Post Apartment Homes Inactive 10-Q4 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'POST PROPERTIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000903127	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	54,195,742
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'POST APARTMENT HOMES L.P.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001012271	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real estate assets	'	'
Land	$323,992,000	$318,416,000
Building and improvements	2,383,790,000	2,278,213,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	286,057,000	270,180,000
Construction in progress	80,907,000	90,075,000
Land held for future investment	61,768,000	54,468,000
Real estate assets, total	3,136,514,000	3,011,352,000
Less: accumulated depreciation	-891,754,000	-842,925,000
For-sale condominiums	1,122,000	23,281,000
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation of $14,177 at September 30, 2013	18,417,000	'
Total real estate assets	2,264,299,000	2,191,708,000
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate entities	4,232,000	4,533,000
Cash and cash equivalents	57,867,000	118,698,000
Restricted cash	4,793,000	5,388,000
Deferred financing costs, net	9,129,000	10,855,000
Other assets	27,005,000	32,182,000
Total assets	2,367,325,000	2,363,364,000
Liabilities and equity	'	'
Indebtedness	1,099,698,000	1,102,464,000
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	81,178,000	88,926,000
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,518,000	16,297,000
Dividends and distributions payable	17,932,000	13,653,000
Accrued interest payable	8,913,000	5,721,000
Security deposits and prepaid rents	9,171,000	9,524,000
Total liabilities	1,233,410,000	1,236,585,000
Redeemable common units	6,453,000	7,159,000
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Company shareholders' equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 20,000 authorized: 8 1/2% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Shares, liquidation preference $50 per share, 868 shares issued and outstanding	9,000	9,000
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 authorized: 54,629 and 54,483 shares issued and 54,196 and 54,470 shares outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	546,000	545,000
Additional paid-in-capital	1,111,638,000	1,107,354,000
Accumulated earnings	42,478,000	27,266,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,962,000	-11,679,000
Stockholders Equity Subtotal Before Treasury Stock	1,149,709,000	1,123,495,000
Less common stock in treasury, at cost, 514 and 107 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	-22,067,000	-3,781,000
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,127,642,000	1,119,714,000
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated property partnerships	-180,000	-94,000
Total equity	1,127,462,000	1,119,620,000
Total liabilities and equity	2,367,325,000	2,363,364,000
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Real estate assets	'	'
Land	323,992,000	318,416,000
Building and improvements	2,383,790,000	2,278,213,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	286,057,000	270,180,000
Construction in progress	80,907,000	90,075,000
Land held for future investment	61,768,000	54,468,000
Real estate assets, total	3,136,514,000	3,011,352,000
Less: accumulated depreciation	-891,754,000	-842,925,000
For-sale condominiums	1,122,000	23,281,000
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation of $14,177 at September 30, 2013	18,417,000	'
Total real estate assets	2,264,299,000	2,191,708,000
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate entities	4,232,000	4,533,000
Cash and cash equivalents	57,867,000	118,698,000
Restricted cash	4,793,000	5,388,000
Deferred financing costs, net	9,129,000	10,855,000
Other assets	27,005,000	32,182,000
Total assets	2,367,325,000	2,363,364,000
Liabilities and equity	'	'
Indebtedness	1,099,698,000	1,102,464,000
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	81,178,000	88,926,000
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,518,000	16,297,000
Dividends and distributions payable	17,932,000	13,653,000
Accrued interest payable	8,913,000	5,721,000
Security deposits and prepaid rents	9,171,000	9,524,000
Total liabilities	1,233,410,000	1,236,585,000
Redeemable common units	6,453,000	7,159,000
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Company shareholders' equity	'	'
Preferred units	43,392,000	43,392,000
General partner	12,481,000	12,477,000
Limited partner	1,076,731,000	1,075,524,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,962,000	-11,679,000
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,127,642,000	1,119,714,000
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated property partnerships	-180,000	-94,000
Total equity	1,127,462,000	1,119,620,000
Total liabilities and equity	$2,367,325,000	$2,363,364,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated depreciation	$14,777	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, authorized	20,000	20,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference	$50	$50
Preferred stock, shares issued	868	868
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	868	868
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,629	54,483
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,196	54,470
Common stock in treasury, shares	514	107
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	$14,777	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	$87,895	$80,015	$253,174	$230,720
Other property revenues	5,274	4,992	15,190	14,053
Other	225	209	668	637
Total revenues	93,394	85,216	269,032	245,410
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance (exclusive of items shown separately below)	40,266	36,856	115,723	105,783
Depreciation	21,580	20,136	63,694	58,572
General and administrative	4,079	3,763	12,494	11,931
Investment and development	367	203	1,448	1,005
Other investment costs	418	547	1,239	1,159
Severance, impairment and other	1,981	'	1,981	'
Total expenses	68,691	61,505	196,579	178,450
Operating income	24,703	23,711	72,453	66,960
Interest income	8	20	67	359
Interest expense	-11,186	-11,718	-33,280	-34,273
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-646	-667	-1,915	-2,026
Net gains on condominium sales activities	5,293	10,261	27,468	25,695
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	656	475	1,611	7,416
Other income (expense), net	-196	-137	-644	444
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	'	'	-301
Income from continuing operations	18,632	21,945	65,760	64,274
Discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued property operations	421	377	1,297	1,083
Income from discontinued operations	421	377	1,297	1,083
Net income	19,053	22,322	67,057	65,357
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-32	-55	-87	-96
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	-48	-60	-167	-175
Net income available to the Company	18,973	22,207	66,803	65,086
Dividends to preferred shareholders	-922	-922	-2,766	-2,766
Net income available to common shareholders	18,051	21,285	64,037	62,320
Per common share data - Basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred dividends)	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.14
Income from discontinued operations	$0.01	$0.01	$0.02	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.33	$0.39	$1.17	$1.16
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	54,371	54,115	54,424	53,661
Per common share data - Diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred dividends)	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.13
Income from discontinued operations	$0.01	$0.01	$0.02	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.33	$0.39	$1.17	$1.15
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	54,539	54,392	54,611	54,001
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	87,895	80,015	253,174	230,720
Other property revenues	5,274	4,992	15,190	14,053
Other	225	209	668	637
Total revenues	93,394	85,216	269,032	245,410
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance (exclusive of items shown separately below)	40,266	36,856	115,723	105,783
Depreciation	21,580	20,136	63,694	58,572
General and administrative	4,079	3,763	12,494	11,931
Investment and development	367	203	1,448	1,005
Other investment costs	418	547	1,239	1,159
Severance, impairment and other	1,981	'	1,981	'
Total expenses	68,691	61,505	196,579	178,450
Operating income	24,703	23,711	72,453	66,960
Interest income	8	20	67	359
Interest expense	-11,186	-11,718	-33,280	-34,273
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-646	-667	-1,915	-2,026
Net gains on condominium sales activities	5,293	10,261	27,468	25,695
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	656	475	1,611	7,416
Other income (expense), net	-196	-137	-644	444
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	'	'	-301
Income from continuing operations	18,632	21,945	65,760	64,274
Discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued property operations	421	377	1,297	1,083
Income from discontinued operations	421	377	1,297	1,083
Net income	19,053	22,322	67,057	65,357
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-32	-55	-87	-96
Net income available to the Company	19,021	22,267	66,970	65,261
Dividends to preferred shareholders	-922	-922	-2,766	-2,766
Net income available to common shareholders	$18,099	$21,345	$64,204	$62,495
Per common share data - Basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred dividends)	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.14
Income from discontinued operations	$0.01	$0.01	$0.02	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.33	$0.39	$1.17	$1.16
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	54,514	54,259	54,567	53,809
Per common share data - Diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred dividends)	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.13
Income from discontinued operations	$0.01	$0.01	$0.02	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.33	$0.39	$1.17	$1.15
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	54,682	54,536	54,754	54,149

