Highwoods Properties (HIW) 10-Q 28 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 20, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC.
Entity Central Index Key	921082
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		94,052,036
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	941713
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	$400,850	$388,807
Buildings and tenant improvements	3,941,463	3,840,379
Development in process	133,688	205,971
Land held for development	75,888	79,355
Total real estate assets	4,551,889	4,514,512
Less-accumulated depreciation	-1,056,028	-1,033,106
Net real estate assets	3,495,861	3,481,406
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	2,980	1,038
Cash and cash equivalents	11,381	8,832
Restricted cash	11,852	14,595
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,647 and $1,314, respectively	28,385	48,557
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $468 and $275, respectively	14,137	13,116
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $530 and $600, respectively	147,597	142,037
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	27,056	27,071
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $115,342 and $112,804, respectively	224,270	228,768
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,770 and $14,259, respectively	46,297	39,489
Total Assets	4,009,816	4,004,909
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable	2,089,226	2,071,389
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	203,001	237,633
Financing obligations	23,519	23,519
Total Liabilities	2,315,746	2,332,541
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	133,226	130,048
Equity/Capital:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized shares; 8.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $1,000 per share; 29,050 and 29,060 shares issued and outstanding, respectively)	29,050	29,060
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 94,047,118 and 92,907,310 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	940	929
Additional paid-in capital	2,504,867	2,464,275
Distributions in excess of net income available for common stockholders	-986,388	-966,141
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,709	-3,912
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,542,760	1,524,211
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	18,084	18,109
Total Equity/Captal	1,560,844	1,542,320
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	4,009,816	4,004,909
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	400,850	388,807
Buildings and tenant improvements	3,941,463	3,840,379
Development in process	133,688	205,971
Land held for development	75,888	79,355
Total real estate assets	4,551,889	4,514,512
Less-accumulated depreciation	-1,056,028	-1,033,106
Net real estate assets	3,495,861	3,481,406
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	2,980	1,038
Cash and cash equivalents	11,381	8,938
Restricted cash	11,852	14,595
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,647 and $1,314, respectively	28,385	48,557
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $468 and $275, respectively	14,137	13,116
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $530 and $600, respectively	147,597	142,037
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	27,056	27,071
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $115,342 and $112,804, respectively	224,270	228,768
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,770 and $14,259, respectively	46,297	39,489
Total Assets	4,009,816	4,005,015
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable	2,089,226	2,071,389
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	203,001	237,547
Financing obligations	23,519	23,519
Total Liabilities	2,315,746	2,332,455
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units:
Common Units, 2,910,135 and 2,936,955 outstanding, respectively	133,226	130,048
Series A Preferred Units (liquidation preference $1,000 per unit), 29,050 and 29,060 units issued and outstanding, respectively	29,050	29,060
Total Redeemable Operating Partnership Units	162,276	159,108
Equity/Capital:
General partner Common Units, 965,484 and 954,355 outstanding, respectively	15,192	14,990
Limited partner Common Units, 92,672,825 and 91,544,146 outstanding, respectively	1,504,227	1,484,265
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,709	-3,912
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	18,084	18,109
Total Equity/Captal	1,531,794	1,513,452
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	$4,009,816	$4,005,015

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$1,647	$1,314
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	468	275
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	530	600
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	115,342	112,804
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	14,770	14,259
Equity/Capital:
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)	29,050	29,060
Series A Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	29,050	29,060
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)	94,047,118	92,907,310
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	94,047,118	92,907,310
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	1,647	1,314
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	468	275
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	530	600
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	115,342	112,804
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$14,770	$14,259
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units: [Abstract]
Redeemable Common Units outstanding (in shares)	2,910,135	2,936,955
Series A Preferred Units, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$1,000	$1,000
Series A Preferred Units, issued (in shares)	29,050	29,060
Series A Preferred Units, outstanding (in shares)	29,050	29,060
Common Units: [Abstract]
General partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	965,484	954,355
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	92,672,825	91,544,146

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Rental and other revenues	$157,310		$148,453
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	57,513		56,390
Depreciation and amortization	50,308		48,165
General and administrative	11,437		10,714
Total operating expenses	119,258		115,269
Interest expense:
Contractual	20,442		20,750
Amortization of deferred financing costs	800		652
Financing obligations	181		-40
Total interest expense	21,423		21,362
Other income:
Interest and other income	1,238		1,399
Total other income	1,238		1,399
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,867		13,221
Gains on disposition of property	1,157		0
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	1,811		-29
Income from continuing operations	20,835		13,192
Discontinued operations:
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0		384
Total discontinued operations	0		384
Net income	20,835		13,576
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-596		-398
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-296		-423
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627
Net income available for common stockholders	19,316		12,128
Earnings per Common Share – basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	93,222		89,966
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	96,279	[1],[2]	93,030	[1],[2]
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.43		$0.43
Net income available for common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	19,316		11,756
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		372
Net income available for common stockholders	19,316		12,128
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Rental and other revenues	157,310		148,453
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	57,513		56,374
Depreciation and amortization	50,308		48,165
General and administrative	11,437		10,730
Total operating expenses	119,258		115,269
Interest expense:
Contractual	20,442		20,750
Amortization of deferred financing costs	800		652
Financing obligations	181		-40
Total interest expense	21,423		21,362
Other income:
Interest and other income	1,238		1,399
Total other income	1,238		1,399
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,867		13,221
Gains on disposition of property	1,157		0
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	1,811		-29
Income from continuing operations	20,835		13,192
Discontinued operations:
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0		384
Total discontinued operations	0		384
Net income	20,835		13,576
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-296		-423
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627
Net income available for common unitholders	19,912		12,526
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.01
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.14
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - basic (in shares)	95,746		92,497
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.01
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.14
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - diluted (in shares)	95,870	[2],[3]	92,621	[2],[3]
Distributions declared per Common Unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.43		$0.43
Net income available for common unitholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	19,912		12,142
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		384
Net income available for common unitholders	$19,912		$12,526
[1]	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
[2]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[3]	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$20,835	$13,576
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	193	165
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,914	-1,404
Amortization of cash flow hedges	924	928
Total other comprehensive loss	-1,797	-311
Total comprehensive income	19,038	13,265
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-892	-821
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	18,146	12,444
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	20,835	13,576
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	193	165
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,914	-1,404
Amortization of cash flow hedges	924	928
Total other comprehensive loss	-1,797	-311
Total comprehensive income	19,038	13,265
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-296	-423
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$18,742	$12,842

