Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership 10-Q 2 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 25, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC.
Entity Central Index Key	921,082
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		98,611,821
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	941,713
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	$ 448,212	$ 443,705
Buildings and tenant improvements	4,128,823	4,063,328
Development in-process	229,184	194,050
Land held for development	75,078	68,244
Total real estate assets	4,881,297	4,769,327
Less-accumulated depreciation	(1,063,010)	(1,007,104)
Net real estate assets	3,818,287	3,762,223
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	2,387	240,948
Cash and cash equivalents	2,444	5,036
Restricted cash	265,193	16,769
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $850 and $928, respectively	26,671	29,077
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $75 and $287, respectively	9,971	2,096
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $483 and $257, respectively	162,573	150,392
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	19,786	20,676
Deferred leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $129,252 and $115,172, respectively	217,042	231,765
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $19,260 and $17,830, respectively	40,008	26,649
Total Assets	4,564,362	4,485,631
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable, net	2,082,207	2,491,813
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	241,979	233,988
Liabilities held for sale	0	14,119
Total Liabilities	2,324,186	2,739,920
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	151,400	126,429
Equity/Capital:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized shares; 8.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $1,000 per share), 28,935 and 29,050 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	28,935	29,050
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 98,570,974 and 96,091,932 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	986	961
Additional paid-in capital	2,693,755	2,598,242
Distributions in excess of net income available for common stockholders	(640,969)	(1,023,135)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11,628)	(3,811)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	2,071,079	1,601,307
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	17,697	17,975
Total Equity/Capital	2,088,776	1,619,282
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	4,564,362	4,485,631
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	448,212	443,705
Buildings and tenant improvements	4,128,823	4,063,328
Development in-process	229,184	194,050
Land held for development	75,078	68,244
Total real estate assets	4,881,297	4,769,327
Less-accumulated depreciation	(1,063,010)	(1,007,104)
Net real estate assets	3,818,287	3,762,223
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	2,387	240,948
Cash and cash equivalents	2,444	5,036
Restricted cash	265,193	16,769
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $850 and $928, respectively	26,671	29,077
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $75 and $287, respectively	9,971	2,096
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $483 and $257, respectively	162,573	150,392
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	19,786	20,676
Deferred leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $129,252 and $115,172, respectively	217,042	231,765
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $19,260 and $17,830, respectively	40,008	26,649
Total Assets	4,564,362	4,485,631
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable, net	2,082,207	2,491,813
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	241,979	233,988
Liabilities held for sale	0	14,119
Total Liabilities	2,324,186	2,739,920
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units:
Common Units, 2,867,424 and 2,899,752 outstanding, respectively	151,400	126,429
Series A Preferred Units (liquidation preference $1,000 per unit), 28,935 and 29,050 units issued and outstanding, respectively	28,935	29,050
Total Redeemable Operating Partnership Units	180,335	155,479
Equity/Capital:
General partner Common Units, 1,010,296 and 985,829 outstanding, respectively	20,537	15,759
Limited partner Common Units, 97,151,869 and 94,697,294 outstanding, respectively	2,033,235	1,560,309
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11,628)	(3,811)
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	17,697	17,975
Total Equity/Capital	2,059,841	1,590,232
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	$ 4,564,362	$ 4,485,631

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 850	$ 928
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	75	287
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	483	257
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	129,252	115,172
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$ 19,260	$ 17,830
Equity/Capital:
Series A Preferred Stock, dividend rate percentage (in hundredths)	8.625%	8.625%
Series A Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A Preferred Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series A Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares)	28,935	29,050
Series A Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	28,935	29,050
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)	98,570,974	96,091,932
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	98,570,974	96,091,932
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 850	$ 928
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	75	287
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	483	257
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	129,252	115,172
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$ 19,260	$ 17,830
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units: [Abstract]
Redeemable Common Units outstanding (in shares)	2,867,424	2,899,752
Series A Preferred Units, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series A Preferred Units, issued (in shares)	28,935	29,050
Series A Preferred Units, outstanding (in shares)	28,935	29,050
Common Units: [Abstract]
General partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	1,010,296	985,829
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	97,151,869	94,697,294

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Rental and other revenues		$ 166,860	$ 148,543	$ 331,719	$ 293,779
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses		57,515	52,370	115,095	104,884
Depreciation and amortization		55,317	47,928	108,811	94,795
General and administrative		8,327	8,665	19,464	19,908
Total operating expenses		121,159	108,963	243,370	219,587
Interest expense:
Contractual		18,674	20,857	38,389	41,299
Amortization of debt issuance costs		811	828	1,801	1,628
Financing obligation		0	162	0	162
Total interest expense		19,485	21,847	40,190	43,089
Other income:
Interest and other income		534	520	1,051	1,102
Losses on debt extinguishment		0	(220)	0	(220)
Total other income		534	300	1,051	882
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates		26,750	18,033	49,210	31,985
Gains on disposition of property		5,861	2,412	10,258	3,569
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		917	1,776	2,202	3,587
Income from continuing operations		33,528	22,221	61,670	39,141
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations		0	4,670	4,097	8,585
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations		0	0	414,496	0
Total income from discontinued operations		0	4,670	418,593	8,585
Net income		33,528	26,891	480,263	47,726
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership		(939)	(782)	(13,950)	(1,378)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates		(314)	(328)	(622)	(624)
Dividends on Preferred Stock		(627)	(626)	(1,253)	(1,253)
Net income available for common stockholders		$ 31,648	$ 25,155	$ 464,438	$ 44,471
Earnings per Common Share – basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.19	0.08
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 4.79	$ 0.47
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - basic (in shares)		97,648	94,055	97,010	93,641
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.18	0.08
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 4.78	$ 0.47
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	[1]	100,628	97,049	99,992	96,666
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.425	$ 0.425	$ 0.85	$ 0.85
Net income available for common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders		$ 31,648	$ 20,626	$ 58,110	$ 36,147
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders		0	4,529	406,328	8,324
Net income available for common stockholders		31,648	25,155	464,438	44,471
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Rental and other revenues		166,860	148,543	331,719	293,779
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses		57,515	52,370	115,095	104,884
Depreciation and amortization		55,317	47,928	108,811	94,795
General and administrative		8,327	8,665	19,464	19,908
Total operating expenses		121,159	108,963	243,370	219,587
Interest expense:
Contractual		18,674	20,857	38,389	41,299
Amortization of debt issuance costs		811	828	1,801	1,628
Financing obligation		0	162	0	162
Total interest expense		19,485	21,847	40,190	43,089
Other income:
Interest and other income		534	520	1,051	1,102
Losses on debt extinguishment		0	(220)	0	(220)
Total other income		534	300	1,051	882
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates		26,750	18,033	49,210	31,985
Gains on disposition of property		5,861	2,412	10,258	3,569
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		917	1,776	2,202	3,587
Income from continuing operations		33,528	22,221	61,670	39,141
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations		0	4,670	4,097	8,585
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations		0	0	414,496	0
Total income from discontinued operations		0	4,670	418,593	8,585
Net income		33,528	26,891	480,263	47,726
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates		(314)	(328)	(622)	(624)
Distributions on Preferred Units		(627)	(626)	(1,253)	(1,253)
Net income available for common unitholders		$ 32,587	$ 25,937	$ 478,388	$ 45,849
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.21	0.09
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 4.81	$ 0.48
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - basic (in shares)		100,129	96,556	99,496	96,153
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.20	0.09
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 4.80	$ 0.48
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - diluted (in shares)	[2]	100,219	96,640	99,583	96,257
Distributions declared per Common Unit (in dollars per unit)		$ 0.425	$ 0.425	$ 0.85	$ 0.85
Net income available for common unitholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders		$ 32,587	$ 21,267	$ 59,795	$ 37,264
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders		0	4,670	418,593	8,585
Net income available for common unitholders		$ 32,587	$ 25,937	$ 478,388	$ 45,849
[1]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[2]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 33,528	$ 26,891	$ 480,263	$ 47,726
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	0	1	0	194
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(5,760)	269	(9,395)	(2,645)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	783	925	1,578	1,849
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(4,977)	1,195	(7,817)	(602)
Total comprehensive income	28,551	28,086	472,446	47,124
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,253)	(1,110)	(14,572)	(2,002)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	27,298	26,976	457,874	45,122
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	33,528	26,891	480,263	47,726
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	0	1	0	194
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	(5,760)	269	(9,395)	(2,645)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	783	925	1,578	1,849
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(4,977)	1,195	(7,817)	(602)
Total comprehensive income	28,551	28,086	472,446	47,124
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(314)	(328)	(622)	(624)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$ 28,237	$ 27,758	$ 471,824	$ 46,500

