Highwoods Properties (HIW) 10-Q 29 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 21, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000921082	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	90,361,707
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HIGHWOODS REALTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000941713	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate assets, at cost:	'	'
Land	$382,575	$393,602
Buildings and tenant improvements	3,724,554	3,748,869
Development in process	114,790	44,621
Land held for development	104,873	110,374
Total real estate assets	4,326,792	4,297,466
Less-accumulated depreciation	-1,011,477	-985,244
Net real estate assets	3,315,315	3,312,222
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	68,159	0
Cash and cash equivalents	18,699	10,184
Restricted cash	10,602	14,169
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,390 and $1,648, respectively	27,972	26,430
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $275 and $302, respectively	10,140	26,409
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $798 and $1,063, respectively	132,051	126,014
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	30,387	29,901
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $102,430 and $92,220, respectively	218,022	222,211
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,466 and $12,905, respectively	45,453	39,561
Total Assets	3,876,800	3,807,101
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Equity:	'	'
Mortgages and notes payable	2,058,972	1,956,299
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	219,296	218,962
Financing obligations	24,672	26,664
Total Liabilities	2,302,940	2,201,925
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,205	106,480
Equity:	'	'
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized shares; 8.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $1,000 per share; 29,077 shares issued and outstanding)	29,077	29,077
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 90,361,707 and 89,920,915 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	904	899
Additional paid-in capital	2,366,281	2,370,368
Distributions in excess of net income available for common stockholders	-962,205	-920,433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,719	-2,611
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,429,338	1,477,300
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	21,317	21,396
Total Equity	1,450,655	1,498,696
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Equity	3,876,800	3,807,101
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Real estate assets, at cost:	'	'
Land	382,575	393,602
Buildings and tenant improvements	3,724,554	3,748,869
Development in process	114,790	44,621
Land held for development	104,873	110,374
Total real estate assets	4,326,792	4,297,466
Less-accumulated depreciation	-1,011,477	-985,244
Net real estate assets	3,315,315	3,312,222
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	68,159	0
Cash and cash equivalents	18,793	10,281
Restricted cash	10,602	14,169
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,390 and $1,648, respectively	27,972	26,430
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $275 and $302, respectively	10,140	26,409
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $798 and $1,063, respectively	132,051	126,014
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	30,387	29,901
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $102,430 and $92,220, respectively	218,022	222,211
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,466 and $12,905, respectively	45,383	39,561
Total Assets	3,876,824	3,807,198
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Equity:	'	'
Mortgages and notes payable	2,058,972	1,956,299
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	219,250	218,887
Financing obligations	24,672	26,664
Total Liabilities	2,302,894	2,201,850
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units:	'	'
Common Units, 2,936,955 and 2,943,872 outstanding, respectively	123,205	106,480
Series A Preferred Units (liquidation preference $1,000 per unit), 29,077 units issued and outstanding	29,077	29,077
Total Redeemable Operating Partnership Units	152,282	135,557
Equity:	'	'
General partner Common Units, 928,899 and 924,560 outstanding, respectively	14,048	14,508
Limited partner Common Units, 89,024,000 and 88,587,546 outstanding, respectively	1,391,002	1,436,498
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,719	-2,611
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	21,317	21,396
Total Equity	1,421,648	1,469,791
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Equity	$3,876,824	$3,807,198

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:	'	'
Accounts receivable allowance	$1,390	$1,648
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	275	302
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	798	1,063
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	102,430	92,220
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	13,466	12,905
Equity:	'	'
Series A Preferred Stock, dividend rate percentage (in hundredths)	8.63%	8.63%
Series A Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Series A Preferred Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$1,000	$1,000
Series A Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Series A Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	90,361,707	89,920,915
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	90,361,707	89,920,915
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Accounts receivable allowance	1,390	1,648
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	275	302
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	798	1,063
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	102,430	92,220
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$13,466	$12,905
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units: [Abstract]	'	'
Redeemable Common Units outstanding (in shares)	2,936,955	2,943,872
Series A Preferred Units, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$1,000	$1,000
Series A Preferred Units, issued (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Series A Preferred Units, outstanding (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Common Units: [Abstract]	'	'
General partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	928,899	924,560
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	89,024,000	88,587,546

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Rental and other revenues	$152,722		$132,618		$301,175		$262,995
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Rental property and other expenses	55,275		47,317		111,665		93,911
Depreciation and amortization	50,443		40,624		98,608		80,712
Impairments of real estate assets	588		0		588		0
General and administrative	8,733		8,397		19,447		18,979
Total operating expenses	115,039		96,338		230,308		193,602
Interest expense:	'		'		'		'
Contractual	20,640		22,398		41,390		45,196
Amortization of deferred financing costs	799		948		1,451		1,897
Financing obligations	-226		-60		-266		61
Total interest expense	21,213		23,286		42,575		47,154
Other income:	'		'		'		'
Interest and other income	1,410		1,617		2,809		3,400
Gains/(losses) on debt extinguishment	18		0		18		-164
Total other income	1,428		1,617		2,827		3,236
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,898		14,611		31,119		25,475
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property	5,947		-37		5,947		-37
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	667		913		638		1,349
Income from continuing operations	24,512		15,487		37,704		26,787
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'		'
Income from discontinued operations	0		1,995		0		4,339
Impairments of real estate assets	0		-1,066		0		-2,194
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0		13,163		384		14,407
Total discontinued operations	0		14,092		384		16,552
Net income	24,512		29,579		38,088		43,339
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-742		-1,243		-1,140		-1,824
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-438		-187		-861		-390
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627		-1,254		-1,254
Net income available for common stockholders	22,705		27,522		34,833		39,871
Earnings per Common Share – basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	90,254	[1],[2]	82,811	[1],[2]	90,111	[1],[2]	81,925	[1],[2]
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	93,312	[1],[2]	86,631	[1],[2]	93,172	[1],[2]	85,752	[1],[2]
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.43		$0.43		$0.85		$0.85
Net income available for common stockholders:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	22,705		14,033		34,461		24,031
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		13,489		372		15,840
Net income available for common stockholders	22,705		27,522		34,833		39,871
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'		'		'		'
Rental and other revenues	152,722		132,618		301,175		262,995
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Rental property and other expenses	55,258		47,295		111,632		93,915
Depreciation and amortization	50,443		40,624		98,608		80,712
Impairments of real estate assets	588		0		588		0
General and administrative	8,750		8,419		19,480		18,975
Total operating expenses	115,039		96,338		230,308		193,602
Interest expense:	'		'		'		'
Contractual	20,640		22,398		41,390		45,196
Amortization of deferred financing costs	799		948		1,451		1,897
Financing obligations	-226		-60		-266		61
Total interest expense	21,213		23,286		42,575		47,154
Other income:	'		'		'		'
Interest and other income	1,410		1,617		2,809		3,400
Gains/(losses) on debt extinguishment	18		0		18		-164
Total other income	1,428		1,617		2,827		3,236
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,898		14,611		31,119		25,475
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property	5,947		-37		5,947		-37
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	667		916		638		1,299
Income from continuing operations	24,512		15,490		37,704		26,737
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'		'
Income from discontinued operations	0		1,995		0		4,339
Impairments of real estate assets	0		-1,066		0		-2,194
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0		13,163		384		14,407
Total discontinued operations	0		14,092		384		16,552
Net income	24,512		29,582		38,088		43,289
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-438		-187		-861		-390
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627		-1,254		-1,254
Net income available for common unitholders	23,447		28,768		35,973		41,645
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - basic (in shares)	92,782	[1],[3]	86,090	[1],[3]	92,640	[1],[3]	85,223	[1],[3]
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - diluted (in shares)	92,903	[1],[3]	86,222	[1],[3]	92,763	[1],[3]	85,343	[1],[3]
Distributions declared per Common Unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.43		$0.43		$0.85		$0.85
Net income available for common unitholders:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	23,447		14,676		35,589		25,093
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		14,092		384		16,552
Net income available for common unitholders	$23,447		$28,768		$35,973		$41,645
[1]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[2]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
[3]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$24,512	$29,579	$38,088	$43,339
Other comprehensive income/(loss):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	105	-91	270	299
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	-2,846	6,319	-4,250	6,599
Amortization of cash flow hedges	944	800	1,872	1,588
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	-1,797	7,028	-2,108	8,486
Total comprehensive income	22,715	36,607	35,980	51,825
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,180	-1,430	-2,001	-2,214
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	21,535	35,177	33,979	49,611
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	24,512	29,582	38,088	43,289
Other comprehensive income/(loss):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	105	-91	270	299
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	-2,846	6,319	-4,250	6,599
Amortization of cash flow hedges	944	800	1,872	1,588
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	-1,797	7,028	-2,108	8,486
Total comprehensive income	22,715	36,610	35,980	51,775
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-438	-187	-861	-390
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$22,277	$36,423	$35,119	$51,385

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)

Total

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]

General Partner Common Units [Member]

Limited Partner Common Units [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]

Distributions in Excess of Net Income Available for Common Stockholders [Member]

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

$1,164,893

$1,135,033

$803

$29,077

$11,427

$1,131,481

$2,040,306

($12,628)

($12,628)

$4,753

$4,753

($897,418)

Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012

'

'

80,311,437

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of Common Units, net of units redeemed for tax withholdings

'

122,490

'

'

1,225

121,265

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Common Units

'

-72,355

'

'

-724

-71,631

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Preferred Units

'

-1,254

'

'

-13

-1,241

'

'

0

'

0

'

Issuances of Common Stock - Shares

'

'

3,434,687

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of Common Stock, net of shares redeemed for tax withholdings

122,490

'

34

0

'

'

122,456

0

'

0

'

0

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares

'

'

72,471

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock

2,851

'

0

0

'

'

2,851

0

'

0

'

0

Dividends on Common Stock

-69,563

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-69,563

Dividends on Preferred Stock

-1,254

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-1,254

Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value

-9,649

'

0

0

'

'

-9,649

0

'

0

'

0

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

-408

-408

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

-408

-408

0

Issuances of restricted stock - shares

'

'

151,630

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of restricted stock

0

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - Shares

'

'

-1,813

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures

4,737

4,737

3

0

47

4,690

4,734

0

0

0

0

0

Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner

'

-5,986

'

'

-59

-5,927

'

'

0

'

0

'

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

-1,824

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-1,824

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

0

0

0

0

-4

-386

0

0

0

390

390

-390

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

43,339

43,289

0

0

433

42,856

0

0

0

0

0

43,339

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

8,486

8,486

0

0

0

0

0

8,486

8,486

0

0

0

Total comprehensive income

51,825

51,775

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Jun. 30, 2013

1,264,098

1,234,032

840

29,077

12,332

1,221,107

2,160,698

-4,142

-4,142

4,735

4,735

-927,110

Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2013

'

'

83,968,412

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Mar. 31, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

-1,243

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

29,579

29,582

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

7,028

7,028

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total comprehensive income

36,607

36,610

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Jun. 30, 2013

1,264,098

1,234,032

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Dec. 31, 2013

1,498,696

1,469,791

899

29,077

14,508

1,436,498

2,370,368

-2,611

-2,611

21,396

21,396

-920,433

Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013

89,920,915

'

89,920,915

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of Common Units, net of units redeemed for tax withholdings

'

8,712

'

'

87

8,625

'

'

0

'

0

'

Redemptions of Common Units

'

-93

'

'

-1

-92

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Common Units

'

-78,754

'

'

-788

-77,966

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Preferred Units

'

-1,254

'

'

-13

-1,241

'

'

0

'

0

'

Issuances of Common Stock - Shares

'

'

281,992

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of Common Stock, net of shares redeemed for tax withholdings

8,712

'

3

0

'

'

8,709

0

'

0

'

0

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares

'

'

4,417

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock

162

'

0

0

'

'

162

0

'

0

'

0

Dividends on Common Stock

-76,605

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-76,605

Dividends on Preferred Stock

-1,254

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-1,254

Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value

-18,337

'

0

0

'

'

-18,337

0

'

0

'

0

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

-940

-940

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

-940

-940

0

Issuances of restricted stock - shares

'

'

154,383

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of restricted stock

0

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures

5,381

5,381

2

0

54

5,327

5,379

0

0

0

0

0

Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner

'

-17,175

'

'

-171

-17,004

'

'

0

'

0

'

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

-1,140

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-1,140

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

0

0

0

0

-9

-852

0

0

0

861

861

-861

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

38,088

38,088

0

0

381

37,707

0

0

0

0

0

38,088

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

-2,108

-2,108

0

0

0

0

0

-2,108

-2,108

0

0

0

Total comprehensive income

35,980

35,980

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Jun. 30, 2014

1,450,655

1,421,648

904

29,077

14,048

1,391,002

2,366,281

-4,719

-4,719

21,317

21,317

-962,205

Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014

90,361,707

'

90,361,707

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Mar. 31, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership

-742

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

24,512

24,512

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

-1,797

-1,797

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total comprehensive income

22,715

22,715

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Jun. 30, 2014

$1,450,655

$1,421,648

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014

90,361,707

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$38,088	$43,339
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	98,608	84,767
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	234	-198
Share-based compensation expense	5,381	4,737
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	1,278	380
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	-232	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,451	1,897
Amortization of cash flow hedges	1,872	1,588
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	-902	0
Impairments of real estate assets	588	2,194
(Gains)/losses on debt extinguishment	-18	164
Net gains on disposition of property	-6,331	-14,370
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	-638	-1,349
Changes in financing obligations	-628	-391
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,216	2,827
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	1,491	2,295
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-4,962	-2,284
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	-10,365	-8,009
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-11,597	-661
Net cash provided by operating activities	114,534	116,926
Investing activities:	'	'
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	0	-228,461
Investments in development in process	-69,928	-11,499
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	-54,794	-42,343
Investments in building improvements	-28,877	-26,466
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	8,975	60,381
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	468	435
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	-234	-432
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	16,817	276
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-6,225	-429
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	686	7,853
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-133,112	-240,685
Financing activities:	'	'
Dividends on Common Stock	-76,605	-69,563
Redemptions of Common Units	-93	0
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-1,254	-1,254
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-2,497	-3,140
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-940	-408
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock	11,404	126,738
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Stock	-42	-1,711
Repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings	-2,650	-2,537
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	302,100	346,300
Repayments of revolving credit facility	-360,800	-233,900
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	296,949	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	-134,648	-39,610
Payments on financing obligations	-1,364	-575
Additions to deferred financing costs and other financing activities	-2,467	-242
Net cash provided by financing activities	27,093	120,098
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8,515	-3,661
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	10,184	13,783
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	18,699	10,122
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	41,468	40,480
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	-4,250	6,599
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	162	2,851
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	10,726	12,618
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	16,994	17,732
Write-off of fully amortized deferred financing and leasing costs	13,273	11,363
Unrealized gains on marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan	210	312
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	18,337	9,649
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	270	299
Receivable related to redemption of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	4,660	0
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	38,088	43,289
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	98,608	84,767
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	234	-198
Share-based compensation expense	5,381	4,737
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	1,278	380
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	-232	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,451	1,897
Amortization of cash flow hedges	1,872	1,588
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	-902	0
Impairments of real estate assets	588	2,194
(Gains)/losses on debt extinguishment	-18	164
Net gains on disposition of property	-6,331	-14,370
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	-638	-1,299
Changes in financing obligations	-628	-391
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,216	2,814
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	1,491	2,295
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-4,892	-2,189
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	-10,365	-8,009
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-11,568	-587
Net cash provided by operating activities	114,633	117,082
Investing activities:	'	'
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	0	-228,461
Investments in development in process	-69,928	-11,499
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	-54,794	-42,343
Investments in building improvements	-28,877	-26,466
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	8,975	60,381
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	468	435
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	-234	-432
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	16,817	276
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-6,225	-429
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	686	7,853
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-133,112	-240,685
Financing activities:	'	'
Distributions on Common Units	-78,754	-72,355
Redemptions of Common Units	-93	0
Distributions on Preferred Units	-1,254	-1,254
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-940	-408
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Units	11,404	126,738
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Units	-42	-1,711
Repurchase of units related to tax withholdings	-2,650	-2,537
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	302,100	346,300
Repayments of revolving credit facility	-360,800	-233,900
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	296,949	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	-134,648	-39,610
Payments on financing obligations	-1,364	-575
Additions to deferred financing costs and other financing activities	-2,917	-747
Net cash provided by financing activities	26,991	119,941
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	8,512	-3,662
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	10,281	13,867
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	18,793	10,205
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	41,468	40,480
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	-4,250	6,599
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	10,726	12,618
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	16,994	17,732
Write-off of fully amortized deferred financing and leasing costs	13,273	11,363
Unrealized gains on marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan	210	312
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value	16,725	5,482
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	270	299
Receivable related to redemption of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$4,660	$0

Description_of_Business_and_Si

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business
	Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) is a fully-integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and for third parties. The Company conducts its activities through Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”). At June 30, 2014, we owned or had an interest in 32.1 million rentable square feet of in-service office, industrial and retail properties, 0.9 million rentable square feet of office properties under development and approximately 600 acres of development land.
	The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. At June 30, 2014, the Company owned all of the Preferred Units and 90.0 million, or 96.9%, of the Common Units in the Operating Partnership. Limited partners own the remaining 2.9 million Common Units. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company redeemed 2,500 Common Units for less than $0.1 million in cash and redeemed 4,417 Common Units for a like number of shares of Common Stock.
	Common Stock Offerings
	During the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company issued 50,293 and 73,877 shares of Common Stock, respectively, under its equity sales agreements at an average gross sales price of $38.38 and $38.35 per share, respectively, and received net proceeds, after sales commissions, of $1.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively. As a result of this activity and the redemptions discussed above, the percentage of Common Units owned by the Company increased from 96.8% at December 31, 2013 to 96.9% at June 30, 2014.
	Basis of Presentation
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect in discontinued operations the operations for those properties classified as discontinued operations.
	The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the Operating Partnership, wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Company has the controlling interest. The Operating Partnership's Consolidated Financial Statements include wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Operating Partnership has the controlling interest. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had involvement with, but are not the primary beneficiary in, an entity that we concluded to be a variable interest entity (see Note 3).
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying unaudited consolidated financial information, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have condensed or omitted certain notes and other information from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	1.    Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently issued an accounting standard update that requires only those real estate asset sales representing a strategic shift in operations (e.g., a disposal of a major geographic area or a major line of business) to be reflected in discontinued operations. This accounting standard update is required to be adopted in 2015. Early adoption is permitted, but only for real estate asset sales that have not been previously reflected as discontinued operations. We elected to early adopt the accounting standard update as of April 1, 2014, resulting in the operations of current period dispositions and property classified as held for sale at June 30, 2014 being included in continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  Prior to adoption, we were generally required to reflect all real estate asset sales as discontinued operations, which required reclassification of the earnings of the sold assets from continuing operations for all periods presented.
	The FASB recently issued an accounting standard update that requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that we identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when we satisfy the performance obligations. We will also be required to disclose information regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The accounting standard update is required to be adopted in 2017. Retrospective application is required either to all periods presented or with the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized in the period of adoption. We are in the process of evaluating this accounting standard update.

