Name:	hiw_CommonUnitsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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The per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of preferred units that have a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the units. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the unit.

No definition available.

Name:	hiw_PreferredUnitsLiquidationPreference
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	dtr-types:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Accumulated amount of depreciation of assets not individually reported in the financial statements, or not separately disclosed in notes.

No definition available.

Name:	hiw_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherAssetsAccumulatedDepreciation
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The number of Common Units of Partnership not owned by the Company.

No definition available.

Name:	hiw_RedeemableCommonUnitsOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

Name:	hiw_RedeemableOperatingPartnershipUnitsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	hiw_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 40
-SubTopic 30
-Topic 350
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482640/350-30-55-40

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S45
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480265/350-10-S45-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482665/350-30-50-2

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(16))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The number of general partner units outstanding.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.F)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480008/505-10-S99-5

Name:	us-gaap_GeneralPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The number of limited partner units outstanding.

Name:	us-gaap_LimitedPartnersCapitalAccountUnitsOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The number of preferred units issued.

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredUnitsIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

The number of preferred units outstanding.

HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES, INC. 10-Q