Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership 10-Q 28 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 20, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000921082	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	91,270,024
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HIGHWOODS REALTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000941713	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate assets, at cost:	'	'
Land	$386,333	$393,602
Buildings and tenant improvements	3,756,655	3,748,869
Development in process	184,238	44,621
Land held for development	89,010	110,374
Total real estate assets	4,416,236	4,297,466
Less-accumulated depreciation	-1,013,071	-985,244
Net real estate assets	3,403,165	3,312,222
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	1,032	0
Cash and cash equivalents	11,600	10,184
Restricted cash	10,633	14,169
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,408 and $1,648, respectively	29,970	26,430
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $255 and $302, respectively	10,501	26,409
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $601 and $1,063, respectively	136,578	126,014
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	30,248	29,901
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $108,878 and $92,220, respectively	218,725	222,211
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,913 and $12,905, respectively	42,635	39,561
Total Assets	3,895,087	3,807,101
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:	'	'
Mortgages and notes payable	2,013,824	1,956,299
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	229,996	218,962
Financing obligations	23,519	26,664
Total Liabilities	2,267,339	2,201,925
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	114,248	106,480
Equity/Capital:	'	'
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized shares; 8.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $1,000 per share; 29,077 shares issued and outstanding)	29,077	29,077
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 91,270,024 and 89,920,915 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	913	899
Additional paid-in capital	2,413,662	2,370,368
Distributions in excess of net income available for common stockholders	-948,929	-920,433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,831	-2,611
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,491,892	1,477,300
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	21,608	21,396
Total Equity/Captal	1,513,500	1,498,696
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	3,895,087	3,807,101
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Real estate assets, at cost:	'	'
Land	386,333	393,602
Buildings and tenant improvements	3,756,655	3,748,869
Development in process	184,238	44,621
Land held for development	89,010	110,374
Total real estate assets	4,416,236	4,297,466
Less-accumulated depreciation	-1,013,071	-985,244
Net real estate assets	3,403,165	3,312,222
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	1,032	0
Cash and cash equivalents	11,706	10,281
Restricted cash	10,633	14,169
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,408 and $1,648, respectively	29,970	26,430
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $255 and $302, respectively	10,501	26,409
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $601 and $1,063, respectively	136,578	126,014
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	30,248	29,901
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $108,878 and $92,220, respectively	218,725	222,211
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,913 and $12,905, respectively	42,593	39,561
Total Assets	3,895,151	3,807,198
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:	'	'
Mortgages and notes payable	2,013,824	1,956,299
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	229,932	218,887
Financing obligations	23,519	26,664
Total Liabilities	2,267,275	2,201,850
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units:	'	'
Common Units, 2,936,955 and 2,943,872 outstanding, respectively	114,248	106,480
Series A Preferred Units (liquidation preference $1,000 per unit), 29,077 units issued and outstanding	29,077	29,077
Total Redeemable Operating Partnership Units	143,325	135,557
Equity/Capital:	'	'
General partner Common Units, 937,982 and 924,560 outstanding, respectively	14,655	14,508
Limited partner Common Units, 89,923,233 and 88,587,546 outstanding, respectively	1,451,119	1,436,498
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,831	-2,611
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	21,608	21,396
Total Equity/Captal	1,484,551	1,469,791
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	$3,895,151	$3,807,198

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets:	'	'
Accounts receivable allowance	$1,408	$1,648
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	255	302
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	601	1,063
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	108,878	92,220
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	13,913	12,905
Equity/Capital:	'	'
Series A Preferred Stock, dividend rate percentage (in hundredths)	8.63%	8.63%
Series A Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Series A Preferred Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$1,000	$1,000
Series A Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Series A Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	91,270,024	89,920,915
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	91,270,024	89,920,915
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Accounts receivable allowance	1,408	1,648
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	255	302
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	601	1,063
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	108,878	92,220
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$13,913	$12,905
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units: [Abstract]	'	'
Redeemable Common Units outstanding (in shares)	2,936,955	2,943,872
Series A Preferred Units, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$1,000	$1,000
Series A Preferred Units, issued (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Series A Preferred Units, outstanding (in shares)	29,077	29,077
Common Units: [Abstract]	'	'
General partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	937,982	924,560
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	89,923,233	88,587,546

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Rental and other revenues	$152,629		$144,827		$453,804		$407,822
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Rental property and other expenses	57,383		54,102		169,048		148,013
Depreciation and amortization	48,287		47,338		146,895		128,050
Impairments of real estate assets	0		0		588		0
General and administrative	7,526		8,969		26,973		27,948
Total operating expenses	113,196		110,409		343,504		304,011
Interest expense:	'		'		'		'
Contractual	20,962		22,683		62,352		67,879
Amortization of deferred financing costs	819		963		2,270		2,860
Financing obligations	567		26		301		87
Total interest expense	22,348		23,672		64,923		70,826
Other income:	'		'		'		'
Interest and other income	1,054		1,582		3,863		4,982
Losses on debt extinguishment	-326		-32		-308		-196
Total other income	728		1,550		3,555		4,786
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,813		12,296		48,932		37,771
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property	36,238		34		42,185		-3
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate	0		7,451		0		7,451
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	248		-3,173		886		-1,824
Income from continuing operations	54,299		16,608		92,003		43,395
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'		'
Income from discontinued operations	0		1,514		0		5,853
Impairments of real estate assets	0		0		0		-2,194
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0		37,946		384		52,353
Total discontinued operations	0		39,460		384		56,012
Net income	54,299		56,068		92,387		99,407
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-1,673		-1,889		-2,813		-3,713
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-291		-203		-1,152		-593
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627		-1,881		-1,881
Net income available for common stockholders	51,708		53,349		86,541		93,220
Earnings per Common Share – basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	90,668		87,467		90,299		83,793
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	93,723	[1],[2]	90,769	[1],[2]	93,358	[1],[2]	87,443	[1],[2]
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$0.43		$0.43		$1.27		$1.27
Net income available for common stockholders:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	51,708		15,290		86,169		39,321
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		38,059		372		53,899
Net income available for common stockholders	51,708		53,349		86,541		93,220
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'		'		'		'
Rental and other revenues	152,629		144,827		453,804		407,822
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Rental property and other expenses	57,383		54,080		169,015		147,995
Depreciation and amortization	48,287		47,338		146,895		128,050
Impairments of real estate assets	0		0		588		0
General and administrative	7,526		8,991		27,006		27,966
Total operating expenses	113,196		110,409		343,504		304,011
Interest expense:	'		'		'		'
Contractual	20,962		22,683		62,352		67,879
Amortization of deferred financing costs	819		963		2,270		2,860
Financing obligations	567		26		301		87
Total interest expense	22,348		23,672		64,923		70,826
Other income:	'		'		'		'
Interest and other income	1,054		1,582		3,863		4,982
Losses on debt extinguishment	-326		-32		-308		-196
Total other income	728		1,550		3,555		4,786
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,813		12,296		48,932		37,771
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property	36,238		34		42,185		-3
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate	0		7,451		0		7,451
Equity in earnings/(losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	248		-3,174		886		-1,875
Income from continuing operations	54,299		16,607		92,003		43,344
Discontinued operations:	'		'		'		'
Income from discontinued operations	0		1,514		0		5,853
Impairments of real estate assets	0		0		0		-2,194
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0		37,946		384		52,353
Total discontinued operations	0		39,460		384		56,012
Net income	54,299		56,067		92,387		99,356
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-291		-203		-1,152		-593
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627		-1,881		-1,881
Net income available for common unitholders	53,381		55,237		89,354		96,882
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - basic (in shares)	93,196		90,259		92,828		86,920
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - diluted (in shares)	93,314	[2],[3]	90,360	[2],[3]	92,949	[2],[3]	87,034	[2],[3]
Distributions declared per Common Unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.43		$0.43		$1.27		$1.27
Net income available for common unitholders:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	53,381		15,777		88,970		40,870
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		39,460		384		56,012
Net income available for common unitholders	$53,381		$55,237		$89,354		$96,882
[1]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
[2]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[3]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	$54,299	$56,068	$92,387	$99,407
Other comprehensive income/(loss):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	23	97	293	396
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	913	-1,798	-3,337	4,801
Amortization of cash flow hedges	952	840	2,824	2,428
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,888	-861	-220	7,625
Total comprehensive income	56,187	55,207	92,167	107,032
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-1,964	-2,092	-3,965	-4,306
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	54,223	53,115	88,202	102,726
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'	'	'
Comprehensive income:	'	'	'	'
Net income	54,299	56,067	92,387	99,356
Other comprehensive income/(loss):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	23	97	293	396
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	913	-1,798	-3,337	4,801
Amortization of cash flow hedges	952	840	2,824	2,428
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	1,888	-861	-220	7,625
Total comprehensive income	56,187	55,206	92,167	106,981
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	-291	-203	-1,152	-593
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$55,896	$55,003	$91,015	$106,388

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)

Total

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]

General Partner Common Units [Member]

Limited Partner Common Units [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]

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

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]

Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

$1,164,893

$1,135,033

$803

$29,077

$11,427

$1,131,481

$2,040,306

($12,628)

($12,628)

$4,753

$4,753

($897,418)

Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012

'

'

80,311,437

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

305,601

'

'

3,056

302,545

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Common Units

'

-111,645

'

'

-1,117

-110,528

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Preferred Units

'

-1,881

'

'

-19

-1,862

'

'

0

'

0

'

Issuances of Common Stock - Shares

'

'

8,660,546

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

305,601

'

87

0

'

'

305,514

0

'

0

'

0

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares

'

'

789,144

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock

28,788

'

0

0

'

'

28,788

0

'

0

'

0

Dividends on Common Stock

-107,750

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-107,750

Dividends on Preferred Stock

-1,881

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-1,881

Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value

-8,570

'

0

0

'

'

-8,570

0

'

0

'

0

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

-408

-408

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

-408

-408

0

Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

16,240

16,240

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

16,240

16,240

0

Issuances of restricted stock - shares

'

