUnits / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_KansasCityMoRentalResidentialDispositionMember
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 11,000,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_KansasCityMoRentalResidentialDispositionMember
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  |  | 5,100,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_KansasCityMoRentalResidentialDispositionMember
Raleigh NC Residential Condominiums Disposition (2012) [Member] |  |  |
Dispositions [Abstract] |  |  |
Residential units (in units) |  |  | 17 hiw_NumberOfRentalResidentialUnits / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNcResidentialCondominiumsDisposition2012Member
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 5,500,000 hiw_PurchasePriceOfRealEstate / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNcResidentialCondominiumsDisposition2012Member
Gains/(losses) on disposition of discontinued operations |  |  | 400,000 us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_RaleighNcResidentialCondominiumsDisposition2012Member
Greensboro, NC Office Property Impairment (6/2014) [Member] |  |  |
Impairments [Abstract] |  |  |
Impairments of real estate assets | 600,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_GreensboroNCOfficePropertyImpairment62014Member |  |
Winston-Salem, NC Office Properties (6/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Impairments [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of impaired properties |  | 4 hiw_NumberOfLongLivedAssetsImpaired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficeProperties62013Member |
Impairments of real estate assets |  | 1,100,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_WinstonSalemNCOfficeProperties62013Member |
Atlanta, GA Industrial Properties (3/2013) [Member] |  |  |
Impairments [Abstract] |  |  |
Number of impaired properties |  | 7 hiw_NumberOfLongLivedAssetsImpaired / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialProperties32013Member |
Impairments of real estate assets |  | $ 1,100,000 us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse / us-gaap_SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsByTransactionAxis = hiw_AtlantaGaIndustrialProperties32013Member |

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