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]	General Partners' Common Units [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Limited Partners' Common Units [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Net Income Available for Common Stockholders [Member]
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			92,907,310
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,551,091	$ 1,522,223	$ 929	$ 29,060	$ 15,078	$ 1,492,948	$ 2,464,275	$ (3,912)	$ (3,912)	$ 18,109	$ 18,109	$ (957,370)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		43,216			432	42,784			0		0
Distributions paid on Common Units		(81,663)			(817)	(80,846)			0		0
Distributions paid on Preferred Units		(1,253)			(13)	(1,240)			0		0
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings - Shares			1,055,491
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	43,216		$ 11	0			43,205	0		0		0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares			26,820
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,206		$ 0	0			1,206	0		0		0
Dividends on Common Stock	(79,526)		0	0			0	0		0		(79,526)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(1,253)		0	0			0	0		0		(1,253)
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	11,475		0	0			11,475	0		0		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(751)	(751)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(751)	(751)	0
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			128,951
Issuances of restricted stock	0		$ 0	0			0	0		0		0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(10)		$ 0	(10)			0	0		0		0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - shares			(566)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	5,067	5,067	$ 1	0	51	5,016	5,066	0	0	0	0	0
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		13,248			133	13,115			0		0
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,378)		0	0			0	0		0		(1,378)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0	0	0	(6)	(618)	0	0	0	624	624	(624)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	47,726	47,726	0	0	477	47,249	0	0	0	0	0	47,726
Other comprehensive loss	(602)	(602)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	(602)	(602)	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	47,124	47,124
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2015			94,118,006
Balance at Jun. 30, 2015	$ 1,576,261	1,547,211	$ 941	29,050	15,335	1,518,408	2,525,227	(4,514)	(4,514)	17,982	17,982	(992,425)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	96,091,932		96,091,932
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,619,282	1,590,232	$ 961	29,050	15,759	1,560,309	2,598,242	(3,811)	(3,811)	17,975	17,975	(1,023,135)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		104,472			1,045	103,427			0		0
Distributions paid on Common Units		(84,387)			(844)	(83,543)			0		0
Distributions paid on Preferred Units		(1,253)			(13)	(1,240)			0		0
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings - Shares			2,324,850
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	104,472		$ 23	0			104,449	0		0		0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares			32,328
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,558		$ 0	0			1,558	0		0		0
Dividends on Common Stock	(82,272)		0	0			0	0		0		(82,272)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(1,253)		0	0			0	0		0		(1,253)
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(15,042)		0	0			(15,042)	0		0		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(900)	(900)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(900)	(900)	0
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			130,752
Issuances of restricted stock	0		$ 0	0			0	0		0		0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(115)		$ 0	(115)			0	0		0		0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - shares			(8,888)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	4,550	4,550	$ 2	0	46	4,504	4,548	0	0	0	0	0
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		(25,319)			(253)	(25,066)			0		0
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(13,950)		0	0			0	0		0		(13,950)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0	0	0	(6)	(616)	0	0	0	622	622	(622)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	480,263	480,263	0	0	4,803	475,460	0	0	0	0	0	480,263
Other comprehensive loss	(7,817)	(7,817)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	(7,817)	(7,817)	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	$ 472,446	472,446
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2016	98,570,974		98,570,974
Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 2,088,776	$ 2,059,841	$ 986	$ 28,935	$ 20,537	$ 2,033,235	$ 2,693,755	$ (11,628)	$ (11,628)	$ 17,697	$ 17,697	$ (640,969)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 480,263	$ 47,726
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	108,811	101,548
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	(1,179)	9
Share-based compensation expense	4,550	5,067
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	1,218	1,174
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	(212)	(268)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,801	1,628
Amortization of cash flow hedges	1,578	1,849
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	(116)	84
Losses on debt extinguishment	0	220
Net gains on disposition of property	(424,754)	(3,569)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(2,202)	(3,587)
Changes in financing obligation	0	162
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,095	3,438
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(181)	1,723
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,297)	(4,365)
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	(13,600)	(11,417)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(13,970)	(19,127)
Net cash provided by operating activities	137,805	122,295
Investing activities:
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	(9,058)	(4,277)
Investments in development in-process	(74,668)	(44,601)
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	(42,954)	(61,282)
Investments in building improvements	(31,677)	(23,513)
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	675,003	6,070
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	2,118	10,077
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	(7,818)	(1,772)
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	155	9,221
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	(105)	0
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	(257,181)	(6,741)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	253,815	(116,818)
Financing activities:
Dividends on Common Stock	(82,272)	(79,526)
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(115)	(10)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(1,253)	(1,253)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(2,463)	(2,485)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(900)	(751)
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock	110,158	47,678
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Stock	(1,629)	(735)
Repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings	(4,057)	(3,727)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	153,800	183,900
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(169,800)	(233,900)
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	0	125,000
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	(394,738)	(41,887)
Payments on financing obligation	0	(162)
Changes in debt issuance costs and other financing activities	(943)	(1,512)
Net cash used in financing activities	(394,212)	(9,370)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(2,592)	(3,893)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	5,036	8,832
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	2,444	4,939
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	38,222	40,540
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(9,395)	(2,645)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,558	1,206
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	9,227	(3,250)
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	21,948	31,011
Write-off of fully amortized debt issuance and leasing costs	11,690	17,812
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	15,042	(11,475)
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	0	194
Assumption of mortgages and notes payable related to acquisition activities	0	19,277
Contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of land	0	900
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Operating activities:
Net income	480,263	47,726
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	108,811	101,548
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	(1,179)	9
Share-based compensation expense	4,550	5,067
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	1,218	1,174
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	(212)	(268)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,801	1,628
Amortization of cash flow hedges	1,578	1,849
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	(116)	84
Losses on debt extinguishment	0	220
Net gains on disposition of property	(424,754)	(3,569)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(2,202)	(3,587)
Changes in financing obligation	0	162
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	1,095	3,438
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(181)	1,723
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,297)	(4,365)
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	(13,600)	(11,417)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(13,970)	(19,041)
Net cash provided by operating activities	137,805	122,381
Investing activities:
Investments in acquired real estate and related intangible assets, net of cash acquired	(9,058)	(4,277)
Investments in development in-process	(74,668)	(44,601)
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	(42,954)	(61,282)
Investments in building improvements	(31,677)	(23,513)
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	675,003	6,070
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	2,118	10,077
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	(7,818)	(1,772)
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	155	9,221
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	(105)	0
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	(257,181)	(6,741)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	253,815	(116,818)
Financing activities:
Distributions on Common Units	(84,387)	(81,663)
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Units	(115)	(10)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(1,253)	(1,253)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(900)	(751)
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Units	110,158	47,678
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Units	(1,629)	(735)
Repurchase of units related to tax withholdings	(4,057)	(3,727)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	153,800	183,900
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(169,800)	(233,900)
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	0	125,000
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	(394,738)	(41,887)
Payments on financing obligation	0	(162)
Changes in debt issuance costs and other financing activities	(1,291)	(2,052)
Net cash used in financing activities	(394,212)	(9,562)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(2,592)	(3,999)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	5,036	8,938
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	2,444	4,939
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	38,222	40,540
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(9,395)	(2,645)
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	9,227	(3,250)
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	21,948	31,011
Write-off of fully amortized debt issuance and leasing costs	11,690	17,812
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value	24,971	(13,788)
Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond	0	194
Assumption of mortgages and notes payable related to acquisition activities	0	19,277
Contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of land	$ 0	$ 900

