Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership 10-Q 25 Apr 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 18, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC.
Entity Central Index Key	921,082
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		102,019,691
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	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	$ 474,661	$ 474,375
Buildings and tenant improvements	4,326,570	4,313,373
Development in-process	327,446	279,602
Land held for development	84,056	77,355
Total real estate assets	5,212,733	5,144,705
Less-accumulated depreciation	(1,166,865)	(1,134,103)
Net real estate assets	4,045,868	4,010,602
Cash and cash equivalents	4,918	49,490
Restricted cash	29,241	29,141
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $491 and $624, respectively	15,814	17,372
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $96 and $105, respectively	7,787	8,833
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $242 and $692, respectively	178,872	172,829
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	14,822	18,846
Deferred leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $142,148 and $140,081, respectively	210,141	213,500
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $20,695 and $19,904, respectively	41,353	40,437
Total Assets	4,548,816	4,561,050
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable, net	2,042,486	1,948,047
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	207,144	313,885
Total Liabilities	2,249,630	2,261,932
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	139,367	144,802
Equity/Capital:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 authorized shares; 8.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $1,000 per share), 28,905 and 28,920 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	28,905	28,920
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 102,018,119 and 101,665,554 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	1,020	1,017
Additional paid-in capital	2,868,869	2,850,881
Distributions in excess of net income available for common stockholders	(762,655)	(749,412)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,885	4,949
Total Stockholders’ Equity	2,142,024	2,136,355
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	17,795	17,961
Total Equity/Capital	2,159,819	2,154,316
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	4,548,816	4,561,050
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land	474,661	474,375
Buildings and tenant improvements	4,326,570	4,313,373
Development in-process	327,446	279,602
Land held for development	84,056	77,355
Total real estate assets	5,212,733	5,144,705
Less-accumulated depreciation	(1,166,865)	(1,134,103)
Net real estate assets	4,045,868	4,010,602
Cash and cash equivalents	4,918	49,490
Restricted cash	29,241	29,141
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $491 and $624, respectively	15,814	17,372
Mortgages and notes receivable, net of allowance of $96 and $105, respectively	7,787	8,833
Accrued straight-line rents receivable, net of allowance of $242 and $692, respectively	178,872	172,829
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	14,822	18,846
Deferred leasing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $142,148 and $140,081, respectively	210,141	213,500
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $20,695 and $19,904, respectively	41,353	40,437
Total Assets	4,548,816	4,561,050
Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital:
Mortgages and notes payable, net	2,042,486	1,948,047
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	207,144	313,885
Total Liabilities	2,249,630	2,261,932
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units:
Common Units, 2,836,704 and 2,838,704 outstanding, respectively	139,367	144,802
Series A Preferred Units (liquidation preference $1,000 per unit), 28,905 and 28,920 units issued and outstanding, respectively	28,905	28,920
Total Redeemable Operating Partnership Units	168,272	173,722
Equity/Capital:
General partner Common Units, 1,044,460 and 1,040,954 outstanding, respectively	21,070	21,023
Limited partner Common Units, 100,564,850 and 100,215,791 outstanding, respectively	2,086,164	2,081,463
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,885	4,949
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	17,795	17,961
Total Equity/Capital	2,130,914	2,125,396
Total Liabilities, Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership and Equity/Total Liabilities, Redeemable Operating Partnership Units and Capital	$ 4,548,816	$ 4,561,050

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 491	$ 624
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	96	105
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	242	692
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	142,148	140,081
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$ 20,695	$ 19,904
Equity/Capital:
Series A Preferred Stock, dividend rate percentage (in hundredths)	8.625%	8.625%
Series A Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A Preferred Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series A Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares)	28,905	28,920
Series A Preferred Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	28,905	28,920
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, authorized shares (in shares)	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	102,018,119	101,665,554
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	102,018,119	101,665,554
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 491	$ 624
Mortgages and notes receivable allowance	96	105
Accrued straight-line rents receivable allowance	242	692
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	142,148	140,081
Prepaid expenses and other assets, accumulated amortization	$ 20,695	$ 19,904
Redeemable Operating Partnership Units: [Abstract]
Redeemable Common Units outstanding (in shares)	2,836,704	2,838,704
Series A Preferred Units, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Series A Preferred Units, issued (in shares)	28,905	28,920
Series A Preferred Units, outstanding (in shares)	28,905	28,920
Common Units: [Abstract]
General partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	1,044,460	1,040,954
Limited partners' capital account, units outstanding (in shares)	100,564,850	100,215,791

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Rental and other revenues	$ 169,408	$ 164,859
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	57,396	57,580
Depreciation and amortization	56,145	53,494
General and administrative	11,490	11,137
Total operating expenses	125,031	122,211
Interest expense:
Contractual	17,023	19,715
Amortization of debt issuance costs	840	990
Total interest expense	17,863	20,705
Other income:
Interest and other income	684	517
Total other income	684	517
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	27,198	22,460
Gains on disposition of property	5,332	4,397
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	955	1,285
Income from continuing operations	33,485	28,142
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations	0	4,097
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	414,496
Total income from discontinued operations	0	418,593
Net income	33,485	446,735
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(888)	(13,011)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(300)	(308)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)	(626)
Net income available for common stockholders	$ 31,674	$ 432,790
Earnings per Common Share – basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.27
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.22
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.49
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	101,738	96,373
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.27
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.22
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.49
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	104,661	99,357
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.440	$ 0.425
Net income available for common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	$ 31,674	$ 26,462
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0	406,328
Net income available for common stockholders	31,674	432,790
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Rental and other revenues	169,408	164,859
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	57,396	57,580
Depreciation and amortization	56,145	53,494
General and administrative	11,490	11,137
Total operating expenses	125,031	122,211
Interest expense:
Contractual	17,023	19,715
Amortization of debt issuance costs	840	990
Total interest expense	17,863	20,705
Other income:
Interest and other income	684	517
Total other income	684	517
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	27,198	22,460
Gains on disposition of property	5,332	4,397
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	955	1,285
Income from continuing operations	33,485	28,142
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations	0	4,097
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	414,496
Total income from discontinued operations	0	418,593
Net income	33,485	446,735
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(300)	(308)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(623)	(626)
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 32,562	$ 445,801
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.28
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.23
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.51
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - basic (in shares)	104,167	98,864
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.28
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.23
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.51
Weighted average Common Units outstanding - diluted (in shares)	104,252	98,948
Distributions declared per Common Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0.44	$ 0.425
Net income available for common unitholders:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	$ 32,562	$ 27,208
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0	418,593
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 32,562	$ 445,801

