Highwoods Properties (HIW) 10-Q 25 Jul 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 18, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC.
Entity Central Index Key	921,082
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		103,236,237
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HIGHWOODS REALTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Entity Central Index Key	941,713
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	$ 470,185	$ 474,375
Buildings and tenant improvements	4,374,143	4,313,373
Development in-process	245,593	279,602
Land held for development	82,326	77,355
Total real estate assets	5,172,247	5,144,705
Less-accumulated depreciation	(1,163,778)	(1,134,103)
Net real estate assets	4,008,469	4,010,602
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	54,543	0
Cash and cash equivalents	13,346	49,490
Restricted cash	20,612	29,141
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $376 and $624, respectively	15,701	17,372
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $88 and $105, respectively	6,750	8,833
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $205 and $692, respectively	185,632	172,829
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	15,243	18,846
Deferred leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $147,744 and $140,081, respectively	205,256	213,500
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $21,517 and $19,904, respectively	34,947	40,437
Total Assets	4,560,499	4,561,050
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable, net	2,005,038	1,948,047
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	200,981	313,885
Liabilities held for sale	1,122	0
Total Liabilities	2,207,141	2,261,932
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	143,646	144,802
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), 28,905 and 28,920 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	28,905	28,920
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 103,236,237 and 101,665,554 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,032	1,017
Additional paid-in capital	2,926,128	2,850,881
Distributions in excess of net income available for common stockholders	(770,101)	(749,412)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,046	4,949
Total Stockholders’ Equity	2,192,010	2,136,355
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	17,702	17,961
Total Equity/Capital	2,209,712	2,154,316
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	4,560,499	4,561,050
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	470,185	474,375
Buildings and tenant improvements	4,374,143	4,313,373
Development in-process	245,593	279,602
Land held for development	82,326	77,355
Total real estate assets	5,172,247	5,144,705
Less-accumulated depreciation	(1,163,778)	(1,134,103)
Net real estate assets	4,008,469	4,010,602
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	54,543	0
Cash and cash equivalents	13,346	49,490
Restricted cash	20,612	29,141
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $376 and $624, respectively	15,701	17,372
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $88 and $105, respectively	6,750	8,833
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $205 and $692, respectively	185,632	172,829
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	15,243	18,846
Deferred leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $147,744 and $140,081, respectively	205,256	213,500
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $21,517 and $19,904, respectively	34,947	40,437
Total Assets	4,560,499	4,561,050
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable, net	2,005,038	1,948,047
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	200,981	313,885
Liabilities held for sale	1,122	0
Total Liabilities	2,207,141	2,261,932
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units:
Common Units, 2,832,704 and 2,838,704 outstanding, respectively	143,646	144,802
Series A Preferred Units (liquidation preference $1,000 per unit), 28,905 and 28,920 units issued and outstanding, respectively	28,905	28,920
Total Redeemable Operating Partnership Units	172,551	173,722
Equity/Capital:
General partner Common Units, 1,056,601 and 1,040,954 outstanding, respectively	21,568	21,023
Limited partner Common Units, 101,770,827 and 100,215,791 outstanding, respectively	2,135,491	2,081,463
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6,046	4,949
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	17,702	17,961
Total Equity/Capital	2,180,807	2,125,396
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	$ 4,560,499	$ 4,561,050

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 376	$ 624
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	88	105
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	205	692
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	147,744	140,081
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$ 21,517	$ 19,904
Equity/Capital:
Series A Preferred Stock, dividend rate percentage (in hundredths)	8.625%	8.625%
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)	28,905	28,920
Series A Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	28,905	28,920
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)	103,236,237	101,665,554
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	103,236,237	101,665,554
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 376	$ 624
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	88	105
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	205	692
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	147,744	140,081
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$ 21,517	$ 19,904
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units: [Abstract]
Redeemable Common Units outstanding (in shares)	2,832,704	2,838,704
Series A Preferred Units, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series A Preferred Units, issued (in shares)	28,905	28,920
Series A Preferred Units, outstanding (in shares)	28,905	28,920
Common Units: [Abstract]
General partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	1,056,601	1,040,954
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	101,770,827	100,215,791

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Rental and other revenues	$ 177,283	$ 166,860	$ 346,691	$ 331,719
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	58,854	57,515	116,250	115,095
Depreciation and amortization	55,816	55,317	111,961	108,811
General and administrative	9,050	8,327	20,540	19,464
Total operating expenses	123,720	121,159	248,751	243,370
Interest expense:
Contractual	15,345	18,674	32,368	38,389
Amortization of debt issuance costs	809	811	1,649	1,801
Total interest expense	16,154	19,485	34,017	40,190
Other income:
Interest and other income	564	534	1,248	1,051
Gains on debt extinguishment	826	0	826	0
Total other income	1,390	534	2,074	1,051
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	38,799	26,750	65,997	49,210
Gains on disposition of property	0	5,861	5,332	10,258
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	755	917	1,710	2,202
Income from continuing operations	39,554	33,528	73,039	61,670
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	4,097
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	0	0	414,496
Total income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	418,593
Net income	39,554	33,528	73,039	480,263
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,043)	(939)	(1,931)	(13,950)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(299)	(314)	(599)	(622)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)	(627)	(1,246)	(1,253)
Net income available for common stockholders	$ 37,589	$ 31,648	$ 69,263	$ 464,438
Earnings per Common Share – basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.19
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 4.79
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	102,475	97,648	102,109	97,010
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.18
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 4.78
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	105,386	100,628	105,026	99,992
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.440	$ 0.425	$ 0.88	$ 0.850
Net income available for common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$ 37,589	$ 31,648	$ 69,263	$ 58,110
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0	0	0	406,328
Net income available for common stockholders	37,589	31,648	69,263	464,438
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Rental and other revenues	177,283	166,860	346,691	331,719
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	58,854	57,515	116,250	115,095
Depreciation and amortization	55,816	55,317	111,961	108,811
General and administrative	9,050	8,327	20,540	19,464
Total operating expenses	123,720	121,159	248,751	243,370
Interest expense:
Contractual	15,345	18,674	32,368	38,389
Amortization of debt issuance costs	809	811	1,649	1,801
Total interest expense	16,154	19,485	34,017	40,190
Other income:
Interest and other income	564	534	1,248	1,051
Gains on debt extinguishment	826	0	826	0
Total other income	1,390	534	2,074	1,051
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	38,799	26,750	65,997	49,210
Gains on disposition of property	0	5,861	5,332	10,258
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	755	917	1,710	2,202
Income from continuing operations	39,554	33,528	73,039	61,670
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	4,097
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	0	0	414,496
Total income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	418,593
Net income	39,554	33,528	73,039	480,263
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(299)	(314)	(599)	(622)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(623)	(627)	(1,246)	(1,253)
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 38,632	$ 32,587	$ 71,194	$ 478,388
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.21
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 4.81
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - basic (in shares)	104,900	100,129	104,536	99,496
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.20
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 4.80
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - diluted (in shares)	104,977	100,219	104,617	99,583
Distributions declared per Common Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.44	$ 0.425	$ 0.88	$ 0.850
Net income available for common unitholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$ 38,632	$ 32,587	$ 71,194	$ 59,795
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0	0	0	418,593
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 38,632	$ 32,587	$ 71,194	$ 478,388