Real_Estate_Assets

Real Estate Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Assets	'
	Real Estate Assets
	Dispositions
	During the second quarter of 2014, we sold two land parcels in Atlanta, GA in separate transactions for an aggregate sale price of $9.5 million and recorded aggregate gains on disposition of property of $5.9 million.
	Impairments
	During the second quarter of 2014, we recorded impairments of real estate assets of $0.6 million on an office property in Greensboro, NC. This impairment was due to a change in the assumed timing of future disposition and leasing assumptions, which reduced the future expected cash flows from the impaired property.

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Mortgages and Notes Receivable	'
	Mortgages and Notes Receivable
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes receivable:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Seller financing (first mortgages)	$	—		$	16,454
	Less allowance	—			—
		—			16,454
	Mortgage receivable	9,901			9,435
	Less allowance	—			—
		9,901			9,435
	Promissory notes	514			822
	Less allowance	(275		)	(302		)
		239			520
	Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$	10,140		$	26,409
	During 2010, we provided seller financing in conjunction with two disposition transactions. We accounted for these dispositions using the installment method, whereby a gain on disposition of property was deferred until the seller financing was repaid. During the first quarter of 2014, the $16.5 million of seller financing was fully repaid and we recorded the $0.4 million gain on disposition of property.
	During 2012, we provided secured acquisition financing to a third party. We also agreed to loan such third party $8.4 million on a secured basis to fund future infrastructure development. As of June 30, 2014, $0.5 million has been funded to the third party for infrastructure development. We concluded this arrangement to be an interest in a variable interest entity. However, since we do not have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the entity, we do not qualify as the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the entity is not consolidated. Our risk of loss with respect to this arrangement is limited to the carrying value of the mortgage receivable and the future infrastructure development funding commitment.
	We evaluate the ability to collect our mortgages and notes receivable by monitoring the leasing statistics and/or market fundamentals of these assets. As of June 30, 2014, our mortgages and notes receivable were not in default and there were no other indicators of impairment.
	The following table sets forth our notes receivable allowance, which relates only to promissory notes:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Beginning notes receivable allowance	$	300		$	437		$	302		$	182
	Recoveries/write-offs/other	(25		)	(61		)	(27		)	194
	Total notes receivable allowance	$	275		$	376		$	275		$	376

Investments_In_Affiliates

Investments In Affiliates	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments In Affiliates	'
	Investments in Affiliates
	Unconsolidated Affiliates
	We have equity interests of up to 50.0% in various joint ventures with unrelated third parties that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting because we have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies.
	The following table sets forth the summarized income statements of our unconsolidated affiliates:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
	Income Statements:
	Rental and other revenues	$	12,845	$	23,935	$	25,278		$	47,451
	Expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	6,236		11,739		12,439			22,948
	Depreciation and amortization	3,328		6,227		6,817			12,373
	Impairments of real estate assets	—		—		—			4,790
	Interest expense	2,301		4,689		4,512			9,428
	Total expenses	11,865		22,655		23,768			49,539
	Income/(loss) before disposition of properties	980		1,280		1,510			(2,088		)
	Gains on disposition of properties	—		43		1,949			67
	Net income/(loss)	$	980	$	1,323	$	3,459		$	(2,021	)
	Our share of:
	Depreciation and amortization	$	923	$	2,092	$	1,954		$	4,107
	Impairments of real estate assets	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	1,020
	Interest expense	$	764	$	1,732	$	1,540		$	3,484
	Gains on disposition of properties	$	—	$	10	$	955		$	431
	Net income	$	491	$	571	$	1,646		$	575
	Our share of net income	$	491	$	571	$	1,646		$	575
	Adjustments for management and other fees	176		342		345			774
	Impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	—		—		(1,353		)	—
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	$	667	$	913	$	638		$	1,349
	Board of Trade Investment Company ("Board of Trade")
	During the first quarter of 2014, Board of Trade sold an office property to an unrelated third party for gross proceeds of $8.3 million and recorded a gain of $1.9 million. As our cost basis was different from the basis reflected at the entity level, we recorded a net impairment charge on our investment of $0.4 million. This charge represented the other-than-temporary decline in the fair value below the carrying value of our investment. During the second quarter of 2014, our 49.0% interest in Board of Trade was redeemed in exchange for $4.7 million.
	Highwoods KC Glenridge Office, LLC (“KC Glenridge”)
	During the second quarter of 2014, KC Glenridge paid at maturity the remaining $14.9 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 4.84%.

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	'
	Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities
	The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Deferred financing costs	$	19,567		$	17,363
	Less accumulated amortization	(6,434		)	(5,204		)
		13,133			12,159
	Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	300,885			297,068
	Less accumulated amortization	(95,996		)	(87,016		)
		204,889			210,052
	Deferred financing and leasing costs, net	$	218,022		$	222,211
	Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$	54,903		$	55,323
	Less accumulated amortization	(11,080		)	(8,478		)
		$	43,823		$	46,845
	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$	799		$	948		$	1,451		$	1,897
	Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization)	$	10,050		$	7,888		$	19,978		$	15,963
	Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues)	$	399		$	340		$	750		$	716
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues)	$	1,114		$	484		$	2,230		$	950
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses)	$	139		$	139		$	276		$	276
	Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues)	$	(1,500	)	$	(1,031	)	$	(3,022	)	$	(2,153	)
	5.    Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Continued
	The following table sets forth scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
			Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs			Amortization of Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization)			Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues)			Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues)
	July 1 through December 31, 2014		$	1,558		$	18,266		$	689		$	2,107	$	277	$	(2,979	)
	2015		3,087			34,839			1,135			3,619		553		(5,718		)
	2016		2,823			29,299			934			2,810		553		(5,427		)
	2017		2,529			25,379			843			2,269		553		(5,164		)
	2018		1,404			21,095			748			1,426		553		(5,016		)
	Thereafter		1,732			49,508			2,580			3,768		1,086		(19,519		)
			$	13,133		$	178,386		$	6,929		$	15,999	$	3,575	$	(43,823	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of June 30, 2014 (in years)		4.8			6.5			8.2			6.6		6.5		8.7

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable

Mortgages and Notes Payable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Mortgages and Notes Payable	'
	Mortgages and Notes Payable
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable:
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Secured indebtedness	$	352,857	$	488,664
	Unsecured indebtedness	1,706,115		1,467,635
	Total mortgages and notes payable	$	2,058,972	$	1,956,299
	At June 30, 2014, our secured mortgage loans were collateralized by real estate assets with an aggregate undepreciated book value of $652.4 million.
	Our $475.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in January 2018 and includes an accordion feature that allows for an additional $75.0 million of borrowing capacity subject to additional lender commitments. Assuming no defaults have occurred, we have an option to extend the maturity for two additional six-month periods. The interest rate at our current credit ratings is LIBOR plus 110 basis points and the annual facility fee is 20 basis points. There was $157.0 million and $181.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at June 30, 2014 and July 21, 2014, respectively. At both June 30, 2014 and July 21, 2014, we had $0.1 million of outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the availability on our revolving credit facility. As a result, the unused capacity of our revolving credit facility at June 30, 2014 and July 21, 2014 was $317.9 million and $293.9 million, respectively.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Operating Partnership issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.20% Notes due June 15, 2021, less original issue discount of $3.1 million. These notes were priced at 98.983% for an effective yield of 3.363%. Underwriting fees and other expenses were incurred that aggregated $2.4 million; these costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the notes.
	6.    Mortgages and Notes Payable - Continued
	During the second quarter of 2014, we prepaid without penalty the remaining $123.7 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 3.11% that was originally scheduled to mature in July 2014.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we prepaid the remaining $7.2 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 3.32% that was originally scheduled to mature in August 2014. We recorded less than $0.1 million of gain on debt extinguishment related to this prepayment.
	We are currently in compliance with financial covenants and other requirements with respect to our consolidated debt.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Our interest rate swaps have been designated as and are being accounted for as cash flow hedges with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income each reporting period. No gain or loss was recognized related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on our cash flow hedges during the six months ended June 30, 2014. We have no collateral requirements related to our interest rate swaps.
	Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the period from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, we estimate that $3.4 million will be reclassified to interest expense.
	The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—		$	301
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,744		$	510
	The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on AOCL and interest expense:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
	Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	(2,846	)	$	6,319	$	(4,250	)	$	6,599
	Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	944		$	800	$	1,872		$	1,588