Description of Business and Sig

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and for third parties. The Company conducts its activities through Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”). At June 30, 2016 , we owned or had an interest in 31.1 million rentable square feet of in-service properties, 1.1 million rentable square feet of properties under development and approximately 500 acres of development land. The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. At June 30, 2016 , the Company owned all of the Preferred Units and 98.2 million , or 97.2% , of the Common Units in the Operating Partnership. Limited partners owned the remaining 2.9 million Common Units. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company redeemed 32,328 Common Units for a like number of shares of Common Stock. Common Stock Offerings During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company issued 1,022,575 and 2,077,071 shares, respectively, of Common Stock under its equity distribution agreements at an average gross sales price of $48.90 and $47.36 per share, respectively, and received net proceeds, after sales commissions, of $49.3 million and $96.9 million , respectively. As a result of this activity and the redemptions discussed above, the percentage of Common Units owned by the Company increased from 97.1% at December 31, 2015 to 97.2% at June 30, 2016 . Basis of Presentation Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reclassify 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. In addition, we consolidate those entities deemed to be variable interest entities in which we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. At June 30, 2016 , we had involvement with, but are not the primary beneficiary in, an entity that we concluded to be a variable interest entity. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying unaudited consolidated financial information, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have condensed or omitted certain notes and other information from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – Continued Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recently Issued Accounting Standards The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") that requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that we identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when we satisfy the performance obligations. We will also be required to disclose information regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018. 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 ASU. The FASB recently issued an ASU that amended consolidation requirements. The amendments significantly change the consolidation analysis required under GAAP and require companies to reevaluate all previous consolidation conclusions. We adopted the ASU as of January 1, 2016 and there was no impact to consolidated entities included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. However, in reevaluating our previous consolidation conclusions upon adoption of the ASU, we determined our 12.5% equity interest in an unconsolidated affiliate to be an interest in a variable interest entity because certain of its limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. We do not qualify as the primary beneficiary since our obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits of the variable interest entity is less than that of the other general partner. Accordingly, the entity is not consolidated. At June 30, 2016 , our maximum exposure to loss with respect to this arrangement is limited to the $1.6 million carrying value of our 12.5% investment in the unconsolidated affiliate. The FASB recently issued an ASU that requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability to which they relate, consistent with debt discounts, as opposed to being presented as assets. For debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities, the FASB allows the presentation of debt issuance costs as an asset. We adopted the ASU as of January 1, 2016 with retrospective application to our December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The effect of the adoption was to reclassify debt issuance costs from deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization, as follows: $7.8 million to a contra account as a deduction from the related mortgages and notes payable and $2.1 million to prepaid expenses and other assets. There was no effect on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The FASB recently issued an ASU which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The ASU requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to the existing guidance and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB recently issued an ASU that requires, among other things, the use of a new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model in determining our allowances for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable, accrued straight-line rents receivable and mortgages and notes receivable. The CECL model requires that we estimate our lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. We will also be required to disclose information about how we developed the allowances, including changes in the factors (e.g., portfolio mix, credit trends, unemployment, gross domestic product, etc.) that influenced our estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes. We will apply the ASU’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption in 2020. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU.

Real Estate Assets

Real Estate Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Assets	Real Estate Assets Acquisitions During the second quarter of 2016, we acquired 14 acres of development land in Nashville, TN for a purchase price, including acquisition costs, of $9.1 million . Dispositions During the second quarter of 2016, we sold a building for a sale price of $14.2 million and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $5.9 million . During the first quarter of 2016, we sold: • substantially all of our wholly-owned Country Club Plaza assets in Kansas City (which we refer to as the “Plaza assets”) for a sale price of $660.0 million (before closing credits to buyer of $4.8 million ). We recorded gains on disposition of discontinued operations of $414.5 million and a gain on disposition of property of $1.3 million related to the land; • a 32,000 square foot building for a sale price of $4.7 million (before closing credits to buyer of $0.1 million ) and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $1.1 million . The buyer, which leased 79% of the building, is a family business controlled by a director of the Company. The sale price exceeded the value set forth in an appraisal performed by a reputable independent commercial real estate services firm that has no relationship with the director or any of his affiliates; and • a building for a sale price of $6.4 million (before closing credits to buyer of $0.5 million ) and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $2.0 million .

Mortgages and Notes Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Receivable	Mortgages and Notes Receivable Mortgages and notes receivable were $10.0 million and $2.1 million at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. We evaluate the ability to collect our mortgages and notes receivable by monitoring the leasing statistics and/or market fundamentals of these assets. As of June 30, 2016 , our mortgages and notes receivable were not in default and there were no other indicators of impairment.

Investments In and Advances To

Investments In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliates	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliates	Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates We have equity interests of up to 50.0% in various joint ventures with unrelated third parties that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting because we have the ability to exercise significant influence over their operating and financial policies. The following table sets forth the summarized income statements of our unconsolidated affiliates: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Income Statements: Rental and other revenues $ 11,210 $ 12,423 $ 21,982 $ 24,654 Expenses: Rental property and other expenses 4,573 6,031 9,288 11,698 Depreciation and amortization 2,656 3,110 5,403 6,225 Interest expense 1,342 2,032 2,719 4,181 Total expenses 8,571 11,173 17,410 22,104 Income before disposition of property 2,639 1,250 4,572 2,550 Gains on disposition of property — 16,054 902 18,181 Net income $ 2,639 $ 17,304 $ 5,474 $ 20,731 4. Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates - Continued During the first quarter of 2016, Concourse Center Associates, LLC (a joint venture in which we own a 50.0% interest) sold two buildings and land to an unrelated third party for an aggregate sale price of $11.0 million and recorded losses on disposition of property of $0.1 million . As our cost basis was different from the basis reflected at the joint venture level, we recorded $0.4 million of gains through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Simultaneously with the sale, the joint venture repaid all $6.6 million of its secured debt. During the first quarter of 2016, 4600 Madison Associates, LP (a joint venture in which we own a 12.5% interest) sold land to an unrelated third party for a sale price of $3.4 million and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $1.0 million . We recorded $0.1 million as our share of this gain through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Simultaneously with the sale, the joint venture used all of the proceeds to pay down $3.4 million on its secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 6.85% .

Intangible Assets and Below Mar

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization: June 30, December 31, Assets: Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets) $ 346,294 $ 346,937 Less accumulated amortization (129,252 ) (115,172 ) $ 217,042 $ 231,765 Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities): Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities $ 63,400 $ 63,830 Less accumulated amortization (22,057 ) (17,927 ) $ 41,343 $ 45,903 The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization) $ 11,731 $ 9,888 $ 23,066 $ 19,889 Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues) $ 390 $ 412 $ 1,101 $ 763 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues) $ 972 $ 1,189 $ 2,003 $ 2,355 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses) $ 139 $ 139 $ 277 $ 276 Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues) $ (2,788 ) $ (1,674 ) $ (4,560 ) $ (3,406 ) 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 Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) July 1 through December 31, 2016 $ 22,822 $ 680 $ 1,848 $ 276 $ (3,520 ) 2017 39,636 1,306 2,639 553 (6,207 ) 2018 32,768 1,203 1,704 553 (6,014 ) 2019 27,057 993 1,304 553 (5,524 ) 2020 22,465 756 988 525 (5,196 ) Thereafter 51,660 2,193 2,560 — (14,882 ) $ 196,408 $ 7,131 $ 11,043 $ 2,460 $ (41,343 ) Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of June 30, 2016 (in years) 6.6 7.2 6.2 4.5 7.6

Mortgages and Notes Payable

Mortgages and Notes Payable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Payable	Mortgages and Notes Payable The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable: June 30, December 31, Secured indebtedness $ 130,001 $ 175,281 Unsecured indebtedness 1,958,739 2,324,333 Less-unamortized debt issuance costs (6,533 ) (7,801 ) Total mortgages and notes payable, net $ 2,082,207 $ 2,491,813 At June 30, 2016 , our secured mortgage loans were collateralized by real estate assets with an aggregate undepreciated book value of $ 244.6 million . Our $ 475.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility is scheduled to mature in January 2018 and includes an accordion feature that allows for an additional $ 75.0 million of borrowing capacity subject to additional lender commitments. Assuming no defaults have occurred, we have an option to extend the maturity for two additional six-month periods. The interest rate at our current credit ratings is LIBOR plus 110 basis points and the annual facility fee is 20 basis points. There was $ 283.0 million and $ 272.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at June 30, 2016 and July 25, 2016 , respectively. At both June 30, 2016 and July 25, 2016 , we had $ 0.2 million of outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the availability on our revolving credit facility. As a result, the unused capacity of our revolving credit facility at June 30, 2016 and July 25, 2016 was $ 191.8 million and $ 202.8 million , respectively. During the second quarter of 2016, we prepaid without penalty the remaining $43.6 million balance on a secured mortgage loan with an effective interest rate of 7.5% that was originally scheduled to mature in August 2016 . During the second quarter of 2016, we executed a $150.0 million , 67 -month unsecured term loan facility. The term loan facility is originally scheduled to mature in January 2022 . The interest rate on the term loan facility at our current credit ratings is LIBOR plus 110 basis points . The purpose of the term loan facility is to repay amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility and other general corporate purposes. There were no borrowings outstanding under our term loan facility at June 30, 2016 and July 25, 2016 . 6. Mortgages and Notes Payable - Continued During the first quarter of 2016, we prepaid without penalty the $350.0 million balance on our unsecured bridge facility that was originally scheduled to mature in March 2016 . We are currently in compliance with financial covenants and other requirements with respect to our consolidated debt.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments During the first quarter of 2016, we obtained $150.0 million notional amount of forward-starting swaps that effectively lock the underlying 10 -year treasury rate at 1.90% with respect to a forecasted debt issuance expected to occur prior to March 15, 2017. The counterparties under the swaps are major financial institutions. Our interest rate swaps have been designated as and are being accounted for as cash flow hedges with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income/(loss) each reporting period. No gain or loss was recognized related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on our cash flow hedges during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 . We have no collateral requirements related to our interest rate swaps. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the period from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 , we estimate that $4.0 million will be reclassified to interest expense. The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives: June 30, December 31, Derivatives: Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 11,049 $ 3,073 The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on AOCL and interest expense: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ (5,760 ) $ 269 $ (9,395 ) $ (2,645 ) Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 783 $ 925 $ 1,578 $ 1,849