'

151,630

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of restricted stock

0

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - Shares

'

'

-1,813

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures

5,896

5,896

9

0

59

5,837

5,887

0

0

0

0

0

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

'

20,329

'

'

204

20,125

'

'

0

'

0

'

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

-3,713

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-3,713

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

0

0

0

0

-6

-587

0

0

0

593

593

-593

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

99,407

99,356

0

0

994

98,362

0

0

0

0

0

99,407

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

7,625

7,625

0

0

0

0

0

7,625

7,625

0

0

0

Total comprehensive income

107,032

106,981

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

1,506,128

1,476,146

899

29,077

14,598

1,445,373

2,371,925

-5,003

-5,003

21,178

21,178

-911,948

Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013

'

'

89,910,944

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Jun. 30, 2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

-1,889

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

56,068

56,067

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

-861

-861

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total comprehensive income

55,207

55,206

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

1,506,128

1,476,146

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Dec. 31, 2013

1,498,696

1,469,791

899

29,077

14,508

1,436,498

2,370,368

-2,611

-2,611

21,396

21,396

-920,433

Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013

89,920,915

'

89,920,915

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

45,922

'

'

459

45,463

'

'

0

'

0

'

Redemptions of Common Units

'

-93

'

'

-1

-92

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Common Units

'

-118,261

'

'

-1,183

-117,078

'

'

0

'

0

'

Distributions paid on Preferred Units

'

-1,881

'

'

-19

-1,862

'

'

0

'

0

'

Issuances of Common Stock - Shares

'

'

1,175,191

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

45,922

'

12

0

'

'

45,910

0

'

0

'

0

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares

'

'

4,417

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock

162

'

0

0

'

'

162

0

'

0

'

0

Dividends on Common Stock

-115,037

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-115,037

Dividends on Preferred Stock

-1,881

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-1,881

Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value

-8,955

'

0

0

'

'

-8,955

0

'

0

'

0

Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

-940

-940

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

-940

-940

0

Issuances of restricted stock - shares

'

'

169,501

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuances of restricted stock

0

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures

6,179

6,179

2

0

62

6,117

6,177

0

0

0

0

0

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

'

-8,333

'

'

-83

-8,250

'

'

0

'

0

'

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

-2,813

'

0

0

'

'

0

0

'

0

'

-2,813

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates

0

0

0

0

-12

-1,140

0

0

0

1,152

1,152

-1,152

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

92,387

92,387

0

0

924

91,463

0

0

0

0

0

92,387

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

-220

-220

0

0

0

0

0

-220

-220

0

0

0

Total comprehensive income

92,167

92,167

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Sep. 30, 2014

1,513,500

1,484,551

913

29,077

14,655

1,451,119

2,413,662

-2,831

-2,831

21,608

21,608

-948,929

Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014

91,270,024

'

91,270,024

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Jun. 30, 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

-1,673

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Comprehensive income:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

54,299

54,299

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

1,888

1,888

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total comprehensive income

56,187

56,187

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at Sep. 30, 2014

$1,513,500

$1,484,551

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014

91,270,024

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$92,387	$99,407
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	146,895	133,556
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	249	258
Share-based compensation expense	6,179	5,896
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	1,942	1,029
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	-354	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,270	2,860
Amortization of cash flow hedges	2,824	2,428
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	-845	-1,015
Impairments of real estate assets	588	2,194
Losses on debt extinguishment	308	196
Net gains on disposition of property	-42,569	-52,350
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate	0	-7,451
Equity in (earnings)/losses of unconsolidated affiliates	-886	1,824
Changes in financing obligations	-241	-591
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,634	3,129
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-1,762	-508
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,927	-2,188
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	-16,202	-12,368
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-5,815	10,206
Net cash provided by operating activities	183,675	186,512
Investing activities:	'	'
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	-83,751	-418,796
Investment in acquired controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate	0	-32,818
Investments in development in process	-122,106	-16,634
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	-80,132	-77,456
Investments in building improvements	-39,401	-38,702
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	151,987	161,970
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	725	16,671
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	-419	-1,301
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	16,974	437
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-6,425	-429
Redemption of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	4,660	0
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	-1,296	5,484
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-159,184	-401,574
Financing activities:	'	'
Dividends on Common Stock	-115,037	-107,750
Redemptions of Common Units	-93	0
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-1,881	-1,881
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	-3,745	-4,416
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-940	-408
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock	49,216	315,818
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Stock	-600	-7,678
Repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings	-2,694	-2,539
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	377,700	695,300
Repayments of revolving credit facility	-443,400	-511,900
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	296,949	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	-172,810	-157,001
Payments on financing obligations	-2,904	-575
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	-369	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	16,240
Additions to deferred financing costs and other financing activities	-2,467	-242
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-23,075	232,968
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,416	17,906
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	10,184	13,783
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	11,600	31,689
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	63,340	67,786
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	-3,337	4,801
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	162	28,788
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	17,255	12,778
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	29,953	24,498
Write-off of fully amortized deferred financing and leasing costs	17,138	17,500
Unrealized gains on marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan	149	558
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	8,955	8,570
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	293	396
Assumption of mortgages and notes payable related to acquisition activities	0	165,515
Reclass of aggregate differences between historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the joint venture level for assets acquired	0	8,206
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'	'
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	92,387	99,356
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	146,895	133,556
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	249	258
Share-based compensation expense	6,179	5,896
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	1,942	1,029
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	-354	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,270	2,860
Amortization of cash flow hedges	2,824	2,428
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	-845	-1,015
Impairments of real estate assets	588	2,194
Losses on debt extinguishment	308	196
Net gains on disposition of property	-42,569	-52,350
Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate	0	-7,451
Equity in (earnings)/losses of unconsolidated affiliates	-886	1,875
Changes in financing obligations	-241	-591
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,634	3,109
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-1,762	-508
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,885	-2,141
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	-16,202	-12,368
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-5,804	10,257
Net cash provided by operating activities	183,728	186,590
Investing activities:	'	'
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	-83,751	-418,796
Investment in acquired controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate	0	-32,818
Investments in development in process	-122,106	-16,634
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	-80,132	-77,456
Investments in building improvements	-39,401	-38,702
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	151,987	161,970
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	725	16,671
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	-419	-1,301
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	16,974	437
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates	-6,425	-429
Redemption of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	4,660	0
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	-1,296	5,484
Net cash (used in) investing activities	-159,184	-401,574
Financing activities:	'	'
Distributions on Common Units	-118,261	-111,645
Redemptions of Common Units	-93	0
Distributions on Preferred Units	-1,881	-1,881
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-940	-408
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Units	49,216	315,818
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Units	-600	-7,678
Repurchase of units related to tax withholdings	-2,694	-2,539
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	377,700	695,300
Repayments of revolving credit facility	-443,400	-511,900
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	296,949	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	-172,810	-157,001
Payments on financing obligations	-2,904	-575
Payments of debt extinguishment costs	-369	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	16,240
Additions to deferred financing costs and other financing activities	-3,032	-834
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	-23,119	232,897
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,425	17,913
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	10,281	13,867
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	11,706	31,780
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	63,340	67,786
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	-3,337	4,801
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	17,255	12,778
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	29,953	24,498
Write-off of fully amortized deferred financing and leasing costs	17,138	17,500
Unrealized gains on marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan	149	558
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value	7,768	-20,921
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	293	396
Assumption of mortgages and notes payable related to acquisition activities	0	165,515
Reclass of aggregate differences between historical cost basis and the basis reflected at the joint venture level for assets acquired	$0	$8,206

Description_of_Business_and_Si

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business
	Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) is a fully-integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and for third parties. The Company conducts its activities through Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”). At September 30, 2014, we owned or had an interest in 31.1 million rentable square feet of in-service office, industrial and retail properties, 0.9 million rentable square feet of office properties under development and approximately 500 acres of development land.
	The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. At September 30, 2014, the Company owned all of the Preferred Units and 90.9 million, or 96.9%, of the Common Units in the Operating Partnership. Limited partners own the remaining 2.9 million Common Units. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company redeemed 2,500 Common Units for less than $0.1 million in cash and redeemed 4,417 Common Units for a like number of shares of Common Stock.
	Common Stock Offerings
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company issued 875,701 and 949,578 shares of Common Stock, respectively, under its equity sales agreements at an average gross sales price of $42.44 and $42.12 per share, respectively, and received net proceeds, after sales commissions, of $36.6 million and $39.4 million, respectively. As a result of this activity and the redemptions discussed above, the percentage of Common Units owned by the Company increased from 96.8% at December 31, 2013 to 96.9% at September 30, 2014.
	Basis of Presentation
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect in discontinued operations the operations for those properties classified as discontinued operations.
	The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the Operating Partnership, wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Company has the controlling interest. The Operating Partnership's Consolidated Financial Statements include wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Operating Partnership has the controlling interest. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had involvement with, but are not the primary beneficiary in, an entity that we concluded to be a variable interest entity (see Note 3).
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying unaudited consolidated financial information, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have condensed or omitted certain notes and other information from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	1.    Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – Continued
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently issued an accounting standard update that requires only those real estate asset sales representing a strategic shift in operations (e.g., a disposal of a major geographic area or a major line of business) to be reflected in discontinued operations. This accounting standard update is required to be adopted in 2015. Early adoption is permitted, but only for real estate asset sales that have not been previously reflected as discontinued operations. We elected to early adopt the accounting standard update in the second quarter of 2014, resulting in the operations of current period dispositions and property classified as held for sale being included in continuing operations on our Consolidated Statements of Income.  Prior to adoption, we were generally required to reflect all real estate asset sales as discontinued operations, which required reclassification of the earnings of the sold assets from continuing operations for all periods presented.
	The FASB recently issued an accounting standard update that requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that we identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when we satisfy the performance obligations. We will also be required to disclose information regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The accounting standard update is required to be adopted in 2017. Retrospective application is required either to all periods presented or with the cumulative effect of initial adoption recognized in the period of adoption. We are in the process of evaluating this accounting standard update.