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, 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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		153			2	151			0		0
Redemptions of Common Units		-93			-1	-92			0		0
Distributions paid on Common Units		-39,300			-393	-38,907			0		0
Distributions paid on Preferred Units		-627			-6	-621			0		0
Issuances of Common Stock - Shares			-8,427
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	153		0	0			153	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	-38,225		0	0			0	0		0		-38,225
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		0	0			0	0		0		-627
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	-7,434		0	0			-7,434	0		0		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-522	-522	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-522	-522	0
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			144,826
Issuances of restricted stock	0		0	0			0	0		0		0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	4,262	4,262	2	0	43	4,219	4,260	0	0	0	0	0
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		-6,570			-66	-6,504			0		0
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-398		0	0			0	0		0		-398
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0	0	0	-4	-419	0	0	0	423	423	-423
Comprehensive income:
Net income	13,576	13,576	0	0	136	13,440	0	0	0	0	0	13,576
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-311	-311	0	0	0	0	0	-311	-311	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	13,265	13,265
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	1,469,332	1,440,359	901	29,077	14,219	1,407,765	2,367,509	-2,922	-2,922	21,297	21,297	-946,530
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014			90,061,731
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,542,320	1,513,452	929	29,060	14,990	1,484,265	2,464,275	-3,912	-3,912	18,109	18,109	-966,141
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	92,907,310		92,907,310
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		40,567			406	40,161			0		0
Distributions paid on Common Units		-40,637			-406	-40,231			0		0
Distributions paid on Preferred Units		-627			-6	-621			0		0
Issuances of Common Stock - Shares			989,417
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	40,567		10	0			40,557	0		0		0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares			26,820
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,206		0	0			1,206	0		0		0
Dividends on Common Stock	-39,563		0	0			0	0		0		-39,563
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		0	0			0	0		0		-627
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	-5,036		0	0			-5,036	0		0		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-321	-321	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-321	-321	0
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			123,571
Issuances of restricted stock	0		0	0			0	0		0		0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	-10		0	-10			0	0		0		0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	3,866	3,866	1	0	39	3,827	3,865	0	0	0	0	0
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		-3,544			-36	-3,508			0		0
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-596		0	0			0	0		0		-596
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0	0	0	-3	-293	0	0	0	296	296	-296
Comprehensive income:
Net income	20,835	20,835	0	0	208	20,627	0	0	0	0	0	20,835
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	-1,797	-1,797	0	0	0	0	0	-1,797	-1,797	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	19,038	19,038
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$1,560,844	$1,531,794	$940	$29,050	$15,192	$1,504,227	$2,504,867	($5,709)	($5,709)	$18,084	$18,084	($986,388)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015	94,047,118		94,047,118