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates At June 30, 2016 , our noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates relate to our joint venture partner's 50.0% interest in office properties in Richmond, VA. Our joint venture partner is an unrelated third party. Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 126,429 $ 130,048 Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value 15,042 (11,475 ) Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock (1,558 ) (1,206 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 13,950 1,378 Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership (2,463 ) (2,485 ) Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 151,400 $ 116,260 The following table sets forth net income available for common stockholders and transfers from the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,648 $ 25,155 $ 464,438 $ 44,471 Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units 1,558 — 1,558 1,206 Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ 33,206 $ 25,155 $ 465,996 $ 45,677

Disclosure About Fair Value of

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that we use to measure fair value. Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Our Level 1 asset is our investment in marketable securities that we use to pay benefits under our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Our Level 1 liability is our non-qualified deferred compensation obligation. The Company's Level 1 noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership relate to the ownership of Common Units by various individuals and entities other than the Company. Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities. Our Level 2 asset is the fair value of our mortgages and notes receivable. Our Level 2 liabilities include the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable and interest rate swaps. The fair value of mortgages and notes receivable and mortgages and notes payable is estimated by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to approximate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments of interest rate swaps are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments are considered in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk, but were concluded to not be significant inputs to the calculation for the periods presented. Level 3. Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Our Level 3 asset included our tax increment financing bond, which was not routinely traded but whose fair value was determined by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to estimate the projected redemption value based on quoted bid/ask prices for similar unrated municipal bonds. Our Level 3 liability was the fair value of our financing obligation, which was estimated by the income approach to approximate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants, utilizing: (1) contractual cash flows; (2) market-based interest rates; and (3) a number of other assumptions including demand for space, competition for customers, changes in market rental rates, costs of operation and expected ownership periods. 9. Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities and the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that are measured at fair value within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Fair Value at June 30, 2016: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 9,971 $ — $ 9,971 $ — Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,572 2,572 — — Total Assets $ 12,543 $ 2,572 $ 9,971 $ — Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 151,400 $ 151,400 $ — $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,120,627 $ — $ 2,120,627 $ — Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 11,049 — 11,049 — Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,572 2,572 — — Total Liabilities $ 2,134,248 $ 2,572 $ 2,131,676 $ — Fair Value at December 31, 2015: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 2,096 $ — $ 2,096 $ — Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,736 2,736 — — Tax increment financing bond (in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale) (2) 11,197 — — 11,197 Total Assets $ 16,029 $ 2,736 $ 2,096 $ 11,197 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 126,429 $ 126,429 $ — $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,517,589 $ — $ 2,517,589 $ — Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 3,073 — 3,073 — Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,736 2,736 — — Financing obligation, at fair value (in liabilities held for sale) (1) (2) 7,402 — — 7,402 Total Liabilities $ 2,530,800 $ 2,736 $ 2,520,662 $ 7,402 __________ (1) Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . (2) Sold during the first quarter of 2016 in conjunction with the sales of the Plaza assets. 9. Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset, which was recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Asset: Tax Increment Financing Bond: Beginning balance $ — $ 12,640 $ 11,197 $ 12,447 Assigned to the buyer of the Plaza assets — — (11,197 ) — Unrealized gains (in AOCL) — 1 — 194 Ending balance $ — $ 12,641 $ — $ 12,641 During 2007, we acquired a tax increment financing bond associated with a parking garage developed by us, which was assigned in conjunction with the sales of the Plaza assets in the first quarter of 2016. The estimated fair value at the date of sale was equal to the outstanding principal amount due on the bond. The following table sets forth quantitative information about the unobservable input of our Level 3 asset, which was recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets: Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Rate as of December 31, Asset: Tax increment financing bond Income approach Discount rate 6.93%

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company granted 244,664 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 $ 4.61 . During the six months ended June 30, 2016 , the Company also granted 72,698 shares of time-based restricted stock and 58,054 shares of total return-based restricted stock with weighted average grant date fair values per share of $ 43.59 and $ 41.37 , respectively. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $1.0 million and $1.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and $ 4.6 million and $ 5.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At June 30, 2016 , there was $6.8 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation costs, which will be recognized over a weighted average remaining contractual term of 2.6 years.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table sets forth the components of AOCL: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Tax increment financing bond: Beginning balance $ — $ (252 ) $ — $ (445 ) Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond — 1 — 194 Ending balance — (251 ) — (251 ) Cash flow hedges: Beginning balance (6,651 ) (5,457 ) (3,811 ) (3,467 ) Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges (5,760 ) 269 (9,395 ) (2,645 ) Amortization of cash flow hedges (1) 783 925 1,578 1,849 Ending balance (11,628 ) (4,263 ) (11,628 ) (4,263 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (11,628 ) $ (4,514 ) $ (11,628 ) $ (4,514 ) __________ (1) Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real Estate, Other Assets and L

Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations	Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations The following tables set forth the assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations at December 31, 2015 , the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 as well as assets held for sale at June 30, 2016 : June 30, December 31, Assets: Land $ — $ 16,681 Buildings and tenant improvements — 322,811 Land held for development 2,230 1,089 Less-accumulated depreciation — (131,274 ) Net real estate assets 2,230 209,307 Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net — 11,730 Deferred leasing costs, net — 6,690 Prepaid expenses and other assets, net 157 13,221 Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale $ 2,387 $ 240,948 Liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ — $ (6,717 ) Financing obligation — (7,402 ) Liabilities held for sale $ — $ (14,119 ) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Rental and other revenues $ — $ 12,593 $ 8,484 $ 24,667 Operating expenses: Rental property and other expenses — 4,908 3,334 9,907 Depreciation and amortization — 3,312 — 6,753 General and administrative — 227 1,388 421 Total operating expenses — 8,447 4,722 17,081 Interest expense — 155 85 336 Other income — 679 420 1,335 Income from discontinued operations — 4,670 4,097 8,585 Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations — — 414,496 — Total income from discontinued operations $ — $ 4,670 $ 418,593 $ 8,585 Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Cash flows from operating activities $ 2,040 $ 14,629 Cash flows from investing activities $ 417,097 $ (6,897 )