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 39,554	$ 33,528	$ 73,039	$ 480,263
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(136)	(5,760)	316	(9,395)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	297	783	781	1,578
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	161	(4,977)	1,097	(7,817)
Total comprehensive income	39,715	28,551	74,136	472,446
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,342)	(1,253)	(2,530)	(14,572)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	38,373	27,298	71,606	457,874
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	39,554	33,528	73,039	480,263
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(136)	(5,760)	316	(9,395)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	297	783	781	1,578
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	161	(4,977)	1,097	(7,817)
Total comprehensive income	39,715	28,551	74,136	472,446
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(299)	(314)	(599)	(622)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$ 39,416	$ 28,237	$ 73,537	$ 471,824

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]	General Partners' Common Units [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Limited Partners' Common Units [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Net Income Available for Common Stockholders [Member]
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			96,091,932
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,619,282	$ 1,590,232	$ 961	$ 29,050	$ 15,759	$ 1,560,309	$ 2,598,242	$ (3,811)	$ (3,811)	$ 17,975	$ 17,975	$ (1,023,135)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		104,472			1,045	103,427
Distributions on Common Units		(84,387)			(844)	(83,543)
Distributions on Preferred Units		(1,253)			(13)	(1,240)
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings - Shares			2,324,850
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	104,472		$ 23				104,449
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares			32,328
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,558						1,558
Dividends on Common Stock	(82,272)											(82,272)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(1,253)											(1,253)
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(15,042)						(15,042)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(900)	(900)								(900)	(900)
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			130,752
Issuances of restricted stock	0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(115)			(115)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - shares			(8,888)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	4,550	4,550	$ 2		46	4,504	4,548
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		(25,319)			(253)	(25,066)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(13,950)											(13,950)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0			(6)	(616)				622	622	(622)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	480,263	480,263			4,803	475,460						480,263
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(7,817)	(7,817)						(7,817)	(7,817)
Total comprehensive income	472,446	472,446
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2016			98,570,974
Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 2,088,776	2,059,841	$ 986	28,935	20,537	2,033,235	2,693,755	(11,628)	(11,628)	17,697	17,697	(640,969)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	101,665,554		101,665,554
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,154,316	2,125,396	$ 1,017	28,920	21,023	2,081,463	2,850,881	4,949	4,949	17,961	17,961	(749,412)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		69,833			698	69,135
Distributions on Common Units		(92,087)			(920)	(91,167)
Distributions on Preferred Units		(1,246)			(12)	(1,234)
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings - Shares			1,453,935
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	69,833		$ 15				69,818
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares			6,000
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	305						305
Dividends on Common Stock	(89,952)											(89,952)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(1,246)											(1,246)
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	287						287
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(858)	(858)								(858)	(858)
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			110,748
Issuances of restricted stock	0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(15)			(15)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - shares			0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	4,837	4,837			48	4,789	4,837
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		796			7	789
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,931)											(1,931)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0			(6)	(593)				599	599	(599)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	73,039	73,039			730	72,309						73,039
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,097	1,097						1,097	1,097
Total comprehensive income	$ 74,136	74,136
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2017	103,236,237		103,236,237
Balance at Jun. 30, 2017	$ 2,209,712	$ 2,180,807	$ 1,032	$ 28,905	$ 21,568	$ 2,135,491	$ 2,926,128	$ 6,046	$ 6,046	$ 17,702	$ 17,702	$ (770,101)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 73,039	$ 480,263
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	111,961	108,811
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	(345)	(1,179)
Share-based compensation expense	4,837	4,550
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	110	1,218
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	(274)	(212)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,649	1,801
Amortization of cash flow hedges	781	1,578
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	139	(116)
Gains on debt extinguishment	(826)	0
Net gains on disposition of property	(5,332)	(424,754)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(1,710)	(2,202)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	2,907	1,095
Settlement of cash flow hedges	7,322	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,358	(181)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,455)	(5,297)
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	(15,228)	(13,600)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(9,818)	(13,970)
Net cash provided by operating activities	172,115	137,805
Investing activities:
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	0	(9,058)
Investments in development in-process	(97,096)	(74,668)
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	(54,119)	(42,954)
Investments in building improvements	(31,070)	(31,677)
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	11,532	675,003
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	7,445	2,118
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	0	(7,818)
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	2,357	155
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	(172)	(105)
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	4,496	(257,181)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(156,627)	253,815
Financing activities:
Dividends on Common Stock	(89,952)	(82,272)
Special dividend on Common Stock	(81,205)	0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(15)	(115)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(1,246)	(1,253)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(2,495)	(2,463)
Special distribution to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(2,271)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(858)	(900)
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock	74,987	110,158
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Stock	(1,199)	(1,629)
Repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings	(3,955)	(4,057)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	425,300	153,800
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(314,300)	(169,800)
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	456,001	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	(506,679)	(394,738)
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	(57)	0
Changes in debt issuance costs and other financing activities	(3,688)	(943)
Net cash used in financing activities	(51,632)	(394,212)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(36,144)	(2,592)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	49,490	5,036
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	13,346	2,444
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	34,930	38,222
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	316	(9,395)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	305	1,558
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	(21,961)	9,227
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	28,449	21,948
Write-off of fully amortized leasing costs	15,023	11,690
Write-off of fully amortized debt issuance costs	4,324	0
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(287)	15,042
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Operating activities:
Net income	73,039	480,263
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	111,961	108,811
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	(345)	(1,179)
Share-based compensation expense	4,837	4,550
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	110	1,218
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	(274)	(212)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,649	1,801
Amortization of cash flow hedges	781	1,578
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	139	(116)
Gains on debt extinguishment	(826)	0
Net gains on disposition of property	(5,332)	(424,754)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(1,710)	(2,202)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	2,907	1,095
Settlement of cash flow hedges	7,322	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	4,358	(181)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,455)	(5,297)
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	(15,228)	(13,600)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(9,818)	(13,970)
Net cash provided by operating activities	172,115	137,805
Investing activities:
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	0	(9,058)
Investments in development in-process	(97,096)	(74,668)
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	(54,119)	(42,954)
Investments in building improvements	(31,070)	(31,677)
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	11,532	675,003
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	7,445	2,118
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	0	(7,818)
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	2,357	155
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	(172)	(105)
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	4,496	(257,181)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(156,627)	253,815
Financing activities:
Distributions on Common Units	(92,087)	(84,387)
Special distribution on Common Units	(83,149)	0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Units	(15)	(115)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(1,246)	(1,253)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(858)	(900)
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Units	74,987	110,158
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Units	(1,199)	(1,629)
Repurchase of units related to tax withholdings	(3,955)	(4,057)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	425,300	153,800
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(314,300)	(169,800)
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	456,001	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	(506,679)	(394,738)
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	(57)	0
Changes in debt issuance costs and other financing activities	(4,375)	(1,291)
Net cash used in financing activities	(51,632)	(394,212)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(36,144)	(2,592)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	49,490	5,036
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	13,346	2,444
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	34,930	38,222
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	316	(9,395)
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	(21,961)	9,227
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	28,449	21,948
Write-off of fully amortized leasing costs	15,023	11,690
Write-off of fully amortized debt issuance costs	4,324	0
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value	$ (1,156)	$ 24,971