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income	$20,835	$13,576
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	50,308	48,165
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	-67	82
Share-based compensation expense	3,866	4,262
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	417	1,125
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	-170	-115
Amortization of deferred financing costs	800	652
Amortization of cash flow hedges	924	928
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	57	-809
Net gains on disposition of property	-1,157	-384
Equity in (earnings)/losses of unconsolidated affiliates	-1,811	29
Changes in financing obligations	0	-221
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,386	788
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	3,166	713
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-6,769	-5,260
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	-5,591	-6,457
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-33,088	-25,690
Net cash provided by operating activities	33,106	31,384
Investing activities:
Investments in development in process	-11,232	-27,232
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	-30,008	-24,782
Investments in building improvements	-12,081	-13,007
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	5,650	0
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	394	230
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	-938	-108
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	87	16,604
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	993	4,043
Net cash used in investing activities	-47,135	-44,252
Financing activities:
Dividends on Common Stock	-39,563	-38,225
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	-10	0
Redemptions of Common Units	0	-93
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627	-627
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-1,248	-1,249
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-321	-522
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock	44,937	1,313
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Stock	-643	-14
Repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings	-3,727	-1,523
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	110,900	96,100
Repayments of revolving credit facility	-91,900	-36,800
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	-1,220	-2,236
Additions to deferred financing costs and other financing activities	0	-96
Net cash provided by financing activities	16,578	16,028
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,549	3,160
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	8,832	10,184
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	11,381	13,344
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	21,480	25,054
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,914	-1,404
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,206	162
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	-2,697	5,399
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	15,020	3,121
Write-off of fully amortized deferred financing and leasing costs	10,147	3,697
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,036	7,434
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	193	165
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Operating activities:
Net income	20,835	13,576
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	50,308	48,165
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	-67	82
Share-based compensation expense	3,866	4,262
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	417	1,125
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	-170	-115
Amortization of deferred financing costs	800	652
Amortization of cash flow hedges	924	928
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	57	-809
Net gains on disposition of property	-1,157	-384
Equity in (earnings)/losses of unconsolidated affiliates	-1,811	29
Changes in financing obligations	0	-221
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,386	788
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	3,166	713
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-6,769	-5,226
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	-5,591	-6,457
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-33,002	-25,667
Net cash provided by operating activities	33,192	31,441
Investing activities:
Investments in development in process	-11,232	-27,232
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	-30,008	-24,782
Investments in building improvements	-12,081	-13,007
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	5,650	0
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	394	230
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	-938	-108
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	87	16,604
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	993	4,043
Net cash used in investing activities	-47,135	-44,252
Financing activities:
Distributions on Common Units	-40,637	-39,300
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Units	-10	0
Redemptions of Common Units	0	-93
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627	-627
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-321	-522
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Units	44,937	1,313
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Units	-643	-14
Repurchase of units related to tax withholdings	-3,727	-1,523
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	110,900	96,100
Repayments of revolving credit facility	-91,900	-36,800
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	-1,220	-2,236
Additions to deferred financing costs and other financing activities	-366	-338
Net cash provided by financing activities	16,386	15,960
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,443	3,149
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	8,938	10,281
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	11,381	13,430
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	21,480	25,054
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	-2,914	-1,404
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	-2,697	5,399
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	15,020	3,121
Write-off of fully amortized deferred financing and leasing costs	10,147	3,697
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value	3,178	6,328
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	$193	$165

Description_of_Business_and_Si

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015, we owned or had an interest in 31.3 million rentable square feet of in-service properties, 1.2 million rentable square feet of properties under development and approximately 500 acres of development land.
	The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. At March 31, 2015, the Company owned all of the Preferred Units and 93.6 million, or 97.0%, of the Common Units in the Operating Partnership. Limited partners own the remaining 2.9 million Common Units. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company redeemed 26,820 Common Units for a like number of shares of Common Stock.
	Common Stock Offerings
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company issued 914,126 shares of Common Stock under its equity sales agreements at an average gross sales price of $45.34 per share and received net proceeds, after sales commissions, of $40.8 million. As a result of this activity and the redemptions discussed above, the percentage of Common Units owned by the Company increased from 96.9% at December 31, 2014 to 97.0% at March 31, 2015.
	Basis of Presentation
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 2014 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 standards 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 standards 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 standards update.
	The FASB recently issued an accounting standards update that amends consolidation requirements. The amendments significantly change the consolidation analysis required under GAAP and will require companies to reevaluate all previous consolidation conclusions. The accounting standards update is required to be adopted in 2016. We are in the process of evaluating this accounting standards update.
	The FASB recently issued an accounting standards update that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The accounting standards update is required to be adopted in 2016. Retrospective application is required. We are in the process of evaluating this accounting standards update.

Real_Estate_Assets

Real Estate Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Assets	Real Estate Assets
	Dispositions
	During the first quarter of 2015, we sold:
	•	two buildings for an aggregate sale price of $3.5 million and recorded aggregate gains on disposition of property of $0.4 million; and
	•	land for a sale price of $2.5 million and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $0.8 million.

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Receivable	Mortgages and Notes Receivable
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes receivable:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Mortgages receivable (including accrued interest)	$	11,931		$	10,869
	Less allowance	—			—
		11,931			10,869
	Promissory notes	2,674			2,522
	Less allowance	(468		)	(275		)
		2,206			2,247
	Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$	14,137		$	13,116
	Mortgages receivable consist of secured financing provided to a third party. 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 March 31, 2015, 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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning notes receivable allowance	$	275		$	302
	Recoveries/write-offs/other	193			(2		)
	Total notes receivable allowance	$	468		$	300

Investments_In_Affiliates

Investments In Affiliates	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments In Affiliates	Investments in and Advances to 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
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Income Statements:
	Rental and other revenues	$	12,231	$	12,434
	Expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	5,667		6,217
	Depreciation and amortization	3,115		3,489
	Interest expense	2,149		2,211
	Total expenses	10,931		11,917
	Income before disposition of property	1,300		517
	Gains on disposition of property	2,127		1,949
	Net income	$	3,427	$	2,466
	During the first quarter of 2015, Highwoods DLF 97/26 DLF 99/32, LP sold a building to an unrelated third party for a sale price of $7.0 million and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $2.1 million. We recorded $1.1 million as our share of this gain through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates.