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 33,485	$ 446,735
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	452	(3,635)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	484	795
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	936	(2,840)
Total comprehensive income	34,421	443,895
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,188)	(13,319)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	33,233	430,576
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Comprehensive income:
Net income	33,485	446,735
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	452	(3,635)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	484	795
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	936	(2,840)
Total comprehensive income	34,421	443,895
Less-comprehensive (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(300)	(308)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders/Comprehensive income attributable to common unitholders	$ 34,121	$ 443,587

Consolidated Statements of Equi

Consolidated Statements of Equity/Capital - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares [Member]	General Partners' Common Units [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Limited Partners' Common Units [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Member]Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]	Distributions in Excess of Net Income Available for Common Stockholders [Member]
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			96,091,932
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,619,282	$ 1,590,232	$ 961	$ 29,050	$ 15,759	$ 1,560,309	$ 2,598,242	$ (3,811)	$ (3,811)	$ 17,975	$ 17,975	$ (1,023,135)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		50,898			509	50,389			0		0
Distributions on Common Units		(41,939)			(419)	(41,520)			0		0
Distributions on Preferred Units		(626)			(6)	(620)			0		0
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings - Shares			1,177,885
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	50,898		$ 12	0			50,886	0		0		0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	0
Dividends on Common Stock	(40,881)		0	0			0	0		0		(40,881)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(626)		0	0			0	0		0		(626)
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(429)		0	0			(429)	0		0		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(320)	(320)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(320)	(320)	0
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			122,832
Issuances of restricted stock	0		$ 0	0			0	0		0		0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(20)		$ 0	(20)			0	0		0		0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - shares			(348)
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	3,556	3,556	$ 1	0	36	3,520	3,555	0	0	0	0	0
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		(12,382)			(124)	(12,258)			0		0
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(13,011)		0	0			0	0		0		(13,011)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0	0	0	(3)	(305)	0	0	0	308	308	(308)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	446,735	446,735	0	0	4,467	442,268	0	0	0	0	0	446,735
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	(2,840)	(2,840)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	(2,840)	(2,840)	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	443,895	443,895
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016			97,392,301
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 2,062,344	2,033,314	$ 974	29,030	20,219	2,001,783	2,652,254	(6,651)	(6,651)	17,963	17,963	(631,226)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	101,665,554		101,665,554
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,154,316	2,125,396	$ 1,017	28,920	21,023	2,081,463	2,850,881	4,949	4,949	17,961	17,961	(749,412)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuances of Common Units, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings		9,134			91	9,043			0		0
Distributions on Common Units		(45,986)			(460)	(45,526)			0		0
Distributions on Preferred Units		(623)			(6)	(617)			0		0
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings - Shares			239,817
Issuances of Common Stock, net of issuance costs and tax withholdings	9,134		$ 2	0			9,132	0		0		0
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock - Shares			2,000
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	102		$ 0	0			102	0		0		0
Dividends on Common Stock	(44,917)		0	0			0	0		0		(44,917)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)		0	0			0	0		0		(623)
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	4,972		0	0			4,972	0		0		0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(466)	(466)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	0	0	(466)	(466)	0
Issuances of restricted stock - shares			110,748
Issuances of restricted stock	0		$ 0	0			0	0		0		0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(15)		$ 0	(15)			0	0		0		0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures - shares			0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	3,783	3,783	$ 1	0	38	3,745	3,782	0	0	0	0	0
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value and contributions/distributions from/to the General Partner		5,255			52	5,203			0		0
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(888)		0	0			0	0		0		(888)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	0	0	0	0	(3)	(297)	0	0	0	300	300	(300)
Comprehensive income:
Net income	33,485	33,485	0	0	335	33,150	0	0	0	0	0	33,485
Other comprehensive income/(loss)	936	936	$ 0	0	0	0	0	936	936	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	$ 34,421	34,421
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017	102,018,119		102,018,119
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 2,159,819	$ 2,130,914	$ 1,020	$ 28,905	$ 21,070	$ 2,086,164	$ 2,868,869	$ 5,885	$ 5,885	$ 17,795	$ 17,795	$ (762,655)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 33,485	$ 446,735
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	56,145	53,494
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	(10)	108
Share-based compensation expense	3,783	3,556
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	61	1,077
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	(132)	(42)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	840	990
Amortization of cash flow hedges	484	795
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	(30)	(59)
Net gains on disposition of property	(5,332)	(418,893)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(955)	(1,285)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	2,431	717
Settlement of cash flow hedges	7,322	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	3,922	601
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,959)	(6,577)
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	(6,185)	(6,624)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(20,951)	(26,358)
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,919	48,235
Investing activities:
Investments in development in-process	(59,408)	(33,188)
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	(24,649)	(23,513)
Investments in building improvements	(17,194)	(16,479)
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	11,532	661,390
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	6,512	2,118
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	0	(7,602)
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	1,178	79
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	0	(105)
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	(1,696)	(248,865)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(83,725)	333,835
Financing activities:
Dividends on Common Stock	(44,917)	(40,881)
Special dividend on Common Stock	(81,205)	0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Stock	(15)	(20)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)	(626)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,249)	(1,232)
Special distribution to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(2,271)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(466)	(320)
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock	13,191	54,915
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Stock	(250)	(788)
Repurchase of shares related to tax withholdings	(3,807)	(3,229)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	200,300	66,400
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(69,300)	(107,400)
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	346,001	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	(380,261)	(350,535)
Changes in debt issuance costs and other financing activities	(4,894)	(45)
Net cash used in financing activities	(29,766)	(383,761)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(44,572)	(1,691)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	49,490	5,036
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	4,918	3,345
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	18,909	20,951
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	452	(3,635)
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	102	0
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	(6,741)	(5,978)
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	10,649	12,579
Write-off of fully amortized debt issuance and leasing costs	13,252	5,282
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(4,972)	429
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Operating activities:
Net income	33,485	446,735
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	56,145	53,494
Amortization of lease incentives and acquisition-related intangible assets and liabilities	(10)	108
Share-based compensation expense	3,783	3,556
Allowance for losses on accounts and accrued straight-line rents receivable	61	1,077
Accrued interest on mortgages and notes receivable	(132)	(42)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	840	990
Amortization of cash flow hedges	484	795
Amortization of mortgages and notes payable fair value adjustments	(30)	(59)
Net gains on disposition of property	(5,332)	(418,893)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	(955)	(1,285)
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	2,431	717
Settlement of cash flow hedges	7,322	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	3,922	601
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,959)	(6,577)
Accrued straight-line rents receivable	(6,185)	(6,624)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(20,951)	(26,358)
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,919	48,235
Investing activities:
Investments in development in-process	(59,408)	(33,188)
Investments in tenant improvements and deferred leasing costs	(24,649)	(23,513)
Investments in building improvements	(17,194)	(16,479)
Net proceeds from disposition of real estate assets	11,532	661,390
Distributions of capital from unconsolidated affiliates	6,512	2,118
Investments in mortgages and notes receivable	0	(7,602)
Repayments of mortgages and notes receivable	1,178	79
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	0	(105)
Changes in restricted cash and other investing activities	(1,696)	(248,865)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(83,725)	333,835
Financing activities:
Distributions on Common Units	(45,986)	(41,939)
Special distribution on Common Units	(83,149)	0
Redemptions/repurchases of Preferred Units	(15)	(20)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(623)	(626)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(466)	(320)
Proceeds from the issuance of Common Units	13,191	54,915
Costs paid for the issuance of Common Units	(250)	(788)
Repurchase of units related to tax withholdings	(3,807)	(3,229)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	200,300	66,400
Repayments of revolving credit facility	(69,300)	(107,400)
Borrowings on mortgages and notes payable	346,001	0
Repayments of mortgages and notes payable	(380,261)	(350,535)
Changes in debt issuance costs and other financing activities	(5,401)	(219)
Net cash used in financing activities	(29,766)	(383,761)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(44,572)	(1,691)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	49,490	5,036
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	4,918	3,345
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	18,909	20,951
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	452	(3,635)
Changes in accrued capital expenditures	(6,741)	(5,978)
Write-off of fully depreciated real estate assets	10,649	12,579
Write-off of fully amortized debt issuance and leasing costs	13,252	5,282
Adjustment of Redeemable Common Units to fair value	$ (5,435)	$ 12,208