Description of Business and Sig

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and for third parties. The Company conducts its activities through Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”). At June 30, 2017 , we owned or had an interest in 32.0 million rentable square feet of in-service properties, 1.2 million rentable square feet of properties under development and approximately 400 acres of development land. The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. At June 30, 2017 , the Company owned all of the Preferred Units and 102.8 million , or 97.3% , of the Common Units in the Operating Partnership. Limited partners owned the remaining 2.8 million Common Units. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company redeemed 6,000 Common Units for a like number of shares of Common Stock. Common Stock Offerings During the first quarter of 2017 , we entered into separate equity distribution agreements in which the Company may offer and sell up to $300.0 million in aggregate gross sales price of shares of Common Stock. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company issued 1,177,734 and 1,363,919 shares, respectively, of Common Stock under its equity distribution agreements at an average gross sales price of $51.03 and $50.85 per share, respectively, and received net proceeds, after sales commissions, of $59.2 million and $68.3 million , respectively. 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. 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 2016 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 our 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") issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") 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. Upon adoption of the ASU in 2018, we expect to utilize the modified retrospective approach. Our initial analysis of our non-lease related revenue contracts indicates that the adoption of this ASU will impact the financial statement disclosure of these contracts with no material impact on the timing of revenue recognition; however, we are still in the process of evaluating this ASU. We expect additional impact of this ASU upon adoption of the ASU related to accounting for leases discussed below for certain lease revenue streams that will be required to be evaluated as non-lease components using the five-step revenue recognition model. The FASB issued an ASU that adds to and clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 with retrospective application required. We do not expect such adoption to have a material effect on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The FASB issued an ASU that clarifies and narrows the definition of a business used in determining whether to account for a transaction as an asset acquisition or business combination. The guidance requires evaluation of the fair value of the assets acquired to determine if it is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transferred assets would not be a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 and applied prospectively. Upon adoption of this ASU, we expect that the majority of our future acquisitions would not meet the definition of a business; therefore, the related acquisition costs would be capitalized as part of the purchase price. The FASB issued an ASU that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The guidance requires modification accounting if the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 and applied prospectively. We do not expect such adoption to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The FASB issued an ASU which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The ASU requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to the existing guidance and is effective for reporting periods beginning in 2019 with early adoption permitted. Our initial analysis of our leases indicates that upon adoption of the ASU, certain lease revenue streams that are currently accounted for using the lease accounting standard will be accounted for as non-lease components using the five-step revenue recognition model discussed above. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU that requires, among other things, the use of a new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model in determining our allowances for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable, accrued straight-line rents receivable and mortgages and notes receivable. The CECL model requires that we estimate our lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. We will also be required to disclose information about how we developed the allowances, including changes in the factors (e.g., portfolio mix, credit trends, unemployment, gross domestic product, etc.) that influenced our estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes. We will apply the ASU’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption in 2020. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU.

Real Estate Assets

Real Estate Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Assets	Real Estate Assets During the first quarter of 2017, we sold a building for a sale price of $13.0 million (before closing credits to buyer of $1.2 million ) and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $5.3 million .

Mortgages and Notes Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Receivable	Mortgages and Notes Receivable Mortgages and notes receivable were $6.8 million and $8.8 million at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. We evaluate the ability to collect our mortgages and notes receivable by monitoring the leasing statistics and/or market fundamentals of these assets. As of June 30, 2017 , our mortgages and notes receivable were not in default and there were no other indicators of impairment.

Intangible Assets and Below Mar

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization: June 30, December 31, Assets: Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets) $ 353,000 $ 353,581 Less accumulated amortization (147,744 ) (140,081 ) $ 205,256 $ 213,500 Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities): Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities $ 60,809 $ 61,221 Less accumulated amortization (25,834 ) (23,074 ) $ 34,975 $ 38,147 The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization) $ 10,133 $ 11,731 $ 20,752 $ 23,066 Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues) $ 443 $ 390 $ 840 $ 1,101 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues) $ 675 $ 972 $ 1,711 $ 2,003 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses) $ 139 $ 139 $ 276 $ 277 Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues) $ (1,592 ) $ (2,788 ) $ (3,172 ) $ (4,560 ) 4. Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Continued The following table sets forth scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Amortization of Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) July 1 through December 31, 2017 $ 21,126 $ 810 $ 1,140 $ 274 $ (3,073 ) 2018 36,533 1,510 1,680 553 (5,962 ) 2019 30,942 1,286 1,286 553 (5,492 ) 2020 26,160 1,011 967 525 (5,180 ) 2021 21,887 797 647 — (4,409 ) Thereafter 50,280 3,404 1,885 — (10,859 ) $ 186,928 $ 8,818 $ 7,605 $ 1,905 $ (34,975 ) Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of June 30, 2017 (in years) 6.7 8.7 6.4 3.5 7.0