Real_Estate_Assets

Real Estate Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Assets	'
	Real Estate Assets
	Acquisitions
	During the third quarter of 2014, we acquired an office property in Raleigh, NC encompassing 374,000 rentable square feet for a purchase price of $83.8 million. We expensed $0.2 million of acquisition costs (included in general and administrative expenses) related to this acquisition. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value as determined by management based on information available at the acquisition date and on current assumptions as to future operations.
	Pro Forma Disclosure
	During the third quarter of 2013, we acquired our joint venture partner's 60.0% interest in our HIW-KC Orlando, LLC joint venture, which owned five office properties in Orlando, FL encompassing 1.3 million rentable square feet, for a net purchase price of $112.8 million. We previously accounted for our 40.0% interest in this joint venture using the equity method of accounting. The assets and liabilities of the joint venture are now wholly owned and are recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements, including assets recorded at fair value of $188.0 million and secured debt recorded at fair value of $127.9 million, with an effective interest rate of 3.11%. This debt has since been repaid. As a result of acquiring a controlling interest in this joint venture, our previously held equity interest was remeasured at a fair value of $75.2 million resulting in a gain of $7.5 million, which represents the difference between the fair market value of our previously held equity interest and the carrying value of our investment on the date of acquisition. The fair market value of our previously held equity interest was determined by management based on information available at the acquisition date and on current assumptions as to future operations.
	During the third quarter of 2013, we also acquired an office property in Nashville, TN encompassing 520,000 rentable square feet for a net purchase price of $150.1 million.
	During the second quarter of 2013, we acquired an office property in Atlanta, GA encompassing 553,000 rentable square feet for a purchase price of $140.1 million.
	2.    Real Estate Assets – Continued
	The following table sets forth a summary of the fair value of the major assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the 2013 acquisitions discussed in the preceding paragraphs:
		Total
		Purchase Price Allocation
	Real estate assets	$	445,396
	Acquisition-related intangible assets (in deferred financing and leasing costs)	50,595
	Mortgages and notes payable	(127,891		)
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	(17,818		)
	Total allocation	$	350,282
	The following table sets forth our revenues and net income, adjusted for interest expense and depreciation and amortization related to purchase price allocations, acquisition costs and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates previously recognized as income assuming the 2013 acquisitions discussed in the preceding paragraphs had been completed as of January 1, 2012:
		Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2013
	Pro forma revenues	$	149,754		$	443,178
	Pro forma net income	$	49,818		$	90,064
	Pro forma earnings per share - basic	$	0.54		$	1
	Pro forma earnings per share - diluted	$	0.54		$	1
	The 2013 acquisitions discussed in the preceding paragraphs resulted in revenues of $10.0 million and $10.3 million and net losses of $0.1 million and $0.4 million recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	Dispositions
	During the third quarter of 2014, we sold:
	•	five office properties and a land parcel in a single transaction in Raleigh, NC for a sale price of $58.7 million and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $11.7 million;
	•	11 office properties in Richmond, VA in separate transactions for an aggregate sale price of $40.7 million and recorded aggregate gains on disposition of property of $17.6 million;
	•	six office and eight industrial properties in Greensboro, NC for a sale price of $28.2 million (before closing credits to buyer of $1.2 million for unfunded tenant improvements and $0.4 million for free rent) and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $4.7 million; and
	•	an office property in Greenville, SC for a sale price of $27.2 million (before closing credits to buyer of $5.8 million for unfunded building and tenant improvements and $1.8 million for free rent) and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $2.2 million.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we sold two land parcels in Atlanta, GA in separate transactions for an aggregate sale price of $9.5 million and recorded aggregate gains on disposition of property of $5.9 million.
	2.    Real Estate Assets – Continued
	Impairments
	During the second quarter of 2014, we recorded an impairment of real estate assets of $0.6 million on an office property in Greensboro, NC. This impairment was due to a change in the assumed timing of future disposition and leasing assumptions, which reduced the future expected cash flows from the impaired property.

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Mortgages and Notes Receivable	'
	Mortgages and Notes Receivable
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes receivable:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Seller financing (first mortgages)	$	—		$	16,454
	Less allowance	—			—
		—			16,454
	Mortgage receivable (including accrued interest)	10,300			9,435
	Less allowance	—			—
		10,300			9,435
	Promissory notes	456			822
	Less allowance	(255		)	(302		)
		201			520
	Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$	10,501		$	26,409
	During 2010, we provided seller financing in conjunction with two disposition transactions. We accounted for these dispositions using the installment method, whereby a gain on disposition of property was deferred until the seller financing was repaid. During the first quarter of 2014, the $16.5 million of seller financing was fully repaid and we recorded the $0.4 million gain on disposition of property.
	During 2012, we provided $8.6 million of secured acquisition financing to a third party. We also agreed to loan such third party $8.4 million on a secured basis to fund future infrastructure development. As of September 30, 2014, $0.7 million has been funded to the third party for infrastructure development. We concluded this arrangement to be an interest in a variable interest entity. However, since we do not have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the entity, we do not qualify as the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the entity is not consolidated. Our risk of loss with respect to this arrangement is limited to the carrying value of the mortgage receivable and the future infrastructure development funding commitment.
	We evaluate the ability to collect our mortgages and notes receivable by monitoring the leasing statistics and/or market fundamentals of these assets. As of September 30, 2014, our mortgages and notes receivable were not in default and there were no other indicators of impairment.
	3.    Mortgages and Notes Receivable - Continued
	The following table sets forth our notes receivable allowance, which relates only to promissory notes:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Beginning notes receivable allowance	$	275		$	376		$	302		$	182
	Recoveries/write-offs/other	(20		)	(36		)	(47		)	158
	Total notes receivable allowance	$	255		$	340		$	255		$	340

Investments_In_Affiliates

Investments In Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments In Affiliates	'
	Investments in Affiliates
	Unconsolidated Affiliates
	We have equity interests of up to 50.0% in various joint ventures with unrelated third parties that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting because we have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies.
	The following table sets forth the summarized income statements of our unconsolidated affiliates:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Income Statements:
	Rental and other revenues	$	12,425	$	16,911		$	37,703	$	64,362
	Expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	6,441		8,733			18,880		31,681
	Depreciation and amortization	3,281		5,010			10,098		17,383
	Impairments of real estate assets	—		15,287			—		20,077
	Interest expense	2,201		3,141			6,713		12,569
	Total expenses	11,923		32,171			35,691		81,710
	Income/(loss) before disposition of property	502		(15,260		)	2,012		(17,348		)
	Gains on disposition of property	—		8,256			1,949		8,323
	Net income/(loss)	$	502	$	(7,004	)	$	3,961	$	(9,025	)
	Board of Trade Investment Company ("Board of Trade")
	During the first quarter of 2014, Board of Trade sold an office property to an unrelated third party for gross proceeds of $8.3 million and recorded a gain of $1.9 million. As our cost basis was different from the basis reflected at the entity level, we recorded a net impairment charge on our investment of $0.4 million. This charge represented the other-than-temporary decline in the fair value below the carrying value of our investment. During the second quarter of 2014, our 49.0% interest in Board of Trade was redeemed in exchange for $4.7 million in cash, which was received in the third quarter of 2014.
	Highwoods KC Glenridge Office, LLC (“KC Glenridge”)
	During the second quarter of 2014, KC Glenridge paid at maturity the remaining $14.9 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 4.84%.

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	'
	Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities
	The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Deferred financing costs	$	19,512		$	17,363
	Less accumulated amortization	(7,193		)	(5,204		)
		12,319			12,159
	Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	308,091			297,068
	Less accumulated amortization	(101,685		)	(87,016		)
		206,406			210,052
	Deferred financing and leasing costs, net	$	218,725		$	222,211
	Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$	55,639		$	55,323
	Less accumulated amortization	(11,994		)	(8,478		)
		$	43,645		$	46,845
	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$	819		$	963		$	2,270			$	2,860
	Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization)	$	9,465		$	10,639		$	29,443			$	26,603
	Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues)	$	327		$	347		$	1,077			$	1,061
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues)	$	1,080		$	1,548		$	3,310			$	2,499
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses)	$	140		$	140		$	416			$	416
	Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues)	$	(1,532	)	$	(1,584	)	$	(4,554	)		$	(3,737	)
	5.    Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Continued
	The following table sets forth scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
			Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs			Amortization of Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization)			Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues)				Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues)
	October 1 through December 31, 2014		$	776		$	10,411		$	339			$	1,034	$	136	$	(1,560	)
	2015		3,074			36,795			1,148				3,612		553		(5,978		)
	2016		2,811			30,965			986				2,819		553		(5,696		)
	2017		2,518			26,845			908				2,276		553		(5,424		)
	2018		1,394			22,423			805				1,434		553		(5,285		)
	Thereafter		1,746			53,619			2,782				3,771		1,086		(19,702		)
			$	12,319		$	181,058		$	6,968			$	14,946	$	3,434	$	(43,645	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of September 30, 2014 (in years)		4.6			6.8			8.2				6.5		6.2		8.4
	The following table sets forth the intangible assets acquired and below market lease liabilities assumed as a result of 2014 acquisition activity:
			Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (amortized in Rental and Other Revenues)			Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (amortized in Depreciation and Amortization)			Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (amortized in Rental and Other Revenues)
	Amount recorded from acquisition activity		$	27		$	6,293		$	(1,353	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of September 30, 2014 (in years)		3.5			5.5			4.9