Description of Business and Sig

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Highwoods Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that provides leasing, management, development, construction and other customer-related services for its properties and for third parties. The Company conducts its activities through Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”). At March 31, 2017 , we owned or had an interest in 31.3 million rentable square feet of in-service properties, 1.2 million rentable square feet of properties under development and approximately 400 acres of development land. The Company is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. At March 31, 2017 , the Company owned all of the Preferred Units and 101.6 million , or 97.3% , of the Common Units in the Operating Partnership. Limited partners owned the remaining 2.8 million Common Units. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company redeemed 2,000 Common Units for a like number of shares of Common Stock. Common Stock Offerings During the first quarter of 2017 , we entered into separate equity distribution agreements in which the Company may offer and sell up to $300.0 million in aggregate gross sales price of shares of Common Stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company issued 186,185 shares of Common Stock under its equity distribution agreements at an average gross sales price of $49.73 per share and received net proceeds, after sales commissions, of $9.1 million . Basis of Presentation Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the Operating Partnership, wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Company has the controlling interest. The Operating Partnership's Consolidated Financial Statements include wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Operating Partnership has the controlling interest. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying unaudited consolidated financial information, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have condensed or omitted certain notes and other information from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies – Continued Recently Issued Accounting Standards The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an accounting standards update ("ASU") that requires the use of a new five-step model to recognize revenue from customer contracts. The five-step model requires that we identify the contract with the customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when we satisfy the performance obligations. We will also be required to disclose information regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. 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. Our initial analysis of our non-lease related revenue contracts indicates that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements; however, we are still in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU that adds to and clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 with retrospective application required. We do not expect such adoption to have a material effect on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The FASB issued an ASU that clarifies and narrows the definition of a business used in determining whether to account for a transaction as an asset acquisition or business combination. The guidance requires evaluation of the fair value of the assets acquired to determine if it is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transferred assets would not be a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 and applied prospectively. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The ASU requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to the existing guidance and is effective for reporting periods beginning in 2019 with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU that requires, among other things, the use of a new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model in determining our allowances for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable, accrued straight-line rents receivable and mortgages and notes receivable. The CECL model requires that we estimate our lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. We will also be required to disclose information about how we developed the allowances, including changes in the factors (e.g., portfolio mix, credit trends, unemployment, gross domestic product, etc.) that influenced our estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes. We will apply the ASU’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption in 2020. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU.

Real Estate Assets

Real Estate Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Assets	Real Estate Assets During the first quarter of 2017, we sold a building for a sale price of $13.0 million (before closing credits to buyer of $1.2 million ) and recorded a gain on disposition of property of $5.3 million .

Mortgages and Notes Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Receivable	Mortgages and Notes Receivable Mortgages and notes receivable were $7.8 million and $8.8 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. We evaluate the ability to collect our mortgages and notes receivable by monitoring the leasing statistics and/or market fundamentals of these assets. As of March 31, 2017 , our mortgages and notes receivable were not in default and there were no other indicators of impairment.

Intangible Assets and Below Mar

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities	Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization: March 31, December 31, Assets: Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets) $ 352,289 $ 353,581 Less accumulated amortization (142,148 ) (140,081 ) $ 210,141 $ 213,500 Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities): Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities $ 61,049 $ 61,221 Less accumulated amortization (24,482 ) (23,074 ) $ 36,567 $ 38,147 The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization) $ 10,619 $ 11,335 Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues) $ 397 $ 711 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues) $ 1,036 $ 1,031 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses) $ 137 $ 138 Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues) $ (1,580 ) $ (1,772 ) 4. Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Continued The following table sets forth scheduled future amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Amortization of Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) Amortization of Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) Amortization of Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) April 1 through December 31, 2017 $ 31,933 $ 1,155 $ 1,815 $ 412 $ (4,665 ) 2018 35,918 1,432 1,680 553 (5,962 ) 2019 30,251 1,214 1,286 553 (5,492 ) 2020 25,543 936 967 525 (5,180 ) 2021 21,315 729 647 — (4,409 ) Thereafter 46,614 2,778 1,885 — (10,859 ) $ 191,574 $ 8,244 $ 8,280 $ 2,043 $ (36,567 ) Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of March 31, 2017 (in years) 6.7 8.2 6.4 3.7 7.1