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Assets:
	Deferred financing costs	$	19,444		$	19,478
	Less accumulated amortization	(8,697		)	(7,953		)
		10,747			11,525
	Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	320,168			322,094
	Less accumulated amortization	(106,645		)	(104,851		)
		213,523			217,243
	Deferred financing and leasing costs, net	$	224,270		$	228,768
	Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$	55,360		$	55,783
	Less accumulated amortization	(14,857		)	(13,548		)
		$	40,503		$	42,235
	5.    Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Continued
	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$	800		$	652
	Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization)	$	10,293		$	9,928
	Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues)	$	362		$	351
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues)	$	1,166		$	1,116
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses)	$	137		$	137
	Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues)	$	(1,732	)	$	(1,522	)
	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)
	April 1 through December 31, 2015		$	2,299		$	30,616	$	887	$	3,216	$	415	$	(4,700	)
	2016		2,784			34,322		1,072		3,054		553		(5,570		)
	2017		2,508			29,907		1,000		2,253		553		(5,298		)
	2018		1,379			25,334		893		1,462		553		(5,135		)
	2019		653			21,021		705		1,046		553		(4,804		)
	Thereafter		1,124			48,503		2,214		2,858		533		(14,996		)
			$	10,747		$	189,703	$	6,771	$	13,889	$	3,160	$	(40,503	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of March 31, 2015 (in years)		4.2			6.9		8		6.2		5.7		8

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable

Mortgages and Notes Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Payable	Mortgages and Notes Payable
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Secured indebtedness	$	311,502	$	312,868
	Unsecured indebtedness	1,777,724		1,758,521
	Total mortgages and notes payable	$	2,089,226	$	2,071,389
	At March 31, 2015, our secured mortgage loans were collateralized by real estate assets with an aggregate undepreciated book value of $583.2 million.
	6.    Mortgages and Notes Payable - Continued
	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 $228.0 million and $239.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at March 31, 2015 and April 20, 2015, respectively. At both March 31, 2015 and April 20, 2015, we had $0.2 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 March 31, 2015 and April 20, 2015 was $246.8 million and $235.8 million, respectively.
	We are currently in compliance with financial covenants and other requirements with respect to our consolidated debt.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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/(loss) 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 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 April 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016, we estimate that $3.0 million will be reclassified to interest expense.
	The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	4,480		$	2,412
	The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on AOCL and interest expense:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
	Amount of unrealized losses recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	(2,914	)	$	(1,404	)
	Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	924		$	928

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
	At March 31, 2015, 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:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	130,048		$	106,480
	Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,036			7,434
	Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,206		)	(162		)
	Redemptions of Common Units	—			(93		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	596			398
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,248		)	(1,249		)
	Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	133,226		$	112,808
	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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	19,316		$	12,128
	Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units	1,206			162
	to Common Stock
	Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	20,522		$	12,290

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 investment 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 asset is the fair value of certain of our mortgages and notes receivable. Our Level 2 liabilities include the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable and 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, and (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.
	Our Level 3 liability is the fair value of our financing obligations, which was 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 March 31, 2015:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	14,163		$	—	$	2,206	$	11,957
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,504			3,504		—		—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		12,640			—		—		12,640
	Total Assets		$	30,307		$	3,504	$	2,206	$	24,597
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	133,226		$	133,226	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,173,153		$	—	$	2,173,153	$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		4,480			—		4,480		—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,504			3,504		—		—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		20,264			—		—		20,264
	Total Liabilities		$	2,201,401		$	3,504	$	2,177,633	$	20,264
	Fair Value at December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	13,142		$	—	$	2,247	$	10,895
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,635			3,635		—		—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		12,447			—		—		12,447
	Total Assets		$	29,224		$	3,635	$	2,247	$	23,342
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	130,048		$	130,048	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,141,334		$	—	$	2,141,334	$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		2,412			—		2,412		—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,635			3,635		—		—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		20,117			—		—		20,117
	Total Liabilities		$	2,167,498		$	3,635	$	2,143,746	$	20,117
	__________
	(1)    Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
	9	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued
	The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset, which is recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Asset:
	Tax Increment Financing Bond:
	Beginning balance	$	12,447		$	13,403
	Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	193			165
	Ending balance	$	12,640		$	13,568
	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 March 31, 2015 was $0.2 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 March 31, 2015. 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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. 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 following table sets forth quantitative information about the unobservable input of our Level 3 asset, which is recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Valuation		Unobservable	Rate as of
		Technique		Input	March 31,		December 31,
					2015		2014
	Asset:
	Tax increment financing bond	Income approach		Discount rate	8.60%		8.40%

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company granted 197,408 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 $6.19. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company also granted 66,845 shares of time-based restricted stock and 56,726 shares of total return-based restricted stock with weighted average grant date fair values per share of $45.89 and $43.79, respectively. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $3.9 million and $4.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015, there was $7.7 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which will be recognized over a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.8 years.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Tax increment financing bond:
	Beginning balance	$	(445	)	$	(1,029	)
	Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	193			165
	Ending balance	(252		)	(864		)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Beginning balance	(3,467		)	(1,582		)
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(2,914		)	(1,404		)
	Amortization of cash flow hedges (1)	924			928
	Ending balance	(5,457		)	(2,058		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(5,709	)	$	(2,922	)
	__________
	(1)    Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale	Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale
	The following table sets forth the major classes of assets of our real estate and other assets, net, held for sale:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Assets:
	Land held for development	$	2,961	$	995
	Net real estate assets	2,961		995
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	19		43
	Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$	2,980	$	1,038