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable

Mortgages and Notes Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Mortgages and Notes Payable	'
	Mortgages and Notes Payable
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Secured indebtedness	$	314,506	$	488,664
	Unsecured indebtedness	1,699,318		1,467,635
	Total mortgages and notes payable	$	2,013,824	$	1,956,299
	At September 30, 2014, our secured mortgage loans were collateralized by real estate assets with an aggregate undepreciated book value of $582.2 million.
	6.    Mortgages and Notes Payable - Continued
	Our $475.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in January 2018 and includes an accordion feature that allows for an additional $75.0 million of borrowing capacity subject to additional lender commitments. Assuming no defaults have occurred, we have an option to extend the maturity for two additional six-month periods. The interest rate at our current credit ratings is LIBOR plus 110 basis points and the annual facility fee is 20 basis points. There was $150.0 million and $148.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at September 30, 2014 and October 20, 2014, respectively. At both September 30, 2014 and October 20, 2014, we had $0.1 million of outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the availability on our revolving credit facility. As a result, the unused capacity of our revolving credit facility at September 30, 2014 and October 20, 2014 was $324.9 million and $326.9 million, respectively.
	During the third quarter of 2014, we prepaid the remaining $36.9 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 3.34% that was originally scheduled to mature in April 2015. We recorded $0.3 million of loss on debt extinguishment related to this prepayment.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Operating Partnership issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.20% Notes due June 15, 2021, less original issue discount of $3.1 million. These notes were priced at 98.983% for an effective yield of 3.363%. Underwriting fees and other expenses were incurred that aggregated $2.4 million; these costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the notes.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we prepaid without penalty the remaining $123.7 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 3.11% that was originally scheduled to mature in July 2014.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we prepaid the remaining $7.2 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 3.32% that was originally scheduled to mature in August 2014. We recorded less than $0.1 million of gain on debt extinguishment related to this prepayment.
	We are currently in compliance with financial covenants and other requirements with respect to our consolidated debt.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	Our interest rate swaps have been designated as and are being accounted for as cash flow hedges with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income each reporting period. No gain or loss was recognized related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on our cash flow hedges during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. We have no collateral requirements related to our interest rate swaps.
	Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the period from October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015, we estimate that $3.2 million will be reclassified to interest expense.
	The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	301
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	959	$	510
	7	Derivative Financial Instruments - Continued
	The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on AOCL and interest expense:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
	Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	913	$	(1,798	)	$	(3,337	)	$	4,801
	Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	952	$	840		$	2,824		$	2,428

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates
	At September 30, 2014, our noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates relates to our joint venture partner's 50.0% interest in office properties in Richmond, VA. Our joint venture partner is an unrelated third party.
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership
	The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	106,480		$	124,869
	Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	8,955			8,570
	Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(162		)	(28,788		)
	Redemptions of Common Units	(93		)	—
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	2,813			3,713
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(3,745		)	(4,416		)
	Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	114,248		$	103,948
	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						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	51,708		$	53,349		$	86,541	$	93,220
	Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units	—			25,937			162		28,788
	to Common Stock
	Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	51,708		$	79,286		$	86,703	$	122,008

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that we use to measure fair value.
	Level 1.  Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Our Level 1 asset is our 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 certain of our mortgages and notes receivable and certain of our interest rate swaps. Our Level 2 liabilities include the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable and the remainder of our interest rate swaps.
	The fair value of mortgages and notes receivable and mortgages and notes payable is estimated by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to approximate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments of interest rate swaps are based on the expectation of future LIBOR interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market LIBOR interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments are incorporated in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk, but were concluded to not be significant inputs to the calculation for the periods presented.
	Level 3. Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
	Our Level 3 assets include (1) certain of our mortgages and notes receivable, which were estimated by the income approach utilizing internal cash flow projections and market interest rates to estimate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants, (2) our tax increment financing bond, which is not routinely traded but whose fair value is determined by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to estimate the projected redemption value based on quoted bid/ask prices for similar unrated municipal bonds, and (3) any real estate assets recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis as a result of our quarterly impairment analysis, which were valued using the terms of definitive sales contracts or the sales comparison approach and substantiated with internal cash flow projections.
	Our Level 3 liabilities include the fair value of our contingent consideration to acquire real estate assets and financing obligations, which were estimated by the income approach to approximate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants, utilizing: (1) contractual cash flows; (2) market-based interest rates; and (3) a number of other assumptions including demand for space, competition for customers, changes in market rental rates, costs of operation and expected ownership periods.
	9	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued
	The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities and the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that are measured at fair value within the fair value hierarchy.
							Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			Total				Quoted Prices			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
							in Active
							Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities
	Fair Value at September 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	10,531			$	—		$	201		$	10,330
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,553				3,553			—			—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,696				—			—			13,696
	Total Assets		$	27,780			$	3,553		$	201		$	24,026
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	114,248			$	114,248		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,087,145			$	—		$	2,087,145		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		959				—			959			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,553				3,553			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,654				—			—			22,654
	Total Liabilities		$	2,114,311			$	3,553		$	2,088,104		$	22,654
	Fair Value at December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	26,485			$	—		$	17,029		$	9,456
	Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		301				—			301			—
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,403				—			—			13,403
	Total Assets		$	44,185			$	3,996		$	17,330		$	22,859
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	106,480			$	106,480		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,037,385			$	—		$	2,037,385		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		510				—			510			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,478				—			—			22,478
	Total Liabilities		$	2,064,369			$	3,996		$	2,037,895		$	22,478
	__________
	(1)    Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	9	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued
	The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset and liability, which are recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Asset:
	Tax Increment Financing Bond:
	Beginning balance	$	13,673			$	14,233		$	13,403		$	14,496
	Principal repayment	—				—			—			(562		)
	Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	23				97			293			396
	Ending balance	$	13,696			$	14,330		$	13,696		$	14,330
	Liability:
	Contingent Consideration to Acquire Real Estate Assets:
	Beginning balance	$	—			$	384		$	—		$	563
	Unrecognized gains (in general and administrative expenses)	—				(193		)	—			(372		)
	Ending balance	$	—			$	191		$	—		$	191
	During 2007, we acquired a tax increment financing bond associated with a parking garage developed by us. This bond amortizes to maturity in 2020. The estimated fair value at September 30, 2014 was $0.7 million below the outstanding principal due on the bond. If the discount rate used to fair value this bond was 100 basis points higher or lower, the fair value of the bond would have been $0.4 million lower or $0.4 million higher, respectively, as of September 30, 2014. We intend to hold this bond and have concluded that we will not be required to sell this bond before recovery of the bond principal. Payment of the principal and interest for the bond is guaranteed by us. We have recorded no credit losses related to the bond during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. There is no legal right of offset with the liability, which we report as a financing obligation, related to this tax increment financing bond.
	The following table sets forth quantitative information about the unobservable input of our Level 3 asset, which is recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Valuation		Unobservable		Rate
		Technique		Input
Asset:
Tax increment financing bond		Income approach		Discount rate		9.70%

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payments	'
	Share-Based Payments
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted 190,330 stock options with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which resulted in a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $6.75. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company also granted 94,932 shares of time-based restricted stock and 74,569 shares of total return-based restricted stock with weighted average grant date fair values per share of $37.76 and $35.58, respectively. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $0.8 million and $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $6.2 million and $5.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At September 30, 2014, there was $5.5 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which will be recognized over a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.5 years.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table sets forth the components of AOCL:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Tax increment financing bond:
	Beginning balance	$	(759	)	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,029	)	$	(1,898	)
	Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	23			97			293			396
	Ending balance	(736		)	(1,502		)	(736		)	(1,502		)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Beginning balance	(3,960		)	(2,543		)	(1,582		)	(10,730		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	913			(1,798		)	(3,337		)	4,801
	Amortization of cash flow hedges (1)	952			840			2,824			2,428
	Ending balance	(2,095		)	(3,501		)	(2,095		)	(3,501		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(2,831	)	$	(5,003	)	$	(2,831	)	$	(5,003	)
	__________
	(1)    Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	'
	Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations
	The following table sets forth the major classes of assets of our real estate and other assets, net, held for sale:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Assets:
	Land held for development	$	989	$	—
	Net real estate assets	989		—
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	43		—
	Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$	1,032	$	—
	The following table sets forth our operations that were classified as discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the accounting standard update discussed in Note 1:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Rental and other revenues	$	—	$	5,277	$	—	$	18,537
	Operating expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	—		2,312		—		7,178
	Depreciation and amortization	—		1,451		—		5,506
	Total operating expenses	—		3,763		—		12,684
	Income from discontinued operations	—		1,514		—		5,853
	Impairments of real estate assets	—		—		—		(2,194		)
	Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	—		37,946		384		52,353
	Total discontinued operations	$	—	$	39,460	$	384	$	56,012
	As of September 30, 2014, real estate and other assets, net, held for sale consisted of a land parcel in Richmond, VA and two land parcels in Raleigh, NC, none of which were classified as discontinued operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2013, there were no real estate and other assets, net, held for sale.