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$19,053	$22,322	$67,057	$65,357
Net change in derivative financial instruments	-1,365	-2,741	6,735	-10,007
Total comprehensive income	17,688	19,581	73,792	55,350
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:	'	'	'	'
Consolidated real estate entities	-32	-55	-87	-96
Operating Partnership	-44	-54	-185	-149
Total Company comprehensive income	17,612	19,472	73,520	55,105
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income	19,053	22,322	67,057	65,357
Net change in derivative financial instruments	-1,365	-2,741	6,735	-10,007
Total comprehensive income	17,688	19,581	73,792	55,350
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:	'	'	'	'
Consolidated real estate entities	-32	-55	-87	-96
Total Operating Partnership comprehensive income	$17,656	$19,526	$73,705	$55,254

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ

Consolidated Statements of Equity and Accumulated Earnings (USD $)

Total

Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]

Preferred Stock [Member]

Common Stock [Member]

Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]

Accumulated Earnings [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Treasury Stock [Member]

Total Company Equity [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests - Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Member]

General Partner [Member]

Limited Partners [Member]

In Thousands

Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]

Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011

$1,047,523

$43,392

$530

$1,053,612

($2,633)

($4,000)

$1,047,518

$11,662

$995,097

Comprehensive income

55,201

2,766

65,086

-9,981

55,105

625

61,695

Sales of common stock, net

25,457

25,451

25,457

255

25,202

Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances

24,350

23,600

741

24,350

244

24,106

Conversion of redeemable common units for shares

591

438

153

591

Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units

-409

Stock-based compensation

2,089

2,068

Dividends to preferred shareholders

-2,766

Dividends to common shareholders

-38,934

-390

-38,544

Distributions to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities

-176

Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units

-167

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012

1,112,759

43,392

545

1,104,781

23,219

-12,614

-3,106

1,112,834

-75

12,417

1,069,639

Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2012

Dividends to preferred shareholders

-922

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012

1,112,759

Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012

1,119,620

43,392

545

1,107,354

27,266

-11,679

-3,781

1,119,714

-94

12,477

1,075,524

Comprehensive income

73,607

2,766

66,803

6,717

73,520

642

63,395

Employee stock purchase, stock option and other plan issuances

3,306

1,527

1,778

3,306

3,273

Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units

Stock-based compensation

2,715

2,688

Acquisition of treasury stock

-20,064

Acquisition of common units

-20,064

-201

-19,863

Dividends to preferred shareholders

-2,766

Dividends to common shareholders

-49,550

-497

-49,053

Distributions to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities

-173

Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units

725

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

1,127,462

43,392

546

1,111,638

42,478

-4,962

-22,067

1,127,642

-180

12,481

1,076,731

Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2013

Dividends to preferred shareholders

-922

Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013

$1,127,462

Consolidated_Statements_of_Equ1

Consolidated Statements of Equity and Accumulated Earnings (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Dividends to common shareholders	$0.91	$0.72
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Dividends to common shareholders	$0.91	$0.72

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$67,057	$65,357
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	64,221	59,172
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,915	2,026
Net gains on condominium sales activities	-27,468	-25,695
Other, net	930	857
Impairment charges	400	'
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-1,611	-7,416
Distributions of earnings of unconsolidated entities	2,064	2,436
Deferred compensation	21	85
Stock-based compensation	2,722	2,094
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	301
Changes in assets, decrease (increase) in:	'	'
Other assets	-633	-2,168
Changes in liabilities, increase (decrease) in:	'	'
Accrued interest payable	3,192	4,001
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,989	3,340
Security deposits and prepaid rents	242	-625
Net cash provided by operating activities	117,041	103,765
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'	'
Development and construction of real estate assets	-101,176	-95,552
Acquisiton of communities	-48,399	-73,963
Proceeds from sales of real estate assets	70,173	64,043
Capitalized interest	-3,122	-4,414
Property capital expenditures	-26,081	-20,410
Corporate additions and improvements	-1,225	-521
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	'	7,454
Note receivable collections and other investments	806	797
Net cash used in investing activities	-109,024	-122,566
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'	'
Lines of credit proceeds	'	94,899
Lines of credit repayments	'	-229,899
Proceeds from indebtedness	'	300,000
Payments on indebtedness	-2,766	-98,951
Payments of financing costs and other	-292	-5,159
Proceeds from sales of common stock	'	25,457
Proceeds from employee stock purchase and stock options plans	2,615	23,626
Acquisition of treasury stock	-20,064	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - real estate entities	-173	-176
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - common unitholders	-120	-103
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-2,766	-2,766
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-45,282	-36,989
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-68,848	69,939
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-60,831	51,138
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	118,698	13,084
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	57,867	64,222
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	67,057	65,357
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	64,221	59,172
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,915	2,026
Net gains on condominium sales activities	-27,468	-25,695
Other, net	930	857
Impairment charges	400	'
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-1,611	-7,416
Distributions of earnings of unconsolidated entities	2,064	2,436
Deferred compensation	21	85
Stock-based compensation	2,722	2,094
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	301
Changes in assets, decrease (increase) in:	'	'
Other assets	-633	-2,168
Changes in liabilities, increase (decrease) in:	'	'
Accrued interest payable	3,192	4,001
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,989	3,340
Security deposits and prepaid rents	242	-625
Net cash provided by operating activities	117,041	103,765
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'	'
Development and construction of real estate assets	-101,176	-95,552
Acquisiton of communities	-48,399	-73,963
Proceeds from sales of real estate assets	70,173	64,043
Capitalized interest	-3,122	-4,414
Property capital expenditures	-26,081	-20,410
Corporate additions and improvements	-1,225	-521
Distributions from unconsolidated entities	'	7,454
Note receivable collections and other investments	806	797
Net cash used in investing activities	-109,024	-122,566
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'	'
Lines of credit proceeds	'	94,899
Lines of credit repayments	'	-229,899
Proceeds from indebtedness	'	300,000
Payments on indebtedness	-2,766	-98,951
Payments of financing costs and other	-292	-5,159
Proceeds from employee stock purchase and stock options plans	2,615	49,083
Acquisition of treasury stock	-20,064	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - real estate entities	-173	-176
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - common unitholders	-120	-103
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-2,766	-2,766
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-45,282	-36,989
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-68,848	69,939
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-60,831	51,138
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	118,698	13,084
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$57,867	$64,222