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
	At June 30, 2014, our noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates relates to our joint venture partner's 50.0% interest in office properties in Richmond, VA. Our joint venture partner is an unrelated third party.
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
	The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership:
		Six Months Ended
		June 30,
		2014			2013
	Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	106,480		$	124,869
	Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	18,337			9,649
	Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(162		)	(2,851		)
	Redemptions of Common Units	(93		)	—
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,140			1,824
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(2,497		)	(3,140		)
	Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	123,205		$	130,351
	The following table sets forth net income available for common stockholders and transfers from the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	22,705		$	27,522		$	34,833	$	39,871
	Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units	—			2,500			162		2,851
	to Common Stock
	Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	22,705		$	30,022		$	34,995	$	42,722

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that we use to measure fair value.
	Level 1.  Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Our Level 1 asset is our investments in marketable securities that we use to pay benefits under our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Our Level 1 liability is our non-qualified deferred compensation obligation. The Company's Level 1 noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership relate to the ownership of Common Units by various individuals and entities other than the Company.
	Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities.
	Our Level 2 assets include the fair value of certain of our mortgages and notes receivable and certain of our interest rate swaps. Our Level 2 liabilities include the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable and the remainder of our interest rate swaps.
	The fair value of mortgages and notes receivable and mortgages and notes payable is estimated by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to approximate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments of interest rate swaps are based on the expectation of future LIBOR interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market LIBOR interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments are incorporated in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk, but were concluded to not be significant inputs to the calculation for the periods presented.
	Level 3. Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Our Level 3 assets include (1) certain of our mortgages and notes receivable, which were estimated by the income approach utilizing internal cash flow projections and market interest rates to estimate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants, (2) our tax increment financing bond, which is not routinely traded but whose fair value is determined by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to estimate the projected redemption value based on quoted bid/ask prices for similar unrated municipal bonds, and (3) any real estate assets recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis as a result of our quarterly impairment analysis, which were valued using the terms of definitive sales contracts or the sales comparison approach and substantiated with internal cash flow projections.
	Our Level 3 liabilities include the fair value of our contingent consideration to acquire real estate assets and financing obligations, which were estimated by the income approach to approximate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants, utilizing: (1) contractual cash flows; (2) market-based interest rates; and (3) a number of other assumptions including demand for space, competition for customers, changes in market rental rates, costs of operation and expected ownership periods.
	9	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued
	The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities and the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that are measured at fair value within the fair value hierarchy.
							Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			Total				Quoted Prices			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
							in Active
							Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities
	Fair Value at June 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	10,144			$	—		$	239		$	9,905
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,869				3,869			—			—
	Impaired real estate assets		4,922				—			—			4,922
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,673				—			—			13,673
	Total Assets		$	32,608			$	3,869		$	239		$	28,500
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	123,205			$	123,205		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,152,505			$	—		$	2,152,505		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		2,744				—			2,744			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,869				3,869			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,466				—			—			22,466
	Total Liabilities		$	2,181,584			$	3,869		$	2,155,249		$	22,466
	Fair Value at December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	26,485			$	—		$	17,029		$	9,456
	Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		301				—			301			—
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,403				—			—			13,403
	Total Assets		$	44,185			$	3,996		$	17,330		$	22,859
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	106,480			$	106,480		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,037,385			$	—		$	2,037,385		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		510				—			510			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,478				—			—			22,478
	Total Liabilities		$	2,064,369			$	3,996		$	2,037,895		$	22,478
	__________
	(1)    Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	9	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued
	The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset and liability, which are recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Asset:
	Tax Increment Financing Bond:
	Beginning balance	$	13,568			$	14,324		$	13,403		$	14,496
	Principal repayment	—				—			—			(562		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) (in AOCL)	105				(91		)	270			299
	Ending balance	$	13,673			$	14,233		$	13,673		$	14,233
	Liability:
	Contingent Consideration to Acquire Real Estate Assets:
	Beginning balance	$	—			$	375		$	—		$	563
	Unrecognized (gains)/losses (in general and administrative expenses)	—				9			—			(179		)
	Ending balance	$	—			$	384		$	—		$	384
	During 2007, we acquired a tax increment financing bond associated with a parking garage developed by us. This bond amortizes to maturity in 2020. The estimated fair value at June 30, 2014 was $0.8 million below the outstanding principal due on the bond. If the discount rate used to fair value this bond was 100 basis points higher or lower, the fair value of the bond would have been $0.4 million lower or $0.4 million higher, respectively, as of June 30, 2014. We intend to hold this bond and have concluded that we will not be required to sell this bond before recovery of the bond principal. Payment of the principal and interest for the bond is guaranteed by us. We have recorded no credit losses related to the bond during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. There is no legal right of offset with the liability, which we report as a financing obligation, related to this tax increment financing bond.
The impaired real estate assets that were measured in the second quarter of 2014 at fair value and deemed to be Level 3 assets were valued based primarily on market-based inputs and our assumptions about the use of the assets, as observable inputs were not available. In the absence of observable inputs, we estimate the fair value of real estate using unobservable data such as estimated discount and capitalization rates. We also utilize local and national industry market data such as comparable sales, sales contracts and appraisals to assist us in our estimation of fair value. Significant increases or decreases in any valuation inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
The following table sets forth quantitative information about the unobservable input of our Level 3 assets, which are recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Valuation		Unobservable		Rate
		Technique		Input
Assets:
Tax increment financing bond		Income approach		Discount rate		9.00%
Impaired real estate assets		Income approach		Capitalization rate		9.50%
				Discount rate		10.00%

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payments	'
	Share-Based Payments
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company granted 166,081 stock options with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which resulted in a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $6.89. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company also granted 87,373 shares of time-based restricted stock and 67,010 shares of total return-based restricted stock with weighted average grant date fair values per share of $37.63 and $35.25, respectively. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $1.1 million and $1.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $5.4 million and $4.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At June 30, 2014, there was $5.5 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which will be recognized over a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.5 years.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table sets forth the components of AOCL:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Tax increment financing bond:
	Beginning balance	$	(864	)	$	(1,508	)	$	(1,029	)	$	(1,898	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	105			(91		)	270			299
	Ending balance	(759		)	(1,599		)	(759		)	(1,599		)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Beginning balance	(2,058		)	(9,662		)	(1,582		)	(10,730		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(2,846		)	6,319			(4,250		)	6,599
	Amortization of cash flow hedges (1)	944			800			1,872			1,588
	Ending balance	(3,960		)	(2,543		)	(3,960		)	(2,543		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(4,719	)	$	(4,142	)	$	(4,719	)	$	(4,142	)
	__________
	(1)    Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
	Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations
	The following table sets forth the major classes of assets of our real estate and other assets, net, held for sale:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Land	$	11,488		$	—
	Buildings and tenant improvements	81,936			—
	Land held for development	2,597			—
	Less-accumulated depreciation	(34,281		)	—
	Net real estate assets	61,740			—
	Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net	3,873			—
	Deferred leasing costs, net	1,825			—
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	721			—
	Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$	68,159		$	—
	The following table sets forth our operations that were classified as discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the accounting standard update discussed in Note 1:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Rental and other revenues	$	—		$	6,262		$	—	$	13,260
	Operating expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	—			2,416			—		4,866
	Depreciation and amortization	—			1,851			—		4,055
	Total operating expenses	—			4,267			—		8,921
	Income from discontinued operations	—			1,995			—		4,339
	Impairments of real estate assets	—			(1,066		)	—		(2,194		)
	Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	—			13,163			384		14,407
	Total discontinued operations	$	—		$	14,092		$	384	$	16,552
	As of June 30, 2014, real estate and other assets, net, held for sale consisted of 11 office properties in Richmond, VA and five office properties and a land parcel in Raleigh, NC. None of these properties were classified as discontinued operations during the six months ended June 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, there were no real estate and other assets, net, held for sale.