Earnings_Per_ShareUnit

Earnings Per Share/Unit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share/Unit	'
	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,608		$	92,003		$	43,395
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(1,673		)	(488		)	(2,801		)	(1,600		)
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	51,708			15,290			86,169			39,321
	Income from discontinued operations	—			39,460			384			56,012
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	—			(1,401		)	(12		)	(2,113		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			38,059			372			53,899
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	51,708		$	53,349		$	86,541		$	93,220
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,668			87,467			90,299			83,793
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,608		$	92,003		$	43,395
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	53,381			15,778			88,970			40,921
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			39,460			384			56,012
	Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	53,381		$	55,238		$	89,354		$	96,933
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,668			87,467			90,299			83,793
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	118			101			121			114
	Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,937			3,201			2,938			3,536
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) (2)	93,723			90,769			93,358			87,443
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
	__________
	13	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit - Continued
	-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,607		$	92,003		$	43,344
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	53,381			15,777			88,970			40,870
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			39,460			384			56,012
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	53,381		$	55,237		$	89,354		$	96,882
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	93,196			90,259			92,828			86,920
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,607		$	92,003		$	43,344
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	53,381			15,777			88,970			40,870
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			39,460			384			56,012
Net income available for common unitholders	$	53,381		$	55,237		$	89,354		$	96,882
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	93,196			90,259			92,828			86,920
Add:
Stock options using the treasury method	118			101			121			114
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) (2)	93,314			90,360			92,949			87,034
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
__________
-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Rental and Other Revenues:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	24,682		$	22,523		$	71,286		$	57,630
	Greenville, SC	532			827			2,140			2,500
	Kansas City, MO	4,218			4,064			12,401			12,067
	Memphis, TN	10,186			9,644			30,076			28,680
	Nashville, TN	20,139			15,147			59,926			43,411
	Orlando, FL	8,991			8,441			27,059			12,894
	Piedmont Triad, NC	6,439			6,596			19,469			19,487
	Pittsburgh, PA	14,259			14,191			42,030			41,835
	Raleigh, NC	21,357			21,737			65,386			64,124
	Richmond, VA	11,236			12,006			34,999			35,639
	Tampa, FL	17,637			16,879			51,393			51,702
	Total Office Segment	139,676			132,055			416,165			369,969
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	218			210			626			624
	Piedmont Triad, NC	2,982			2,998			8,676			9,238
	Total Industrial Segment	3,200			3,208			9,302			9,862
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	9,753			9,564			28,337			27,991
	Total Retail Segment	9,753			9,564			28,337			27,991
	Total Rental and Other Revenues	$	152,629		$	144,827		$	453,804		$	407,822
	14	Segment Information - Continued
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net Operating Income:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	14,808		$	13,868		$	42,826		$	35,936
	Greenville, SC	289			448			1,154			1,400
	Kansas City, MO	2,671			2,597			7,974			7,796
	Memphis, TN	6,024			5,408			17,420			16,337
	Nashville, TN	13,590			10,311			40,742			30,028
	Orlando, FL	5,087			4,950			15,809			7,099
	Piedmont Triad, NC	4,105			4,257			12,352			12,611
	Pittsburgh, PA	8,122			8,001			23,303			23,322
	Raleigh, NC	14,611			14,920			45,969			45,226
	Richmond, VA	7,165			7,910			23,106			24,267
	Tampa, FL	10,304			9,930			30,370			31,618
	Total Office Segment	86,776			82,600			261,025			235,640
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	124			122			368			361
	Piedmont Triad, NC	2,218			2,187			6,246			6,797
	Total Industrial Segment	2,342			2,309			6,614			7,158
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	6,157			5,837			17,186			17,066
	Total Retail Segment	6,157			5,837			17,186			17,066
	Corporate and other	(29		)	(21		)	(69		)	(55		)
	Total Net Operating Income	95,246			90,725			284,756			259,809
	Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
	Depreciation and amortization	(48,287		)	(47,338		)	(146,895		)	(128,050		)
	Impairments of real estate assets	—			—			(588		)	—
	General and administrative expenses	(7,526		)	(8,969		)	(26,973		)	(27,948		)
	Interest expense	(22,348		)	(23,672		)	(64,923		)	(70,826		)
	Other income	728			1,550			3,555			4,786
	Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	$	17,813		$	12,296		$	48,932		$	37,771

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On October 17, 2014, we sold an industrial property and a land parcel in Atlanta, GA for a sale price of $11.4 million and expect to record a gain on disposition of property of $1.7 million.

Description_of_Business_and_Si1

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 were retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect in discontinued operations the operations for those properties classified as discontinued operations.
	The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the Operating Partnership, wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Company has the controlling interest. The Operating Partnership's Consolidated Financial Statements include wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Operating Partnership has the controlling interest. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had involvement with, but are not the primary beneficiary in, an entity that we concluded to be a variable interest entity (see Note 3).
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Real_Estate_Assets_Real_Estate

Real Estate Assets Real Estate Assets (Tables) (Pro Forma 2013 Acquisitions [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pro Forma 2013 Acquisitions [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of business acquisitions, purchase price allocation, table	'
	The following table sets forth a summary of the fair value of the major assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the 2013 acquisitions discussed in the preceding paragraphs:
		Total
		Purchase Price Allocation
	Real estate assets	$	445,396
	Acquisition-related intangible assets (in deferred financing and leasing costs)	50,595
	Mortgages and notes payable	(127,891		)
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	(17,818		)
	Total allocation	$	350,282
Schedule of business acquisitions, pro forma, table	'
	The following table sets forth our revenues and net income, adjusted for interest expense and depreciation and amortization related to purchase price allocations, acquisition costs and equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates previously recognized as income assuming the 2013 acquisitions discussed in the preceding paragraphs had been completed as of January 1, 2012:
		Three Months Ended September 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2013
	Pro forma revenues	$	149,754		$	443,178
	Pro forma net income	$	49,818		$	90,064
	Pro forma earnings per share - basic	$	0.54		$	1
	Pro forma earnings per share - diluted	$	0.54		$	1

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable1

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Mortgages and Notes Receivable [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes receivable:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Seller financing (first mortgages)	$	—		$	16,454
	Less allowance	—			—
		—			16,454
	Mortgage receivable (including accrued interest)	10,300			9,435
	Less allowance	—			—
		10,300			9,435
	Promissory notes	456			822
	Less allowance	(255		)	(302		)
		201			520
	Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$	10,501		$	26,409
Schedule of Notes Receivable Allowance [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our notes receivable allowance, which relates only to promissory notes:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Beginning notes receivable allowance	$	275		$	376		$	302		$	182
	Recoveries/write-offs/other	(20		)	(36		)	(47		)	158
	Total notes receivable allowance	$	255		$	340		$	255		$	340

Investments_In_Affiliates_Tabl

Investments In Affiliates (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments Summarized Income Statement Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the summarized income statements of our unconsolidated affiliates:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014		2013
	Income Statements:
	Rental and other revenues	$	12,425	$	16,911		$	37,703	$	64,362
	Expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	6,441		8,733			18,880		31,681
	Depreciation and amortization	3,281		5,010			10,098		17,383
	Impairments of real estate assets	—		15,287			—		20,077
	Interest expense	2,201		3,141			6,713		12,569
	Total expenses	11,923		32,171			35,691		81,710
	Income/(loss) before disposition of property	502		(15,260		)	2,012		(17,348		)
	Gains on disposition of property	—		8,256			1,949		8,323
	Net income/(loss)	$	502	$	(7,004	)	$	3,961	$	(9,025	)

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma1

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Total intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization:
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets:
	Deferred financing costs	$	19,512		$	17,363
	Less accumulated amortization	(7,193		)	(5,204		)
		12,319			12,159
	Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	308,091			297,068
	Less accumulated amortization	(101,685		)	(87,016		)
		206,406			210,052
	Deferred financing and leasing costs, net	$	218,725		$	222,211
	Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
	Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$	55,639		$	55,323
	Less accumulated amortization	(11,994		)	(8,478		)
		$	43,645		$	46,845
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014				2013
	Amortization of deferred financing costs	$	819		$	963		$	2,270			$	2,860
	Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization)	$	9,465		$	10,639		$	29,443			$	26,603
	Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues)	$	327		$	347		$	1,077			$	1,061
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues)	$	1,080		$	1,548		$	3,310			$	2,499
	Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses)	$	140		$	140		$	416			$	416
	Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues)	$	(1,532	)	$	(1,584	)	$	(4,554	)		$	(3,737	)
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities:
			Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs			Amortization of Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization)			Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues)				Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses)		Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues)
	October 1 through December 31, 2014		$	776		$	10,411		$	339			$	1,034	$	136	$	(1,560	)
	2015		3,074			36,795			1,148				3,612		553		(5,978		)
	2016		2,811			30,965			986				2,819		553		(5,696		)
	2017		2,518			26,845			908				2,276		553		(5,424		)
	2018		1,394			22,423			805				1,434		553		(5,285		)
	Thereafter		1,746			53,619			2,782				3,771		1,086		(19,702		)
			$	12,319		$	181,058		$	6,968			$	14,946	$	3,434	$	(43,645	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of September 30, 2014 (in years)		4.6			6.8			8.2				6.5		6.2		8.4
Total intangible assets and below market lease liabilities from acquisition activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the intangible assets acquired and below market lease liabilities assumed as a result of 2014 acquisition activity:
			Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (amortized in Rental and Other Revenues)			Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (amortized in Depreciation and Amortization)			Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (amortized in Rental and Other Revenues)
	Amount recorded from acquisition activity		$	27		$	6,293		$	(1,353	)
	Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of September 30, 2014 (in years)		3.5			5.5			4.9

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_Ta

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Consolidated Mortgages and Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Secured indebtedness	$	314,506	$	488,664
	Unsecured indebtedness	1,699,318		1,467,635
	Total mortgages and notes payable	$	2,013,824	$	1,956,299

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets:
	Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	301
	Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	959	$	510
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on AOCL and interest expense:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges:
	Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	913	$	(1,798	)	$	(3,337	)	$	4,801
	Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion):
	Interest rate swaps	$	952	$	840		$	2,824		$	2,428

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables) (Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2014			2013
	Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	106,480		$	124,869
	Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	8,955			8,570
	Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(162		)	(28,788		)
	Redemptions of Common Units	(93		)	—
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	2,813			3,713
	Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(3,745		)	(4,416		)
	Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	114,248		$	103,948
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						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	51,708		$	53,349		$	86,541	$	93,220
	Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units	—			25,937			162		28,788
	to Common Stock
	Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$	51,708		$	79,286		$	86,703	$	122,008