Organization_and_Significant_A

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Organization
	Post Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries develop, own and manage upscale multi-family apartment communities in selected markets in the United States. The Company through its wholly-owned subsidiaries is the sole general partner, a limited partner and owns a majority interest in Post Apartment Homes, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Georgia limited partnership. The Operating Partnership, through its operating divisions and subsidiaries conducts substantially all of the on-going operations of the Company, a publicly traded corporation which operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). As used herein, the term “Company” includes Post Properties, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Post Apartment Homes, L.P., unless the context indicates otherwise.
	The Company has elected to qualify and operate as a self-administrated and self-managed REIT for federal income tax purposes. A REIT is a legal entity which holds real estate interests and is generally not subject to federal income tax on the income it distributes to its shareholders. The Operating Partnership is governed under the provisions of a limited partnership agreement, as amended. Under the provisions of the limited partnership agreement, as amended, Operating Partnership net profits, net losses and cash flow (after allocations to preferred ownership interests) are allocated to the partners in proportion to their common ownership interests. Cash distributions from the Operating Partnership shall be, at a minimum, sufficient to enable the Company to satisfy its annual dividend requirements to maintain its REIT status under the Internal Revue Code of 1986, as amended.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had interests in 22,858 apartment units in 61 communities, including 1,471 apartment units in four communities held in unconsolidated entities and 1,620 apartment units in five communities currently under development or in lease-up. The Company is also selling luxury for-sale condominium homes in one community through a taxable REIT subsidiary. At September 30, 2013, approximately 31.1%, 22.3%, 13.7% and 9.9% (on a unit basis) of the Company’s operating communities were located in the Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, the greater Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Florida metropolitan areas, respectively.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had outstanding 54,196 shares of common stock and owned the same number of units of common limited partnership interests (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership, representing a 99.7% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership. Common Units held by persons other than the Company totaled 143 at September 30, 2013 and represented a 0.3% common minority interest in the Operating Partnership. Each Common Unit may be redeemed by the holder thereof for either one share of Company common stock or cash equal to the fair market value thereof at the time of redemption, at the option, but outside the control, of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership presently anticipates that it will cause shares of common stock to be issued in connection with each such redemption rather than paying cash (as has been done in all redemptions to date). With each redemption of outstanding Common Units for Company common stock, the Company’s percentage ownership interest in the Operating Partnership will increase. In addition, whenever the Company issues shares of common stock, the Company will contribute any net proceeds therefrom to the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership will issue an equivalent number of Common Units to the Company. The Company’s weighted average common ownership interest in the Operating Partnership was 99.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normally recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company also consolidates other entities in which it has a controlling financial interest or entities where it is determined to be the primary beneficiary under ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” Under ASC Topic 810, variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate a VIE for financial reporting purposes. The application of ASC Topic 810 requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about the Company’s and its other partners’ rights, obligations and economic interests in such entities. For entities in which the Company has less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s noncontrolling interest of common unitholders (also referred to as “Redeemable Common Units”) in the operations of the Operating Partnership is calculated based on the weighted average unit ownership during the period.
	Revenue recognition
	Residential properties are leased under operating leases with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenues from residential leases are recognized on the straight-line method over the approximate life of the leases, which is generally one year. The recognition of rental revenues from residential leases when earned has historically not been materially different from rental revenues recognized on a straight-line basis.
	Under the terms of residential leases, the residents of the Company’s residential communities are obligated to reimburse the Company for certain utility usage, water and electricity (at selected properties), where the Company is the primary obligor to the public utility entity. These utility reimbursements from residents are reflected as other property revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets and for-sale condominiums are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sales.” The Company accounts for each project under either the “Deposit Method” or the “Percentage of Completion Method,” based on a specific evaluation of the factors specified in ASC Topic 360-20. The factors used to determine the appropriate accounting method are the legal commitment of the purchaser in the real estate contract, whether the construction of the project is beyond a preliminary phase, whether sufficient units have been contracted to ensure the project will not revert to a rental project, the ability to reasonably estimate the aggregate project sale proceeds and aggregate project costs and the determination that the buyer has made an adequate initial and continuing cash investment under the contract in accordance with ASC Topic 360-20. As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s condominium community is accounted for under the Deposit Method. Under ASC Topic 360-20, the Company uses the relative sales value method to allocate costs and recognize profits from condominium sales. Under the relative sales value method, estimates of aggregate project revenues and aggregate project costs are used to determine the allocation of project cost of sales and the resulting profit in each accounting period. In subsequent periods, cumulative project cost of sale allocations and the resulting profits are adjusted to reflect changes in the actual and estimated costs and revenues of each project.
	Cost capitalization
	For communities under development or construction, the Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain internal personnel and associated costs associated with the development and construction activity. Interest is capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the weighted average cumulative project costs for each month multiplied by the Company’s weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage. Weighted average borrowing costs include the costs of the Company’s fixed rate secured and unsecured borrowings and the variable rate unsecured borrowings under its line of credit facilities. The weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage, were 4.6% and 5.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Internal development and construction personnel and associated costs are capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the effort associated with such projects. Aggregate internal development and construction personnel and associated costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $737 and $973 for the three months and $2,163 and $2,692 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company treats each unit in an apartment community separately for cost accumulation, capitalization and expense recognition purposes. Prior to the completion of rental and condominium units, interest and other construction costs are capitalized and reflected on the balance sheet as construction in progress. The Company ceases the capitalization of such costs as the residential units in a community become substantially complete and available for occupancy or sale. This results in a proration of costs between amounts that are capitalized and expensed as the residential units in apartment and condominium development communities become available for occupancy or sale. In addition, prior to the completion of rental units, the Company expenses as incurred substantially all operating expenses (including pre-opening marketing as well as property management and leasing personnel expenses) of such rental communities. Prior to the completion and closing of condominium units, the Company expenses all sales and marketing costs related to such units.

	Real estate assets, depreciation and impairment
	Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and components, - 40 years; other building and land improvements - 20 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment – 5-10 years).
	The Company continually evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of its real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of its existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC Topic 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. In addition, for-sale condominium units completed and ready for their intended use are evaluated for impairment using the methodology for assets held for sale (using discounted projected future cash flows).
	The Company periodically classifies real estate assets as held for sale. An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of the Company’s board of directors and after an active program to sell the asset has commenced. Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset. Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded. Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon a decision to no longer market an asset for sale, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had one apartment community classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet.
	For condominium communities, the operating results and associated gains and losses are reflected on the consolidated statement of operations in the caption titles “Net gains on condominium sales activities” (see discussion under “revenue recognition” above), and the net book value of the condominium assets is reflected separately on the consolidated balance sheet in the caption titled, “For-sale condominiums.”
	Derivative financial instruments
	The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments at fair value under the provisions of ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” In conjunction with its implementation of updates to the fair value measurements guidance, the Company made an accounting policy election as of January 1, 2012 to measure derivative financial instruments subject to master netting agreements on a net basis. The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swap arrangements to manage or hedge its exposure to interest rates changes. Under ASC Topic 815, derivative instruments qualifying as hedges of specific cash flows are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with an offsetting increase or decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income, an equity account, until the hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. Quarterly, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges. Any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is recognized immediately in earnings.
	Fair value measurements
	The Company applies the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets recorded at fair value, if any, to its impairment valuation analysis of real estate assets, to its disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, principally indebtedness and to its derivative financial instruments. Fair value disclosures required under ASC Topic 820 are summarized in note 8 utilizing the following hierarchy:

		•		Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

		•		Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

		•		Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the assets or liability.

	Supplemental cash flow information
	Supplemental cash flow information for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:


			Nine months ended
			September 30,
			2013			2012
	Interest paid, including interest capitalized		$	33,476		$	34,977
	Income tax payments, net			1,082			79
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Dividends and distributions payable			17,932			13,639
	Conversions of redeemable common units			—			591
	Common stock 401k matching contribution			670			639
	Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)			(3,754	)		4,033
	Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units, net			767			(576	)

Real_Estate_Activity

Real Estate Activity	9 Months Ended
Real Estate Activity	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Activity	'
	2. REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY
	Acquisitions
	In May 2013, the Company acquired a 300-unit apartment community located in Orlando, Florida for a purchase price of approximately $48,500. The Company also acquired a land parcel in Houston, Texas during the second quarter of 2013 for a purchase price of approximately $13,100. In July 2012, the Company acquired a 360-unit apartment community, including approximately 7,612 square feet of retail space, located in Charlotte, North Carolina for a purchase price of approximately $74,000.
	Dispositions
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had one apartment community, containing 342 units, classified as held for sale. These real estate assets are reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at $18,417, which represents the lower of their depreciated cost or fair value less costs to sell. In October 2013, this apartment community was subsequently sold for gross proceeds of approximately $47,500 (see note 14). In February 2012, the Company also sold an apartment community held by an unconsolidated entity (see note 3).
	Under ASC Topic 360, the operating results of real estate assets designated as held for sale are included in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for all periods presented. Additionally, all gains and losses on the sale of these assets are included in discontinued operations. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, income from discontinued operations included the results of operations of one apartment community classified as held for sale at September 30, 2013 as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Rental	$	1,113		$	1,054		$	3,272		$	3,085
	Other property revenues		111			104			327			315