Mortgages and Notes Payable

Mortgages and Notes Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Mortgages and Notes Payable	Mortgages and Notes Payable The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable: March 31, December 31, Secured indebtedness $ 127,358 $ 128,204 Unsecured indebtedness 1,923,692 1,826,145 Less-unamortized debt issuance costs (8,564 ) (6,302 ) Total mortgages and notes payable, net $ 2,042,486 $ 1,948,047 At March 31, 2017 , our secured mortgage loans were collateralized by real estate assets with an aggregate undepreciated book value of $ 254.2 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 $ 131.0 million and $ 130.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at March 31, 2017 and April 18, 2017 , respectively. At both March 31, 2017 and April 18, 2017 , we had $ 0.2 million of outstanding letters of credit, which reduces the availability on our revolving credit facility. As a result, the unused capacity of our revolving credit facility at March 31, 2017 and April 18, 2017 was $ 343.8 million and $ 344.8 million , respectively. During the first quarter of 2017, the Operating Partnership issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% notes due 2027 , less original issue discount of $4.0 million . These notes were priced to yield 4.038% . Underwriting fees and other expenses were incurred that aggregated $2.5 million ; these costs were deferred and will be amortized over the term of the notes. 5. Mortgages and Notes Payable - Continued During the first quarter of 2017, we paid off at maturity $379.7 million principal amount of 5.85% unsecured notes. During the first quarter of 2017, we amended our $150.0 million unsecured bank term loan that is scheduled to mature in January 2022 by increasing the borrowed amount to $200.0 million . The interest rate on this term loan at our current credit ratings is LIBOR plus 110 basis points . We incurred $0.3 million of debt issuance costs in connection with this amendment, which will be amortized along with existing unamortized debt issuance costs over the remaining term. We are currently in compliance with financial covenants and other requirements with respect to our consolidated debt. We have considered our short-term liquidity needs within one year from April 25, 2017 (the date of issuance of the quarterly financial statements) and the adequacy of our estimated cash flows from operating activities and other expected financing sources to meet these needs. In particular, we have considered our scheduled debt maturities during such one year period, including the $108.3 million secured loan due November 1, 2017 and the $200.0 million principal amount of unsecured notes due April 15, 2018 . We have concluded it is probable we will meet these short-term liquidity requirements through a combination of the following: • available cash and cash equivalents; • cash flows from operating activities; • issuance of debt securities by the Operating Partnership; • issuance of secured debt (including the $100.0 million fixed-rate loan described in Note 14); • bank term loans; • borrowings under our revolving credit facility; • issuance of other secured debt; • issuance of equity securities by the Company or the Operating Partnership; and • the disposition of non-core assets.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments During 2016, we obtained $150.0 million notional amount of forward-starting swaps that effectively locked the underlying 10 -year treasury rate at 1.90% with respect to a planned issuance of debt securities by the Operating Partnership. The counterparties under the swaps were major financial institutions. Upon issuance of the $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% notes due 2027 during the first quarter of 2017, we terminated the forward-starting swaps resulting in an unrealized gain of $7.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive income. Our interest rate swaps have been designated as and are being accounted for as cash flow hedges with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income/(loss) each reporting period. No gain or loss was recognized related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on our cash flow hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 . We have no collateral requirements related to our interest rate swaps. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the period from April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018 , we estimate that $0.5 million will be reclassified to interest expense. The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives: March 31, December 31, Derivatives: Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets: Interest rate swaps $ — $ 7,619 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 1,001 $ 1,870 The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and interest expense: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on derivatives (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 452 $ (3,635 ) Amount of net losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 484 $ 795

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates At March 31, 2017 , our noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates relate to our joint venture partner's 50.0% interest in office properties in Richmond. Our joint venture partner is an unrelated third party. Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 126,429 Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value (4,972 ) 429 Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock (102 ) — Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 888 13,011 Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership (1,249 ) (1,232 ) Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 139,367 $ 138,637 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 2017 2016 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,674 $ 432,790 Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units 102 — Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ 31,776 $ 432,790

Disclosure About Fair Value of

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that we use to measure fair value. Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Our Level 1 asset is our investment in marketable securities that we use to pay benefits under our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Our Level 1 liability is our non-qualified deferred compensation obligation. The Company's Level 1 noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership relate to the ownership of Common Units by various individuals and entities other than the Company. Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities. Our Level 2 assets include the fair value of our mortgages and notes receivable and certain of our interest rate swaps. Our Level 2 liabilities include the fair value of our mortgages and notes payable and the remainder of our interest rate swaps. The fair value of mortgages and notes receivable and mortgages and notes payable is estimated by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to approximate the price that would be paid in an orderly transaction between market participants. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments of interest rate swaps are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves. In addition, credit valuation adjustments are considered in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk, but were concluded to not be significant inputs to the calculation for the periods presented. Level 3. Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Our Level 3 asset consisted of our tax increment financing bond, which was not routinely traded but whose fair value was determined by the income approach utilizing contractual cash flows and market-based interest rates to estimate the projected redemption value based on quoted bid/ask prices for similar unrated municipal bonds. Our tax increment financing bond was assigned in conjunction with a sale during the first quarter of 2016. The estimated fair value at the date of sale of $ 11.2 million was equal to the outstanding principal amount due on the bond. 8. Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Continued The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities and the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that are measured or disclosed at fair value within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 Level 2 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Fair Value at March 31, 2017: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 7,787 $ — $ 7,787 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,370 2,370 — Total Assets $ 10,157 $ 2,370 $ 7,787 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 139,367 $ 139,367 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,050,264 $ — $ 2,050,264 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,001 — 1,001 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,370 2,370 — Total Liabilities $ 2,053,635 $ 2,370 $ 2,051,265 Fair Value at December 31, 2016: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 8,833 $ — $ 8,833 Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 7,619 — 7,619 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,451 2,451 — Total Assets $ 18,903 $ 2,451 $ 16,452 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 144,802 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 1,965,611 $ — $ 1,965,611 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,870 — 1,870 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,451 2,451 — Total Liabilities $ 1,969,932 $ 2,451 $ 1,967,481 __________ (1) Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company granted 168,748 stock options with an exercise price equal to the last reported stock price of our Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day prior to the date of grant. The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which resulted in a weighted average grant date fair value per share of $ 6.72 . During the three months ended March 31, 2017 , the Company also granted 61,404 shares of time-based restricted stock and 49,344 shares of total return-based restricted stock with weighted average grant date fair values per share of $ 52.49 and $ 49.59 , respectively. We recorded share-based compensation expense of $ 3.8 million and $ 3.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At March 31, 2017 , there was $8.1 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 Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges: Beginning balance $ 4,949 $ (3,811 ) Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges 452 (3,635 ) Amortization of cash flow hedges (1) 484 795 Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 5,885 $ (6,651 ) __________ (1) Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations The following tables set forth the results of operations and cash flows related to discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Rental and other revenues $ — $ 8,484 Operating expenses: Rental property and other expenses — 3,334 General and administrative — 1,388 Total operating expenses — 4,722 Interest expense — 85 Other income — 420 Income from discontinued operations — 4,097 Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations — 414,496 Total income from discontinued operations $ — $ 418,593 Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities $ — $ 2,040 Cash flows from investing activities $ — $ 417,097