Earnings_Per_ShareUnit

Earnings Per Share/Unit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share/Unit	'
	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,487		$	37,704		$	26,787
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(742		)	(640		)	(1,128		)	(1,112		)
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	22,705			14,033			34,461			24,031
	Income from discontinued operations	—			14,092			384			16,552
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	—			(603		)	(12		)	(712		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			13,489			372			15,840
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	22,705		$	27,522		$	34,833		$	39,871
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,254			82,811			90,111			81,925
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,487		$	37,704		$	26,787
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	23,447			14,673			35,589			25,143
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			14,092			384			16,552
	Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	23,447		$	28,765		$	35,973		$	41,695
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,254			82,811			90,111			81,925
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	121			132			123			120
	Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,937			3,688			2,938			3,707
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) (2)	93,312			86,631			93,172			85,752
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
	__________
	13	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit - Continued
	-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,490		$	37,704		$	26,737
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	23,447			14,676			35,589			25,093
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			14,092			384			16,552
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	23,447		$	28,768		$	35,973		$	41,645
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	92,782			86,090			92,640			85,223
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,490		$	37,704		$	26,737
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	23,447			14,676			35,589			25,093
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			14,092			384			16,552
Net income available for common unitholders	$	23,447		$	28,768		$	35,973		$	41,645
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	92,782			86,090			92,640			85,223
Add:
Stock options using the treasury method	121			132			123			120
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) (2)	92,903			86,222			92,763			85,343
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
__________
-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Rental and Other Revenues:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	23,627		$	17,933		$	46,604		$	35,100
	Greenville, SC	767			855			1,608			1,706
	Kansas City, MO	4,086			4,033			8,183			8,002
	Memphis, TN	10,055			9,653			19,890			19,033
	Nashville, TN	20,182			14,188			39,787			28,258
	Orlando, FL	9,148			2,230			18,068			4,451
	Piedmont Triad, NC	6,580			6,516			13,030			12,893
	Pittsburgh, PA	14,014			13,951			27,771			27,639
	Raleigh, NC	22,538			21,719			44,029			42,379
	Richmond, VA	12,020			11,856			23,763			23,628
	Tampa, FL	17,129			17,394			33,756			34,828
	Total Office Segment	140,146			120,328			276,489			237,917
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	204			211			408			414
	Piedmont Triad, NC	3,006			3,117			5,694			6,239
	Total Industrial Segment	3,210			3,328			6,102			6,653
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	9,366			8,962			18,584			18,425
	Total Retail Segment	9,366			8,962			18,584			18,425
	Total Rental and Other Revenues	$	152,722		$	132,618		$	301,175		$	262,995
	14	Segment Information - Continued
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net Operating Income:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	14,321		$	11,170		$	28,018		$	22,063
	Greenville, SC	390			475			865			971
	Kansas City, MO	2,698			2,636			5,303			5,198
	Memphis, TN	5,789			5,298			11,396			10,927
	Nashville, TN	13,999			10,030			27,152			19,715
	Orlando, FL	5,346			1,070			10,722			2,148
	Piedmont Triad, NC	4,249			4,256			8,247			8,355
	Pittsburgh, PA	7,988			7,902			15,181			15,320
	Raleigh, NC	16,326			15,675			31,358			30,299
	Richmond, VA	8,265			8,242			15,941			16,355
	Tampa, FL	10,031			10,472			20,066			21,691
	Total Office Segment	89,402			77,226			174,249			153,042
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	122			120			244			239
	Piedmont Triad, NC	2,161			2,364			4,028			4,609
	Total Industrial Segment	2,283			2,484			4,272			4,848
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	5,764			5,607			11,029			11,228
	Total Retail Segment	5,764			5,607			11,029			11,228
	Corporate and other	(2		)	(16		)	(40		)	(34		)
	Total Net Operating Income	97,447			85,301			189,510			169,084
	Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
	Depreciation and amortization	(50,443		)	(40,624		)	(98,608		)	(80,712		)
	Impairments of real estate assets	(588		)	—			(588		)	—
	General and administrative expenses	(8,733		)	(8,397		)	(19,447		)	(18,979		)
	Interest expense	(21,213		)	(23,286		)	(42,575		)	(47,154		)
	Other income	1,428			1,617			2,827			3,236
	Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	$	17,898		$	14,611		$	31,119		$	25,475

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On July 1, 2014, we received $4.7 million in cash in connection with the second quarter redemption of our former investment in Board of Trade.
	On July 1, 2014, we prepaid the remaining $36.9 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 3.34% that was originally scheduled to mature in April 2015. We expect to record $0.3 million of loss on debt extinguishment related to this prepayment.
	On July 29, 2014, we sold five office properties and a land parcel in a single transaction in Raleigh, NC for a sale price of $58.7 million and expect to record a gain on disposition of property of $11.7 million.

Description_of_Business_and_Si1

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect in discontinued operations the operations for those properties classified as discontinued operations.
	The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the Operating Partnership, wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Company has the controlling interest. The Operating Partnership's Consolidated Financial Statements include wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Operating Partnership has the controlling interest. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had involvement with, but are not the primary beneficiary in, an entity that we concluded to be a variable interest entity (see Note 3).
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable1

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Mortgages and Notes Receivable [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes receivable:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Seller financing (first mortgages)	$	—		$	16,454
	Less allowance	—			—
		—			16,454
	Mortgage receivable	9,901			9,435
	Less allowance	—			—
		9,901			9,435
	Promissory notes	514			822
	Less allowance	(275		)	(302		)
		239			520
	Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$	10,140		$	26,409
Schedule of Notes Receivable Allowance [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our notes receivable allowance, which relates only to promissory notes:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Beginning notes receivable allowance	$	300		$	437		$	302		$	182
	Recoveries/write-offs/other	(25		)	(61		)	(27		)	194
	Total notes receivable allowance	$	275		$	376		$	275		$	376

Investments_In_Affiliates_Tabl

Investments In Affiliates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments Summarized Income Statement Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the summarized income statements of our unconsolidated affiliates:
		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		June 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
	Income Statements:
	Rental and other revenues	$	12,845	$	23,935	$	25,278		$	47,451
	Expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	6,236		11,739		12,439			22,948
	Depreciation and amortization	3,328		6,227		6,817			12,373
	Impairments of real estate assets	—		—		—			4,790
	Interest expense	2,301		4,689		4,512			9,428
	Total expenses	11,865		22,655		23,768			49,539
	Income/(loss) before disposition of properties	980		1,280		1,510			(2,088		)
	Gains on disposition of properties	—		43		1,949			67
	Net income/(loss)	$	980	$	1,323	$	3,459		$	(2,021	)
	Our share of:
	Depreciation and amortization	$	923	$	2,092	$	1,954		$	4,107
	Impairments of real estate assets	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	1,020
	Interest expense	$	764	$	1,732	$	1,540		$	3,484
	Gains on disposition of properties	$	—	$	10	$	955		$	431
	Net income	$	491	$	571	$	1,646		$	575
	Our share of net income	$	491	$	571	$	1,646		$	575
	Adjustments for management and other fees	176		342		345			774
	Impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	—		—		(1,353		)	—
	Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	$	667	$	913	$	638		$	1,349

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma1

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Total intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Deferred financing costs	$	19,567		$	17,363
	Less accumulated amortization	(6,434		)	(5,204		)
		13,133			12,159
	Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	300,885			297,068
	Less accumulated amortization	(95,996		)	(87,016		)
		204,889			210,052
	Deferred financing and leasing costs, net	$	218,022		$	222,211
	Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$	54,903		$	55,323
	Less accumulated amortization	(11,080		)	(8,478		)
		$	43,823		$	46,845
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$	799		$	948		$	1,451		$	1,897
	Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization)	$	10,050		$	7,888		$	19,978		$	15,963
	Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues)	$	399		$	340		$	750		$	716
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues)	$	1,114		$	484		$	2,230		$	950
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses)	$	139		$	139		$	276		$	276
	Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues)	$	(1,500	)	$	(1,031	)	$	(3,022	)	$	(2,153	)
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
			Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs			Amortization of Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization)			Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues)			Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues)
	July 1 through December 31, 2014		$	1,558		$	18,266		$	689		$	2,107	$	277	$	(2,979	)
	2015		3,087			34,839			1,135			3,619		553		(5,718		)
	2016		2,823			29,299			934			2,810		553		(5,427		)
	2017		2,529			25,379			843			2,269		553		(5,164		)
	2018		1,404			21,095			748			1,426		553		(5,016		)
	Thereafter		1,732			49,508			2,580			3,768		1,086		(19,519		)
			$	13,133		$	178,386		$	6,929		$	15,999	$	3,575	$	(43,823	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of June 30, 2014 (in years)		4.8			6.5			8.2			6.6		6.5		8.7

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_Ta

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Consolidated Mortgages and Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable:
		June 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Secured indebtedness	$	352,857	$	488,664
	Unsecured indebtedness	1,706,115		1,467,635
	Total mortgages and notes payable	$	2,058,972	$	1,956,299

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—		$	301
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,744		$	510
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on AOCL and interest expense:
		Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
	Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	(2,846	)	$	6,319	$	(4,250	)	$	6,599
	Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	944		$	800	$	1,872		$	1,588

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables) (Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership:
		Six Months Ended
		June 30,
		2014			2013
	Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	106,480		$	124,869
	Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	18,337			9,649
	Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(162		)	(2,851		)
	Redemptions of Common Units	(93		)	—
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,140			1,824
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(2,497		)	(3,140		)
	Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	123,205		$	130,351
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth net income available for common stockholders and transfers from the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	22,705		$	27,522		$	34,833	$	39,871
	Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units	—			2,500			162		2,851
	to Common Stock
	Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	22,705		$	30,022		$	34,995	$	42,722