	Total revenues		1,224			1,158			3,599			3,400

	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance		540			485			1,509			1,426
	Depreciation		175			198			527			600
	Interest		88			98			266			291

	Total expenses		803			781			2,302			2,317

	Income from discontinued property operations	$	421		$	377		$	1,297		$	1,083


	Condominium activities
	In 2013, the Company continued to sell condominium homes at two wholly owned condominium communities. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company substantially completed the sell-out of its condominium community in Atlanta, Georgia (the “Atlanta Condominium Project”). At September 30, 2013, the Company had one condominium unit remaining for sale at this community with an aggregate carrying value of $1,122. The Company completed the sell-out of its remaining condominium units in its condominium community in Austin, Texas (the “Austin Condominium Project”), during the second quarter of 2013. The revenues, costs and expenses associated with consolidated condominium activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Condominium revenues	$	12,550		$	23,517		$	68,148		$	64,043
	Condominium costs and expenses		(7,257	)		(13,256	)		(40,680	)		(38,960	)

	Net gains on sales of residential condominiums, before income tax		5,293			10,261			27,468			25,083
	Income tax benefit		—			—			—			612

	Net gains on sales of condominiums	$	5,293		$	10,261		$	27,468		$	25,695

	The Company closed 12 and 24 condominium homes for the three months and 62 and 69 condominium homes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, at these condominium communities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of $612 related to the expected recovery of income taxes paid in prior years by the Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (see note 11).

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities	9 Months Ended
Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities	'
	3. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES
	At September 30, 2013, the Company held investments in two individual limited liability companies (the “Apartment LLCs”) with institutional investors that own four apartment communities, including three communities located in Atlanta, Georgia and one community located in Washington, D.C. The Company has a 25% and 35% equity interest in these Apartment LLCs.
	The Company accounts for its investments in the Apartment LLCs using the equity method of accounting. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s investment in the 35% owned Apartment LLC totaled $4,232 and $4,533, respectively, excluding the credit investments discussed below. The excess of the Company’s investment over its equity in the underlying net assets of these Apartment LLCs was approximately $2,761 at September 30, 2013. The excess investment related to these Apartment LLCs is being amortized as a reduction to earnings on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related assets. The Company’s investment in the 25% owned Apartment LLC at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 reflects a credit investment of $16,518 and $16,297, respectively. These credit balances resulted from distribution of financing proceeds in excess of the Company’s historical cost upon the formation of the Apartment LLC and are reflected in consolidated liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The operating results of the Company include its allocable share of net income from the investments in the Apartment LLCs. The Company provides property and asset management services to the Apartment LLCs for which it earns fees.
	A summary of financial information for the Apartment LLCs in the aggregate is as follows:


			September 30,			December 31,
	Apartment LLCs - Balance Sheet Data		2013			2012
	Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $42,307 and $38,332 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively		$	210,058		$	212,877
	Cash and other			4,221			5,103

	Total assets		$	214,279		$	217,980

	Mortgage notes payable		$	177,723		$	177,723
	Other liabilities			1,396			2,588

	Total liabilities			179,119			180,311
	Members’ equity			35,160			37,669

	Total liabilities and members’ equity		$	214,279		$	217,980

	Company’s equity investment in Apartment LLCs (1)		$	(12,286	)	$	(11,764	)

				.

	-1	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s equity investment includes its credit investments of $16,518 and $16,297, respectively, discussed above.


			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	Apartment LLCs - Income Statement Data		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Revenues
	Rental		$	6,505		$	6,226		$	19,141	$	18,421
	Other property revenues			475			476			1,435		1,411

	Total revenues			6,980			6,702			20,576		19,832

	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			2,550			2,651			7,939		7,733
	Depreciation and amortization			1,362			1,368			4,052		4,400
	Interest			2,278			2,278			6,774		6,903

	Total expenses			6,190			6,297			18,765		19,036

	Net loss from continuing operations			790			405			1,811		796
	Gain from discontinued operations			—			—			—		21,607

	Net income		$	790		$	405		$	1,811	$	22,403

	Company’s share of net income in Apartment LLCs		$	656		$	475		$	1,611	$	7,416

	In February 2012, a 35% owned Apartment LLC sold an apartment community located in Atlanta, Georgia. The net cash proceeds from the sale of approximately $50,500 were used to retire the Apartment LLC’s outstanding mortgage note payable of $29,272 and to make distributions to its members. The results of operations and the gain on sale of the apartment community from this Apartment LLC are included in discontinued operations in 2012. The Company’s equity in income of unconsolidated entities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes a net gain of $6,055 resulting from this transaction.
	At September 30, 2013, mortgage notes payable included four mortgage notes. The first $51,000 mortgage note bears interest at 3.50%, requires monthly interest only payments and matures in 2019. The second and third mortgage notes total $85,724, bear interest at 5.63%, require interest only payments and mature in 2017. The fourth mortgage note totals $41,000, bears interest at 5.71%, requires interest only payments, and matures in January 2018 with a one-year automatic extension at a variable interest rate.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	9 Months Ended
Indebtedness	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Indebtedness	'
	4. INDEBTEDNESS
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s indebtedness consists of the following:


			Payment			Maturity			September 30,		December 31,
	Description		Terms		Interest Rate	Date			2013		2012
	Senior Unsecured Notes		Int.		3.375% - 4.75%		2017 - 2022	(1)	$	400,000	$	400,000
	Unsecured Bank Term Loan		Int.		LIBOR + 1.70% (2)		2018			300,000		300,000
	Unsecured Revolving Lines of Credit		Int.		LIBOR + 1.225% (3)		2016			—		—
	Secured Mortgage Notes		Prin. and Int.		4.88% - 5.99%		2015 - 2019	(4)		399,698		402,464

	Total								$	1,099,698	$	1,102,464


	-1	There are no maturities of senior unsecured notes in 2013. The remaining unsecured notes mature between 2017 and 2022.
	-2	Represents stated rate at September 30, 2013. As discussed below, the Company has entered into interest rate swap arrangements that effectively fix the interest rate under this facility. At September 30, 2013, the effective blended interest rate under the Term Loan was 3.24%.
	-3	Represents stated rate at September 30, 2013.
	-4	There are no maturities of secured notes in 2013. These notes mature between 2015 and 2019.