Earnings_Per_Share_and_Per_Uni

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share and Per 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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(596		)	(386		)
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	19,316			11,756
	Income from discontinued operations	—			384
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	—			(12		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			372
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	19,316		$	12,128
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	93,222			89,966
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			—
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	19,912			12,142
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			384
	Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	19,912		$	12,526
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	93,222			89,966
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	124			124
	Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,933			2,940
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) (2)	96,279			93,030
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			—
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	__________
	-1	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
	13	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit - Continued
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	19,912			12,142
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			384
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	19,912		$	12,526
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	95,746			92,497
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.01
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.14
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
	Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	19,912			12,142
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			384
Net income available for common unitholders	$	19,912		$	12,526
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	95,746			92,497
Add:
Stock options using the treasury method	124			124
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) (2)	95,870			92,621
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.01
Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.14
__________
-1	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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. Our segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 has been retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect a change in our reportable segments.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Rental and Other Revenues:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	24,782		$	22,977
	Greensboro, NC	5,440			6,450
	Greenville, SC	—			841
	Kansas City, MO	4,216			4,097
	Memphis, TN	11,734			9,835
	Nashville, TN	21,816			19,605
	Orlando, FL	10,834			8,920
	Pittsburgh, PA	14,549			13,757
	Raleigh, NC	23,441			21,491
	Richmond, VA	10,584			11,743
	Tampa, FL	18,427			16,627
	Total Office Segment	145,823			136,343
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	8,563			9,218
	Total Retail Segment	8,563			9,218
	Other	2,924			2,892
	Total Rental and Other Revenues	$	157,310		$	148,453
	14	Segment Information - Continued
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net Operating Income:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	15,367		$	13,697
	Greensboro, NC	3,426			3,998
	Greenville, SC	—			475
	Kansas City, MO	2,749			2,605
	Memphis, TN	7,389			5,607
	Nashville, TN	15,232			13,153
	Orlando, FL	6,483			5,376
	Pittsburgh, PA	7,962			7,193
	Raleigh, NC	16,271			15,032
	Richmond, VA	6,880			7,676
	Tampa, FL	11,220			10,035
	Total Office Segment	92,979			84,847
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	4,712			5,265
	Total Retail Segment	4,712			5,265
	Other	2,106			1,951
	Total Net Operating Income	99,797			92,063
	Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and
	activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
	Depreciation and amortization	(50,308		)	(48,165		)
	General and administrative expenses	(11,437		)	(10,714		)
	Interest expense	(21,423		)	(21,362		)
	Other income	1,238			1,399
	Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in	$	17,867		$	13,221
	unconsolidated affiliates

Description_of_Business_and_Si1

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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”). 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently issued an accounting standards 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 standards 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 standards update.
	The FASB recently issued an accounting standards update that amends consolidation requirements. The amendments significantly change the consolidation analysis required under GAAP and will require companies to reevaluate all previous consolidation conclusions. The accounting standards update is required to be adopted in 2016. We are in the process of evaluating this accounting standards update.
	The FASB recently issued an accounting standards update that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The accounting standards update is required to be adopted in 2016. Retrospective application is required. We are in the process of evaluating this accounting standards update.

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable1

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Mortgages and Notes Receivable [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes receivable:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Mortgages receivable (including accrued interest)	$	11,931		$	10,869
	Less allowance	—			—
		11,931			10,869
	Promissory notes	2,674			2,522
	Less allowance	(468		)	(275		)
		2,206			2,247
	Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$	14,137		$	13,116
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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning notes receivable allowance	$	275		$	302
	Recoveries/write-offs/other	193			(2		)
	Total notes receivable allowance	$	468		$	300

Investments_In_Affiliates_Tabl

Investments In Affiliates (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Income Statements:
	Rental and other revenues	$	12,231	$	12,434
	Expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	5,667		6,217
	Depreciation and amortization	3,115		3,489
	Interest expense	2,149		2,211
	Total expenses	10,931		11,917
	Income before disposition of property	1,300		517
	Gains on disposition of property	2,127		1,949
	Net income	$	3,427	$	2,466

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma1

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Assets:
	Deferred financing costs	$	19,444		$	19,478
	Less accumulated amortization	(8,697		)	(7,953		)
		10,747			11,525
	Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	320,168			322,094
	Less accumulated amortization	(106,645		)	(104,851		)
		213,523			217,243
	Deferred financing and leasing costs, net	$	224,270		$	228,768
	Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$	55,360		$	55,783
	Less accumulated amortization	(14,857		)	(13,548		)
		$	40,503		$	42,235
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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$	800		$	652
	Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization)	$	10,293		$	9,928
	Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues)	$	362		$	351
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues)	$	1,166		$	1,116
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses)	$	137		$	137
	Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues)	$	(1,732	)	$	(1,522	)
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)
	April 1 through December 31, 2015		$	2,299		$	30,616	$	887	$	3,216	$	415	$	(4,700	)
	2016		2,784			34,322		1,072		3,054		553		(5,570		)
	2017		2,508			29,907		1,000		2,253		553		(5,298		)
	2018		1,379			25,334		893		1,462		553		(5,135		)
	2019		653			21,021		705		1,046		553		(4,804		)
	Thereafter		1,124			48,503		2,214		2,858		533		(14,996		)
			$	10,747		$	189,703	$	6,771	$	13,889	$	3,160	$	(40,503	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of March 31, 2015 (in years)		4.2			6.9		8		6.2		5.7		8