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of1

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements of Assets, Liabilities and Noncontrolling Interests [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities and the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that are measured at fair value within the fair value hierarchy.
							Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
			Total				Quoted Prices			Significant Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
							in Active
							Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities
	Fair Value at September 30, 2014:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	10,531			$	—		$	201		$	10,330
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,553				3,553			—			—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,696				—			—			13,696
	Total Assets		$	27,780			$	3,553		$	201		$	24,026
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	114,248			$	114,248		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,087,145			$	—		$	2,087,145		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		959				—			959			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,553				3,553			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,654				—			—			22,654
	Total Liabilities		$	2,114,311			$	3,553		$	2,088,104		$	22,654
	Fair Value at December 31, 2013:
	Assets:
	Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1)		$	26,485			$	—		$	17,029		$	9,456
	Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		301				—			301			—
	Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		13,403				—			—			13,403
	Total Assets		$	44,185			$	3,996		$	17,330		$	22,859
	Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$	106,480			$	106,480		$	—		$	—
	Liabilities:
	Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value (1)		$	2,037,385			$	—		$	2,037,385		$	—
	Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		510				—			510			—
	Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		3,996				3,996			—			—
	Financing obligations, at fair value (1)		22,478				—			—			22,478
	Total Liabilities		$	2,064,369			$	3,996		$	2,037,895		$	22,478
	__________
	(1)    Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Fair Value Measurements, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset and liability, which are recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Asset:
	Tax Increment Financing Bond:
	Beginning balance	$	13,673			$	14,233		$	13,403		$	14,496
	Principal repayment	—				—			—			(562		)
	Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	23				97			293			396
	Ending balance	$	13,696			$	14,330		$	13,696		$	14,330
	Liability:
	Contingent Consideration to Acquire Real Estate Assets:
	Beginning balance	$	—			$	384		$	—		$	563
	Unrecognized gains (in general and administrative expenses)	—				(193		)	—			(372		)
	Ending balance	$	—			$	191		$	—		$	191
Fair Value Measurements, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth quantitative information about the unobservable input of our Level 3 asset, which is recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
			Valuation		Unobservable		Rate
			Technique		Input
	Asset:
	Tax increment financing bond		Income approach		Discount rate		9.70%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the components of AOCL:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Tax increment financing bond:
	Beginning balance	$	(759	)	$	(1,599	)	$	(1,029	)	$	(1,898	)
	Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	23			97			293			396
	Ending balance	(736		)	(1,502		)	(736		)	(1,502		)
	Cash flow hedges:
	Beginning balance	(3,960		)	(2,543		)	(1,582		)	(10,730		)
	Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	913			(1,798		)	(3,337		)	4,801
	Amortization of cash flow hedges (1)	952			840			2,824			2,428
	Ending balance	(2,095		)	(3,501		)	(2,095		)	(3,501		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(2,831	)	$	(5,003	)	$	(2,831	)	$	(5,003	)
	__________
	(1)    Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H1

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of the Properties Classified As Held For Sale [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the major classes of assets of our real estate and other assets, net, held for sale:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Assets:
	Land held for development	$	989	$	—
	Net real estate assets	989		—
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	43		—
	Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	$	1,032	$	—
Operations Classified As Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth our operations that were classified as discontinued operations prior to the adoption of the accounting standard update discussed in Note 1:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Rental and other revenues	$	—	$	5,277	$	—	$	18,537
	Operating expenses:
	Rental property and other expenses	—		2,312		—		7,178
	Depreciation and amortization	—		1,451		—		5,506
	Total operating expenses	—		3,763		—		12,684
	Income from discontinued operations	—		1,514		—		5,853
	Impairments of real estate assets	—		—		—		(2,194		)
	Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	—		37,946		384		52,353
	Total discontinued operations	$	—	$	39,460	$	384	$	56,012

Earnings_Per_ShareUnit_Tables

Earnings Per Share/Unit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share/Unit Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'
Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,608		$	92,003		$	43,395
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(1,673		)	(488		)	(2,801		)	(1,600		)
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	51,708			15,290			86,169			39,321
	Income from discontinued operations	—			39,460			384			56,012
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	—			(1,401		)	(12		)	(2,113		)
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			38,059			372			53,899
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	51,708		$	53,349		$	86,541		$	93,220
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,668			87,467			90,299			83,793
	Earnings per Common Share - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,608		$	92,003		$	43,395
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
	Dividends on Preferred Stock	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	53,381			15,778			88,970			40,921
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			39,460			384			56,012
	Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$	53,381		$	55,238		$	89,354		$	96,933
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares	90,668			87,467			90,299			83,793
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	118			101			121			114
	Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,937			3,201			2,938			3,536
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) (2)	93,723			90,769			93,358			87,443
	Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
	Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
	Net income available for common stockholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
	__________
	13	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit - Continued
	-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'
Earnings Per Share/Unit Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'
Earnings Per Unit [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,607		$	92,003		$	43,344
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	53,381			15,777			88,970			40,870
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			39,460			384			56,012
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	53,381		$	55,237		$	89,354		$	96,882
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	93,196			90,259			92,828			86,920
	Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
	Numerator:
	Income from continuing operations	$	54,299		$	16,607		$	92,003		$	43,344
	Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(291		)	(203		)	(1,152		)	(593		)
	Distributions on Preferred Units	(627		)	(627		)	(1,881		)	(1,881		)
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	53,381			15,777			88,970			40,870
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			39,460			384			56,012
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	53,381		$	55,237		$	89,354		$	96,882
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units	93,196			90,259			92,828			86,920
	Add:
	Stock options using the treasury method	118			101			121			114
	Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) (2)	93,314			90,360			92,949			87,034
	Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.17		$	0.96		$	0.47
	Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	—			0.44			—			0.64
	Net income available for common unitholders	$	0.57		$	0.61		$	0.96		$	1.11
	__________
	-1	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Rental and Other Revenues:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	24,682		$	22,523		$	71,286		$	57,630
	Greenville, SC	532			827			2,140			2,500
	Kansas City, MO	4,218			4,064			12,401			12,067
	Memphis, TN	10,186			9,644			30,076			28,680
	Nashville, TN	20,139			15,147			59,926			43,411
	Orlando, FL	8,991			8,441			27,059			12,894
	Piedmont Triad, NC	6,439			6,596			19,469			19,487
	Pittsburgh, PA	14,259			14,191			42,030			41,835
	Raleigh, NC	21,357			21,737			65,386			64,124
	Richmond, VA	11,236			12,006			34,999			35,639
	Tampa, FL	17,637			16,879			51,393			51,702
	Total Office Segment	139,676			132,055			416,165			369,969
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	218			210			626			624
	Piedmont Triad, NC	2,982			2,998			8,676			9,238
	Total Industrial Segment	3,200			3,208			9,302			9,862
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	9,753			9,564			28,337			27,991
	Total Retail Segment	9,753			9,564			28,337			27,991
	Total Rental and Other Revenues	$	152,629		$	144,827		$	453,804		$	407,822
	14	Segment Information - Continued
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net Operating Income:
	Office:
	Atlanta, GA	$	14,808		$	13,868		$	42,826		$	35,936
	Greenville, SC	289			448			1,154			1,400
	Kansas City, MO	2,671			2,597			7,974			7,796
	Memphis, TN	6,024			5,408			17,420			16,337
	Nashville, TN	13,590			10,311			40,742			30,028
	Orlando, FL	5,087			4,950			15,809			7,099
	Piedmont Triad, NC	4,105			4,257			12,352			12,611
	Pittsburgh, PA	8,122			8,001			23,303			23,322
	Raleigh, NC	14,611			14,920			45,969			45,226
	Richmond, VA	7,165			7,910			23,106			24,267
	Tampa, FL	10,304			9,930			30,370			31,618
	Total Office Segment	86,776			82,600			261,025			235,640
	Industrial:
	Atlanta, GA	124			122			368			361
	Piedmont Triad, NC	2,218			2,187			6,246			6,797
	Total Industrial Segment	2,342			2,309			6,614			7,158
	Retail:
	Kansas City, MO	6,157			5,837			17,186			17,066
	Total Retail Segment	6,157			5,837			17,186			17,066
	Corporate and other	(29		)	(21		)	(69		)	(55		)
	Total Net Operating Income	95,246			90,725			284,756			259,809
	Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
	Depreciation and amortization	(48,287		)	(47,338		)	(146,895		)	(128,050		)
	Impairments of real estate assets	—			—			(588		)	—
	General and administrative expenses	(7,526		)	(8,969		)	(26,973		)	(27,948		)
	Interest expense	(22,348		)	(23,672		)	(64,923		)	(70,826		)
	Other income	728			1,550			3,555			4,786
	Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	$	17,813		$	12,296		$	48,932		$	37,771

Description_of_Business_and_Si2

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	sqft		Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
	acre					ATM Equity Offering [Member]	ATM Equity Offering [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate property (in sq feet)	31,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties under development (in sq feet)	900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Undeveloped land suitable for development (in acres)	500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares)	'	'	90,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership of Common Units	'	'	96.90%	'	96.80%	'	'	'	'
Common Units of partnership not owned by the Company (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,900,000	'
Common Units redeemed for cash (in shares)	2,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redemption of Common Units	$93	$0	$93	$0	'	'	'	$93	$0
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares)	4,417	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	875,701	949,578	'	'
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$42.44	$42.12	'	'
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period	$45,922	$305,601	'	'	'	$36,600	$39,400	'	'

Real_Estate_Assets_Details

Real Estate Assets (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Raleigh, NC Office Property Acquisition (9/2014) [Member]

Orlando, FL Office Properties Acquisition (9/2013) [Member]

Nashville, TN Office Property Acquisition (9/2013) [Member]

Atlanta, GA Office Property Acquisition (6/2013) [Member]

Raleigh, NC Office Properties Disposition (9/2014) [Member]

Richmond, VA Office Properties Disposition (9/2014) [Member]

Greensboro, NC Office Properties Disposition (9/2014) [Member]

Greenville, SC Office Property Disposition (9/2014) [Member]

Atlanta, GA Land Disposition (6/2014) [Member]

Greensboro, NC Office Property Impairment (6/2014) [Member]

sqft

property

sqft

sqft

property

property

property

parcels

sqft

Acquisitions [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of office properties acquired

'

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rentable square feet of acquisition (in sq. ft.)