	Debt maturities
	The aggregate maturities of the Company’s indebtedness are as follows:


	Remainder of 2013		$	965
	2014			3,961
	2015			124,205
	2016			4,419
	2017			154,736
	Thereafter			811,412

			$	1,099,698

	Debt issuances and retirements
	There were no issuances or retirements of indebtedness for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Unsecured lines of credit
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had a $300,000 syndicated unsecured revolving line of credit (the “Syndicated Line”). At September 30, 2013, the Syndicated Line had a stated interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.225%, was provided by a syndicate of eleven financial institutions and required the payment of annual facility fees of 0.225% of the aggregate loan commitments. The Syndicated Line matures in January 2016 and may be extended for an additional year at the Company’s option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Syndicated Line provides for the interest rate and facility fee rate to be adjusted up or down based on changes in the credit ratings on the Company’s senior unsecured debt. The components of the interest rate and the facility fee rate that are based on the Company’s credit ratings range from 1.00% to 1.80% and from 0.15% to 0.40%, respectively. The Syndicated Line also includes a competitive bid option for borrowings up to 50% of the loan commitments, which may result in interest rates for such borrowings below the stated interest rates for the Syndicated Line, depending on market conditions. The credit agreement for the Syndicated Line contains customary restrictions, representations, covenants and events of default, including minimum fixed charge coverage, minimum unsecured interest coverage, and maximum leverage ratios. The Syndicated Line also restricts the amount of capital the Company can invest in specific categories of assets, such as improved land, properties under construction, condominium properties, non-multifamily properties, debt or equity securities, notes receivable and unconsolidated affiliates. The Syndicated Line prohibits the Company from investing further capital in condominium assets, excluding its current investment in the Atlanta Condominium Project, and certain mixed-use projects, as defined. At September 30, 2013, letters of credit to third parties totaling $570 had been issued for the account of the Company under this facility.
	Additionally, at September 30, 2013, the Company had a $30,000 unsecured line of credit (the “Cash Management Line”). The Cash Management Line matures in January 2016, includes a one-year extension option, and carries pricing and terms, including financial covenants, substantially consistent with the Syndicated Line.
	In connection with the refinancing of the Syndicated Line and the Cash Management Line in January 2012, the Company recognized an extinguishment loss of $301 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the write-off of a portion of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the amendment of the Syndicated Line.
	Unsecured term loan
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had outstanding a $300,000 unsecured bank term loan facility provided by a syndicate of eight financial institutions (the “Term Loan”). As of September 30, 2013, the Term Loan carried a stated interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.70%. The Term Loan provides for the stated interest rate to be adjusted up or down based on changes in the credit ratings on the Company’s senior unsecured debt. The component of the interest rate based on the Company’s credit ratings ranges from 1.50% to 2.30%. The Term Loan matures in January 2018, includes two six-month extension options, and carries other terms, including financial covenants, substantially consistent with the Syndicated Line discussed above. As discussed in note 8, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements to serve as cash flow hedges of amounts outstanding under the Term Loan. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively fix the LIBOR component of the interest rate paid under the Term Loan at a blended rate of approximately 1.54%. As a result, the effective blended interest rate on the Term Loan was 3.24% as of September 30, 2013 (subject to any adjustment based on subsequent changes in the Company’s credit ratings).

	Debt compliance and other
	The Company’s Syndicated Line, Cash Management Line, Term Loan and senior unsecured notes contain customary restrictions, representations, covenants and events of default and require the Company to meet certain financial covenants. Debt service and fixed charge coverage covenants require the Company to maintain coverages of a minimum of 1.5 to 1.0, as defined in applicable debt arrangements. Additionally, the Company’s ratio of unencumbered adjusted property-level net operating income to unsecured interest expense may not be less than 2.0 to 1.0, as defined in the applicable debt arrangements. Leverage covenants generally require the Company to maintain calculated covenants above/below minimum/maximum thresholds. The primary leverage ratios under these arrangements include total debt to total asset value (maximum of 60%), total secured debt to total asset value (maximum of 40%) and unencumbered assets to unsecured debt (minimum of 1.5 to 1.0), as defined in the applicable debt arrangements. The Company believes it met these financial covenants at September 30, 2013.

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Equity and Noncontrolling Interests	'
	5. EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	Common stock
	In May 2012, the Company adopted a new at-the-market (“ATM”) common equity sales program for the sale of up to 4,000 shares of common stock. At September 30, 2013, the Company had not used the new program and had 4,000 shares remaining for issuance. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, sales of common stock under a previous ATM program totaled 137 and 550 shares, respectively, for gross proceeds of $6,994 and $26,153, respectively. The average gross sales price per share was $51.24 and $47.55 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The Company’s net proceeds of $6,831 and $25,457 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, were contributed to the Operating Partnership in exchange for a like number of common units. The Company and the Operating Partnership have and expect to use the proceeds from this program for general corporate purposes.
	In December 2012, the Company’s board of directors adopted a stock and unsecured note repurchase program under which the Company and the Operating Partnership may repurchase up to $200,000 of common and preferred stock and unsecured notes through December 2014. Under this program, the Company repurchased 443 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $20,064 and at an average gross price per share of $45.25 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Correspondingly, the Operating Partnership repurchased the same number and amount of common units from the Company. There were no shares of common stock repurchased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 under the previous stock repurchase program which expired December 2012.
	Noncontrolling interests
	In accordance with ASC Topic 810, the Company and the Operating Partnership determined that the noncontrolling interests related to the common units of the Operating Partnership, held by persons other than the Company, met the criterion to be classified and accounted for as “temporary” equity (reflected outside of total equity as “Redeemable Common Units”). At September 30, 2013, the aggregate redemption value of the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership of $6,453 was in excess of its net book value of $2,839. At December 31, 2012, the aggregate redemption value of the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership of $7,159 was in excess of its net book value of $2,820. The Company further determined that the noncontrolling interests in its consolidated real estate entities met the criterion to be classified and accounted for as a component of permanent equity.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, income from continuing operations, income from discontinued operations and net income available to the Company were comprised of the following amounts, net of noncontrolling interests:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations	$	18,553		$	21,831		$	65,509	$	64,006
	Income from discontinued operations		420			376			1,294		1,080

	Net income available to the Company	$	18,973		$	22,207		$	66,803	$	65,086


	A roll-forward of activity relating to the Company’s Redeemable Common Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:


		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Redeemable common units, beginning of period	$	7,159		$	6,840
	Comprehensive income		185			149
	Conversion of redeemable common units for shares		—			(591	)
	Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units		(42	)		409
	Stock-based compensation		7			5
	Distributions to common unitholders		(131	)		(105	)
	Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units		(725	)		167

	Redeemable common units, end of period	$	6,453		$	6,874

Company_Earnings_Per_Share

Company Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
Company Earnings Per Share	Sep. 30, 2013
Company Earnings Per Share	'
	6. COMPANY EARNINGS PER SHARE
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations per share was as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	18,632		$	21,945		$	65,760		$	64,274
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(32	)		(55	)		(87	)		(96	)
	Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership		(47	)		(59	)		(164	)		(172	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(922	)		(922	)		(2,766	)		(2,766	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(39	)		(49	)		(136	)		(142	)

	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	17,592		$	20,860		$	62,607		$	61,098

	Common shares (denominator):
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		54,371			54,115			54,424			53,661
	Dilutive shares from stock options		168			277			187			340

	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		54,539			54,392			54,611			54,001

	Per-share amount:
	Basic	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.14

	Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.13

	Stock options to purchase 186 and 29 shares of common stock for the three months and 57 and 165 shares of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted income from continuing operations per common share as these stock options were antidilutive.
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'
Company Earnings Per Share	'
	7. OPERATING PARTNERSHIP EARNINGS PER UNIT
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations per unit was as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	18,632		$	21,945		$	65,760		$	64,274
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(32	)		(55	)		(87	)		(96	)
	Preferred unit distributions		(922	)		(922	)		(2,766	)		(2,766	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(39	)		(49	)		(136	)		(142	)

	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	$	17,639		$	20,919		$	62,771		$	61,270

	Common units (denominator):
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic		54,514			54,259			54,567			53,809
	Dilutive units from stock options		168			277			187			340

	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted		54,682			54,536			54,754			54,149

	Per-unit amount:
	Basic	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.14

	Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.13

	Stock options to purchase 186 and 29 shares of common stock for the three months and 57 and 165 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted income from continuing operations per common unit as these stock options were antidilutive.