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of1

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements of Assets, Liabilities and Noncontrolling Interests [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities and the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that are measured at fair value within the fair value hierarchy.
							Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			Total				Quoted Prices			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
							in Active
							Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities
	Fair Value at June 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	10,144			$	—		$	239		$	9,905
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,869				3,869			—			—
	Impaired real estate assets		4,922				—			—			4,922
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,673				—			—			13,673
	Total Assets		$	32,608			$	3,869		$	239		$	28,500
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	123,205			$	123,205		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,152,505			$	—		$	2,152,505		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		2,744				—			2,744			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,869				3,869			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,466				—			—			22,466
	Total Liabilities		$	2,181,584			$	3,869		$	2,155,249		$	22,466
	Fair Value at December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	26,485			$	—		$	17,029		$	9,456
	Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		301				—			301			—
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,403				—			—			13,403
	Total Assets		$	44,185			$	3,996		$	17,330		$	22,859
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	106,480			$	106,480		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,037,385			$	—		$	2,037,385		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		510				—			510			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,478				—			—			22,478
	Total Liabilities		$	2,064,369			$	3,996		$	2,037,895		$	22,478
	__________
	(1)    Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Fair Value Measurements, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset and liability, which are recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Asset:
	Tax Increment Financing Bond:
	Beginning balance	$	13,568			$	14,324		$	13,403		$	14,496
	Principal repayment	—				—			—			(562		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) (in AOCL)	105				(91		)	270			299
	Ending balance	$	13,673			$	14,233		$	13,673		$	14,233
	Liability:
	Contingent Consideration to Acquire Real Estate Assets:
	Beginning balance	$	—			$	375		$	—		$	563
	Unrecognized (gains)/losses (in general and administrative expenses)	—				9			—			(179		)
	Ending balance	$	—			$	384		$	—		$	384
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth quantitative information about the unobservable input of our Level 3 assets, which are recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
			Valuation		Unobservable		Rate
			Technique		Input
	Assets:
	Tax increment financing bond		Income approach		Discount rate		9.00%
	Impaired real estate assets		Income approach		Capitalization rate		9.50%
					Discount rate		10.00%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the components of AOCL:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Tax increment financing bond:
	Beginning balance	$	(864	)	$	(1,508	)	$	(1,029	)	$	(1,898	)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on tax increment financing bond	105			(91		)	270			299
	Ending balance	(759		)	(1,599		)	(759		)	(1,599		)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Beginning balance	(2,058		)	(9,662		)	(1,582		)	(10,730		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(2,846		)	6,319			(4,250		)	6,599
	Amortization of cash flow hedges (1)	944			800			1,872			1,588
	Ending balance	(3,960		)	(2,543		)	(3,960		)	(2,543		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(4,719	)	$	(4,142	)	$	(4,719	)	$	(4,142	)
	__________
	(1)    Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H1

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of the Properties Classified As Held For Sale [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the major classes of assets of our real estate and other assets, net, held for sale:
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Land	$	11,488		$	—
	Buildings and tenant improvements	81,936			—
	Land held for development	2,597			—
	Less-accumulated depreciation	(34,281		)	—
	Net real estate assets	61,740			—
	Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net	3,873			—
	Deferred leasing costs, net	1,825			—
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	721			—
	Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$	68,159		$	—
Operations Classified As Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our operations that were classified as discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the accounting standard update discussed in Note 1:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Rental and other revenues	$	—		$	6,262		$	—	$	13,260
	Operating expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	—			2,416			—		4,866
	Depreciation and amortization	—			1,851			—		4,055
	Total operating expenses	—			4,267			—		8,921
	Income from discontinued operations	—			1,995			—		4,339
	Impairments of real estate assets	—			(1,066		)	—		(2,194		)
	Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	—			13,163			384		14,407
	Total discontinued operations	$	—		$	14,092		$	384	$	16,552

Earnings_Per_ShareUnit_Tables

Earnings Per Share/Unit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share/Unit Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'
Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,487		$	37,704		$	26,787
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(742		)	(640		)	(1,128		)	(1,112		)
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	22,705			14,033			34,461			24,031
	Income from discontinued operations	—			14,092			384			16,552
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	—			(603		)	(12		)	(712		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			13,489			372			15,840
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	22,705		$	27,522		$	34,833		$	39,871
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,254			82,811			90,111			81,925
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,487		$	37,704		$	26,787
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	23,447			14,673			35,589			25,143
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			14,092			384			16,552
	Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	23,447		$	28,765		$	35,973		$	41,695
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,254			82,811			90,111			81,925
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	121			132			123			120
	Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,937			3,688			2,938			3,707
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) (2)	93,312			86,631			93,172			85,752
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
	__________
	13	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit - Continued
	-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'
Earnings Per Share/Unit Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'
Earnings Per Unit [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,490		$	37,704		$	26,737
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	23,447			14,676			35,589			25,093
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			14,092			384			16,552
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	23,447		$	28,768		$	35,973		$	41,645
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	92,782			86,090			92,640			85,223
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	24,512		$	15,490		$	37,704		$	26,737
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(438		)	(187		)	(861		)	(390		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,254		)	(1,254		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	23,447			14,676			35,589			25,093
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			14,092			384			16,552
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	23,447		$	28,768		$	35,973		$	41,645
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	92,782			86,090			92,640			85,223
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	121			132			123			120
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) (2)	92,903			86,222			92,763			85,343
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.17		$	0.38		$	0.3
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.16			0.01			0.19
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.25		$	0.33		$	0.39		$	0.49
	__________
	-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Rental and Other Revenues:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	23,627		$	17,933		$	46,604		$	35,100
	Greenville, SC	767			855			1,608			1,706
	Kansas City, MO	4,086			4,033			8,183			8,002
	Memphis, TN	10,055			9,653			19,890			19,033
	Nashville, TN	20,182			14,188			39,787			28,258
	Orlando, FL	9,148			2,230			18,068			4,451
	Piedmont Triad, NC	6,580			6,516			13,030			12,893
	Pittsburgh, PA	14,014			13,951			27,771			27,639
	Raleigh, NC	22,538			21,719			44,029			42,379
	Richmond, VA	12,020			11,856			23,763			23,628
	Tampa, FL	17,129			17,394			33,756			34,828
	Total Office Segment	140,146			120,328			276,489			237,917
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	204			211			408			414
	Piedmont Triad, NC	3,006			3,117			5,694			6,239
	Total Industrial Segment	3,210			3,328			6,102			6,653
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	9,366			8,962			18,584			18,425
	Total Retail Segment	9,366			8,962			18,584			18,425
	Total Rental and Other Revenues	$	152,722		$	132,618		$	301,175		$	262,995
	14	Segment Information - Continued
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net Operating Income:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	14,321		$	11,170		$	28,018		$	22,063
	Greenville, SC	390			475			865			971
	Kansas City, MO	2,698			2,636			5,303			5,198
	Memphis, TN	5,789			5,298			11,396			10,927
	Nashville, TN	13,999			10,030			27,152			19,715
	Orlando, FL	5,346			1,070			10,722			2,148
	Piedmont Triad, NC	4,249			4,256			8,247			8,355
	Pittsburgh, PA	7,988			7,902			15,181			15,320
	Raleigh, NC	16,326			15,675			31,358			30,299
	Richmond, VA	8,265			8,242			15,941			16,355
	Tampa, FL	10,031			10,472			20,066			21,691
	Total Office Segment	89,402			77,226			174,249			153,042
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	122			120			244			239
	Piedmont Triad, NC	2,161			2,364			4,028			4,609
	Total Industrial Segment	2,283			2,484			4,272			4,848
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	5,764			5,607			11,029			11,228
	Total Retail Segment	5,764			5,607			11,029			11,228
	Corporate and other	(2		)	(16		)	(40		)	(34		)
	Total Net Operating Income	97,447			85,301			189,510			169,084
	Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
	Depreciation and amortization	(50,443		)	(40,624		)	(98,608		)	(80,712		)
	Impairments of real estate assets	(588		)	—			(588		)	—
	General and administrative expenses	(8,733		)	(8,397		)	(19,447		)	(18,979		)
	Interest expense	(21,213		)	(23,286		)	(42,575		)	(47,154		)
	Other income	1,428			1,617			2,827			3,236
	Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	$	17,898		$	14,611		$	31,119		$	25,475

Description_of_Business_and_Si2

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
	sqft		Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
	acre					ATM Equity Offering [Member]	ATM Equity Offering [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate property (in sq feet)	32,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties under development (in sq feet)	900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Undeveloped land suitable for development (in acres)	600	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares)	'	'	90,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership of Common Units	'	'	96.90%	'	96.80%	'	'	'	'
Common Units of partnership not owned by the Company (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,900,000	'
Common Units redeemed for cash (in shares)	2,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redemption of Common Units	$93	$0	$93	$0	'	'	'	$93	$0
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares)	4,417	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	50,293	73,877	'	'
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$38.38	$38.35	'	'
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period	$8,712	$122,490	'	'	'	$1,900	$2,800	'	'

Real_Estate_Assets_Details

Real Estate Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Dispositions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of property	$5,947,000	($37,000)	$5,947,000	($37,000)
Impairments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Impairments of real estate assets	588,000	0	588,000	0
Atlanta, GA Land Disposition (6/2014) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Dispositions [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of land parcels sold	2	'	2	'
Proceeds received from sale of real estate	9,500,000	'	'	'
Gain on disposition of property	5,900,000	'	'	'
Greensboro, NC Office Property Impairment (6/2014) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Impairments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Impairments of real estate assets	$600,000	'	'	'

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable2

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2010

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Seller Financing [Member]

Seller Financing [Member]

Seller Financing [Member]

Seller Financing [Member]

Mortgage Receivable [Member]

Mortgage Receivable [Member]