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share and Per Unit	Earnings Per Share and Per Unit The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations (888 ) (746 ) Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders 31,674 26,462 Income from discontinued operations — 418,593 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations — (12,265 ) Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 406,328 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,674 $ 432,790 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 101,738 96,373 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 0.27 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4.22 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 4.49 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 32,562 27,208 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 418,593 Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 32,562 $ 445,801 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 101,738 96,373 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 85 84 Noncontrolling interests Common Units 2,838 2,900 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) 104,661 99,357 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 0.27 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4.22 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 4.49 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where dividends on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable. 12. Earnings Per Share and Per Unit - Continued The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per unit of the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,562 27,208 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,562 $ 445,801 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,167 98,864 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 0.28 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4.23 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 4.51 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,562 27,208 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,562 $ 445,801 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,167 98,864 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 85 84 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) 104,252 98,948 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 0.28 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4.23 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 4.51 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where distributions on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments. Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Rental and Other Revenues: Office: Atlanta $ 34,209 $ 33,196 Greensboro 5,302 5,147 Memphis 11,795 12,014 Nashville 23,690 23,366 Orlando 12,438 11,485 Pittsburgh 14,849 15,140 Raleigh 29,546 28,222 Richmond 10,942 11,069 Tampa 23,256 21,438 Total Office Segment 166,027 161,077 Other 3,381 3,782 Total Rental and Other Revenues $ 169,408 $ 164,859 13. Segment Information - Continued Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Net Operating Income: Office: Atlanta $ 22,006 $ 21,052 Greensboro 3,358 3,148 Memphis 7,272 7,415 Nashville 16,624 16,815 Orlando 7,578 6,685 Pittsburgh 8,625 8,603 Raleigh 21,465 20,254 Richmond 7,621 7,429 Tampa 15,122 13,327 Total Office Segment 109,671 104,728 Other 2,341 2,551 Total Net Operating Income 112,012 107,279 Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates: Depreciation and amortization (56,145 ) (53,494 ) General and administrative expenses (11,490 ) (11,137 ) Interest expense (17,863 ) (20,705 ) Other income 684 517 Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates $ 27,198 $ 22,460

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On April 20, 2017, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.44 per share of Common Stock, which is payable on June 6, 2017 to stockholders of record as of May 17, 2017. On April 24, 2017, we obtained a $100.0 million secured mortgage loan from a third party lender with an effective interest rate of 4.0% . This loan is scheduled to mature in May 2029 . Subsequent to March 31, 2017, we obtained $150.0 million notional amount of forward-starting swaps that effectively lock the underlying treasury rate at 2.44% with respect to a forecasted debt issuance expected to occur prior to May 15, 2018. The counterparties under the swaps are major financial institutions.

Description of Business and S22

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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”). The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the Operating Partnership, wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Company has the controlling interest. The Operating Partnership's Consolidated Financial Statements include wholly owned subsidiaries and those entities in which the Operating Partnership has the controlling interest. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying unaudited consolidated financial information, in the opinion of management, contain all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have condensed or omitted certain notes and other information from the interim Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Use of Estimates, Policy [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") 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. Our initial analysis of our non-lease related revenue contracts indicates that the adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements; however, we are still in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU that adds to and clarifies guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 with retrospective application required. We do not expect such adoption to have a material effect on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The FASB issued an ASU that clarifies and narrows the definition of a business used in determining whether to account for a transaction as an asset acquisition or business combination. The guidance requires evaluation of the fair value of the assets acquired to determine if it is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transferred assets would not be a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The ASU is required to be adopted in 2018 and applied prospectively. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The ASU requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to the existing guidance and is effective for reporting periods beginning in 2019 with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU. The FASB issued an ASU that requires, among other things, the use of a new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model in determining our allowances for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable, accrued straight-line rents receivable and mortgages and notes receivable. The CECL model requires that we estimate our lifetime expected credit loss with respect to these receivables and record allowances that, when deducted from the balance of the receivables, represent the net amounts expected to be collected. We will also be required to disclose information about how we developed the allowances, including changes in the factors (e.g., portfolio mix, credit trends, unemployment, gross domestic product, etc.) that influenced our estimate of expected credit losses and the reasons for those changes. We will apply the ASU’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption in 2020. We are in the process of evaluating this ASU.

Intangible Assets and Below M23

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Total Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth total intangible assets and acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net of accumulated amortization: March 31, December 31, Assets: Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets) $ 352,289 $ 353,581 Less accumulated amortization (142,148 ) (140,081 ) $ 210,141 $ 213,500 Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities): Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities $ 61,049 $ 61,221 Less accumulated amortization (24,482 ) (23,074 ) $ 36,567 $ 38,147
Amortization of Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Amortization of deferred leasing costs and acquisition-related intangible assets (in depreciation and amortization) $ 10,619 $ 11,335 Amortization of lease incentives (in rental and other revenues) $ 397 $ 711 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental and other revenues) $ 1,036 $ 1,031 Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (in rental property and other expenses) $ 137 $ 138 Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities (in rental and other revenues) $ (1,580 ) $ (1,772 )
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) April 1 through December 31, 2017 $ 31,933 $ 1,155 $ 1,815 $ 412 $ (4,665 ) 2018 35,918 1,432 1,680 553 (5,962 ) 2019 30,251 1,214 1,286 553 (5,492 ) 2020 25,543 936 967 525 (5,180 ) 2021 21,315 729 647 — (4,409 ) Thereafter 46,614 2,778 1,885 — (10,859 ) $ 191,574 $ 8,244 $ 8,280 $ 2,043 $ (36,567 ) Weighted average remaining amortization periods as of March 31, 2017 (in years) 6.7 8.2 6.4 3.7 7.1

