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Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 acre properties
Assets [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Real estate assets, net | $ 209,097,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsSummarizedFinancialInformationRealEstateAssetsNet |  | $ 228,497,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsSummarizedFinancialInformationRealEstateAssetsNet |  |  |  |
All other assets, net | 56,330,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsSummarizedFinancialInformationOtherAssetsNet |  | 66,196,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsSummarizedFinancialInformationOtherAssetsNet |  |  |  |
Total Assets | 265,427,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssets | [1] | 294,693,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssets | [1] |  |  |
Liabilities and Partners' or Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgages and notes payable | 170,787,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationMortgagesAndNotesPayable |  | 189,432,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationMortgagesAndNotesPayable |  |  |  |
All other liabilities | 11,240,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOtherLiabilities |  | 11,338,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOtherLiabilities |  |  |  |
Partners' or shareholders' equity | 83,400,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquityOrCapital |  | 93,923,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquityOrCapital |  |  |  |
Total Liabilities and Partners' or Shareholders' Equity | 265,427,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquity | [1] | 294,693,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationLiabilitiesAndEquity | [1] |  |  |
Our share of historical partners' or shareholders' equity | 28,088,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquityOrCapital |  | 29,099,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquityOrCapital |  |  |  |
Advances to unconsolidated affiliate | 64,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentAdvancesToAffiliatesLoanAmount |  | 0 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentAdvancesToAffiliatesLoanAmount |  |  |  |
Difference between cost of investments and the net book value of underlying net assets | (1,081,000)us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountAndUnderlyingEquity |  | 802,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountAndUnderlyingEquity |  |  |  |
Carrying value of investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates | 27,071,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments |  | 29,901,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments |  |  |  |
Our share of unconsolidated non-recourse mortgage debt | 56,812,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNotesAndLoansPayable |  | 64,424,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNotesAndLoansPayable |  |  |  |
Scheduled future principal payments [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2015 | 4,758,000 hiw_EntitysShareFiveYearScheduleOfMaturitiesOfEquityMethodInvestmentRepaymentsOfPrincipleWithinOneYear |  |  |  |  |  |
2016 | 1,117,000 hiw_EntitysShareFiveYearScheduleOfMaturitiesOfEquityMethodInvestmentRepaymentsOfPrincipleWithinYearTwo |  |  |  |  |  |
2017 | 27,122,000 hiw_EntitysShareFiveYearScheduleOfMaturitiesOfEquityMethodInvestmentRepaymentsOfPrincipleWithinYearThree |  |  |  |  |  |
2018 | 19,377,000 hiw_EntitysShareFiveYearScheduleOfMaturitiesOfEquityMethodInvestmentRepaymentsOfPrincipleWithinYearFour |  |  |  |  |  |
2019 | 563,000 hiw_EntitysShareFiveYearScheduleOfMaturitiesOfEquityMethodInvestmentRepaymentsOfPrincipleWithinYearFive |  |  |  |  |  |
Thereafter | 3,875,000 hiw_EntitysShareFiveYearScheduleOfMaturitiesOfEquityMethodInvestmentRepaymentsOfPrincipleAfterYearFive |  |  |  |  |  |
Total scheduled future principal payments | 56,812,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNotesAndLoansPayable |  | 64,424,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNotesAndLoansPayable |  |  |  |
Income Statement [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Rental and other revenues | 50,514,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue |  | 82,168,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue |  | 101,233,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Rental property and other expenses | 25,159,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingCostsAndExpenses |  | 41,284,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingCostsAndExpenses |  | 47,762,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingCostsAndExpenses |  |
Depreciation and amortization | 13,310,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDepreciationAndAmortization |  | 20,928,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDepreciationAndAmortization |  | 25,253,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDepreciationAndAmortization |  |
Impairments of real estate assets | 0 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse |  | 20,077,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse |  | 7,180,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse |  |
Interest expense | 8,847,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationInterestExpense |  | 14,994,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationInterestExpense |  | 20,953,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationInterestExpense |  |
Total expenses | 47,316,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationTotalExpenses |  | 97,283,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationTotalExpenses |  | 101,148,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationTotalExpenses |  |
Income/(loss) before disposition of property | 3,198,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeBeforeDispositionOfProperty |  | (15,115,000)hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeBeforeDispositionOfProperty |  | 85,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationIncomeBeforeDispositionOfProperty |  |
Gains on disposition of property | 2,998,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty |  | 20,501,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty |  | 11,184,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty |  |
Net income | 6,196,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss | [1] | 5,386,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss | [1] | 11,269,000 us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss | [1] |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 50.00%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum |  |  |  |  |  |
Taxes incurred by taxable REIT subsidiary related to disposition |  |  | 1,700,000 hiw_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTotalOperations |  |  |  |
Net gain on disposition of property | 2,998,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty |  | 20,501,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty |  | 11,184,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty |  |
Impairments of real estate assets | 0 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse |  | 20,077,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse |  | 7,180,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse |  |
Advance to unconsolidated affiliate loan amount | (64,000)hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentAdvancesToAffiliatesLoanAmount |  | 0 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentAdvancesToAffiliatesLoanAmount |  |  |  |
