| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 27, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 27, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HEALTHCARE TRUST OF AMERICA, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-35568 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-4738467 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 16435 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 320, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Scottsdale, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AZ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 85254 |
| City Area Code | (480) |
| Local Phone Number | 998-3478 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | HTA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001360604 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Healthcare Trust of America Holdings, LP | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | HEALTHCARE TRUST OF AMERICA HOLDINGS, LP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 333-190916 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-4738347 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001495491 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