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_Ta

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Consolidated Mortgages and Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Secured indebtedness	$	311,502	$	312,868
	Unsecured indebtedness	1,777,724		1,758,521
	Total mortgages and notes payable	$	2,089,226	$	2,071,389

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	4,480		$	2,412
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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
	Amount of unrealized losses recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	(2,914	)	$	(1,404	)
	Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	924		$	928

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables) (Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	130,048		$	106,480
	Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,036			7,434
	Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(1,206		)	(162		)
	Redemptions of Common Units	—			(93		)
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	596			398
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,248		)	(1,249		)
	Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	133,226		$	112,808
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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	19,316		$	12,128
	Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units	1,206			162
	to Common Stock
	Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	20,522		$	12,290

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of1

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	14,163		$	—	$	2,206	$	11,957
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,504			3,504		—		—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		12,640			—		—		12,640
	Total Assets		$	30,307		$	3,504	$	2,206	$	24,597
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	133,226		$	133,226	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,173,153		$	—	$	2,173,153	$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		4,480			—		4,480		—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,504			3,504		—		—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		20,264			—		—		20,264
	Total Liabilities		$	2,201,401		$	3,504	$	2,177,633	$	20,264
	Fair Value at December 31, 2014:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	13,142		$	—	$	2,247	$	10,895
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,635			3,635		—		—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		12,447			—		—		12,447
	Total Assets		$	29,224		$	3,635	$	2,247	$	23,342
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	130,048		$	130,048	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,141,334		$	—	$	2,141,334	$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		2,412			—		2,412		—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,635			3,635		—		—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		20,117			—		—		20,117
	Total Liabilities		$	2,167,498		$	3,635	$	2,143,746	$	20,117
	__________
	(1)    Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Fair Value Measurements, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset, which is recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Asset:
	Tax Increment Financing Bond:
	Beginning balance	$	12,447		$	13,403
	Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	193			165
	Ending balance	$	12,640		$	13,568
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth quantitative information about the unobservable input of our Level 3 asset, which is recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Valuation		Unobservable	Rate as of
		Technique		Input	March 31,		December 31,
					2015		2014
	Asset:
	Tax increment financing bond	Income approach		Discount rate	8.60%		8.40%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Tax increment financing bond:
	Beginning balance	$	(445	)	$	(1,029	)
	Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	193			165
	Ending balance	(252		)	(864		)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Beginning balance	(3,467		)	(1,582		)
	Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(2,914		)	(1,404		)
	Amortization of cash flow hedges (1)	924			928
	Ending balance	(5,457		)	(2,058		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(5,709	)	$	(2,922	)
	__________
	(1)    Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H1

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Assets:
	Land held for development	$	2,961	$	995
	Net real estate assets	2,961		995
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	19		43
	Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$	2,980	$	1,038

Earnings_Per_Share_and_Per_Uni1

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share and Per 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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(596		)	(386		)
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	19,316			11,756
	Income from discontinued operations	—			384
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	—			(12		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			372
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	19,316		$	12,128
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	93,222			89,966
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			—
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	19,912			12,142
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			384
	Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	19,912		$	12,526
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	93,222			89,966
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	124			124
	Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,933			2,940
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) (2)	96,279			93,030
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			—
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	__________
	-1	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings Per Share and Per 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
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	19,912			12,142
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			384
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	19,912		$	12,526
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	95,746			92,497
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.01
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.14
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	20,835		$	13,192
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(296		)	(423		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	19,912			12,142
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			384
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	19,912		$	12,526
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	95,746			92,497
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	124			124
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) (2)	95,870			92,621
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.13
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.01
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.21		$	0.14
	__________
	-1	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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. Our segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 has been retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect a change in our reportable segments.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Rental and Other Revenues:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	24,782		$	22,977
	Greensboro, NC	5,440			6,450
	Greenville, SC	—			841
	Kansas City, MO	4,216			4,097
	Memphis, TN	11,734			9,835
	Nashville, TN	21,816			19,605
	Orlando, FL	10,834			8,920
	Pittsburgh, PA	14,549			13,757
	Raleigh, NC	23,441			21,491
	Richmond, VA	10,584			11,743
	Tampa, FL	18,427			16,627
	Total Office Segment	145,823			136,343
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	8,563			9,218
	Total Retail Segment	8,563			9,218
	Other	2,924			2,892
	Total Rental and Other Revenues	$	157,310		$	148,453
	14	Segment Information - Continued
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Net Operating Income:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	15,367		$	13,697
	Greensboro, NC	3,426			3,998
	Greenville, SC	—			475
	Kansas City, MO	2,749			2,605
	Memphis, TN	7,389			5,607
	Nashville, TN	15,232			13,153
	Orlando, FL	6,483			5,376
	Pittsburgh, PA	7,962			7,193
	Raleigh, NC	16,271			15,032
	Richmond, VA	6,880			7,676
	Tampa, FL	11,220			10,035
	Total Office Segment	92,979			84,847
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	4,712			5,265
	Total Retail Segment	4,712			5,265
	Other	2,106			1,951
	Total Net Operating Income	99,797			92,063
	Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and
	activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
	Depreciation and amortization	(50,308		)	(48,165		)
	General and administrative expenses	(11,437		)	(10,714		)
	Interest expense	(21,423		)	(21,362		)
	Other income	1,238			1,399
	Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in	$	17,867		$	13,221
	unconsolidated affiliates