Development, management and leasing fees revenue | 1,200,000 us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue |  | 2,900,000 us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue |  | 2,400,000 us-gaap_ManagementFeesRevenue |  |
Receivables from management and leasing fees | 500,000 hiw_DueFromEquityMethodInvestees |  | 500,000 hiw_DueFromEquityMethodInvestees |  |  |  |
Concourse Center Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 50.00%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_ConcourseCenterAssociatesLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Plaza Colonnade, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 50.00%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_PlazaColonnadeLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Lofts at Weston, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gains on disposition of property |  |  | 12,200,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  | 300,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 50.00%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Contribution of land (in acres) |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15.0 hiw_ContributionOfLandInAcres / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Contribution of property to unconsolidated affiliate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,400,000 hiw_ContributionOfPropertyToUnconsolidatedAffiliate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Payments to acquire interest in joint venture by partner |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,200,000 hiw_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVentureByPartner / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Distribution by joint venture for land contribution |  |  | 9,400,000 hiw_DistributionByJointVentureForLandContribution / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  | 1,200,000 hiw_DistributionByJointVentureForLandContribution / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Residential units (in units) |  |  |  |  |  |  | 215 hiw_NumberOfRentalResidentialUnits / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Total cost to construct residential units |  |  |  |  |  |  | 25,900,000 hiw_EstimatedDevelopmentCosts / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Taxes incurred by taxable REIT subsidiary related to disposition |  |  | 1,700,000 hiw_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTotalOperations / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 38,300,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsPurchasePriceofRealEstate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Net gain on disposition of property |  |  | 12,200,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  | 300,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember
Our proportionate share of gain on disposition of property |  |  | 3,200,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentGainLossOnDispositionOfDepreciableProperties / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_LoftsAtWestonLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Board of Trade Investment Company Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gains on disposition of property | 1,900,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_BoardOfTradeInvestmentCompanyJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 49.00%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_BoardOfTradeInvestmentCompanyJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 8,300,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsPurchasePriceofRealEstate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_BoardOfTradeInvestmentCompanyJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net gain on disposition of property | 1,900,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_BoardOfTradeInvestmentCompanyJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Our proportionate share of impairment of assets in discontinued operations | 400,000 hiw_EntitysShareImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsInDiscontinuedOperations / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_BoardOfTradeInvestmentCompanyJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Expected aggregate distributions | 4,700,000 hiw_AmountDueRedemptionInvestmentInUnconsolidatedAffiliate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_BoardOfTradeInvestmentCompanyJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Highwoods DLF 97/26 DLF 99/32, LP Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gains on disposition of property |  |  | 100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 42.90%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Joint venture principal amount of debt |  |  |  |  | 50,000,000.0 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentDebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |
Term of debt instrument (in years) |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |
Current fixed interest rate (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  | 3.50%hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |
Amount of loan related to fixed interest rate |  |  |  |  | 39,100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentDebtInstrumentFaceAmountRelatedToFixedInterestRate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |
Floating interest rate, interest rate basis |  |  |  |  | LIBOR plus 250 basis points |  |
Current floating interest rate (in hundredths) |  |  |  |  | 2.50%hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentDebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableInterestRate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |
Amount of loan related to floating interest rate |  |  |  |  | 10,900,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentDebtInstrumentFaceAmountRelatedToFloatingInterestRate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |
Number of office properties sold |  |  | 2 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Purchase price of real estate |  |  | 10,100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsPurchasePriceofRealEstate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Closing credits included for free rent |  |  | 300,000 hiw_DispositionRentClosingCreditsIncluded / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Net gain on disposition of property |  |  | 100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Our proportionate share of gain on disposition of property |  |  | 400,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentGainLossOnDispositionOfDepreciableProperties / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9726Dlf9932LpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Highwoods KC Glenridge Office, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 40.00%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsKcGlenridgeOfficeLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Joint venture principal amount of debt | 14,900,000.0 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentDebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsKcGlenridgeOfficeLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Current fixed interest rate (in hundredths) | 4.84%hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsDebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsKcGlenridgeOfficeLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Highwoods KC Glenridge Land, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 39.90%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsKcGlenridgeLandLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