Fair_Value_Measures_and_Other_

Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments	'
	8. FAIR VALUE MEASURES AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	From time to time, the Company records certain assets and liabilities at fair value. Real estate assets may be stated at fair value if they become impaired in a given period and may be stated at fair value if they are held for sale and the fair value of such assets is below historical cost. Additionally, the Company records derivative financial instruments at fair value. The Company also uses fair value metrics to evaluate the carrying values of its real estate assets and for the disclosure of certain financial instruments. Fair value measurements were determined by management using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies available to management at September 30, 2013. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data and estimate fair value. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the estimates discussed herein, using Level 2 and 3 inputs, are indicative of the amounts the Company could realize on disposition of the real estate assets or other financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
	Real estate assets
	The Company periodically reviews its real estate assets, including operating assets, construction in progress, land held for future investment and for-sale condominiums, for impairment purposes using Level 3 inputs, primarily comparable sales and market data, independent valuations and discounted cash flow models. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized impairment charges of $400 to write-down a parcel of land held for future investment to its estimate fair value. The estimated fair value if the land was determined using Level 3 inputs, consisting primarily of comparable market sales data. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company did not recognize any impairment charges related to its real estate assets.
	Derivatives and other financial instruments
	The Company manages its exposure to interest rate changes through the use of derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swap arrangements. At September 30, 2013, the Company had outstanding three interest rate swap arrangements with substantially similar terms and conditions. These arrangements have an aggregate notional amount of $230,000 and require the Company to pay a blended fixed rate of approximately 1.55% (with the counterparties paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate).
	Additionally, the Company had outstanding a fourth interest rate swap arrangement with a notional amount of $70,000 and it requires the Company to pay a fixed rate of approximately 1.50% (with the counterparty paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate) (together, the “Interest Rate Swaps”). The Interest Rate Swaps serve as cash flow hedges of amounts outstanding under the Company’s variable rate Term Loan (see note 4) entered into in January 2012 and provide for an effective blended fixed rate for the corresponding amount of Term Loan borrowings, of approximately 3.24% at September 30, 2013 (subject to an adjustment based on subsequent changes in the Company’s credit ratings). The Interest Rate Swaps terminate in January 2018.
	The Interest Rate Swaps are measured and accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. The Interest Rate Swaps outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were valued as net liabilities of $4,975 and $11,710, respectively, primarily using level 2 inputs, as substantially all of the fair value was determined using widely accepted discounted cash flow valuation techniques along with observable market-based inputs for similar types of arrangements. The Company reflects both the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risks and its own nonperformance risks in its fair value measurements using unobservable inputs. However, the impact of such risks was not considered material to the overall fair value measurements of the derivatives. These liabilities are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Under ASC Topic 815, a corresponding amount is included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), an equity account, until the hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. The following table summarizes the effect of these Interest Rate Swaps (designated as cash flow hedges) on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Interest Rate Swap / Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$	(2,398	)	$	(3,729	)	$	3,691		$	(11,729	)

	Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense	$	(1,033	)	$	(988	)	$	(3,044	)	$	(1,722	)

	The amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2013 will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made under the hedged indebtedness. Over the next year, the Company estimates that $3,991 will be reclassified from accumulated comprehensive income to interest expense.
	As part of the Company’s on-going procedures, the Company monitors the credit worthiness of its financial institution counterparties and its exposure to any single entity, which it believes minimizes credit risk concentration. The Company believes the likelihood of realized losses from counterparty non-performance is remote. The Interest Rate Swaps are cross defaulted with the Company’s Term Loan and Syndicated Line (see note 4) and contain certain provisions consistent with these types of arrangements. If the Company was required to terminate the Interest Rate Swaps and settle the obligations thereunder as of September 30, 2013, the termination payment by the Company would have been approximately $4,971.
	Other financial instruments
	Cash equivalents, rents and accounts receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities are carried at amounts which reasonably approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments. At September 30, 2013, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $825,826 (carrying value of $799,698) and the fair value of variable rate debt, including the Company’s lines of credit, was approximately $305,988 (carrying value of $300,000). At December 31, 2012, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $860,217 (carrying value of $802,464) and the fair value of variable rate debt, including the Company’s lines of credit, was approximately $298,551 (carrying value of $300,000). Long-term indebtedness was valued using Level 2 inputs, primarily market prices of comparable debt instruments.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
Segment Information	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	9. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Segment description
	In accordance with ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” the Company presents segment information based on the way that management organizes the segments within the enterprise for making operating decisions and assessing performance. The segment information is prepared on the same basis as the internally reported information used by the Company’s chief operating decision makers to manage the business.

	The Company’s chief operating decision makers focus on the Company’s primary sources of income from apartment community rental operations. Apartment community rental operations are generally broken down into segments based on the various stages in the apartment community ownership lifecycle. These segments are described below. All commercial properties and other ancillary service and support operations are combined in the line item “other property segments” in the accompanying segment information. The segment information presented below reflects the segment categories based on the lifecycle status of each community as of January 1, 2012. The segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 has been adjusted due to the restatement impact of reclassifying the operation results of an apartment community designated as held for sale as of September 30, 2013 to discontinued operations under ASC Topic 360 (see note 2).

		•		Fully stabilized communities – those apartment communities which have been stabilized (the earlier of the point at which a property reaches 95% occupancy or one year after completion of construction) for both the current and prior year.

		•		Communities stabilized during the prior year – those apartment communities which reached stabilized occupancy in 2012.

		•		Development and lease-up communities – those apartment communities that are under development, rehabilitation and lease-up but were not stabilized by the beginning of the current year, including communities that stabilized during the current year.

		•		Acquired communities – those communities acquired in the current or prior year.
	Segment performance measure
	Management uses contribution to consolidated property net operating income (“NOI”) as the performance measure for its operating segments. The Company uses NOI, including NOI of stabilized communities, as an operating measure. NOI is defined as rental and other property revenue from real estate operations less total property and maintenance expenses from real estate operations (excluding depreciation and amortization). The Company believes that NOI is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT’s operating real estate because it provides a measure of the core operations, rather than factoring in depreciation and amortization, financing costs and general and administrative expenses generally incurred at the corporate level. This measure is particularly useful, in the opinion of the Company, in evaluating the performance of operating segment groupings and individual properties. Additionally, the Company believes that NOI, as defined, is a widely accepted measure of comparative operating performance in the real estate investment community. The Company believes that the line on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations entitled “net income (loss)” is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to NOI.
	Segment information
	The following table reflects each segment’s contribution to consolidated revenues and NOI together with a reconciliation of segment contribution to property NOI to consolidated net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Additionally, substantially all of the Company’s assets relate to the Company’s property rental operations. Asset cost, depreciation and amortization by segment are not presented because such information at the segment level is not reported internally.