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share and Per Unit	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations (939 ) (641 ) (1,685 ) (1,117 ) Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders 31,648 20,626 58,110 36,147 Income from discontinued operations — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations — (141 ) (12,265 ) (261 ) Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4,529 406,328 8,324 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,648 $ 25,155 $ 464,438 $ 44,471 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 97,648 94,055 97,010 93,641 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 0.05 4.19 0.08 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.27 $ 4.79 $ 0.47 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 32,587 21,267 59,795 37,264 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 32,587 $ 25,937 $ 478,388 $ 45,849 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 97,648 94,055 97,010 93,641 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 90 84 87 104 Noncontrolling interests Common Units 2,890 2,910 2,895 2,921 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) 100,628 97,049 99,992 96,666 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 0.05 4.18 0.08 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.27 $ 4.78 $ 0.47 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable. 13. Earnings Per Share and Per Unit - Continued The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,587 21,267 59,795 37,264 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,587 $ 25,937 $ 478,388 $ 45,849 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 100,129 96,556 99,496 96,153 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 0.05 4.21 0.09 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.27 $ 4.81 $ 0.48 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,587 21,267 59,795 37,264 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,587 $ 25,937 $ 478,388 $ 45,849 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 100,129 96,556 99,496 96,153 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 90 84 87 104 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) 100,219 96,640 99,583 96,257 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 0.05 4.20 0.09 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.27 $ 4.80 $ 0.48 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments. Our segment information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 has been retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect a change in our reportable segments. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Rental and Other Revenues: Office: Atlanta, GA $ 34,652 $ 25,611 $ 67,848 $ 50,393 Greensboro, NC 5,037 5,398 10,184 10,838 Memphis, TN 11,931 12,050 23,945 23,784 Nashville, TN 24,415 21,770 47,781 43,586 Orlando, FL 11,197 10,948 22,682 21,782 Pittsburgh, PA 14,195 14,719 29,335 29,268 Raleigh, NC 28,024 25,541 56,246 48,982 Richmond, VA 10,937 10,203 22,006 20,787 Tampa, FL 22,814 18,602 44,252 37,029 Total Office Segment 163,202 144,842 324,279 286,449 Other 3,658 3,701 7,440 7,330 Total Rental and Other Revenues $ 166,860 $ 148,543 $ 331,719 $ 293,779 14. Segment Information - Continued Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net Operating Income: Office: Atlanta, GA $ 21,911 $ 15,663 $ 42,963 $ 31,030 Greensboro, NC 3,209 3,516 6,357 6,942 Memphis, TN 7,398 7,641 14,813 15,030 Nashville, TN 17,613 15,480 34,428 30,712 Orlando, FL 6,320 6,348 13,005 12,831 Pittsburgh, PA 8,108 8,670 16,711 16,632 Raleigh, NC 20,156 18,358 40,410 34,629 Richmond, VA 7,687 6,932 15,116 13,812 Tampa, FL 14,361 11,020 27,688 22,240 Total Office Segment 106,763 93,628 211,491 183,858 Other 2,582 2,545 5,133 5,037 Total Net Operating Income 109,345 96,173 216,624 188,895 Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates: Depreciation and amortization (55,317 ) (47,928 ) (108,811 ) (94,795 ) General and administrative expenses (8,327 ) (8,665 ) (19,464 ) (19,908 ) Interest expense (19,485 ) (21,847 ) (40,190 ) (43,089 ) Other income 534 300 1,051 882 Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates $ 26,750 $ 18,033 $ 49,210 $ 31,985

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On July 1, 2016, we acquired fee simple title to the land underneath one of our buildings in Pittsburgh, PA that was previously subject to a ground lease for a purchase price of $18.5 million . We expect to expense $0.5 million of acquisition costs (included in general and administrative expenses) related to this acquisition. On July 18, 2016, 4600 Madison Associates, LP (a joint venture in which we own a 12.5% interest) sold a building to an unrelated third party for a sale price of $32.7 million and expects to record a gain on disposition of property of $21.3 million . As our cost basis was different from the basis reflected at the joint venture level, we expect to record $1.9 million of gain through equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. Simultaneously with the sale, the joint venture used a portion of the proceeds to pay off $6.3 million of debt.

Description of Business and S23

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reclassify 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. In addition, we consolidate those entities deemed to be variable interest entities in which we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. At June 30, 2016 , we had involvement with, but are not the primary beneficiary in, an entity that we concluded to be a variable interest entity. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying unaudited consolidated financial information, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have condensed or omitted certain notes and other information from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") recently issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") that requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that we identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when we satisfy the performance obligations. We will also be required to disclose information regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018. 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 ASU. The FASB recently issued an ASU that amended consolidation requirements. The amendments significantly change the consolidation analysis required under GAAP and require companies to reevaluate all previous consolidation conclusions. We adopted the ASU as of January 1, 2016 and there was no impact to consolidated entities included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. However, in reevaluating our previous consolidation conclusions upon adoption of the ASU, we determined our 12.5% equity interest in an unconsolidated affiliate to be an interest in a variable interest entity because certain of its limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. We do not qualify as the primary beneficiary since our obligation to absorb losses and receive benefits of the variable interest entity is less than that of the other general partner. Accordingly, the entity is not consolidated. At June 30, 2016 , our maximum exposure to loss with respect to this arrangement is limited to the $1.6 million carrying value of our 12.5% investment in the unconsolidated affiliate. The FASB recently issued an ASU that requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability to which they relate, consistent with debt discounts, as opposed to being presented as assets. For debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facilities, the FASB allows the presentation of debt issuance costs as an asset. We adopted the ASU as of January 1, 2016 with retrospective application to our December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The effect of the adoption was to reclassify debt issuance costs from deferred financing and leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization, as follows: $7.8 million to a contra account as a deduction from the related mortgages and notes payable and $2.1 million to prepaid expenses and other assets. There was no effect on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The FASB recently issued an ASU which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The ASU requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to the existing guidance and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB recently issued an ASU that requires, among other things, the use of a new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model in determining our allowances for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable, accrued straight-line rents receivable and mortgages and notes receivable. The CECL model requires that we estimate our lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. We will also be required to disclose information about how we developed the allowances, including changes in the factors (e.g., portfolio mix, credit trends, unemployment, gross domestic product, etc.) that influenced our estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes. We will apply the ASU’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption in 2020. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU.

Investments In and Advances T24

Investments In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments Summarized Income Statement Information [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the summarized income statements of our unconsolidated affiliates: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Income Statements: Rental and other revenues $ 11,210 $ 12,423 $ 21,982 $ 24,654 Expenses: Rental property and other expenses 4,573 6,031 9,288 11,698 Depreciation and amortization 2,656 3,110 5,403 6,225 Interest expense 1,342 2,032 2,719 4,181 Total expenses 8,571 11,173 17,410 22,104 Income before disposition of property 2,639 1,250 4,572 2,550 Gains on disposition of property — 16,054 902 18,181 Net income $ 2,639 $ 17,304 $ 5,474 $ 20,731

Intangible Assets and Below M25

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Total intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization: June 30, December 31, Assets: Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets) $ 346,294 $ 346,937 Less accumulated amortization (129,252 ) (115,172 ) $ 217,042 $ 231,765 Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities): Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities $ 63,400 $ 63,830 Less accumulated amortization (22,057 ) (17,927 ) $ 41,343 $ 45,903
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization) $ 11,731 $ 9,888 $ 23,066 $ 19,889 Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues) $ 390 $ 412 $ 1,101 $ 763 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues) $ 972 $ 1,189 $ 2,003 $ 2,355 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses) $ 139 $ 139 $ 277 $ 276 Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues) $ (2,788 ) $ (1,674 ) $ (4,560 ) $ (3,406 )
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Amortization of Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) July 1 through December 31, 2016 $ 22,822 $ 680 $ 1,848 $ 276 $ (3,520 ) 2017 39,636 1,306 2,639 553 (6,207 ) 2018 32,768 1,203 1,704 553 (6,014 ) 2019 27,057 993 1,304 553 (5,524 ) 2020 22,465 756 988 525 (5,196 ) Thereafter 51,660 2,193 2,560 — (14,882 ) $ 196,408 $ 7,131 $ 11,043 $ 2,460 $ (41,343 ) Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of June 30, 2016 (in years) 6.6 7.2 6.2 4.5 7.6

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Ta

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Consolidated Mortgages and Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable: June 30, December 31, Secured indebtedness $ 130,001 $ 175,281 Unsecured indebtedness 1,958,739 2,324,333 Less-unamortized debt issuance costs (6,533 ) (7,801 ) Total mortgages and notes payable, net $ 2,082,207 $ 2,491,813

Derivative Financial Instrume27

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the fair value of our derivatives: June 30, December 31, Derivatives: Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 11,049 $ 3,073
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on AOCL and interest expense: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ (5,760 ) $ 269 $ (9,395 ) $ (2,645 ) Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 783 $ 925 $ 1,578 $ 1,849

Noncontrolling Interests (Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables) - Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 126,429 $ 130,048 Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value 15,042 (11,475 ) Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock (1,558 ) (1,206 ) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 13,950 1,378 Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership (2,463 ) (2,485 ) Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 151,400 $ 116,260
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth net income available for common stockholders and transfers from the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,648 $ 25,155 $ 464,438 $ 44,471 Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units 1,558 — 1,558 1,206 Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ 33,206 $ 25,155 $ 465,996 $ 45,677