Mortgages and Notes Payable

Mortgages and Notes Payable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Payable	Mortgages and Notes Payable The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable: June 30, December 31, Secured indebtedness $ 99,856 $ 128,204 Unsecured indebtedness 1,913,966 1,826,145 Less-unamortized debt issuance costs (8,784 ) (6,302 ) Total mortgages and notes payable, net $ 2,005,038 $ 1,948,047 At June 30, 2017 , our secured mortgage loans were collateralized by real estate assets with an aggregate undepreciated book value of $ 147.8 million . Our $ 475.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in January 2018 and includes an accordion feature that allows for an additional $ 75.0 million of borrowing capacity subject to additional lender commitments. Assuming no defaults have occurred, we have an option to extend the maturity for two additional six -month periods. The interest rate at our current credit ratings is LIBOR plus 110 basis points and the annual facility fee is 20 basis points. There was $ 111.0 million and $ 97.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at June 30, 2017 and July 18, 2017 , respectively. At both June 30, 2017 and July 18, 2017 , we had $ 0.6 million of outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the availability on our revolving credit facility. As a result, the unused capacity of our revolving credit facility at June 30, 2017 and July 18, 2017 was $ 363.4 million and $ 377.4 million , respectively. During the second quarter of 2017, we prepaid without penalty a secured mortgage loan with a fair market value of $108.2 million with an effective interest rate of 4.22% that was originally scheduled to mature in November 2017 . We recorded $0.4 million of gain on debt extinguishment related to this prepayment. 5. Mortgages and Notes Payable - Continued During 2015, we acquired our joint venture partner’s 77.2% interest in a building in Orlando. Simultaneously with this acquisition, the joint venture's previously existing mortgage note was restructured into a new $18.0 million first mortgage note and a $10.2 million subordinated note, both of which were scheduled to mature in July 2017. The first mortgage and subordinated notes had effective interest rates of 5.36% and 8.6% , respectively. The subordinated note and accrued interest thereon can be satisfied, in certain circumstances, upon payment of a "waterfall payment" equal to a cash payment of 50.0% of the amount by which the net sale proceeds or appraised value at the time of refinancing exceeded (1) the outstanding principal of the first mortgage note, (2) funds deposited by us into escrow to fund tenant improvements, leasing commissions and building improvements and (3) a 10.0% return on such funds deposited by us into escrow. As of the date of such restructuring, the subordinated note was recorded at a projected waterfall payment of $1.0 million . During the second quarter of 2017, both notes were retired upon payment of the $18.0 million principal balance on the first mortgage note and a $0.5 million waterfall payment relating to the subordinated note, which resulted in $0.4 million of gain on debt extinguishment. During the second quarter of 2017, we obtained a $100.0 million secured mortgage loan from a third party lender with an effective interest rate of 4.0% . This loan is scheduled to mature in May 2029 . We incurred $0.8 million of debt issuance costs in connection with this loan, which will be amortized over the term of the loan. During the first quarter of 2017, the Operating Partnership issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% notes due 2027 , less original issue discount of $4.0 million . These notes were priced to yield 4.038% . Underwriting fees and other expenses were incurred that aggregated $2.5 million ; these costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the notes. During the first quarter of 2017, we paid off at maturity $379.7 million principal amount of 5.85% unsecured notes. During the first quarter of 2017, we amended our $150.0 million unsecured bank term loan that is scheduled to mature in January 2022 by increasing the borrowed amount to $200.0 million . The interest rate on this term loan at our current credit ratings is LIBOR plus 110 basis points . The underlying LIBOR rate with respect to $50.0 million of the unsecured bank term loan has been effectively fixed for the term through floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps as discussed in Note 6. We incurred $0.3 million of debt issuance costs in connection with this amendment, which will be amortized along with existing unamortized debt issuance costs over the remaining term. We are currently in compliance with financial covenants and other requirements with respect to our consolidated debt. We have considered our short-term liquidity needs within one year from July 25, 2017 (the date of issuance of the quarterly financial statements) and the adequacy of our estimated cash flows from operating activities and other expected financing sources to meet these needs. In particular, we have considered our scheduled debt maturities during such one -year period, including the $200.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due April 15, 2018 . We have concluded it is probable we will meet these short-term liquidity requirements through a combination of the following: • available cash and cash equivalents; • cash flows from operating activities; • issuance of debt securities by the Operating Partnership (some of which debt securities may be hedged to a fixed interest rate pursuant to the forward-starting swaps referred to in Note 6); • issuance of secured debt; • bank term loans; • borrowings under our revolving credit facility; • issuance of equity securities by the Company or the Operating Partnership; and • the disposition of non-core assets.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments During the second quarter of 2017, we entered into $150.0 million notional amount of forward-starting swaps that effectively lock the underlying 10 -year treasury rate at 2.44% with respect to a planned issuance of debt securities by the Operating Partnership expected to occur prior to May 15, 2018. During the second quarter of 2017, we entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps through January 2022 with respect to an aggregate of $50.0 million LIBOR-based borrowings. These swaps effectively fix the underlying one -month LIBOR rate at a weighted average rate of 1.693% . During 2016, we entered into $150.0 million notional amount of forward-starting swaps that effectively locked the underlying 10 -year treasury rate at 1.90% with respect to a planned issuance of debt securities by the Operating Partnership. Upon issuance of the $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% notes due 2027 during the first quarter of 2017, we terminated the forward-starting swaps resulting in an unrealized gain of $7.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. The counterparties under these swaps are major financial institutions. The swap agreements contain a provision whereby if we default on certain of our indebtedness and which default results in repayment of such indebtedness being, or becoming capable of being, accelerated by the lender, then we could also be declared in default on our swaps. 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 six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 . We have no collateral requirements related to our interest rate swaps. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the period from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018 , we estimate that $0.4 million will be reclassified as a net increase to interest expense. The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives: June 30, December 31, Derivatives: Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 275 $ 7,619 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 1,003 $ 1,870 The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and interest expense: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on derivatives (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ (136 ) $ (5,760 ) $ 316 $ (9,395 ) Amount of net losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 297 $ 783 $ 781 $ 1,578

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates At June 30, 2017 , our noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates relate to our joint venture partner's 50.0% interest in office properties in Richmond. Our joint venture partner is an unrelated third party. Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Six Months Ended 2017 2016 Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 126,429 Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value (287 ) 15,042 Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock (305 ) (1,558 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 1,931 13,950 Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership (2,495 ) (2,463 ) Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 143,646 $ 151,400 The following table sets forth net income available for common stockholders and transfers from the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income available for common stockholders $ 37,589 $ 31,648 $ 69,263 $ 464,438 Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units 203 1,558 305 1,558 Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ 37,792 $ 33,206 $ 69,568 $ 465,996

Disclosure About Fair Value of

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 assets include the fair value of our mortgages and notes receivable and certain interest rate swaps. Our Level 2 liabilities include the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable and remaining 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 interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments are considered 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 asset consisted of our tax increment financing bond, which was not routinely traded but whose fair value was 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 tax increment financing bond was assigned in conjunction with a sale during the first quarter of 2016. The estimated fair value at the date of sale of $ 11.2 million was equal to the outstanding principal amount due on the bond. 8. 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 or disclosed at fair value within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 Level 2 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Fair Value at June 30, 2017: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 6,750 $ — $ 6,750 Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 275 — 275 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,478 2,478 — Total Assets $ 9,503 $ 2,478 $ 7,025 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 143,646 $ 143,646 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,016,420 $ — $ 2,016,420 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,003 — 1,003 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,478 2,478 — Total Liabilities $ 2,019,901 $ 2,478 $ 2,017,423 Fair Value at December 31, 2016: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 8,833 $ — $ 8,833 Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 7,619 — 7,619 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,451 2,451 — Total Assets $ 18,903 $ 2,451 $ 16,452 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 144,802 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 1,965,611 $ — $ 1,965,611 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,870 — 1,870 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,451 2,451 — Total Liabilities $ 1,969,932 $ 2,451 $ 1,967,481 __________ (1) Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company granted 168,748 stock options with an exercise price equal to the last reported stock price of our Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day prior to 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 $ 6.72 . During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , the Company also granted 61,404 shares of time-based restricted stock and 49,344 shares of total return-based restricted stock with weighted average grant date fair values per share of $ 52.49 and $ 49.59 , respectively. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $1.1 million and $1.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and $ 4.8 million and $ 4.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At June 30, 2017 , there was $7.0 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which will be recognized over a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.5 years.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges: Beginning balance $ 5,885 $ (6,651 ) $ 4,949 $ (3,811 ) Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges (136 ) (5,760 ) 316 (9,395 ) Amortization of cash flow hedges (1) 297 783 781 1,578 Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 6,046 $ (11,628 ) $ 6,046 $ (11,628 ) __________ (1) Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense.