			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Fully stabilized communities		$	79,544		$	77,111		$	234,616		$	225,466
	Development and lease-up communities			5,096			522			10,995			599
	Acquired communities			2,663			1,190			6,037			1,190
	Other property segments			5,866			6,184			16,716			17,518
	Other			225			209			668			637

	Consolidated revenues		$	93,394		$	85,216		$	269,032		$	245,410

	Contribution to Property Net Operating Income
	Fully stabilized communities		$	48,374		$	47,049		$	143,847		$	138,183
	Development and lease-up communities			2,762			(120	)		5,068			(281	)
	Acquired communities			1,712			765			3,936			765
	Other property segments, including corporate management expenses			55			457			(210	)		323

	Consolidated property net operating income			52,903			48,151			152,641			138,990

	Interest income			8			20			67			359
	Other revenues			225			209			668			637
	Depreciation			(21,580	)		(20,136	)		(63,694	)		(58,572	)
	Interest expense			(11,186	)		(11,718	)		(33,280	)		(34,273	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs			(646	)		(667	)		(1,915	)		(2,026	)
	General and administrative			(4,079	)		(3,763	)		(12,494	)		(11,931	)
	Investment and development			(367	)		(203	)		(1,448	)		(1,005	)
	Other investment costs			(418	)		(547	)		(1,239	)		(1,159	)
	Severance, impairment and other			(1,981	)		—			(1,981	)		—
	Gains on condominium sales activities, net			5,293			10,261			27,468			25,695
	Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net			656			475			1,611			7,416
	Other income (expense), net			(196	)		(137	)		(644	)		444
	Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness			—			—			—			(301	)

	Income from continuing operations			18,632			21,945			65,760			64,274
	Income from discontinued operations			421			377			1,297			1,083

	Net income		$	19,053		$	22,322		$	67,057		$	65,357

StockBased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	9 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	'
	10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
	As the primary operating subsidiary of the Company, the Operating Partnership participates in and bears the compensation expenses associated with the Company’s stock-based compensation plans. The information discussed below relating to the Company’s stock-based compensation plans is also applicable for the Operating Partnership.
	Incentive stock plans
	Incentive stock awards are granted under the Company’s 2003 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated in October 2008 (the “2003 Stock Plan”). Under the 2003 Stock Plan, an aggregate of 3,469 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. Of this amount, stock grants count against the total shares available under the 2003 Stock Plan as 2.7 shares for every one share issued, while options (and stock appreciation rights (“SAR”) settled in shares) count against the total shares available as one share for every one share issued on the exercise of an option (or SAR). The exercise price of each option granted under the 2003 Stock Plan may not be less than the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the option grant and all options may have a maximum life of ten years. Participants receiving restricted stock grants are generally eligible to vote such shares and receive dividends on such shares. Substantially all stock option and restricted stock grants are subject to annual vesting provisions (generally three to five years) as determined by the compensation committee overseeing the 2003 Stock Plan.

	Compensation costs for stock options have been estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing method. The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are as follows:


			Nine months ended
			September 30,
			2013				2012
	Dividend yield			2	%			2	%
	Expected volatility			43.1	%			43.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.1	%			1.1	%
	Expected option term (years)			6.0 years				6.0 years
	The Company’s assumptions were derived from the methodologies discussed herein. The expected dividend yield reflects the Company’s current historical yield, which was expected to approximate the future yield at the date of grant. Expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate for the expected life of the options was based on the implied yields on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of grant. The weighted average expected option term was based on the Company’s historical data for prior period stock option exercise and forfeiture activity.
	Restricted stock
	Compensation cost for restricted stock is amortized ratably into compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. Total compensation expense related to restricted stock was $811 and $530 for the three months and $2,244 and $1,610 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013, there was $3,441 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
	A summary of the activity related to the Company’s restricted stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:


			Nine months ended September 30,
			2013								2012
							Weighted-Avg.								Weighted-Avg.
							Grant-Date								Grant-Date
			Shares				Fair Value				Shares				Fair Value
	Unvested shares, beginning of period			65			$	42				84			$	29
	Granted (1)			65				50				50				44
	Vested			(10	)			42				(5	)			30

	Unvested shares, end of period			120				46				129				35


	-1	The total value of the restricted share grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $3,271 and $2,184, respectively.
	Stock options
	Compensation cost for stock options is amortized ratably into compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. The Company recorded compensation expense related to stock options of $143 and $90 for the three months and $364 and $291 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, recognized under the fair value method. At September 30, 2013, there was $536 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

	A summary of stock option activity under all plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, is presented below:


			Nine months ended September 30,
			2013								2012
							Exercise								Exercise
			Shares				Price				Shares				Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period			685			$	34				1,501			$	31
	Granted			29				50				29				44
	Exercised			(75	)			28				(776	)			30

	Options outstanding, end of period (1)			639				35				754				34

	Options exercisable, end of period (1)			587				34				686				34

	Options vested and expected to vest, end of period (1)			637				35				751				34

	Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period		$	17.26							$	15.18


	-1	At September 30, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was $6,822, $6,742 and $6,817, respectively. At that same date, the weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was 3.5 years, 3.0 years and 3.5 years, respectively.
	Upon the exercise of stock options, the Company issues shares of common stock from treasury shares or, to the extent treasury shares are not available, from authorized common shares. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1,454 and $14,659, respectively.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company segregated its outstanding options into two ranges, based on exercise prices, as follows:


	Option Ranges		Options Outsanding												Options Exercisable
						Weighted Avg.				Weighted Avg.							Weighted Avg.
		Shares				Exercise Price				Life (Years)				Shares			Exercise Price
$12.22 - $39.95			317			$	25				3.1				309		$	25
$39.95 - $50.30			322				45				3.8				278			44

Total			639				35				3.5				587			34

Employee stock purchase plan
The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) approved by Company shareholders in 2005. The maximum number of shares issuable under the ESPP is 300. The purchase price of shares of common stock under the ESPP is equal to 85% of the lesser of the closing price per share of common stock on the first or last day of the trading period, as defined. The Company records the aggregate cost of the ESPP (generally the 15% discount on the share purchases) as a period expense. Total compensation expense relating to the ESPP was $40 and $48 for the three months and $114 and $193 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11. INCOME TAXES
	The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute annually at least 90% of its adjusted taxable income, as defined in the Code, to its shareholders and satisfy certain other organizational and operating requirements. It is management’s current intention to adhere to these requirements and maintain the Company’s REIT status. As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level on the taxable income it distributes to its shareholders. Should the Company fail to qualify as a REIT in any tax year, it may be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. The Company may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property, and to federal income taxes and excise taxes on its undistributed taxable income.
	The Operating Partnership files tax returns as a limited partnership under the Code. As a partnership, the income and losses of the Operating Partnership are allocated to its partners, including the Company, for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. Accordingly, no provision or benefit for income taxes has been included in the accompanying financial statements. The Operating Partnership intends to make sufficient cash distributions to the Company to enable it to meet its annual REIT distribution requirements.

	In the preparation of income tax returns in federal and state jurisdictions, the Company, the Operating Partnership and their taxable REIT subsidiaries assert certain tax positions based on their understanding and interpretation of the income tax law. The taxing authorities may challenge such positions and the resolution of such matters could result in the payment and recognition of additional income tax expense. Management believes it has used reasonable judgments and conclusions in the preparation of its income tax returns. The Company, the Operating Partnership and their subsidiaries’ (including the taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”)) income tax returns are subject to examination by federal and state tax jurisdictions for years 2010 through 2012. Net income tax loss carryforwards and other tax attributes generated in years prior to 2010 are also subject to challenge in any examination of the 2010 to 2012 tax years.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s TRSs had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $797 which primarily related to uncertainty regarding the sustainability of certain deductions taken on prior year income tax returns of the TRS with respect to the amortization of certain intangible assets. The uncertainty surrounding this unrecognized tax benefit will generally be clarified in future periods as income tax loss carryforwards are utilized. To the extent these unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately recognized, they may affect the effective tax rate in a future period. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. Accrued interest and penalties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, were not material to the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
	The TRSs are utilized principally to perform such non-REIT activities as asset and property management, for-sale housing (condominiums) sales and other services. These TRSs are subject to federal and state income taxes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the TRSs recognized an income tax benefit of $612 related to the expected recovery of income taxes paid in prior years upon the filing of amended tax returns to utilize net operating loss carryback claims to such years. The income tax benefit was included in condominium gains on the consolidated statement of operations as the income taxes paid in such prior years primarily resulted from condominium activities. Other than the tax benefit related to this carryback claim in 2012, the TRSs recorded no net income tax expense (benefit) for federal income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, as a result of estimated and actual taxable losses and the inability to recognize tax benefits related to such losses due to the uncertainty surrounding their ultimate realization.
	The Company’s net deferred tax assets primarily reflect real estate asset basis differences between carrying amounts for financial and income tax reporting purposes, income tax loss carryforwards and the timing of income and expense recognition for certain accrued liabilities and transactions. At December 31, 2012, net deferred tax assets approximately totaled $38,559. At December 31, 2012, management had established valuation allowances to offset such net deferred tax assets due primarily to historical losses at the TRSs’ in prior years and the variability of the income (loss) of these subsidiaries. The tax benefits associated with such unused valuation allowances may be recognized in future periods, if the TRSs generate sufficient taxable income to utilize such amounts or if the TRSs determine that it is more likely than not that the related deferred tax assets are realizable. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, changes to the components of net deferred tax assets were offset by changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances.