Mortgage Receivable [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

transactions

Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgages and notes receivable, gross

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$16,454,000

$9,901,000

$9,435,000

'

$514,000

'

$514,000

'

$822,000

Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance

-275,000

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

-275,000

-376,000

-275,000

-376,000

'

Mortgages and notes receivable, net

10,140,000

'

26,409,000

'

'

0

16,454,000

9,901,000

9,435,000

'

239,000

'

239,000

'

520,000

Number of transactions with seller financing

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of seller financing

16,817,000

276,000

'

16,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred gain on sale of real estate

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional loan commitment to third party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative funds for future infrastructure disbursed to third party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning notes receivable allowance

302,000

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

300,000

437,000

302,000

182,000

'

Recoveries/write-offs/other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-25,000

-61,000

-27,000

194,000

'

Total notes receivable allowance

$275,000

'

'

'

'

$0

'

$0

'

'

$275,000

$376,000

$275,000

$376,000

'

Investments_In_Affiliates_Deta

Investments In Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
					Board of Trade Investment Company [Member]	Board of Trade Investment Company [Member]	Highwoods KC Glenridge Office, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental and other revenues	$12,845,000	$23,935,000	$25,278,000	$47,451,000	'	'	'
Expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental property and other expenses	6,236,000	11,739,000	12,439,000	22,948,000	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,328,000	6,227,000	6,817,000	12,373,000	'	'	'
Impairments of real estate assets	0	0	0	4,790,000	'	'	'
Interest expense	2,301,000	4,689,000	4,512,000	9,428,000	'	'	'
Total expenses	11,865,000	22,655,000	23,768,000	49,539,000	'	'	'
Income/(loss) before disposition of properties	980,000	1,280,000	1,510,000	-2,088,000	'	'	'
Gains on disposition of properties	0	43,000	1,949,000	67,000	'	1,900,000	'
Net income/(loss)	980,000	1,323,000	3,459,000	-2,021,000	'	'	'
Our share of:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	923,000	2,092,000	1,954,000	4,107,000	'	'	'
Impairments of real estate assets	0	0	0	1,020,000	'	'	'
Interest expense	764,000	1,732,000	1,540,000	3,484,000	'	'	'
Gains on disposition of properties	0	10,000	955,000	431,000	'	'	'
Net income	491,000	571,000	1,646,000	575,000	'	'	'
Our share of net income	491,000	571,000	1,646,000	575,000	'	'	'
Adjustments for management and other fees	176,000	342,000	345,000	774,000	'	'	'
Impairment of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0	0	-1,353,000	0	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	667,000	913,000	638,000	1,349,000	'	'	'
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	49.00%	'	'
Proceeds received from disposition of property	'	'	'	'	'	8,300,000	'
Gains on disposition of properties	0	43,000	1,949,000	67,000	'	1,900,000	'
Net impairment charge on our investment in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	'
Receivable related to redemption of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	'	'	4,660,000	0	4,700,000	'	'
Repayment of debt at maturity	'	'	'	'	'	'	$14,900,000
Current interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	'	'	4.84%

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma2

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	($102,430)	'	($102,430)	'	($92,220)
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	218,022	'	218,022	'	222,211
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, gross	19,567	'	19,567	'	17,363
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	-6,434	'	-6,434	'	-5,204
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	13,133	'	13,133	'	12,159
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	799	948	1,451	1,897	'
Deferred Leasing Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, gross	300,885	'	300,885	'	297,068
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	-95,996	'	-95,996	'	-87,016
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	204,889	'	204,889	'	210,052
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	178,386	'	178,386	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	10,050	7,888	19,978	15,963	'
Lease Incentives [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	6,929	'	6,929	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	399	340	750	716	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	15,999	'	15,999	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	1,114	484	2,230	950	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	3,575	'	3,575	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	139	139	276	276	'
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, gross	54,903	'	54,903	'	55,323
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	-11,080	'	-11,080	'	-8,478
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	43,823	'	43,823	'	46,845
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	($1,500)	($1,031)	($3,022)	($2,153)	'

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma3

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Scheduled Future Amortization (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$218,022	$222,211
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	1,558	'
2015	3,087	'
2016	2,823	'
2017	2,529	'
2018	1,404	'
Thereafter	1,732	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	13,133	12,159
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'4 years 9 months 20 days	'
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	18,266	'
2015	34,839	'
2016	29,299	'
2017	25,379	'
2018	21,095	'
Thereafter	49,508	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	178,386	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'6 years 6 months	'
Lease Incentives [Member]	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	689	'
2015	1,135	'
2016	934	'
2017	843	'
2018	748	'
Thereafter	2,580	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	6,929	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'8 years 2 months 13 days	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	2,107	'
2015	3,619	'
2016	2,810	'
2017	2,269	'
2018	1,426	'
Thereafter	3,768	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	15,999	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'6 years 7 months 7 days	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	277	'
2015	553	'
2016	553	'
2017	553	'
2018	553	'
Thereafter	1,086	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	3,575	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'6 years 6 months	'
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	-2,979	'
2015	-5,718	'
2016	-5,427	'
2017	-5,164	'
2018	-5,016	'
Thereafter	-19,519	'
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	($43,823)	($46,845)
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Finite-lived below market lease liabilities, average useful life (in years)	'8 years 8 months 15 days	'

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_De

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 21, 2014

Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]

3.20% (3.363% effective rate) Notes due 2021 [Member]

5.21% (3.11% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2014 [Member]

5.94% (3.32% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2014 [Member]

Secured indebtedness [Member]

Secured indebtedness [Member]

Unsecured indebtedness [Member]

Unsecured indebtedness [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]

extensions

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgages and notes payable

$2,058,972,000

'

$2,058,972,000

'

$1,956,299,000

'

'

'

'

'

$352,857,000

$488,664,000

$1,706,115,000

$1,467,635,000

'

Aggregate undepreciated book value of secured real estate assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

652,400,000

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

475,000,000

475,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate, basis

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 110 basis points

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

1.10%

'

3.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual facility fee (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

0.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of optional extension

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of additional maturity extensions

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

157,000,000

157,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

181,000,000

Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

93,000

93,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,000

Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

317,907,000

317,907,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

293,907,000

Principal amount of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Jun-21

1-Jul-14

1-Aug-14

'

'

'

'

'

Original issuance discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price of debt (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98.98%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective percentage rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.36%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred financing fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early repayment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

123,700,000

7,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Current interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.11%

3.32%

'

'

'

'

'

Gains/(losses) on debt extinguishment

$18,000

$0

$18,000

($164,000)

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Expected increase to interest expense	$3,400,000	'	$3,400,000	'	'
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets l [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	0	'	0	'	301,000
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	2,744,000	'	2,744,000	'	510,000
Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	-2,846,000	6,319,000	-4,250,000	6,599,000	'
Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	$944,000	$800,000	$1,872,000	$1,588,000	'

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	$106,480	'
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	'	'	18,337	9,649
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	'	'	-162	-2,851
Redemptions of Common Units	'	'	-93	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	742	1,243	1,140	1,824
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	-2,497	-3,140
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,205	'	123,205	'
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income available for common stockholders	22,705	27,522	34,833	39,871
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	50.00%	'
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	106,480	124,869
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	'	'	18,337	9,649
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	'	'	-162	-2,851
Redemptions of Common Units	'	'	-93	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	1,140	1,824
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	-2,497	-3,140
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	123,205	130,351	123,205	130,351
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income available for common stockholders	22,705	27,522	34,833	39,871
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	2,500	162	2,851
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$22,705	$30,022	$34,995	$42,722

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of2

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	$10,144	[1]	$26,485	[1]
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		301
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	3,869		3,996
Impaired real estate assets	4,922		'
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	13,673		13,403
Total Assets	32,608		44,185
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	2,152,505	[1]	2,037,385	[1]
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	2,744		510
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	3,869		3,996
Financing obligations, at fair value	22,466	[1]	22,478	[1]
Total Liabilities	2,181,584		2,064,369
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	0		0
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	3,869		3,996
Impaired real estate assets	0		'
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Total Assets	3,869		3,996
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	0		0
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	3,869		3,996
Financing obligations, at fair value	0		0
Total Liabilities	3,869		3,996
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	239		17,029
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		301
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Impaired real estate assets	0		'
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Total Assets	239		17,330
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	2,152,505		2,037,385
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	2,744		510
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Financing obligations, at fair value	0		0
Total Liabilities	2,155,249		2,037,895
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	9,905		9,456
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Impaired real estate assets	4,922		'
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	13,673		13,403
Total Assets	28,500		22,859
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	0		0
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Financing obligations, at fair value	22,466		22,478
Total Liabilities	22,466		22,478
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	123,205		106,480
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	123,205		106,480
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	0		0
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	$0		$0
[1]	Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of3