HIW-KC Orlando, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest acquired in unconsolidated affiliate (in hundredths) | 60.00%hiw_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageofEquityInterestsAcquired / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HiwKcOrlandoLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Kessinger Hunter, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 26.50%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_KessingerHunterLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Amount of related party transaction | 600,000 us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_KessingerHunterLlcJointVentureMember |  | 200,000 us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_KessingerHunterLlcJointVentureMember |  | 1,100,000 us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_KessingerHunterLlcJointVentureMember |  |
Highwoods DLF Forum, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 25.00%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlfForumLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Joint venture principal amount of debt |  |  | 71,700,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentDebtInstrumentFaceAmount / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlfForumLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Term of debt instrument (in years) |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |
Floating interest rate, interest rate basis |  |  | LIBOR plus 190 basis points |  |  |  |
Current floating interest rate (in hundredths) |  |  | 1.90%hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentDebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableInterestRate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlfForumLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Advance to unconsolidated affiliate, scheduled loan maturity date |  |  | Nov. 01, 2018 |  |  |  |
Highwoods DLF 98/29, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Impairments of real estate assets |  |  | 20,100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Gains on disposition of property | 1,000,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 4,900,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 22.80%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of office properties sold |  |  |  |  | 2 hiw_NumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesSold / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |
Purchase price of real estate | 13,700,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsPurchasePriceofRealEstate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 5,900,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsPurchasePriceofRealEstate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 15,500,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsPurchasePriceofRealEstate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |
Closing credits included for free rent | 400,000 hiw_DispositionRentClosingCreditsIncluded / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 100,000 hiw_DispositionRentClosingCreditsIncluded / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
Net gain on disposition of property | 1,000,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 4,900,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNetGainOrLossOnDispositionOfProperty / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |
Our proportionate share of impairment of assets in discontinued operations |  |  | 4,500,000 hiw_EntitysShareImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsInDiscontinuedOperations / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 1,000,000 hiw_EntitysShareImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsInDiscontinuedOperations / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |
Our proportionate share of gain on disposition of property | 200,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentGainLossOnDispositionOfDepreciableProperties / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 100,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentGainLossOnDispositionOfDepreciableProperties / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  | 1,100,000 hiw_EntitysShareOfEquityMethodInvestmentGainLossOnDispositionOfDepreciableProperties / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |
Number of office properties impaired |  |  |  |  | 2 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentsNumberOfOfficeRealEstatePropertiesImpaired / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |
Impairments of real estate assets |  |  | 20,100,000 hiw_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentOfAssetsHeldForUse / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsDlf9829LlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |
4600 Madison Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum | 12.50%hiw_PercentageOfEquityInterestInJointVenturesMaximum / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_A4600MadisonAssociatesLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Highwoods-Markel Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated Affiliates: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in consolidated affiliates | 50.00%hiw_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterest / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsMarkelAssociatesLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliate | 26,800,000 hiw_FairValueOfNoncontrollingInterestsInConsolidatedAffiliate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_HighwoodsMarkelAssociatesLlcJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
SF-Harborview Plaza, LP Joint Venture [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated Affiliates: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest in consolidated affiliates | 20.00%hiw_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterest / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_SfHarborviewPlazaLpJointVentureMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Advance to consolidated affiliate |  |  |  |  | $ 20,800,000 us-gaap_AdvancesToAffiliate / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_SfHarborviewPlazaLpJointVentureMember |  |
Term of debt instrument (in years) |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |
Advance to consolidated affiliate, scheduled maturity date |  |  |  |  | Sep. 30, 2015 |  |
Interest rate basis |  |  |  |  | LIBOR plus 500 basis points |  |
Interest rate, basis spread |  |  |  |  | 5.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1 / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_SfHarborviewPlazaLpJointVentureMember |  |
Interest rate floor |  |  |  |  | 0.50%hiw_InterestRateFloor / us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis = hiw_SfHarborviewPlazaLpJointVentureMember |  |
[1] | Our share of scheduled future principal payments, including amortization, due on mortgages and notes payable at December 31, 2014 is as follows:2015$4,75820161,117201727,122201819,3772019563Thereafter3,875 $56,812 All of this joint venture debt is non-recourse to us except in the case of customary exceptions pertaining to such matters as misuse of funds, environmental conditions, material misrepresentations and voluntary or uncontested involuntary bankruptcy events.

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