Disclosure About Fair Value o29

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Fair Value at June 30, 2016: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 9,971 $ — $ 9,971 $ — Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,572 2,572 — — Total Assets $ 12,543 $ 2,572 $ 9,971 $ — Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 151,400 $ 151,400 $ — $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,120,627 $ — $ 2,120,627 $ — Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 11,049 — 11,049 — Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,572 2,572 — — Total Liabilities $ 2,134,248 $ 2,572 $ 2,131,676 $ — Fair Value at December 31, 2015: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 2,096 $ — $ 2,096 $ — Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,736 2,736 — — Tax increment financing bond (in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale) (2) 11,197 — — 11,197 Total Assets $ 16,029 $ 2,736 $ 2,096 $ 11,197 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 126,429 $ 126,429 $ — $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,517,589 $ — $ 2,517,589 $ — Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 3,073 — 3,073 — Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,736 2,736 — — Financing obligation, at fair value (in liabilities held for sale) (1) (2) 7,402 — — 7,402 Total Liabilities $ 2,530,800 $ 2,736 $ 2,520,662 $ 7,402 __________ (1) Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . (2) Sold during the first quarter of 2016 in conjunction with the sales of the Plaza assets.
Fair Value Measurements, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the changes in our Level 3 asset, which was recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Asset: Tax Increment Financing Bond: Beginning balance $ — $ 12,640 $ 11,197 $ 12,447 Assigned to the buyer of the Plaza assets — — (11,197 ) — Unrealized gains (in AOCL) — 1 — 194 Ending balance $ — $ 12,641 $ — $ 12,641
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 was recorded at fair value on our Consolidated Balance Sheets: Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Rate as of December 31, Asset: Tax increment financing bond Income approach Discount rate 6.93%

Accumulated Other Comprehensi30

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the components of AOCL: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Tax increment financing bond: Beginning balance $ — $ (252 ) $ — $ (445 ) Unrealized gains on tax increment financing bond — 1 — 194 Ending balance — (251 ) — (251 ) Cash flow hedges: Beginning balance (6,651 ) (5,457 ) (3,811 ) (3,467 ) Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges (5,760 ) 269 (9,395 ) (2,645 ) Amortization of cash flow hedges (1) 783 925 1,578 1,849 Ending balance (11,628 ) (4,263 ) (11,628 ) (4,263 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (11,628 ) $ (4,514 ) $ (11,628 ) $ (4,514 ) __________ (1) Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real Estate, Other Assets and31

Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Real Estate and Other Assets of the Properties Classified As Held For Sale [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth the assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations at December 31, 2015 , the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 as well as assets held for sale at June 30, 2016 : June 30, December 31, Assets: Land $ — $ 16,681 Buildings and tenant improvements — 322,811 Land held for development 2,230 1,089 Less-accumulated depreciation — (131,274 ) Net real estate assets 2,230 209,307 Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net — 11,730 Deferred leasing costs, net — 6,690 Prepaid expenses and other assets, net 157 13,221 Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale $ 2,387 $ 240,948 Liabilities: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ — $ (6,717 ) Financing obligation — (7,402 ) Liabilities held for sale $ — $ (14,119 )
Operations Classified as Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Rental and other revenues $ — $ 12,593 $ 8,484 $ 24,667 Operating expenses: Rental property and other expenses — 4,908 3,334 9,907 Depreciation and amortization — 3,312 — 6,753 General and administrative — 227 1,388 421 Total operating expenses — 8,447 4,722 17,081 Interest expense — 155 85 336 Other income — 679 420 1,335 Income from discontinued operations — 4,670 4,097 8,585 Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations — — 414,496 — Total income from discontinued operations $ — $ 4,670 $ 418,593 $ 8,585 Six Months Ended 2016 2015 Cash flows from operating activities $ 2,040 $ 14,629 Cash flows from investing activities $ 417,097 $ (6,897 )

Earnings Per Share and Per Un32

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share and Per Unit Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations (939 ) (641 ) (1,685 ) (1,117 ) Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders 31,648 20,626 58,110 36,147 Income from discontinued operations — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations — (141 ) (12,265 ) (261 ) Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4,529 406,328 8,324 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,648 $ 25,155 $ 464,438 $ 44,471 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 97,648 94,055 97,010 93,641 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 0.05 4.19 0.08 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.27 $ 4.79 $ 0.47 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 32,587 21,267 59,795 37,264 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 32,587 $ 25,937 $ 478,388 $ 45,849 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 97,648 94,055 97,010 93,641 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 90 84 87 104 Noncontrolling interests Common Units 2,890 2,910 2,895 2,921 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) 100,628 97,049 99,992 96,666 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 0.05 4.18 0.08 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.32 $ 0.27 $ 4.78 $ 0.47 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings Per Share and Per Unit Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings Per Unit [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,587 21,267 59,795 37,264 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,587 $ 25,937 $ 478,388 $ 45,849 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 100,129 96,556 99,496 96,153 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 0.05 4.21 0.09 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.27 $ 4.81 $ 0.48 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,528 $ 22,221 $ 61,670 $ 39,141 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (314 ) (328 ) (622 ) (624 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (627 ) (626 ) (1,253 ) (1,253 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,587 21,267 59,795 37,264 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4,670 418,593 8,585 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,587 $ 25,937 $ 478,388 $ 45,849 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 100,129 96,556 99,496 96,153 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 90 84 87 104 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) 100,219 96,640 99,583 96,257 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.22 $ 0.60 $ 0.39 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 0.05 4.20 0.09 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.33 $ 0.27 $ 4.80 $ 0.48 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments. Our segment information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 has been retrospectively revised from previously reported amounts to reflect a change in our reportable segments. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Rental and Other Revenues: Office: Atlanta, GA $ 34,652 $ 25,611 $ 67,848 $ 50,393 Greensboro, NC 5,037 5,398 10,184 10,838 Memphis, TN 11,931 12,050 23,945 23,784 Nashville, TN 24,415 21,770 47,781 43,586 Orlando, FL 11,197 10,948 22,682 21,782 Pittsburgh, PA 14,195 14,719 29,335 29,268 Raleigh, NC 28,024 25,541 56,246 48,982 Richmond, VA 10,937 10,203 22,006 20,787 Tampa, FL 22,814 18,602 44,252 37,029 Total Office Segment 163,202 144,842 324,279 286,449 Other 3,658 3,701 7,440 7,330 Total Rental and Other Revenues $ 166,860 $ 148,543 $ 331,719 $ 293,779 14. Segment Information - Continued Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net Operating Income: Office: Atlanta, GA $ 21,911 $ 15,663 $ 42,963 $ 31,030 Greensboro, NC 3,209 3,516 6,357 6,942 Memphis, TN 7,398 7,641 14,813 15,030 Nashville, TN 17,613 15,480 34,428 30,712 Orlando, FL 6,320 6,348 13,005 12,831 Pittsburgh, PA 8,108 8,670 16,711 16,632 Raleigh, NC 20,156 18,358 40,410 34,629 Richmond, VA 7,687 6,932 15,116 13,812 Tampa, FL 14,361 11,020 27,688 22,240 Total Office Segment 106,763 93,628 211,491 183,858 Other 2,582 2,545 5,133 5,037 Total Net Operating Income 109,345 96,173 216,624 188,895 Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates: Depreciation and amortization (55,317 ) (47,928 ) (108,811 ) (94,795 ) General and administrative expenses (8,327 ) (8,665 ) (19,464 ) (19,908 ) Interest expense (19,485 ) (21,847 ) (40,190 ) (43,089 ) Other income 534 300 1,051 882 Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates $ 26,750 $ 18,033 $ 49,210 $ 31,985

Description of Business and S34

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, ft² in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)aft²$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)aft²$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties (in sq feet) | ft²	31.1	31.1
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties under development (in sq feet) | ft²	1.1	1.1
Undeveloped land suitable for development (in acres) | a	500	500
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period		$ 104,472	$ 43,216
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%	50.00%
Carrying value of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$ 19,786	$ 19,786		$ 20,676
Debt issuance costs reclassified to contra liability account	2,082,207	2,082,207		2,491,813
Debt issuance costs reclassified to prepaid expenses and other assets	$ 40,008	$ 40,008		26,649
Reclassified Debt Issuance Costs Member
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs reclassified to contra liability account				7,800
Debt issuance costs reclassified to prepaid expenses and other assets				$ 2,100
Unconsolidated Affiliate VIE Member
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)	12.50%	12.50%
Carrying value of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$ 1,600	$ 1,600
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares) | shares	98,200,000	98,200,000
Percentage of ownership of Common Units (in hundredths)	97.20%	97.20%		97.10%
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares) | shares		32,328
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares) | shares	1,022,575	2,077,071
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 48.90	$ 47.36
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period	$ 49,300	$ 96,900
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership not owned by the Company (in shares) | shares	2,900,000	2,900,000
Carrying value of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	$ 19,786	$ 19,786		$ 20,676
Debt issuance costs reclassified to contra liability account	2,082,207	2,082,207		2,491,813
Debt issuance costs reclassified to prepaid expenses and other assets	$ 40,008	$ 40,008		$ 26,649