'

'

'

'

374,000

1,300,000

520,000

553,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price of acquisition

'

'

'

'

$83,800,000

'

$150,100,000

$140,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition-related costs

'

'

'

'

150,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of equity interest acquired in unconsolidated affiliate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of equity interest in unconsolidated affiliate, previously held (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price of acquisition of unconsolidated affiliate

'

'

'

'

'

112,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of assets recorded from the acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

188,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of debt assumed from the acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

127,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate of secured debt assumed from the acquisition (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

3.11%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Previously held equity interest remeasured at fair value

'

'

'

'

'

75,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on acquisition of controlling interest in unconsolidated affiliate

0

7,451,000

0

7,451,000

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dispositions [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of office properties sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

11

6

'

'

'

Number of industrial properties sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

Number of land parcels sold

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

Purchase price of real estate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,700,000

40,700,000

28,200,000

27,200,000

9,500,000

'

Closing credits excluded for unfunded building and/or tenant improvements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

5,800,000

'

'

Closing credits excluded for free rent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

1,800,000

'

'

Gain on disposition of property

36,238,000

34,000

42,185,000

-3,000

'

'

'

'

11,700,000

17,600,000

4,700,000

2,200,000

5,900,000

'

Impairments [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairments of real estate assets

$0

$0

$588,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$600,000

Real_Estate_Assets_Real_Estate1

Real Estate Assets Real Estate Assets Pro Forma (Details) (Pro Forma 2013 Acquisitions [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Pro Forma 2013 Acquisitions [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation [Abstract]	'	'
Real estate assets	$445,396	$445,396
Acquisition-related intangible assets (in deferred financing and leasing costs)	50,595	50,595
Mortgages and notes payable	-127,891	-127,891
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	-17,818	-17,818
Total allocation	350,282	350,282
Pro forma assumption date of acquisition	'	1-Jan-12
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]	'	'
Pro forma revenues	149,754	443,178
Pro forma net income	49,818	90,064
Pro forma earnings per share - basic	$0.54	$1
Pro forma earnings per share - diluted	$0.54	$1
Revenues recorded due to acquisitions	10,012	10,305
Net loss recorded due to acquisitions	($95)	($394)

Mortgages_and_Notes_Receivable2

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Seller Financing [Member]

Seller Financing [Member]

Seller Financing [Member]

Seller Financing [Member]

Mortgage Receivable [Member]

Mortgage Receivable [Member]

Mortgage Receivable [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

Promissory Notes [Member]

transactions

Schedule of mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgages and notes receivable, gross

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$16,454,000

$10,300,000

$9,435,000

$8,600,000

$456,000

'

$456,000

'

$822,000

Mortgages and notes receivable, allowance

-255,000

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

'

-255,000

-340,000

-255,000

-340,000

'

Mortgages and notes receivable, net

10,501,000

'

26,409,000

'

'

0

16,454,000

10,300,000

9,435,000

'

201,000

'

201,000

'

520,000

Number of transactions with seller financing

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of seller financing

16,974,000

437,000

'

16,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred gain on sale of real estate

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgages and notes receivable, gross

'

'

'

'

'

0

16,454,000

10,300,000

9,435,000

8,600,000

456,000

'

456,000

'

822,000

Additional loan commitment to third party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative funds for future infrastructure disbursed to third party

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes receivable allowance, promissory notes [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning notes receivable allowance

302,000

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

275,000

376,000

302,000

182,000

'

Recoveries/write-offs/other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-20,000

-36,000

-47,000

158,000

'

Total notes receivable allowance

$255,000

'

'

'

'

$0

'

$0

'

'

$255,000

$340,000

$255,000

$340,000

'

Investments_In_Affiliates_Deta

Investments In Affiliates (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
					Board of Trade Investment Company [Member]	Board of Trade Investment Company [Member]	Highwoods KC Glenridge Office, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Income Statements:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental and other revenues	$12,425,000	$16,911,000	$37,703,000	$64,362,000	'	'	'
Expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental property and other expenses	6,441,000	8,733,000	18,880,000	31,681,000	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,281,000	5,010,000	10,098,000	17,383,000	'	'	'
Impairments of real estate assets	0	15,287,000	0	20,077,000	'	'	'
Interest expense	2,201,000	3,141,000	6,713,000	12,569,000	'	'	'
Total expenses	11,923,000	32,171,000	35,691,000	81,710,000	'	'	'
Income/(loss) before disposition of properties	502,000	-15,260,000	2,012,000	-17,348,000	'	'	'
Gains on disposition of properties	0	8,256,000	1,949,000	8,323,000	'	1,900,000	'
Net income/(loss)	502,000	-7,004,000	3,961,000	-9,025,000	'	'	'
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	49.00%	'	'
Proceeds received from disposition of property	'	'	'	'	'	8,300,000	'
Gains on disposition of properties	0	8,256,000	1,949,000	8,323,000	'	1,900,000	'
Net impairment charge on our investment in unconsolidated affiliates	'	'	'	'	'	400,000	'
Receivable related to redemption of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	'	'	'	'	4,700,000	'	'
Repayment of debt at maturity	'	'	'	'	'	'	$14,900,000
Current interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	'	'	4.84%

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma2

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	($108,878)	'	($108,878)	'	($92,220)
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	218,725	'	218,725	'	222,211
Acquired above market lease intangible assets	27	'	27	'	'
Acquired in-place lease intangible assets	6,293	'	6,293	'	'
Assumed below market lease liabilities	-1,353	'	-1,353	'	'
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, gross	19,512	'	19,512	'	17,363
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	-7,193	'	-7,193	'	-5,204
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	12,319	'	12,319	'	12,159
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	819	963	2,270	2,860	'
Deferred Leasing Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, gross	308,091	'	308,091	'	297,068
Deferred financing and leasing costs, accumulated amortization	-101,685	'	-101,685	'	-87,016
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	206,406	'	206,406	'	210,052
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	181,058	'	181,058	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	9,465	10,639	29,443	26,603	'
Lease Incentives [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	6,968	'	6,968	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	327	347	1,077	1,061	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	14,946	'	14,946	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	1,080	1,548	3,310	2,499	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	3,434	'	3,434	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	140	140	416	416	'
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, gross	55,639	'	55,639	'	55,323
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	-11,994	'	-11,994	'	-8,478
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	43,645	'	43,645	'	46,845
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	($1,532)	($1,584)	($4,554)	($3,737)	'

Intangible_Assets_and_Below_Ma3

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Scheduled Future Amortization (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$218,725	$218,725	$222,211
Deferred Financing Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	776	776	'
2015	3,074	3,074	'
2016	2,811	2,811	'
2017	2,518	2,518	'
2018	1,394	1,394	'
Thereafter	1,746	1,746	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	12,319	12,319	12,159
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	10,411	10,411	'
2015	36,795	36,795	'
2016	30,965	30,965	'
2017	26,845	26,845	'
2018	22,423	22,423	'
Thereafter	53,619	53,619	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	181,058	181,058	'
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 9 months 20 days	'
Lease Incentives [Member]	'	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	339	339	'
2015	1,148	1,148	'
2016	986	986	'
2017	908	908	'
2018	805	805	'
Thereafter	2,782	2,782	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	6,968	6,968	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'	'8 years 2 months 12 days	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]	'	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	1,034	1,034	'
2015	3,612	3,612	'
2016	2,819	2,819	'
2017	2,276	2,276	'
2018	1,434	1,434	'
Thereafter	3,771	3,771	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	14,946	14,946	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'	'6 years 6 months	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'3 years 6 months	'	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]	'	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	136	136	'
2015	553	553	'
2016	553	553	'
2017	553	553	'
2018	553	553	'
Thereafter	1,086	1,086	'
Deferred financing and leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	3,434	3,434	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'	'6 years 2 months 12 days	'
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
October 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014	-1,560	-1,560	'
2015	-5,978	-5,978	'
2016	-5,696	-5,696	'
2017	-5,424	-5,424	'
2018	-5,285	-5,285	'
Thereafter	-19,702	-19,702	'
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	($43,645)	($43,645)	($46,845)
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finite-lived below market lease liabilities, average useful life (in years)	'	'8 years 4 months 24 days	'
Assumed finite-lived below market lease liabilities, average useful life (in years)	'4 years 11 months 15 days	'	'
In-Place Lease Intangible Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	'5 years 6 months	'	'

Mortgages_and_Notes_Payable_De

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 20, 2014

Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]

3.50% (3.34% effective rate) Mortgage Loan due 2015 [Member]

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

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

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

Secured indebtedness [Member]

Secured indebtedness [Member]

Unsecured indebtedness [Member]

Unsecured indebtedness [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

extensions

Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Mortgages and notes payable

$2,013,824,000

'

$2,013,824,000

'

$1,956,299,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$314,506,000

$488,664,000

$1,699,318,000

$1,467,635,000

'

Aggregate undepreciated book value of secured real estate assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

582,200,000

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

475,000,000

475,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jan-18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate, basis

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR plus 110 basis points

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

1.10%

'

'

3.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual facility fee (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

0.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of optional extension

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of additional maturity extensions

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

148,000,000

Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

93,000

93,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93,000

Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

324,907,000

324,907,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

326,907,000

Principal amount of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Apr-15

15-Jun-21

1-Jul-14

1-Aug-14

'

'

'

'

'

Original issuance discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price of debt (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98.98%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective percentage rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.34%

3.36%

3.11%

3.32%

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred financing fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Early repayment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,900,000

'

123,700,000

7,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Gains/(losses) on debt extinguishment

($326,000)

($32,000)

($308,000)

($196,000)

'

'

'

($300,000)

'

'

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Expected increase to interest expense	$3,200,000	'	$3,200,000	'	'
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets l [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	0	'	0	'	301,000
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	959,000	'	959,000	'	510,000
Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	913,000	-1,798,000	-3,337,000	4,801,000	'
Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Interest rate swaps	$952,000	$840,000	$2,824,000	$2,428,000	'

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	$106,480	'
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	'	'	8,955	8,570
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	'	'	-162	-28,788
Redemptions of Common Units	'	'	-93	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	1,673	1,889	2,813	3,713
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	-3,745	-4,416
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	114,248	'	114,248	'
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income available for common stockholders	51,708	53,349	86,541	93,220
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%	'	50.00%	'
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	106,480	124,869
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	'	'	8,955	8,570
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	'	'	-162	-28,788
Redemptions of Common Units	'	'	-93	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	2,813	3,713
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	'	'	-3,745	-4,416
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	114,248	103,948	114,248	103,948
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income available for common stockholders	51,708	53,349	86,541	93,220
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0	25,937	162	28,788
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$51,708	$79,286	$86,703	$122,008

