The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RESPECTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
E
S
P
E
C
T
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pays heed to/details" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pays heed to/details = respects.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RESPECTS mean?
RESPECTS noun- An attitude of consideration or high regard
- Good opinion, honor, or admiration
- (always plural) Polite greetings, often offered as condolences after a death.
- A particular aspect, feature or detail of something
- Good will; favor
- To have respect for.
- To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.
- To abide by an agreement.
- To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.
- (dated except in "respecting") To relate to; to be concerned with.
- To regard; to consider; to deem.
- To look toward; to face.