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Ta

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Consolidated Mortgages and Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth our mortgages and notes payable: March 31, December 31, Secured indebtedness $ 127,358 $ 128,204 Unsecured indebtedness 1,923,692 1,826,145 Less-unamortized debt issuance costs (8,564 ) (6,302 ) Total mortgages and notes payable, net $ 2,042,486 $ 1,948,047

Derivative Financial Instrume25

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the gross fair value of our derivatives: March 31, December 31, Derivatives: Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets: Interest rate swaps $ — $ 7,619 Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 1,001 $ 1,870
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the effect of our cash flow hedges on accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and interest expense: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on derivatives (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 452 $ (3,635 ) Amount of net losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense (effective portion): Interest rate swaps $ 484 $ 795

Noncontrolling Interests (Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables) - Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 126,429 Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value (4,972 ) 429 Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock (102 ) — Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 888 13,011 Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership (1,249 ) (1,232 ) Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 139,367 $ 138,637
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 2017 2016 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,674 $ 432,790 Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units 102 — Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests $ 31,776 $ 432,790

Disclosure About Fair Value o27

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements of Assets, Liabilities and Noncontrolling Interests [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth our assets and liabilities and the Company's noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership that are measured or disclosed at fair value within the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 Level 2 Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities Significant Observable Inputs Fair Value at March 31, 2017: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 7,787 $ — $ 7,787 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,370 2,370 — Total Assets $ 10,157 $ 2,370 $ 7,787 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 139,367 $ 139,367 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 2,050,264 $ — $ 2,050,264 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,001 — 1,001 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,370 2,370 — Total Liabilities $ 2,053,635 $ 2,370 $ 2,051,265 Fair Value at December 31, 2016: Assets: Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value (1) $ 8,833 $ — $ 8,833 Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 7,619 — 7,619 Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets) 2,451 2,451 — Total Assets $ 18,903 $ 2,451 $ 16,452 Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership $ 144,802 $ 144,802 $ — Liabilities: Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value (1) $ 1,965,611 $ — $ 1,965,611 Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 1,870 — 1,870 Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities) 2,451 2,451 — Total Liabilities $ 1,969,932 $ 2,451 $ 1,967,481 __________ (1) Amounts recorded at historical cost on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .

Accumulated Other Comprehensi28

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges: Beginning balance $ 4,949 $ (3,811 ) Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges 452 (3,635 ) Amortization of cash flow hedges (1) 484 795 Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 5,885 $ (6,651 ) __________ (1) Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense.

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Operations Classified as Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The following tables set forth the results of operations and cash flows related to discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 : Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Rental and other revenues $ — $ 8,484 Operating expenses: Rental property and other expenses — 3,334 General and administrative — 1,388 Total operating expenses — 4,722 Interest expense — 85 Other income — 420 Income from discontinued operations — 4,097 Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations — 414,496 Total income from discontinued operations $ — $ 418,593 Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities $ — $ 2,040 Cash flows from investing activities $ — $ 417,097

Earnings Per Share and Per Un30

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share and Per Unit Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of the Company: Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations (888 ) (746 ) Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders 31,674 26,462 Income from discontinued operations — 418,593 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations — (12,265 ) Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 406,328 Net income available for common stockholders $ 31,674 $ 432,790 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 101,738 96,373 Earnings per Common Share - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 0.27 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4.22 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 4.49 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Dividends on Preferred Stock (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership 32,562 27,208 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 418,593 Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership $ 32,562 $ 445,801 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share – weighted average shares 101,738 96,373 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 85 84 Noncontrolling interests Common Units 2,838 2,900 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share – adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (1) 104,661 99,357 Earnings per Common Share - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 0.27 Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders — 4.22 Net income available for common stockholders $ 0.31 $ 4.49 __________ (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 2017 2016 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,562 27,208 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,562 $ 445,801 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,167 98,864 Earnings per Common Unit - basic: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 0.28 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4.23 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 4.51 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Numerator: Income from continuing operations $ 33,485 $ 28,142 Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations (300 ) (308 ) Distributions on Preferred Units (623 ) (626 ) Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders 32,562 27,208 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 418,593 Net income available for common unitholders $ 32,562 $ 445,801 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit – weighted average units 104,167 98,864 Add: Stock options using the treasury method 85 84 Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit – adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (1) 104,252 98,948 Earnings per Common Unit - diluted: Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 0.28 Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders — 4.23 Net income available for common unitholders $ 0.31 $ 4.51 __________ (1) Includes all unvested restricted stock where distributions on such restricted stock are non-forfeitable.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the rental and other revenues and net operating income, the primary industry property-level performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker which is defined as rental and other revenues less rental property and other expenses, for each of our reportable segments. Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Rental and Other Revenues: Office: Atlanta $ 34,209 $ 33,196 Greensboro 5,302 5,147 Memphis 11,795 12,014 Nashville 23,690 23,366 Orlando 12,438 11,485 Pittsburgh 14,849 15,140 Raleigh 29,546 28,222 Richmond 10,942 11,069 Tampa 23,256 21,438 Total Office Segment 166,027 161,077 Other 3,381 3,782 Total Rental and Other Revenues $ 169,408 $ 164,859
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended 2017 2016 Net Operating Income: Office: Atlanta $ 22,006 $ 21,052 Greensboro 3,358 3,148 Memphis 7,272 7,415 Nashville 16,624 16,815 Orlando 7,578 6,685 Pittsburgh 8,625 8,603 Raleigh 21,465 20,254 Richmond 7,621 7,429 Tampa 15,122 13,327 Total Office Segment 109,671 104,728 Other 2,341 2,551 Total Net Operating Income 112,012 107,279 Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates: Depreciation and amortization (56,145 ) (53,494 ) General and administrative expenses (11,490 ) (11,137 ) Interest expense (17,863 ) (20,705 ) Other income 684 517 Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates $ 27,198 $ 22,460