Real Estate Assets (Details)

Real Estate Assets (Details) ft² in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)aft²	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)ft²	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)aft²	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisition of development land (in acres) | a	500			500
Dispositions [Abstract]
Gains on disposition of discontinued operations	$ 0		$ 0	$ 414,496	$ 0
Gains on disposition of property	$ 5,861		$ 2,412	$ 10,258	$ 3,569
Rentable square feet of building (in sq feet) | ft²	31,100			31,100
Nashville TN Land Acquisition (6/2016) [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisition of development land (in acres) | a	14			14
Acquisition purchase price	$ 9,100
Division Exit [Member]
Dispositions [Abstract]
Purchase price of real estate		$ 660,000
Gains on disposition of discontinued operations		414,500
Gains on disposition of property		1,300
Disposition closing credits excluded		4,800
Related Party Office Building Disposition [Member]
Dispositions [Abstract]
Purchase price of real estate		4,700
Gains on disposition of property		$ 1,100
Rentable square feet of building (in sq feet) | ft²		32
Buyer occupancy percentage (in hundredths)		79.00%
Disposition closing credits excluded		$ 100
Building Dispositions [Member]
Dispositions [Abstract]
Purchase price of real estate	14,200	6,400
Gains on disposition of property	$ 5,900	2,000
Disposition closing credits excluded		$ 500

Mortgages and Notes Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$ 9,971	$ 2,096

Investments In and Advances T37

Investments In and Advances To Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)property	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Income Statements:
Rental and other revenues	$ 11,210		$ 12,423	$ 21,982	$ 24,654
Expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	4,573		6,031	9,288	11,698
Depreciation and amortization	2,656		3,110	5,403	6,225
Interest expense	1,342		2,032	2,719	4,181
Total expenses	8,571		11,173	17,410	22,104
Income before disposition of property	2,639		1,250	4,572	2,550
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property	0		16,054	902	18,181
Net income	$ 2,639		$ 17,304	$ 5,474	$ 20,731
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)	50.00%			50.00%
Concourse Center Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Expenses:
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property		$ (100)
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)		50.00%
Number of buildings sold | property		2
Proceeds received from disposition of property		$ 11,000
Our share of gains on disposition of property		400
Repayment of debt		6,600
4600 Madison Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Expenses:
Gains/(losses) on disposition of property		$ 1,000
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)		12.50%
Proceeds received from disposition of property		$ 3,400
Our share of gains on disposition of property		100
Repayment of debt		$ 3,400
Fixed current interest rate (in hundredths)		6.85%

Intangible Assets and Below M38

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	$ 346,294		$ 346,294		$ 346,937
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	(129,252)		(129,252)		(115,172)
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	217,042		217,042		231,765
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, gross	63,400		63,400		63,830
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	(22,057)		(22,057)		(17,927)
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	41,343		41,343		$ 45,903
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	196,408		196,408
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	11,731	$ 9,888	23,066	$ 19,889
Lease Incentives [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	7,131		7,131
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	390	412	1,101	763
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	11,043		11,043
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	972	1,189	2,003	2,355
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	2,460		2,460
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	139	139	277	276
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]
Intangible assets and below market lease liabilities, net [Abstract]
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	41,343		41,343
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$ (2,788)	$ (1,674)	$ (4,560)	$ (3,406)

Intangible Assets and Below M39

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Scheduled Future Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 217,042	$ 231,765
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	(41,343)	$ (45,903)
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2016	22,822
2,017	39,636
2,018	32,768
2,019	27,057
2,020	22,465
Thereafter	51,660
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 196,408
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	6 years 7 months 6 days
Lease Incentives [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2016	$ 680
2,017	1,306
2,018	1,203
2,019	993
2,020	756
Thereafter	2,193
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 7,131
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	7 years 2 months 12 days
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2016	$ 1,848
2,017	2,639
2,018	1,704
2,019	1,304
2,020	988
Thereafter	2,560
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 11,043
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	6 years 2 months 12 days
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2016	$ 276
2,017	553
2,018	553
2,019	553
2,020	525
Thereafter	0
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 2,460
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 6 months
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
July 1 through December 31, 2016	$ (3,520)
2,017	(6,207)
2,018	(6,014)
2,019	(5,524)
2,020	(5,196)
Thereafter	(14,882)
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$ (41,343)
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived below market lease liabilities, average useful life (in years)	7 years 7 months 6 days

Mortgages and Notes Payable (De

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)extensions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 25, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable, net	$ 2,082,207		$ 2,082,207			$ 2,491,813
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(6,533)		(6,533)			(7,801)
Repayment of bridge credit facility			169,800	$ 233,900
Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	$ 475,000		475,000
Maturity date on revolving credit facility	Jan. 1, 2018
Additional borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	$ 75,000		75,000
Number of additional maturity extensions | extensions	2
Term of optional extension	6 months
Facility interest rate basis	LIBOR plus 110 basis points
Interest rate spread (in hundredths)	1.10%
Annual facility fee (in hundredths)	0.20%
Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility	$ 283,000		283,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility	200		200
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	191,800		191,800
Variable Rate Term Loan Facility due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	$ 150,000		150,000
Maturity date on revolving credit facility	Jan. 28, 2022
Facility interest rate basis	LIBOR plus 110 basis points
Interest rate spread (in hundredths)	1.10%
Term of debt (in months)	67 months
7.50% Mortgage Loan due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 43,600		$ 43,600
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)	7.50%		7.50%
Scheduled maturity date	Aug. 6, 2016
Bridge Term Loan Facility due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date on revolving credit facility		Mar. 28, 2016
Repayment of bridge credit facility		$ 350,000
Secured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable, net	$ 130,001		$ 130,001			175,281
Aggregate undepreciated book value of secured real estate assets	244,600		244,600
Unsecured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable, net	$ 1,958,739		$ 1,958,739			$ 2,324,333
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility					$ 272,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility					200
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility					$ 202,800

Derivative Financial Instrume41

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of borrowings, subject to swaps		$ 150,000
Underlying treasury rate term (in years)		10 years
Underlying treasury rate locked by forward-starting swaps (in hundredths)		1.90%
Expected increase to interest expense	$ 4,000			$ 4,000
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	11,049			11,049		$ 3,073
Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in AOCL on derivatives (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	(5,760)		$ 269	(9,395)	$ (2,645)
Amount of losses reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	$ 783		$ 925	$ 1,578	$ 1,849

Noncontrolling Interests (Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%		50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			$ 126,429
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			15,042	$ (11,475)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,558)	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 939	$ 782	13,950	1,378
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,463)	(2,485)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	151,400		151,400
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,648	25,155	464,438	44,471
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			126,429	130,048
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value			15,042	(11,475)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock			(1,558)	(1,206)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			13,950	1,378
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership			(2,463)	(2,485)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	151,400	116,260	151,400	116,260
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,648	25,155	464,438	44,471
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	1,558	0	1,558	1,206
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 33,206	$ 25,155	$ 465,996	$ 45,677

Disclosure About Fair Value o43

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	[1]	$ 9,971	$ 2,096
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		2,572	2,736
Tax increment financing bond (in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale)	[2]		11,197
Total Assets		12,543	16,029
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	[1]	2,120,627	2,517,589
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		11,049	3,073
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		2,572	2,736
Financing obligation, at fair value (in liabilities held for sale)	[1],[2]		7,402
Total Liabilities		2,134,248	2,530,800
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	[1]	0	0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		2,572	2,736
Tax increment financing bond (in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale)	[2]		0
Total Assets		2,572	2,736
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	[1]	0	0
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		0	0
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		2,572	2,736
Financing obligation, at fair value (in liabilities held for sale)	[1],[2]		0
Total Liabilities		2,572	2,736
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	[1]	9,971	2,096
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		0	0
Tax increment financing bond (in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale)	[2]		0
Total Assets		9,971	2,096
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	[1]	2,120,627	2,517,589
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		11,049	3,073
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)		0	0
Financing obligation, at fair value (in liabilities held for sale)	[1],[2]		0
Total Liabilities		2,131,676	2,520,662
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	[1]	0	0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		0	0
Tax increment financing bond (in real estate and other assets, net, held for sale)	[2]		11,197
Total Assets		0	11,197
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	[1]	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 obligation, at fair value (in liabilities held for sale)	[1],[2]		7,402
Total Liabilities		0	7,402
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		151,400	126,429
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		151,400	126,429
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		0	0
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
[2]	Sold during the first quarter of 2016 in conjunction with the sales of the Plaza assets.