Description_of_Business_and_Si2

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	sqft
	acre
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate property (in sq feet)	31,300,000
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties under development (in sq feet)	1,200,000
Undeveloped land suitable for development (in acres)	500
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares)	26,820
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period	$40,567	$153
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares)	93,600,000
Percentage of ownership of Common Units (in hundredths)	97.00%		96.90%
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares)	914,126
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share)	$45.34
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period	$40,800
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership not owned by the Company (in shares)	2,900,000

Real_Estate_Assets_Details

Real Estate Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Dispositions [Abstract]
Gain on disposition of property	$1,157,000	$0
Building Dispositions [Member]
Dispositions [Abstract]
Number of buildings sold	2
Purchase price of real estate	3,500,000
Gain on disposition of property	400,000
Land Dispositions [Member]
Dispositions [Abstract]
Purchase price of real estate	2,500,000
Gain on disposition of property	$800,000

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable2

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	($468)		($275)
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	14,137		13,116
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance			275
Total notes receivable allowance	468		275
Mortgages Receivable [Member]
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, gross	11,931		10,869
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	0		0
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	11,931		10,869
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance			0
Total notes receivable allowance	0		0
Promissory Notes [Member]
Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, gross	2,674		2,522
Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance	-468	-300
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	2,206		2,247
Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]
Beginning notes receivable allowance	275	302
Recoveries/write-offs/other	193	-2
Total notes receivable allowance	$468	$300

Investments_In_Affiliates_Deta

Investments In Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statements:
Rental and other revenues	$12,231,000	$12,434,000
Expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	5,667,000	6,217,000
Depreciation and amortization	3,115,000	3,489,000
Interest expense	2,149,000	2,211,000
Total expenses	10,931,000	11,917,000
Income before disposition of property	1,300,000	517,000
Gains on disposition of property	2,127,000	1,949,000
Net income	3,427,000	2,466,000
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%
Highwoods DLF 97/26 DLF 99/32, LP Joint Venture [Member]
Expenses:
Gains on disposition of property	2,100,000
Proceeds received from disposition of property	7,000,000
Our share of gains on disposition of property	$1,100,000

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma2

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	($115,342)		($112,804)
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	224,270		228,768
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred financing and leasing costs, gross	19,444		19,478
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	-8,697		-7,953
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	10,747		11,525
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	800	652
Deferred Leasing Costs [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred financing and leasing costs, gross	320,168		322,094
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	-106,645		-104,851
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	213,523		217,243
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	189,703
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	10,293	9,928
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	6,771
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	362	351
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	13,889
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	1,166	1,116
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	3,160
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	137	137
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, gross	55,360		55,783
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	-14,857		-13,548
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	40,503		42,235
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	($1,732)	($1,522)

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma3

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Scheduled Future Amortization (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$224,270	$228,768
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015	2,299
2016	2,784
2017	2,508
2018	1,379
2019	653
Thereafter	1,124
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	10,747	11,525
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 2 months 12 days
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015	30,616
2016	34,322
2017	29,907
2018	25,334
2019	21,021
Thereafter	48,503
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	189,703
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 10 months 25 days
Lease Incentives [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015	887
2016	1,072
2017	1,000
2018	893
2019	705
Thereafter	2,214
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	6,771
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
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015	3,216
2016	3,054
2017	2,253
2018	1,462
2019	1,046
Thereafter	2,858
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	13,889
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 2 months 12 days
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015	415
2016	553
2017	553
2018	553
2019	553
Thereafter	533
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	3,160
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	5 years 8 months 12 days
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
April 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015	-4,700
2016	-5,570
2017	-5,298
2018	-5,135
2019	-4,804
Thereafter	-14,996
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	($40,503)	($42,235)
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

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_De

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 20, 2015
	extensions
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	$2,089,226,000	$2,071,389,000
Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	475,000,000
Maturity date on revolving credit facility	1-Jan-18
Additional borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	75,000,000
Interest rate, basis	LIBOR plus 110 basis points
Interest rate (in hundredths)	1.10%
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	228,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility	243,000
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	246,757,000
Secured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	311,502,000	312,868,000
Aggregate undepreciated book value of secured real estate assets	583,200,000
Unsecured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	1,777,724,000	1,758,521,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility			239,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility			243,000
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility			$235,757,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected increase to interest expense	$3,000,000
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	4,480,000		2,412,000
Amount of unrealized losses recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	-2,914,000	-1,404,000
Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	$924,000	$928,000

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$130,048
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,036	7,434
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	-1,206	-162
Redemptions of Common Units	0	-93
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	596	398
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-1,248	-1,249
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	133,226
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	19,316	12,128
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	130,048	106,480
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	5,036	7,434
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	-1,206	-162
Redemptions of Common Units	0	-93
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	596	398
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-1,248	-1,249
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	133,226	112,808
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	19,316	12,128
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,206	162
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$20,522	$12,290