Real Estate, Other Assets and L

Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities held for sale at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , which are considered non-core: June 30, December 31, Assets: Land $ 11,610 $ — Buildings and tenant improvements 69,259 — Less-accumulated depreciation (30,399 ) — Net real estate assets 50,470 — Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net 2,284 — Deferred leasing costs, net 1,740 — Prepaid expenses and other assets 49 — Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale $ 54,543 $ — Liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ (1,122 ) $ — Liabilities held for sale $ (1,122 ) $ — The following tables set forth the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 related to discontinued operations: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Rental and other revenues $ — $ — $ — $ 8,484 Operating expenses: Rental property and other expenses — — — 3,334 General and administrative — — — 1,388 Total operating expenses — — — 4,722 Interest expense — — — 85 Other income — — — 420 Income from discontinued operations — — — 4,097 Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations — — — 414,496 Total income from discontinued operations $ — $ — $ — $ 418,593 Six Months Ended 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities $ — $ 2,040 Cash flows from investing activities $ — $ 417,097

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations (1,043 ) (939 ) (1,931 ) (1,685 ) Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders 37,589 31,648 69,263 58,110 Income from discontinued operations — — — 418,593 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations — — — (12,265 ) Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 406,328 Net income available for common stockholders $ 37,589 $ 31,648 $ 69,263 $ 464,438 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 102,475 97,648 102,109 97,010 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 4.19 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 4.79 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 38,632 32,587 71,194 59,795 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 418,593 Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 38,632 $ 32,587 $ 71,194 $ 478,388 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 102,475 97,648 102,109 97,010 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 77 90 81 87 Noncontrolling interests Common Units 2,834 2,890 2,836 2,895 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) 105,386 100,628 105,026 99,992 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 4.18 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 4.78 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable. 12. 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 Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 38,632 32,587 71,194 59,795 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 38,632 $ 32,587 $ 71,194 $ 478,388 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,900 100,129 104,536 99,496 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 4.21 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 4.81 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 38,632 32,587 71,194 59,795 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 38,632 $ 32,587 $ 71,194 $ 478,388 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,900 100,129 104,536 99,496 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 77 90 81 87 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) 104,977 100,219 104,617 99,583 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 4.20 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 4.80 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where distributions on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 and which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Rental and Other Revenues: Office: Atlanta $ 35,347 $ 34,652 $ 69,556 $ 67,848 Greensboro 5,284 5,037 10,586 10,184 Memphis 11,823 11,931 23,618 23,945 Nashville 28,836 24,415 52,526 47,781 Orlando 12,436 11,197 24,874 22,682 Pittsburgh 14,852 14,195 29,701 29,335 Raleigh 30,097 28,024 59,643 56,246 Richmond 11,106 10,937 22,048 22,006 Tampa 24,250 22,814 47,506 44,252 Total Office Segment 174,031 163,202 340,058 324,279 Other 3,252 3,658 6,633 7,440 Total Rental and Other Revenues $ 177,283 $ 166,860 $ 346,691 $ 331,719 13. Segment Information - Continued Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net Operating Income: Office: Atlanta $ 22,544 $ 21,911 $ 44,550 $ 42,963 Greensboro 3,391 3,209 6,749 6,357 Memphis 7,272 7,398 14,544 14,813 Nashville 21,626 17,613 38,250 34,428 Orlando 7,430 6,320 15,008 13,005 Pittsburgh 8,949 8,108 17,574 16,711 Raleigh 21,920 20,156 43,385 40,410 Richmond 7,845 7,687 15,466 15,116 Tampa 15,203 14,361 30,325 27,688 Total Office Segment 116,180 106,763 225,851 211,491 Other 2,249 2,582 4,590 5,133 Total Net Operating Income 118,429 109,345 230,441 216,624 Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates: Depreciation and amortization (55,816 ) (55,317 ) (111,961 ) (108,811 ) General and administrative expenses (9,050 ) (8,327 ) (20,540 ) (19,464 ) Interest expense (16,154 ) (19,485 ) (34,017 ) (40,190 ) Other income 1,390 534 2,074 1,051 Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates $ 38,799 $ 26,750 $ 65,997 $ 49,210

Description of Business and S21

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Policy	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. 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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Use of Estimates, Policy	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 our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Policy	Recently Issued Accounting Standards The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") 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. Upon adoption of the ASU in 2018, we expect to utilize the modified retrospective approach. Our initial analysis of our non-lease related revenue contracts indicates that the adoption of this ASU will impact the financial statement disclosure of these contracts with no material impact on the timing of revenue recognition; however, we are still in the process of evaluating this ASU. We expect additional impact of this ASU upon adoption of the ASU related to accounting for leases discussed below for certain lease revenue streams that will be required to be evaluated as non-lease components using the five-step revenue recognition model. The FASB issued an ASU that adds to and clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 with retrospective application required. We do not expect such adoption to have a material effect on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The FASB issued an ASU that clarifies and narrows the definition of a business used in determining whether to account for a transaction as an asset acquisition or business combination. The guidance requires evaluation of the fair value of the assets acquired to determine if it is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transferred assets would not be a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 and applied prospectively. Upon adoption of this ASU, we expect that the majority of our future acquisitions would not meet the definition of a business; therefore, the related acquisition costs would be capitalized as part of the purchase price. The FASB issued an ASU that clarifies when changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as modifications. The guidance requires modification accounting if the value, vesting conditions or classification of the award changes. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 and applied prospectively. We do not expect such adoption to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The FASB issued an ASU which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The ASU requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to the existing guidance and is effective for reporting periods beginning in 2019 with early adoption permitted. Our initial analysis of our leases indicates that upon adoption of the ASU, certain lease revenue streams that are currently accounted for using the lease accounting standard will be accounted for as non-lease components using the five-step revenue recognition model discussed above. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU that requires, among other things, the use of a new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model in determining our allowances for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable, accrued straight-line rents receivable and mortgages and notes receivable. The CECL model requires that we estimate our lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. We will also be required to disclose information about how we developed the allowances, including changes in the factors (e.g., portfolio mix, credit trends, unemployment, gross domestic product, etc.) that influenced our estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes. We will apply the ASU’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption in 2020. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU.

Intangible Assets and Below M22

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization: June 30, December 31, Assets: Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets) $ 353,000 $ 353,581 Less accumulated amortization (147,744 ) (140,081 ) $ 205,256 $ 213,500 Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities): Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities $ 60,809 $ 61,221 Less accumulated amortization (25,834 ) (23,074 ) $ 34,975 $ 38,147
Amortization of Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization) $ 10,133 $ 11,731 $ 20,752 $ 23,066 Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues) $ 443 $ 390 $ 840 $ 1,101 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues) $ 675 $ 972 $ 1,711 $ 2,003 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses) $ 139 $ 139 $ 276 $ 277 Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues) $ (1,592 ) $ (2,788 ) $ (3,172 ) $ (4,560 )
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 Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) July 1 through December 31, 2017 $ 21,126 $ 810 $ 1,140 $ 274 $ (3,073 ) 2018 36,533 1,510 1,680 553 (5,962 ) 2019 30,942 1,286 1,286 553 (5,492 ) 2020 26,160 1,011 967 525 (5,180 ) 2021 21,887 797 647 — (4,409 ) Thereafter 50,280 3,404 1,885 — (10,859 ) $ 186,928 $ 8,818 $ 7,605 $ 1,905 $ (34,975 ) Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of June 30, 2017 (in years) 6.7 8.7 6.4 3.5 7.0