Disclosure About Fair Value o44

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Unrealized gains (in AOCL)			$ 0	$ 194
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 0	$ 12,640	11,197	12,447	$ 12,447
Assigned to the buyer of the Plaza assets	0	0	(11,197)	0
Unrealized gains (in AOCL)	0	1	0	194
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 12,641	$ 0	$ 12,641	$ 11,197
Discount rate (in hundredths)					6.93%

Share-Based Payments (Details)

Share-Based Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 992	$ 1,200	$ 4,550	$ 5,067
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs	$ 6,800		$ 6,800
Weighted average remaining contractual term for recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation costs (in years)			2 years 7 months 6 days
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted			244,664
Weighted average grant date fair value of each stock option granted (in dollars per option)			$ 4.61
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Time-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock shares granted			72,698
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)			$ 43.59
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			58,054
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock granted (in dollars per share)			$ 41.37

Accumulated Other Comprehensi46

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance				$ (3,811)
Ending balance		$ (11,628)	$ (4,514)	(11,628)	$ (4,514)
Tax Increment Financing Bond [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		0	(252)	0	(445)
Unrealized gains/(losses)		0	1	0	194
Ending balance		0	(251)	0	(251)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(6,651)	(5,457)	(3,811)	(3,467)
Unrealized gains/(losses)		(5,760)	269	(9,395)	(2,645)
Amortization reclassified out of AOCL	[1]	783	925	1,578	1,849
Ending balance		$ (11,628)	$ (4,263)	$ (11,628)	$ (4,263)
[1]	Amounts reclassified out of AOCL into contractual interest expense.

Real Estate, Other Assets and47

Real Estate, Other Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets [Abstract]
Land	$ 0		$ 0		$ 16,681
Buildings and tenant improvements	0		0		322,811
Land held for development	2,230		2,230		1,089
Less - accumulated depreciation	0		0		(131,274)
Net real estate assets	2,230		2,230		209,307
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net	0		0		11,730
Deferred leasing costs, net	0		0		6,690
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net	157		157		13,221
Real estate and other assets, net, held for sale	2,387		2,387		240,948
Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	0		0		(6,717)
Financing obligation	0		0		(7,402)
Liabilities held for sale	0		0		$ (14,119)
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Rental and other revenues	0	$ 12,593	8,484	$ 24,667
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	0	4,908	3,334	9,907
Depreciation and amortization	0	3,312	0	6,753
General and administrative	0	227	1,388	421
Total operating expenses	0	8,447	4,722	17,081
Interest expense	0	155	85	336
Other income	0	679	420	1,335
Income from discontinued operations	0	4,670	4,097	8,585
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	0	414,496	0
Total income from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 4,670	418,593	8,585
Net Cash Provided by/(Used in) Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities			2,040	14,629
Cash flows from investing activities			$ 417,097	$ (6,897)

Earnings Per Share and Per Un48

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - basic: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations		$ 33,528	$ 22,221	$ 61,670	$ 39,141
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations		(939)	(641)	(1,685)	(1,117)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations		(314)	(328)	(622)	(624)
Dividends on Preferred Stock		(627)	(626)	(1,253)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders		31,648	20,626	58,110	36,147
Income from discontinued operations		0	4,670	418,593	8,585
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations		0	(141)	(12,265)	(261)
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders		0	4,529	406,328	8,324
Net income available for common stockholders		$ 31,648	$ 25,155	$ 464,438	$ 44,471
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)		97,648	94,055	97,010	93,641
Earnings per Common Share - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.19	0.08
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 4.79	$ 0.47
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - diluted: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations		$ 33,528	$ 22,221	$ 61,670	$ 39,141
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates		(314)	(328)	(622)	(624)
Dividends on Preferred Stock		(627)	(626)	(1,253)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership		32,587	21,267	59,795	37,264
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders		0	4,670	418,593	8,585
Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership		$ 32,587	$ 25,937	$ 478,388	$ 45,849
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)		97,648	94,055	97,010	93,641
Stock options using the treasury method		90	84	87	104
Noncontrolling interests Common Units		2,890	2,910	2,895	2,921
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	[1]	100,628	97,049	99,992	96,666
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.18	0.08
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 4.78	$ 0.47
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - basic: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations		$ 33,528	$ 22,221	$ 61,670	$ 39,141
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations		(314)	(328)	(622)	(624)
Distributions on Preferred Units		(627)	(626)	(1,253)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders		32,587	21,267	59,795	37,264
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders		0	4,670	418,593	8,585
Net income available for common unitholders		$ 32,587	$ 25,937	$ 478,388	$ 45,849
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)		100,129	96,556	99,496	96,153
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.21	0.09
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 4.81	$ 0.48
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - diluted: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations		$ 33,528	$ 22,221	$ 61,670	$ 39,141
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates		(314)	(328)	(622)	(624)
Distributions on Preferred Units		(627)	(626)	(1,253)	(1,253)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders		32,587	21,267	59,795	37,264
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders		0	4,670	418,593	8,585
Net income available for common unitholders		$ 32,587	$ 25,937	$ 478,388	$ 45,849
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)		100,129	96,556	99,496	96,153
Stock options using the treasury method		90	84	87	104
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit - adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (in shares)	[2]	100,219	96,640	99,583	96,257
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.22	$ 0.60	$ 0.39
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		0	0.05	4.20	0.09
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)		$ 0.33	$ 0.27	$ 4.80	$ 0.48
[1]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.
[2]	Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	$ 166,860	$ 148,543	$ 331,719	$ 293,779
Total Net Operating Income	109,345	96,173	216,624	188,895
Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
Depreciation and amortization	(55,317)	(47,928)	(108,811)	(94,795)
General and administrative expenses	(8,327)	(8,665)	(19,464)	(19,908)
Interest expense	(19,485)	(21,847)	(40,190)	(43,089)
Other income	534	300	1,051	882
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	26,750	18,033	49,210	31,985
Total Office Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	163,202	144,842	324,279	286,449
Total Net Operating Income	106,763	93,628	211,491	183,858
Office Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	34,652	25,611	67,848	50,393
Total Net Operating Income	21,911	15,663	42,963	31,030
Office Greensboro, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	5,037	5,398	10,184	10,838
Total Net Operating Income	3,209	3,516	6,357	6,942
Office Memphis, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	11,931	12,050	23,945	23,784
Total Net Operating Income	7,398	7,641	14,813	15,030
Office Nashville, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	24,415	21,770	47,781	43,586
Total Net Operating Income	17,613	15,480	34,428	30,712
Office Orlando, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	11,197	10,948	22,682	21,782
Total Net Operating Income	6,320	6,348	13,005	12,831
Office Pittsburgh, PA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	14,195	14,719	29,335	29,268
Total Net Operating Income	8,108	8,670	16,711	16,632
Office Raleigh, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	28,024	25,541	56,246	48,982
Total Net Operating Income	20,156	18,358	40,410	34,629
Office Richmond, VA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	10,937	10,203	22,006	20,787
Total Net Operating Income	7,687	6,932	15,116	13,812
Office Tampa, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	22,814	18,602	44,252	37,029
Total Net Operating Income	14,361	11,020	27,688	22,240
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	3,658	3,701	7,440	7,330
Total Net Operating Income	$ 2,582	$ 2,545	$ 5,133	$ 5,037

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2016USD ($)property	Jul. 18, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)			50.00%			50.00%
Gain on disposition of property			$ 0		$ 16,054	$ 902	$ 18,181
Pittsburgh PA Land Acquisition (7/2016) [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of buildings | property	1
Acquisition purchase price	$ 18,500
Acquisition-related costs	$ 500
4600 Madison Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)				12.50%
Proceeds received from disposition of property				$ 3,400
Gain on disposition of property				1,000
Our share of gains on disposition of property				100
Repayment of debt				$ 3,400
4600 Madison Associates, LLC Joint Venture [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Percentage of equity interest in joint ventures, maximum (in hundredths)		12.50%
Proceeds received from disposition of property		$ 32,700
Gain on disposition of property		21,300
Our share of gains on disposition of property		1,900
Repayment of debt		$ 6,300