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of2

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	$10,531	[1]	$26,485	[1]
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		301
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	3,553		3,996
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	13,696		13,403
Total Assets	27,780		44,185
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	2,087,145	[1]	2,037,385	[1]
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	959		510
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	3,553		3,996
Financing obligations, at fair value	22,654	[1]	22,478	[1]
Total Liabilities	2,114,311		2,064,369
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	0		0
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	3,553		3,996
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Total Assets	3,553		3,996
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	0		0
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	3,553		3,996
Financing obligations, at fair value	0		0
Total Liabilities	3,553		3,996
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	201		17,029
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		301
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Total Assets	201		17,330
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	2,087,145		2,037,385
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	959		510
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Financing obligations, at fair value	0		0
Total Liabilities	2,088,104		2,037,895
Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	10,330		9,456
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	'		0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0		0
Tax increment financing bond (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	13,696		13,403
Total Assets	24,026		22,859
Liabilities:	'		'
Mortgages and notes payable, at fair value	0		0
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0		0
Financing obligations, at fair value	22,654		22,478
Total Liabilities	22,654		22,478
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	114,248		106,480
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	114,248		106,480
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	0		0
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Assets:	'		'
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	$0		$0
[1]	Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Disclosure_About_Fair_Value_of3

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	'	'	$293,000	$396,000
Contingent Consideration to Acquire Real Estate Assets [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0	384,000	0	563,000
Unrecognized gains (in general and administrative)	0	-193,000	0	-372,000
Ending balance	0	191,000	0	191,000
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	13,673,000	14,233,000	13,403,000	14,496,000
Principal repayment	0	0	0	-562,000
Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	23,000	97,000	293,000	396,000
Ending balance	13,696,000	14,330,000	13,696,000	14,330,000
Maturity date	'	'	20-Dec-20	'
Amount by which outstanding principal amount exceeds estimated fair value	'	'	700,000	'
Change in discount rate (in hundredths)	1.00%	'	'	'
Discount rate (in hundredths)	'	'	9.70%	'
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of bond if discount rate changes	400,000	'	400,000	'
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of bond if discount rate changes	$400,000	'	$400,000	'

ShareBased_Payments_Details

Share-Based Payments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$798,000	$1,153,000	$6,179,000	$5,896,000
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs	$5,500,000	'	$5,500,000	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation costs (in years)	'	'	'2 years 6 months	'
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock options granted	'	'	190,330	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of each stock option granted (in dollars per option)	'	'	$6.75	'
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Time-Based Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock shares granted	'	'	94,932	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$37.76	'
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	'	'	74,569	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)	'	'	$35.58	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]	Cash Flow Hedges [Member]		Cash Flow Hedges [Member]		Cash Flow Hedges [Member]		Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	($2,831)	($2,611)	($5,003)	($759)	($1,599)	($1,029)	($1,898)	($3,960)		($2,543)		($1,582)		($10,730)
Unrealized gains/(losses)	'	'	'	23	97	293	396	913		-1,798		-3,337		4,801
Amortization reclassified out of AOCL	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	952	[1]	840	[1]	2,824	[1]	2,428	[1]
Ending balance	-2,831	-2,611	-5,003	-736	-1,502	-736	-1,502	-2,095		-3,501		-2,095		-3,501
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($2,831)	($2,611)	($5,003)	($736)	($1,502)	($736)	($1,502)	($2,095)		($3,501)		($2,095)		($3,501)
[1]	Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real_Estate_and_Other_Assets_H2

Real Estate and Other Assets Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets, held for sale [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Land held for development	$989	'	$989	'	$0
Net real estate assets	989	'	989	'	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	43	'	43	'	0
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	1,032	'	1,032	'	0
Discontinued operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Rental and other revenues	0	5,277	0	18,537	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'
Rental property and other expenses	0	2,312	0	7,178	'
Depreciation and amortization	0	1,451	0	5,506	'
Total operating expenses	0	3,763	0	12,684	'
Income from discontinued operations	0	1,514	0	5,853	'
Impairment of real estate assets	0	0	0	-2,194	'
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	37,946	384	52,353	'
Total discontinued operations	$0	$39,460	$384	$56,012	'
Raleigh, NC Office Properties Disposition (9/2014) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'
Number of land parcels included in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	2	'	2	'	'

Earnings_Per_ShareUnit_Details

Earnings Per Share/Unit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	$54,299		$16,608		$92,003		$43,395
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	-1,673		-488		-2,801		-1,600
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	-291		-203		-1,152		-593
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627		-1,881		-1,881
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	51,708		15,290		86,169		39,321
Income from discontinued operations	0		39,460		384		56,012
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	0		-1,401		-12		-2,113
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		38,059		372		53,899
Net income available for common stockholders	51,708		53,349		86,541		93,220
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	90,668		87,467		90,299		83,793
Earnings per Common Share - basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	54,299		16,608		92,003		43,395
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-291		-203		-1,152		-593
Dividends on Preferred Stock	-627		-627		-1,881		-1,881
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	53,381		15,778		88,970		40,921
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0		39,460		384		56,012
Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	53,381		55,238		89,354		96,933
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	90,668		87,467		90,299		83,793
Stock options using the treasury method	118		101		121		114
Noncontrolling interests Common Units	2,937		3,201		2,938		3,536
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	93,723	[1],[2]	90,769	[1],[2]	93,358	[1],[2]	87,443	[1],[2]
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Number of anti-dilutive options and warrants not included in earnings per share (in shares)	'		303		'		303
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	'		'		'		'
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	54,299		16,607		92,003		43,344
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	-291		-203		-1,152		-593
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627		-1,881		-1,881
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	53,381		15,777		88,970		40,870
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		39,460		384		56,012
Net income available for common unitholders	53,381		55,237		89,354		96,882
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	93,196		90,259		92,828		86,920
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Numerator:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations	54,299		16,607		92,003		43,344
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	-291		-203		-1,152		-593
Distributions on Preferred Units	-627		-627		-1,881		-1,881
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	53,381		15,777		88,970		40,870
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0		39,460		384		56,012
Net income available for common unitholders	$53,381		$55,237		$89,354		$96,882
Denominator:	'		'		'		'
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	93,196		90,259		92,828		86,920
Stock options using the treasury method	118		101		121		114
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit - adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (in shares)	93,314	[2],[3]	90,360	[2],[3]	92,949	[2],[3]	87,034	[2],[3]
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.17		$0.96		$0.47
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0		$0.44		$0		$0.64
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$0.57		$0.61		$0.96		$1.11
Number of anti-dilutive options and warrants not included in earnings per share (in shares)	'		303		'		303
[1]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
[2]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[3]	There were 0.3 million options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per unit because the impact of including such options would be anti-dilutive. There were no such options outstanding during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	$152,629	$144,827	$453,804	$407,822
Total Net Operating Income	95,246	90,725	284,756	259,809
Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	-48,287	-47,338	-146,895	-128,050
Impairments of real estate assets	0	0	-588	0
General and administrative expenses	-7,526	-8,969	-26,973	-27,948
Interest expense	-22,348	-23,672	-64,923	-70,826
Other income	728	1,550	3,555	4,786
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	17,813	12,296	48,932	37,771
Total Office Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	139,676	132,055	416,165	369,969
Total Net Operating Income	86,776	82,600	261,025	235,640
Office Atlanta, GA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	24,682	22,523	71,286	57,630
Total Net Operating Income	14,808	13,868	42,826	35,936
Office Greenville, SC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	532	827	2,140	2,500
Total Net Operating Income	289	448	1,154	1,400
Office Kansas City, MO [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	4,218	4,064	12,401	12,067
Total Net Operating Income	2,671	2,597	7,974	7,796
Office Memphis, TN [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	10,186	9,644	30,076	28,680
Total Net Operating Income	6,024	5,408	17,420	16,337
Office Nashville, TN [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	20,139	15,147	59,926	43,411
Total Net Operating Income	13,590	10,311	40,742	30,028
Office Orlando, FL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	8,991	8,441	27,059	12,894
Total Net Operating Income	5,087	4,950	15,809	7,099
Office Piedmont Triad, NC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	6,439	6,596	19,469	19,487
Total Net Operating Income	4,105	4,257	12,352	12,611
Office Pittsburgh, PA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	14,259	14,191	42,030	41,835
Total Net Operating Income	8,122	8,001	23,303	23,322
Office Raleigh, NC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	21,357	21,737	65,386	64,124
Total Net Operating Income	14,611	14,920	45,969	45,226
Office Richmond, VA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	11,236	12,006	34,999	35,639
Total Net Operating Income	7,165	7,910	23,106	24,267
Office Tampa, FL [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	17,637	16,879	51,393	51,702
Total Net Operating Income	10,304	9,930	30,370	31,618
Total Industrial Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	3,200	3,208	9,302	9,862
Total Net Operating Income	2,342	2,309	6,614	7,158
Industrial Atlanta, GA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	218	210	626	624
Total Net Operating Income	124	122	368	361
Industrial Piedmont Triad, NC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	2,982	2,998	8,676	9,238
Total Net Operating Income	2,218	2,187	6,246	6,797
Total Retail Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	9,753	9,564	28,337	27,991
Total Net Operating Income	6,157	5,837	17,186	17,066
Retail Kansas City, MO [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Rental and Other Revenues	9,753	9,564	28,337	27,991
Total Net Operating Income	6,157	5,837	17,186	17,066
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total Net Operating Income	($29)	($21)	($69)	($55)

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 17, 2014
					Subsequent Event [Member]
					Atlanta, GA Industrial Property/Land Parcel Disposition (10/2014) [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price of real estate	'	'	'	'	$11,400,000
Gain on disposition of property	$36,238,000	$34,000	$42,185,000	($3,000)	$1,700,000