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Ta

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Consolidated Mortgages and Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable: June 30, December 31, Secured indebtedness $ 99,856 $ 128,204 Unsecured indebtedness 1,913,966 1,826,145 Less-unamortized debt issuance costs (8,784 ) (6,302 ) Total mortgages and notes payable, net $ 2,005,038 $ 1,948,047

Derivative Financial Instrume24

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives: June 30, December 31, Derivatives: Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 275 $ 7,619 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 1,003 $ 1,870
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 accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and interest expense: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on derivatives (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ (136 ) $ (5,760 ) $ 316 $ (9,395 ) Amount of net losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 297 $ 783 $ 781 $ 1,578

Noncontrolling Interests (Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables) - Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Six Months Ended 2017 2016 Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 126,429 Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value (287 ) 15,042 Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock (305 ) (1,558 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 1,931 13,950 Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership (2,495 ) (2,463 ) Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 143,646 $ 151,400
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth net income available for common stockholders and transfers from the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net income available for common stockholders $ 37,589 $ 31,648 $ 69,263 $ 464,438 Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units 203 1,558 305 1,558 Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ 37,792 $ 33,206 $ 69,568 $ 465,996

Disclosure About Fair Value o26

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 or disclosed at fair value within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 Level 2 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Fair Value at June 30, 2017: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 6,750 $ — $ 6,750 Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 275 — 275 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,478 2,478 — Total Assets $ 9,503 $ 2,478 $ 7,025 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 143,646 $ 143,646 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,016,420 $ — $ 2,016,420 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,003 — 1,003 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,478 2,478 — Total Liabilities $ 2,019,901 $ 2,478 $ 2,017,423 Fair Value at December 31, 2016: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 8,833 $ — $ 8,833 Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 7,619 — 7,619 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,451 2,451 — Total Assets $ 18,903 $ 2,451 $ 16,452 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 144,802 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 1,965,611 $ — $ 1,965,611 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,870 — 1,870 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,451 2,451 — Total Liabilities $ 1,969,932 $ 2,451 $ 1,967,481 __________ (1) Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Accumulated Other Comprehensi27

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges: Beginning balance $ 5,885 $ (6,651 ) $ 4,949 $ (3,811 ) Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges (136 ) (5,760 ) 316 (9,395 ) Amortization of cash flow hedges (1) 297 783 781 1,578 Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 6,046 $ (11,628 ) $ 6,046 $ (11,628 ) __________ (1) Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense.

Real Estate, Other Assets and28

Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities of the Properties Classified As Held For Sale	The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities held for sale at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , which are considered non-core: June 30, December 31, Assets: Land $ 11,610 $ — Buildings and tenant improvements 69,259 — Less-accumulated depreciation (30,399 ) — Net real estate assets 50,470 — Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net 2,284 — Deferred leasing costs, net 1,740 — Prepaid expenses and other assets 49 — Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale $ 54,543 $ — Liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ (1,122 ) $ — Liabilities held for sale $ (1,122 ) $ —
Operations Classified as Discontinued Operations	The following tables set forth the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 related to discontinued operations: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Rental and other revenues $ — $ — $ — $ 8,484 Operating expenses: Rental property and other expenses — — — 3,334 General and administrative — — — 1,388 Total operating expenses — — — 4,722 Interest expense — — — 85 Other income — — — 420 Income from discontinued operations — — — 4,097 Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations — — — 414,496 Total income from discontinued operations $ — $ — $ — $ 418,593 Six Months Ended 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities $ — $ 2,040 Cash flows from investing activities $ — $ 417,097

Earnings Per Share and Per Un29

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
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 Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations (1,043 ) (939 ) (1,931 ) (1,685 ) Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders 37,589 31,648 69,263 58,110 Income from discontinued operations — — — 418,593 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations — — — (12,265 ) Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 406,328 Net income available for common stockholders $ 37,589 $ 31,648 $ 69,263 $ 464,438 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 102,475 97,648 102,109 97,010 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 4.19 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 4.79 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 38,632 32,587 71,194 59,795 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 418,593 Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 38,632 $ 32,587 $ 71,194 $ 478,388 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 102,475 97,648 102,109 97,010 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 77 90 81 87 Noncontrolling interests Common Units 2,834 2,890 2,836 2,895 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) 105,386 100,628 105,026 99,992 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — — — 4.18 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.37 $ 0.32 $ 0.68 $ 4.78 __________ (1) 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 Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 38,632 32,587 71,194 59,795 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 38,632 $ 32,587 $ 71,194 $ 478,388 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,900 100,129 104,536 99,496 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 4.21 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 4.81 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 39,554 $ 33,528 $ 73,039 $ 61,670 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (299 ) (314 ) (599 ) (622 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (627 ) (1,246 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 38,632 32,587 71,194 59,795 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 38,632 $ 32,587 $ 71,194 $ 478,388 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,900 100,129 104,536 99,496 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 77 90 81 87 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) 104,977 100,219 104,617 99,583 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 0.60 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — — — 4.20 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.68 $ 4.80 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where distributions on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [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 and which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Rental and Other Revenues: Office: Atlanta $ 35,347 $ 34,652 $ 69,556 $ 67,848 Greensboro 5,284 5,037 10,586 10,184 Memphis 11,823 11,931 23,618 23,945 Nashville 28,836 24,415 52,526 47,781 Orlando 12,436 11,197 24,874 22,682 Pittsburgh 14,852 14,195 29,701 29,335 Raleigh 30,097 28,024 59,643 56,246 Richmond 11,106 10,937 22,048 22,006 Tampa 24,250 22,814 47,506 44,252 Total Office Segment 174,031 163,202 340,058 324,279 Other 3,252 3,658 6,633 7,440 Total Rental and Other Revenues $ 177,283 $ 166,860 $ 346,691 $ 331,719
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net Operating Income: Office: Atlanta $ 22,544 $ 21,911 $ 44,550 $ 42,963 Greensboro 3,391 3,209 6,749 6,357 Memphis 7,272 7,398 14,544 14,813 Nashville 21,626 17,613 38,250 34,428 Orlando 7,430 6,320 15,008 13,005 Pittsburgh 8,949 8,108 17,574 16,711 Raleigh 21,920 20,156 43,385 40,410 Richmond 7,845 7,687 15,466 15,116 Tampa 15,203 14,361 30,325 27,688 Total Office Segment 116,180 106,763 225,851 211,491 Other 2,249 2,582 4,590 5,133 Total Net Operating Income 118,429 109,345 230,441 216,624 Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates: Depreciation and amortization (55,816 ) (55,317 ) (111,961 ) (108,811 ) General and administrative expenses (9,050 ) (8,327 ) (20,540 ) (19,464 ) Interest expense (16,154 ) (19,485 ) (34,017 ) (40,190 ) Other income 1,390 534 2,074 1,051 Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates $ 38,799 $ 26,750 $ 65,997 $ 49,210