Description of Business and S32

Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, ft² in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)aft²$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties (in sq feet) | ft²	31.3
Rentable square feet of commercial real estate properties under development (in sq feet) | ft²	1.2
Undeveloped land suitable for development (in acres) | a	400
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | $	$ 9,134	$ 50,898
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership owned by the Company (in shares)	101,600,000
Percentage of ownership of Common Units (in hundredths)	97.30%
Common Units redeemed for a like number of common shares of stock (in shares)	2,000
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | $	$ 9,100
Number of Common Stock sold during the period (in shares)	186,185
Average price of Common Stock sold during the period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 49.73
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | ATM Equity Offering [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Net proceeds of Common Stock sold during the period | $	$ 300,000
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Common Units of partnership not owned by the Company (in shares)	2,800,000

Real Estate Assets (Details)

Real Estate Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Gains on disposition of property	$ 5,332	$ 4,397
2017 Dispositions [Member]
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Purchase price of real estate	13,000
Disposition closing credits excluded	1,200
Gains on disposition of property	$ 5,300

Mortgages and Notes Receivable

Mortgages and Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Mortgages and notes receivable [Abstract]
Mortgages and notes receivable, net	$ 7,787	$ 8,833

Intangible Assets and Below M35

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs (including lease incentives and above market lease and in-place lease acquisition-related intangible assets)	$ 352,289		$ 353,581
Deferred leasing costs, accumulated amortization	(142,148)		(140,081)
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	210,141		213,500
Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, gross	61,049		61,221
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, accumulated amortization	(24,482)		(23,074)
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	36,567		$ 38,147
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	191,574
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	10,619	$ 11,335
Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	8,244
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	397	711
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	8,280
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	1,036	1,031
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]
Assets:
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	2,043
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of intangible assets	137	138
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Liabilities (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities):
Acquisition-related below market lease liabilities, net	36,567
Amortization of intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$ (1,580)	$ (1,772)

Intangible Assets and Below M36

Intangible Assets and Below Market Lease Liabilities - Scheduled Future Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 210,141	$ 213,500
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	(36,567)	$ (38,147)
Deferred Leasing Costs and Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Depreciation and Amortization) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1 through December 31, 2017	31,933
2,018	35,918
2,019	30,251
2,020	25,543
2,021	21,315
Thereafter	46,614
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 191,574
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	6 years 8 months 12 days
Lease Incentives (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1 through December 31, 2017	$ 1,155
2,018	1,432
2,019	1,214
2,020	936
2,021	729
Thereafter	2,778
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 8,244
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	8 years 2 months 12 days
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1 through December 31, 2017	$ 1,815
2,018	1,680
2,019	1,286
2,020	967
2,021	647
Thereafter	1,885
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 8,280
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	6 years 4 months 24 days
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets (in Rental Property and Other Expenses) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of intangible assets [Abstract]
April 1 through December 31, 2017	$ 412
2,018	553
2,019	553
2,020	525
2,021	0
Thereafter	0
Deferred leasing costs, net/Total scheduled future amortization of intangible assets	$ 2,043
Weighted average remaining amortization periods for intangible assets and below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
Finite-lived intangible assets, average useful life (in years)	3 years 8 months 12 days
Acquisition-Related Below Market Lease Liabilities (in Rental and Other Revenues) [Member]
Scheduled future amortization of below market lease liabilities [Abstract]
April 1 through December 31, 2017	$ (4,665)
2,018	(5,962)
2,019	(5,492)
2,020	(5,180)
2,021	(4,409)
Thereafter	(10,859)
Total scheduled future amortization of acquisition-related below market lease liabilities	$ (36,567)
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 1 month 6 days

Mortgages and Notes Payable (De

Mortgages and Notes Payable (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)extensions	Apr. 18, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	$ 2,042,486		$ 1,948,047
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ (8,564)		(6,302)
Maximum liquidity requirements (in years)	1 year
Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	$ 475,000
Maturity date on revolving credit facility	Jan. 1, 2018
Additional borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	$ 75,000
Number of additional maturity extensions | extensions	2
Term of optional extension	6 months
Interest rate, basis spread (in hundredths)	1.10%
Annual facility fee (in hundredths)	0.20%
Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility	$ 131,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility	200
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility	343,800
3.875% (4.038% effective rate) Notes due 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 300,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	3.875%
Scheduled maturity date	Mar. 1, 2027
Original issue discount	$ 4,000
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)	4.038%
Debt issuance costs incurred	$ 2,500
5.85% (5.88% effective rate) Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 379,700
Interest rate (in hundredths)	5.85%
Variable Rate Term Loan due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 150,000
Variable Rate Term Loan (amended) due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, basis spread (in hundredths)	1.10%
Principal debt amount	$ 200,000
Scheduled maturity date	Jan. 1, 2022
Debt issuance costs incurred	$ 300
Secured Loan due November 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 108,300
Scheduled maturity date	Nov. 1, 2017
Unsecured Notes due April 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 200,000
Scheduled maturity date	Apr. 15, 2018
Anticipated Fixed Rate Secured Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 100,000
Secured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	127,358		128,204
Aggregate undepreciated book value of secured real estate assets	254,200
Unsecured indebtedness [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgages and notes payable	$ 1,923,692		$ 1,826,145
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount outstanding on revolving credit facility		$ 130,000
Outstanding letters of credit on revolving credit facility		200
Unused borrowing capacity on revolving credit facility		$ 344,800
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Facility interest rate basis	LIBOR plus 110 basis points
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Variable Rate Term Loan (amended) due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	LIBOR plus 110 basis points

Derivative Financial Instrume38

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Expected increase to interest expense	$ 500
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in prepaid expenses and other assets [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	0		$ 7,619
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	1,001		1,870
Amount of unrealized gains/(losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) on derivatives (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	452	$ (3,635)
Amount of losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into contractual interest expense (effective portion) [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps	484	$ 795
3.875% (4.038% effective rate) Notes due 2027 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 300,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	3.875%
Forward Starting Swaps [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
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%
Gain on forward-starting interest rate swaps	$ 7,300

Noncontrolling Interests (Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Affiliates [Abstract]
Consolidated joint venture, partner's interest (in hundredths)	50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 144,802
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(4,972)	$ 429
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(102)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	888	13,011
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,249)	(1,232)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	139,367
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,674	432,790
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Roll Forward]
Beginning noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	144,802	126,429
Adjustment of noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership to fair value	(4,972)	429
Conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	(102)	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	888	13,011
Distributions to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	(1,249)	(1,232)
Total noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	139,367	138,637
Net Income Available for Common Stockholders and Transfers From Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership [Abstract]
Net income available for common stockholders	31,674	432,790
Increase in additional paid in capital from conversions of Common Units to Common Stock	102	0
Change from net income available for common stockholders and transfers from noncontrolling interests	$ 31,776	$ 432,790