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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	$14,163	[1]	$13,142	[1]
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	3,504		3,635
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	12,640		12,447
Total Assets	30,307		29,224
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	2,173,153	[1]	2,141,334	[1]
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	4,480		2,412
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	3,504		3,635
Financing obligations, at fair value	20,264	[1]	20,117	[1]
Total Liabilities	2,201,401		2,167,498
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	3,504		3,635
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Total Assets	3,504		3,635
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
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)	3,504		3,635
Financing obligations, at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total Liabilities	3,504		3,635
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	2,206	[1]	2,247	[1]
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Total Assets	2,206		2,247
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	2,173,153	[1]	2,141,334	[1]
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	4,480		2,412
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Financing obligations, at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total Liabilities	2,177,633		2,143,746
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	11,957	[1]	10,895	[1]
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	12,640		12,447
Total Assets	24,597		23,342
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	0	[1]	0	[1]
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	20,264	[1]	20,117	[1]
Total Liabilities	20,264		20,117
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	133,226		130,048
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	133,226		130,048
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	$193,000	$165,000
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	12,447,000	13,403,000	13,403,000
Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	193,000	165,000
Ending balance	12,640,000	13,568,000	12,447,000
Maturity date	20-Dec-20
Amount by which outstanding principal amount exceeds estimated fair value	200,000
Change in discount rate (in hundredths)	1.00%
Discount rate (in hundredths)	8.60%		8.40%
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
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

ShareBased_Payments_Details

Share-Based Payments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$3,866,000	$4,262,000
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs	$7,700,000
Weighted average remaining contractual term for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation costs (in years)	2 years 9 months 20 days
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	197,408
Weighted average grant date fair value of each stock option granted (in dollars per option)	$6.19
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Time-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock shares granted	66,845
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)	$45.89
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	56,726
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)	$43.79

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance					($3,912)
Ending balance	-5,709		-2,922		-3,912
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-5,709		-2,922		-3,912
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-445		-1,029
Unrealized gains/(losses)	193		165
Ending balance	-252		-864
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-252		-864
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-3,467		-1,582
Unrealized gains/(losses)	-2,914		-1,404
Amortization reclassified out of AOCL	924	[1]	928	[1]
Ending balance	-5,457		-2,058
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($5,457)		($2,058)
[1]	Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H2

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets, held for sale [Abstract]
Land held for development	$2,961	$995
Net real estate assets	2,961	995
Prepaid expenses and other assets	19	43
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$2,980	$1,038

Earnings_Per_Share_and_Per_Uni2

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$20,835		$13,192
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	-596		-386
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	-296		-423
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	19,316		11,756
Income from discontinued operations	0		384
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	0		-12
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		372
Net income available for common stockholders	19,316		12,128
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	93,222		89,966
Earnings per Common Share - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	20,835		13,192
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-296		-423
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	19,912		12,142
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		384
Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	19,912		12,526
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	93,222		89,966
Stock options using the treasury method	124		124
Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,933		2,940
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	96,279	[1],[2]	93,030	[1],[2]
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Number of anti-dilutive options and warrants not included in earnings per share (in shares)	197		303
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	20,835		13,192
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	-296		-423
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	19,912		12,142
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		384
Net income available for common unitholders	19,912		12,526
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	95,746		92,497
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.01
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.14
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	20,835		13,192
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-296		-423
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	19,912		12,142
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		384
Net income available for common unitholders	$19,912		$12,526
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	95,746		92,497
Stock options using the treasury method	124		124
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit - adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (in shares)	95,870	[2],[3]	92,621	[2],[3]
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.13
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.01
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.21		$0.14
Number of anti-dilutive options and warrants not included in earnings per share (in shares)	197		303
[1]	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive.
[2]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[3]	There were 0.2 million and 0.3 million options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	$157,310	$148,453
Total Net Operating Income	99,797	92,063
Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
Depreciation and amortization	-50,308	-48,165
General and administrative expenses	-11,437	-10,714
Interest expense	-21,423	-21,362
Other income	1,238	1,399
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,867	13,221
Total Office Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	145,823	136,343
Total Net Operating Income	92,979	84,847
Office Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	24,782	22,977
Total Net Operating Income	15,367	13,697
Office Greensboro, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	5,440	6,450
Total Net Operating Income	3,426	3,998
Office Greenville, SC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	0	841
Total Net Operating Income	0	475
Office Kansas City, MO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	4,216	4,097
Total Net Operating Income	2,749	2,605
Office Memphis, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	11,734	9,835
Total Net Operating Income	7,389	5,607
Office Nashville, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	21,816	19,605
Total Net Operating Income	15,232	13,153
Office Orlando, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	10,834	8,920
Total Net Operating Income	6,483	5,376
Office Pittsburgh, PA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	14,549	13,757
Total Net Operating Income	7,962	7,193
Office Raleigh, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	23,441	21,491
Total Net Operating Income	16,271	15,032
Office Richmond, VA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	10,584	11,743
Total Net Operating Income	6,880	7,676
Office Tampa, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	18,427	16,627
Total Net Operating Income	11,220	10,035
Total Retail Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	8,563	9,218
Total Net Operating Income	4,712	5,265
Retail Kansas City, MO [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	8,563	9,218
Total Net Operating Income	4,712	5,265
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	2,924	2,892
Total Net Operating Income	$2,106	$1,951