Description of Business and S31

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, ft² in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)ft²a$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)ft²a$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties (in sq feet) | ft²	32		32
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties under development (in sq feet) | ft²	1.2		1.2
Undeveloped land suitable for development (in acres) | a	400		400
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | $			$ 69,833	$ 104,472
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares)	102,800,000		102,800,000
Percentage of ownership of Common Units (in hundredths)	97.30%		97.30%
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares)			6,000
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | $	$ 59,200		$ 68,300
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares)	1,177,734		1,363,919
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 51.03		$ 50.85
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | $		$ 300,000
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)	2,800,000		2,800,000

Real Estate Assets (Details)

Real Estate Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Gains on disposition of property	$ 0		$ 5,861	$ 5,332	$ 10,258
2017 Dispositions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Purchase price of real estate		$ 13,000
Disposition closing credits excluded		1,200
Gains on disposition of property		$ 5,300

Mortgages and Notes Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$ 6,750	$ 8,833

Intangible Assets and Below M34

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	$ 353,000		$ 353,000		$ 353,581
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	(147,744)		(147,744)		(140,081)
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	205,256		205,256		213,500
Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, gross	60,809		60,809		61,221
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	(25,834)		(25,834)		(23,074)
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	34,975		34,975		$ 38,147
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	186,928		186,928
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	10,133	$ 11,731	20,752	$ 23,066
Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	8,818		8,818
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	443	390	840	1,101
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	7,605		7,605
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	675	972	1,711	2,003
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	1,905		1,905
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	139	139	276	277
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	34,975		34,975
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$ (1,592)	$ (2,788)	$ (3,172)	$ (4,560)

Intangible Assets and Below M35

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Scheduled Future Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 205,256	$ 213,500
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	(34,975)	$ (38,147)
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2017	21,126
2,018	36,533
2,019	30,942
2,020	26,160
2,021	21,887
Thereafter	50,280
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 186,928
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 8 months 12 days
Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2017	$ 810
2,018	1,510
2,019	1,286
2,020	1,011
2,021	797
Thereafter	3,404
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 8,818
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 8 months 12 days
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2017	$ 1,140
2,018	1,680
2,019	1,286
2,020	967
2,021	647
Thereafter	1,885
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 7,605
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 4 months 24 days
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2017	$ 274
2,018	553
2,019	553
2,020	525
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 1,905
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	3 years 6 months
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2017	$ (3,073)
2,018	(5,962)
2,019	(5,492)
2,020	(5,180)
2,021	(4,409)
Thereafter	(10,859)
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$ (34,975)
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)	7 years

Mortgages and Notes Payable (De

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)extensions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 18, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	$ 2,005,038,000			$ 2,005,038,000				$ 1,948,047,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(8,784,000)			(8,784,000)				(6,302,000)
Gains on debt extinguishment	$ 826,000		$ 0	826,000	$ 0
Maximum liquidity requirements (in years)	1 year
Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	$ 475,000,000			475,000,000
Maturity date on revolving credit facility	Jan. 1, 2018
Additional borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	$ 75,000,000			75,000,000
Number of additional maturity extensions | extensions	2
Term of optional extension	6 months
Annual facility fee (in hundredths)	0.20%
Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility	$ 111,000,000			111,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility	600,000			600,000
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	363,400,000			$ 363,400,000
5.10%(4.22% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Early repayment of debt	$ 108,200,000
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)	4.22%			4.22%
Scheduled maturity date	Nov. 1, 2017
Gains on debt extinguishment	$ 400,000
6.11% (5.36% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2017 (Note A) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread (in hundredths)						5.36%
Early repayment of debt	18,000,000
Scheduled maturity date						Jul. 6, 2017
Percentage of partner's interest in asset acquired (in hundredths)						77.20%
Principal debt amount	18,000,000			$ 18,000,000
6.11% (8.60% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2017 (Note B) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread (in hundredths)						8.60%
Early repayment of debt	500,000
Scheduled maturity date						Jul. 6, 2017
Gains on debt extinguishment	$ 400,000
Principal debt amount						$ 10,200,000
Percentage of excess funds after waterfall payments (in hundredths)						50.00%
Stated return on funds deposited in escrow (in hundredths)						10.00%
Projected waterfall payment						$ 1,000,000
4.0% Mortgage Loan due May 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%			4.00%
Scheduled maturity date	May 1, 2029
Principal debt amount	$ 100,000,000			$ 100,000,000
Debt issuance costs incurred	$ 800,000			800,000
3.875% (4.038% effective rate) Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)		4.038%
Scheduled maturity date		Mar. 1, 2027
Debt issuance costs incurred		$ 2,500,000
Original issue discount		4,000,000
5.85% (5.88% effective rate) Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount		$ 379,700,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)		5.85%
Variable Rate Term Loan due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount		$ 150,000,000
Variable Rate Term Loan (amended) due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled maturity date		Jan. 1, 2022
Principal debt amount		$ 200,000,000
Debt issuance costs incurred		$ 300,000
Unsecured Notes due April 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Scheduled maturity date	Apr. 15, 2018
Principal debt amount	$ 200,000,000			200,000,000
Secured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	99,856,000			99,856,000				128,204,000
Aggregate undepreciated book value of secured real estate assets	147,800,000			147,800,000
Unsecured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	$ 1,913,966,000			$ 1,913,966,000				$ 1,826,145,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility							$ 97,000,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility							600,000
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility							$ 377,400,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Facility interest rate basis	LIBOR plus 110 basis points
Interest rate, basis spread (in hundredths)	1.10%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Variable Rate Term Loan due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread (in hundredths)	1.10%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Variable Rate Term Loan (amended) due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread (in hundredths)		1.10%
Variable interest rate basis		LIBOR plus 110 basis points

Derivative Financial Instrume37

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Expected increase to interest expense	$ 400,000			$ 400,000
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	275,000			275,000		$ 7,619,000
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	1,003,000			1,003,000		1,870,000
Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on derivatives (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	(136,000)		$ (5,760,000)	316,000	$ (9,395,000)
Amount of losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	297,000		$ 783,000	781,000	$ 1,578,000
Forward Starting Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of borrowings, subject to swaps	$ 150,000,000			$ 150,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Underlying treasury rate term (in years)						10 years
Underlying treasury rate locked by forward-starting swaps (in hundredths)	2.44%			2.44%		1.90%
Gain on forward-starting interest rate swaps		$ 7,300,000
Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of borrowings, subject to swaps	$ 50,000,000			$ 50,000,000
Underlying treasury rate term (in years)						1 month
3.875% (4.038% effective rate) Notes due 2027 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Principal debt amount		$ 300,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)		3.875%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Floating to Fixed Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Underlying treasury rate locked by forward-starting swaps (in hundredths)	1.693%			1.693%

Noncontrolling Interests (Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 144,802
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(287)	$ 15,042
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(305)	(1,558)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 1,043	$ 939	1,931	13,950
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,495)	(2,463)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	143,646		143,646
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	37,589	31,648	69,263	464,438
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			144,802	126,429
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			(287)	15,042
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(305)	(1,558)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			1,931	13,950
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,495)	(2,463)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	143,646	151,400	143,646	151,400
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	37,589	31,648	69,263	464,438
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	203	1,558	305	1,558
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 37,792	$ 33,206	$ 69,568	$ 465,996