Disclosure About Fair Value o40

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

Disclosure About Fair Value o41

Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	$ 7,787	$ 8,833
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		7,619
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	2,370	2,451
Total Assets	10,157	18,903
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	2,050,264	1,965,611
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	1,001	1,870
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	2,370	2,451
Total Liabilities	2,053,635	1,969,932
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	0	0
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		0
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	2,370	2,451
Total Assets	2,370	2,451
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	0	0
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0	0
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	2,370	2,451
Total Liabilities	2,370	2,451
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Mortgages and notes receivable, at fair value	7,787	8,833
Interest rate swaps (in prepaid expenses and other assets)		7,619
Marketable securities of non-qualified deferred compensation plan (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0	0
Total Assets	7,787	16,452
Liabilities:
Mortgages and notes payable, net, at fair value	2,050,264	1,965,611
Interest rate swaps (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	1,001	1,870
Non-qualified deferred compensation obligation (in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities)	0	0
Total Liabilities	2,051,265	1,967,481
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	139,367	144,802
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	139,367	144,802
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Noncontrolling Interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 0	$ 0

Share-Based Payments (Details)

Share-Based Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,783	$ 3,556
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs	$ 8,100
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 (in shares)	168,748
Weighted average grant date fair value of each stock option granted (in dollars per option)	$ 6.72
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Time-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock shares granted (in shares)	61,404
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock share granted (in dollars per share)	$ 52.49
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Total Return-Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock shares granted (in shares)	49,344
Weighted average grant date fair value of each restricted stock share granted (in dollars per share)	$ 49.59

Accumulated Other Comprehensi43

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 4,949	$ (3,811)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges	452	(3,635)
Amortization of cash flow hedges	484	795
Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	$ 5,885	$ (6,651)

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Rental and other revenues	$ 0	$ 8,484
Operating expenses:
Rental property and other expenses	0	3,334
General and administrative	0	1,388
Total operating expenses	0	4,722
Interest expense	0	85
Other income	0	420
Income from discontinued operations	0	4,097
Net gains on disposition of discontinued operations	0	414,496
Total income from discontinued operations	0	418,593
Net Cash Provided by/(Used in) Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	0	2,040
Cash flows from investing activities	$ 0	$ 417,097

Earnings Per Share and Per Un45

Earnings Per Share and Per Unit (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - basic: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 33,485	$ 28,142
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from continuing operations	(888)	(746)
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(300)	(308)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)	(626)
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders	31,674	26,462
Income from discontinued operations	0	418,593
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership from discontinued operations	0	(12,265)
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0	406,328
Net income available for common stockholders	$ 31,674	$ 432,790
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	101,738	96,373
Earnings per Common Share - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.27
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.22
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.49
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - diluted: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 33,485	$ 28,142
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(300)	(308)
Dividends on Preferred Stock	(623)	(626)
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	32,562	27,208
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders	0	418,593
Net income available for common stockholders before net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership	$ 32,562	$ 445,801
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Share - weighted average shares (in shares)	101,738	96,373
Stock options using the treasury method (in shares)	85	84
Noncontrolling interests Common Units (in shares)	2,838	2,900
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Share - adjusted weighted average shares and assumed conversions (in shares)	104,661	99,357
Earnings per Common Share - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.27
Income from discontinued operations available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.22
Net income available for common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.49
Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership [Member]
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - basic: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 33,485	$ 28,142
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates from continuing operations	(300)	(308)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(623)	(626)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	32,562	27,208
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0	418,593
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 32,562	$ 445,801
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	104,167	98,864
Earnings per Common Unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.28
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.23
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.51
Earnings per Common Share and Per Unit - diluted: [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 33,485	$ 28,142
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates	(300)	(308)
Distributions on Preferred Units	(623)	(626)
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders	32,562	27,208
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders	0	418,593
Net income available for common unitholders	$ 32,562	$ 445,801
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per Common Unit - weighted average units (in shares)	104,167	98,864
Stock options using the treasury method (in shares)	85	84
Denominator for diluted earnings per Common Unit - adjusted weighted average units and assumed conversions (in shares)	104,252	98,948
Earnings per Common Unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.28
Income from discontinued operations available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	0	4.23
Net income available for common unitholders (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 4.51

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	$ 169,408	$ 164,859
Total Net Operating Income	112,012	107,279
Reconciliation to income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates:
Depreciation and amortization	(56,145)	(53,494)
General and administrative expenses	(11,490)	(11,137)
Interest expense	(17,863)	(20,705)
Other income	684	517
Income from continuing operations before disposition of investment properties and activity in unconsolidated affiliates	27,198	22,460
Total Office Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	166,027	161,077
Total Net Operating Income	109,671	104,728
Office Atlanta, GA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	34,209	33,196
Total Net Operating Income	22,006	21,052
Office Greensboro, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	5,302	5,147
Total Net Operating Income	3,358	3,148
Office Memphis, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	11,795	12,014
Total Net Operating Income	7,272	7,415
Office Nashville, TN [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	23,690	23,366
Total Net Operating Income	16,624	16,815
Office Orlando, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	12,438	11,485
Total Net Operating Income	7,578	6,685
Office Pittsburgh, PA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	14,849	15,140
Total Net Operating Income	8,625	8,603
Office Raleigh, NC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	29,546	28,222
Total Net Operating Income	21,465	20,254
Office Richmond, VA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	10,942	11,069
Total Net Operating Income	7,621	7,429
Office Tampa, FL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	23,256	21,438
Total Net Operating Income	15,122	13,327
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Rental and Other Revenues	3,381	3,782
Total Net Operating Income	$ 2,341	$ 2,551

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Apr. 24, 2017	Apr. 20, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)			$ 0.440	$ 0.425
Highwoods Properties, Inc. [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per Common Share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.44
4.0% Mortgage Loan due 2029 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Principal debt amount	$ 100
Interest rate (in hundredths)	4.00%
Scheduled maturity date	May 10, 2029
Forward Starting Swaps (2) [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amount of borrowings, subject to swaps	$ 150
Underlying treasury rate locked by forward-starting swaps (in hundredths)	2.44%