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) (in AOCL)	'	'	$270,000	$299,000
Contingent Consideration to Acquire Real Estate Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0	375,000	0	563,000
Unrecognized (gains)/losses (in general and administrative)	0	9,000	0	-179,000
Ending balance	0	384,000	0	384,000
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	13,568,000	14,324,000	13,403,000	14,496,000
Principal repayment	0	0	0	-562,000
Unrealized gains/(losses) (in AOCL)	105,000	-91,000	270,000	299,000
Ending balance	13,673,000	14,233,000	13,673,000	14,233,000
Maturity date	'	'	20-Dec-20	'
Amount by which outstanding principal amount exceeds estimated fair value	800,000	'	'	'
Change in discount rate (in hundredths)	1.00%	'	'	'
Discount rate (in hundredths)	'	'	9.00%	'
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of bond if discount rate changes	400,000	'	400,000	'
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of bond if discount rate changes	$400,000	'	$400,000	'
Real Estate Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (in hundredths)	'	'	10.00%	'
Impaired real estate assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Capitalization rate (in hundredths)	'	'	9.50%	'

ShareBased_Payments_Details

Share-Based Payments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,119,000	$1,297,000	$5,381,000	$4,737,000
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs	$5,500,000	'	$5,500,000	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation costs (in years)	'	'	'2 years 6 months	'
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock options granted	'	'	166,081	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of each stock option granted (in dollars per option)	'	'	$6.89	'
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Time-Based Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock shares granted	'	'	87,373	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$37.63	'
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Total Return-Based Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock shares granted	'	'	67,010	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$35.25	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	($4,719)	($2,611)	($4,142)	($864)	($1,508)	($1,029)	($1,898)	($2,058)	($9,662)	($1,582)	($10,730)
Unrealized gains/(losses)	'	'	'	105	-91	270	299	-2,846	6,319	-4,250	6,599
Amortization reclassified out of AOCL	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	944	800	1,872	1,588
Ending balance	-4,719	-2,611	-4,142	-759	-1,599	-759	-1,599	-3,960	-2,543	-3,960	-2,543
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($4,719)	($2,611)	($4,142)	($759)	($1,599)	($759)	($1,599)	($3,960)	($2,543)	($3,960)	($2,543)

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H2

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets, held for sale [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Land	$11,488	'	$11,488	'	$0
Buildings and tenant improvements	81,936	'	81,936	'	0
Land held for development	2,597	'	2,597	'	0
Less accumulated depreciation	-34,281	'	-34,281	'	0
Net real estate assets	61,740	'	61,740	'	0
Accrued straight line rents receivable	3,873	'	3,873	'	0
Deferred leasing costs, net	1,825	'	1,825	'	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	721	'	721	'	0
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	68,159	'	68,159	'	0
Discontinued operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Rental and other revenues	0	6,262	0	13,260	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'
Rental property and other expenses	0	2,416	0	4,866	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	1,851	0	4,055	'
Total operating expenses	0	4,267	0	8,921	'
Income from discontinued operations	0	1,995	0	4,339	'
Impairment of real estate assets	0	-1,066	0	-2,194	'
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	13,163	384	14,407	'
Total discontinued operations	$0	$14,092	$384	$16,552	'
Richmond, VA Office Properties Disposition (6/2014) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'
Number of office properties included in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	11	'	11	'	'
Raleigh, NC Office Properties Disposition (6/2014) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'
Number of office properties included in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	5	'	5	'	'

Earnings_Per_ShareUnit_Details

Earnings Per Share/Unit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	$24,512		$15,487		$37,704		$26,787
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	-742		-640		-1,128		-1,112
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	-438		-187		-861		-390
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627		-1,254		-1,254
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	22,705		14,033		34,461		24,031
Income from discontinued operations	0		14,092		384		16,552
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	0		-603		-12		-712
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		13,489		372		15,840
Net income available for common stockholders	22,705		27,522		34,833		39,871
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	90,254,000	[1],[2]	82,811,000	[1],[2]	90,111,000	[1],[2]	81,925,000	[1],[2]
Earnings per Common Share - basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	24,512		15,487		37,704		26,787
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-438		-187		-861		-390
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627		-1,254		-1,254
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	23,447		14,673		35,589		25,143
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		14,092		384		16,552
Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	23,447		28,765		35,973		41,695
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	90,254,000	[1],[2]	82,811,000	[1],[2]	90,111,000	[1],[2]	81,925,000	[1],[2]
Stock options using the treasury method	121,000		132,000		123,000		120,000
Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,937,000		3,688,000		2,938,000		3,707,000
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	93,312,000	[1],[2]	86,631,000	[1],[2]	93,172,000	[1],[2]	85,752,000	[1],[2]
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Number of anti-dilutive options and warrants not included in earnings per share (in shares)	'		300,000		200,000		300,000
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'		'		'		'
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	24,512		15,490		37,704		26,737
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	-438		-187		-861		-390
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627		-1,254		-1,254
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	23,447		14,676		35,589		25,093
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		14,092		384		16,552
Net income available for common unitholders	23,447		28,768		35,973		41,645
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	92,782,000	[1],[3]	86,090,000	[1],[3]	92,640,000	[1],[3]	85,223,000	[1],[3]
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	24,512		15,490		37,704		26,737
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-438		-187		-861		-390
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627		-1,254		-1,254
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	23,447		14,676		35,589		25,093
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		14,092		384		16,552
Net income available for common unitholders	$23,447		$28,768		$35,973		$41,645
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	92,782,000	[1],[3]	86,090,000	[1],[3]	92,640,000	[1],[3]	85,223,000	[1],[3]
Stock options using the treasury method	121,000		132,000		123,000		120,000
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit - adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (in shares)	92,903,000	[1],[3]	86,222,000	[1],[3]	92,763,000	[1],[3]	85,343,000	[1],[3]
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.17		$0.38		$0.30
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.16		$0.01		$0.19
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.25		$0.33		$0.39		$0.49
Number of anti-dilutive options and warrants not included in earnings per share (in shares)	'		300,000		200,000		300,000
[1]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[2]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
[3]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	$152,722	$132,618	$301,175	$262,995
Total Net Operating Income	97,447	85,301	189,510	169,084
Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	-50,443	-40,624	-98,608	-80,712
Impairments of real estate assets	-588	0	-588	0
General and administrative expenses	-8,733	-8,397	-19,447	-18,979
Interest expense	-21,213	-23,286	-42,575	-47,154
Other income	1,428	1,617	2,827	3,236
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,898	14,611	31,119	25,475
Total Office Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	140,146	120,328	276,489	237,917
Total Net Operating Income	89,402	77,226	174,249	153,042
Office Atlanta, GA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	23,627	17,933	46,604	35,100
Total Net Operating Income	14,321	11,170	28,018	22,063
Office Greenville, SC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	767	855	1,608	1,706
Total Net Operating Income	390	475	865	971
Office Kansas City, MO [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	4,086	4,033	8,183	8,002
Total Net Operating Income	2,698	2,636	5,303	5,198
Office Memphis, TN [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	10,055	9,653	19,890	19,033
Total Net Operating Income	5,789	5,298	11,396	10,927
Office Nashville, TN [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	20,182	14,188	39,787	28,258
Total Net Operating Income	13,999	10,030	27,152	19,715
Office Orlando, FL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	9,148	2,230	18,068	4,451
Total Net Operating Income	5,346	1,070	10,722	2,148
Office Piedmont Triad, NC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	6,580	6,516	13,030	12,893
Total Net Operating Income	4,249	4,256	8,247	8,355
Office Pittsburgh, PA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	14,014	13,951	27,771	27,639
Total Net Operating Income	7,988	7,902	15,181	15,320
Office Raleigh, NC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	22,538	21,719	44,029	42,379
Total Net Operating Income	16,326	15,675	31,358	30,299
Office Richmond, VA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	12,020	11,856	23,763	23,628
Total Net Operating Income	8,265	8,242	15,941	16,355
Office Tampa, FL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	17,129	17,394	33,756	34,828
Total Net Operating Income	10,031	10,472	20,066	21,691
Total Industrial Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	3,210	3,328	6,102	6,653
Total Net Operating Income	2,283	2,484	4,272	4,848
Industrial Atlanta, GA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	204	211	408	414
Total Net Operating Income	122	120	244	239
Industrial Piedmont Triad, NC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	3,006	3,117	5,694	6,239
Total Net Operating Income	2,161	2,364	4,028	4,609
Total Retail Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	9,366	8,962	18,584	18,425
Total Net Operating Income	5,764	5,607	11,029	11,228
Retail Kansas City, MO [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	9,366	8,962	18,584	18,425
Total Net Operating Income	5,764	5,607	11,029	11,228
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Net Operating Income	($2)	($16)	($40)	($34)

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 03, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014	Jul. 02, 2014	Jul. 29, 2014
					Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
					3.50% (3.34% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2015 [Member]	3.50% (3.34% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2015 [Member]	Board of Trade Investment Company [Member]	Raleigh, NC Office Properties Disposition (7/2014) [Member]
								property
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash received related to redemption of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	'	'	'	'	'	'	$4,700,000	'
Early repayment of debt	'	'	'	'	36,900,000	'	'	'
Current interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	'	3.34%	'	'
Debt instrument maturity date	'	'	'	'	1-Apr-15	'	'	'
Loss on debt extinguishment	18,000	0	18,000	-164,000	300,000	'	'	'
Number of office properties sold	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5
Proceeds received from sale of real estate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	58,700,000
Gain on disposition of property	$5,947,000	($37,000)	$5,947,000	($37,000)	'	'	'	$11,700,000