Disclosure About Fair Value o39

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]
Tax increment financing bond [Abstract]
Estimated fair value of outstanding principal amount at the date of sale	$ 11.2

Disclosure About Fair Value o40

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	$ 6,750	$ 8,833
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	275	7,619
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	2,478	2,451
Total Assets	9,503	18,903
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	2,016,420	1,965,611
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	1,003	1,870
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	2,478	2,451
Total Liabilities	2,019,901	1,969,932
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	0	0
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0	0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	2,478	2,451
Total Assets	2,478	2,451
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	0	0
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0	0
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	2,478	2,451
Total Liabilities	2,478	2,451
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	6,750	8,833
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	275	7,619
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0	0
Total Assets	7,025	16,452
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	2,016,420	1,965,611
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	1,003	1,870
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0	0
Total Liabilities	2,017,423	1,967,481
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	143,646	144,802
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	143,646	144,802
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 0	$ 0

Share-Based Payments (Details)

Share-Based Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,055	$ 992	$ 4,837	$ 4,550
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs	$ 7,000		$ 7,000
Weighted average remaining contractual term for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation costs (in years)			2 years 6 months
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)			168,748
Weighted average grant date fair value of each stock option granted (in dollars per option)			$ 6.72
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Time-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock shares granted (in shares)			61,404
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock share granted (in dollars per share)			$ 52.49
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 (in shares)			49,344
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock share granted (in dollars per share)			$ 49.59

Accumulated Other Comprehensi42

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 5,885	$ (6,651)	$ 4,949	$ (3,811)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(136)	(5,760)	316	(9,395)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	297	783	781	1,578
Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	$ 6,046	$ (11,628)	$ 6,046	$ (11,628)

Real Estate, Other Assets and43

Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets, held for sale [Abstract]
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$ 54,543		$ 54,543		$ 0
Liabilities, held for sale [Abstract]
Liabilities held for sale	(1,122)		(1,122)		0
Operating expenses:
Income from discontinued operations	0	$ 0	0	$ 4,097
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	0	0	414,496
Total income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	418,593
Disposal Group, Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale [Member]
Assets, held for sale [Abstract]
Land	11,610		11,610		0
Buildings and tenant improvements	69,259		69,259		0
Less-accumulated depreciation	(30,399)		(30,399)		0
Net real estate assets	50,470		50,470		0
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net	2,284		2,284		0
Deferred leasing costs, net	1,740		1,740		0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	49		49		0
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	54,543		54,543		0
Liabilities, held for sale [Abstract]
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(1,122)		(1,122)		0
Liabilities held for sale	(1,122)		(1,122)		$ 0
Disposal Group, Discontinued Operations [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Rental and other revenues	0	0	0	8,484
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	0	0	0	3,334
General and administrative	0	0	0	1,388
Total operating expenses	0	0	0	4,722
Interest expense	0	0	0	85
Other income	0	0	0	420
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	4,097
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	0	0	414,496
Total income from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 0	0	418,593
Net Cash Provided by/(Used in) Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities			0	2,040
Cash flows from investing activities			$ 0	$ 417,097

Earnings Per Share and Per Un44

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - basic: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 39,554	$ 33,528	$ 73,039	$ 61,670
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(1,043)	(939)	(1,931)	(1,685)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(299)	(314)	(599)	(622)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)	(627)	(1,246)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	37,589	31,648	69,263	58,110
Income from discontinued operations	0	0	0	418,593
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	0	0	0	(12,265)
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0	0	0	406,328
Net income available for common stockholders	$ 37,589	$ 31,648	$ 69,263	$ 464,438
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	102,475	97,648	102,109	97,010
Earnings per Common Share - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.19
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 4.79
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - diluted: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 39,554	$ 33,528	$ 73,039	$ 61,670
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(299)	(314)	(599)	(622)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)	(627)	(1,246)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	38,632	32,587	71,194	59,795
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0	0	0	418,593
Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 38,632	$ 32,587	$ 71,194	$ 478,388
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	102,475	97,648	102,109	97,010
Stock options using the treasury method (in shares)	77	90	81	87
Noncontrolling interests Common Units (in shares)	2,834	2,890	2,836	2,895
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	105,386	100,628	105,026	99,992
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.18
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.32	$ 0.68	$ 4.78
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - basic: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 39,554	$ 33,528	$ 73,039	$ 61,670
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(299)	(314)	(599)	(622)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(623)	(627)	(1,246)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	38,632	32,587	71,194	59,795
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0	0	0	418,593
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 38,632	$ 32,587	$ 71,194	$ 478,388
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	104,900	100,129	104,536	99,496
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.21
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 4.81
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - diluted: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 39,554	$ 33,528	$ 73,039	$ 61,670
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(299)	(314)	(599)	(622)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(623)	(627)	(1,246)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	38,632	32,587	71,194	59,795
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0	0	0	418,593
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 38,632	$ 32,587	$ 71,194	$ 478,388
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	104,900	100,129	104,536	99,496
Stock options using the treasury method (in shares)	77	90	81	87
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit - adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (in shares)	104,977	100,219	104,617	99,583
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 0.60
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	0	0	4.20
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.68	$ 4.80

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	$ 177,283	$ 166,860	$ 346,691	$ 331,719
Total Net Operating Income	118,429	109,345	230,441	216,624
Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
Depreciation and amortization	(55,816)	(55,317)	(111,961)	(108,811)
General and administrative expenses	(9,050)	(8,327)	(20,540)	(19,464)
Interest expense	(16,154)	(19,485)	(34,017)	(40,190)
Other income	1,390	534	2,074	1,051
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	38,799	26,750	65,997	49,210
Total Office Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	174,031	163,202	340,058	324,279
Total Net Operating Income	116,180	106,763	225,851	211,491
Office Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	35,347	34,652	69,556	67,848
Total Net Operating Income	22,544	21,911	44,550	42,963
Office Greensboro, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	5,284	5,037	10,586	10,184
Total Net Operating Income	3,391	3,209	6,749	6,357
Office Memphis, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	11,823	11,931	23,618	23,945
Total Net Operating Income	7,272	7,398	14,544	14,813
Office Nashville, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	28,836	24,415	52,526	47,781
Total Net Operating Income	21,626	17,613	38,250	34,428
Office Orlando, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	12,436	11,197	24,874	22,682
Total Net Operating Income	7,430	6,320	15,008	13,005
Office Pittsburgh, PA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	14,852	14,195	29,701	29,335
Total Net Operating Income	8,949	8,108	17,574	16,711
Office Raleigh, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	30,097	28,024	59,643	56,246
Total Net Operating Income	21,920	20,156	43,385	40,410
Office Richmond, VA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	11,106	10,937	22,048	22,006
Total Net Operating Income	7,845	7,687	15,466	15,116
Office Tampa, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	24,250	22,814	47,506	44,252
Total Net Operating Income	15,203	14,361	30,325	27,688
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	3,252	3,658	6,633	7,440
Total Net Operating Income	$ 2,249	$ 2,582	$ 4,590	$ 5,133