Severance_Impairment_and_Other

Severance, Impairment and Other Charges	9 Months Ended
Severance, Impairment and Other Charges	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Severance, Impairment and Other Charges	'
	12. SEVERANCE, IMPAIRMENT AND OTHER
	Severance, impairment and other in 2013 included severance charges of $989 related to the departure of an executive officer and a non-cash impairment charge of $400 to write-down to fair value a parcel of land held for future investment (see note 8). The Company also recognized expenses of approximately $281 related to the start of a strategic initiative to upgrade the Company’s operating and financial software systems and estimated casualty losses of $311 related to fire damage sustained at one of the Company’s Charlotte, North Carolina communities. The casualty losses were beneath the Company’s insured deductibles.

Legal_Proceedings_Commitments_

Legal Proceedings, Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Legal Proceedings, Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings, Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	In September 2010, the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The suit alleges various violations of the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) at properties designed, constructed or operated by the Company in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina and Texas. The plaintiff seeks statutory damages and a civil penalty in unspecified amounts, as well as injunctive relief that includes retrofitting apartments and public use areas to comply with the FHA and the ADA and prohibiting construction or sale of noncompliant units or complexes. The Company filed a motion to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where a previous civil case involving alleged violations of the FHA and ADA by the Company was filed and ultimately dismissed. On October 29, 2010, the United States District Court for the Northern
	District of Georgia issued an opinion finding that the complaint shows that the DOJ’s claims are essentially the same as the previous civil case, and, therefore, granted the Company’s motion and transferred the DOJ’s case to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Limited discovery is proceeding. Under the Court’s scheduling order, the deadline for completion of discovery is November 2013 and briefing of any dispositive motions would be accomplished by March 2014. Due to the preliminary nature of the litigation, it is not possible to predict or determine the outcome of the legal proceeding, nor is it possible to estimate the amount of loss, if any, that would be associated with an adverse decision.
	The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incidental to its business from time to time, most of which are expected to be covered by liability or other insurance. Management of the Company believes that any resolution of pending proceedings or liability to the Company which may arise as a result of these various other legal proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	The Company evaluated the accounting and disclosure requirements for subsequent events reporting through the issuance date of the financial statements. In October 2013, the Company completed the sale of an apartment community, containing 342 units, located in Atlanta, Georgia for gross proceeds of approximately $47,500. The Company expects to recognize a net gain on the sale of approximately $28,000 in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Organization_and_Significant_A1

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	Organization
	Post Properties, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries develop, own and manage upscale multi-family apartment communities in selected markets in the United States. The Company through its wholly-owned subsidiaries is the sole general partner, a limited partner and owns a majority interest in Post Apartment Homes, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Georgia limited partnership. The Operating Partnership, through its operating divisions and subsidiaries conducts substantially all of the on-going operations of the Company, a publicly traded corporation which operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”). As used herein, the term “Company” includes Post Properties, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Post Apartment Homes, L.P., unless the context indicates otherwise.
	The Company has elected to qualify and operate as a self-administrated and self-managed REIT for federal income tax purposes. A REIT is a legal entity which holds real estate interests and is generally not subject to federal income tax on the income it distributes to its shareholders. The Operating Partnership is governed under the provisions of a limited partnership agreement, as amended. Under the provisions of the limited partnership agreement, as amended, Operating Partnership net profits, net losses and cash flow (after allocations to preferred ownership interests) are allocated to the partners in proportion to their common ownership interests. Cash distributions from the Operating Partnership shall be, at a minimum, sufficient to enable the Company to satisfy its annual dividend requirements to maintain its REIT status under the Internal Revue Code of 1986, as amended.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had interests in 22,858 apartment units in 61 communities, including 1,471 apartment units in four communities held in unconsolidated entities and 1,620 apartment units in five communities currently under development or in lease-up. The Company is also selling luxury for-sale condominium homes in one community through a taxable REIT subsidiary. At September 30, 2013, approximately 31.1%, 22.3%, 13.7% and 9.9% (on a unit basis) of the Company’s operating communities were located in the Atlanta, Georgia, Dallas, Texas, the greater Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Florida metropolitan areas, respectively.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had outstanding 54,196 shares of common stock and owned the same number of units of common limited partnership interests (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership, representing a 99.7% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership. Common Units held by persons other than the Company totaled 143 at September 30, 2013 and represented a 0.3% common minority interest in the Operating Partnership. Each Common Unit may be redeemed by the holder thereof for either one share of Company common stock or cash equal to the fair market value thereof at the time of redemption, at the option, but outside the control, of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership presently anticipates that it will cause shares of common stock to be issued in connection with each such redemption rather than paying cash (as has been done in all redemptions to date). With each redemption of outstanding Common Units for Company common stock, the Company’s percentage ownership interest in the Operating Partnership will increase. In addition, whenever the Company issues shares of common stock, the Company will contribute any net proceeds therefrom to the Operating Partnership and the Operating Partnership will issue an equivalent number of Common Units to the Company. The Company’s weighted average common ownership interest in the Operating Partnership was 99.7% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of presentation
	The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared by the Company’s management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normally recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership and their wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company also consolidates other entities in which it has a controlling financial interest or entities where it is determined to be the primary beneficiary under ASC Topic 810, “Consolidation.” Under ASC Topic 810, variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are generally entities that lack sufficient equity to finance their activities without additional financial support from other parties or whose equity holders lack adequate decision making ability. The primary beneficiary is required to consolidate a VIE for financial reporting purposes. The application of ASC Topic 810 requires management to make significant estimates and judgments about the Company’s and its other partners’ rights, obligations and economic interests in such entities. For entities in which the Company has less than a controlling financial interest or entities where it is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary, the entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the net earnings or losses of these entities is included in consolidated net income. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s noncontrolling interest of common unitholders (also referred to as “Redeemable Common Units”) in the operations of the Operating Partnership is calculated based on the weighted average unit ownership during the period.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue recognition
	Residential properties are leased under operating leases with terms of generally one year or less. Rental revenues from residential leases are recognized on the straight-line method over the approximate life of the leases, which is generally one year. The recognition of rental revenues from residential leases when earned has historically not been materially different from rental revenues recognized on a straight-line basis.
	Under the terms of residential leases, the residents of the Company’s residential communities are obligated to reimburse the Company for certain utility usage, water and electricity (at selected properties), where the Company is the primary obligor to the public utility entity. These utility reimbursements from residents are reflected as other property revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Sales and the associated gains or losses of real estate assets and for-sale condominiums are recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sales.” The Company accounts for each project under either the “Deposit Method” or the “Percentage of Completion Method,” based on a specific evaluation of the factors specified in ASC Topic 360-20. The factors used to determine the appropriate accounting method are the legal commitment of the purchaser in the real estate contract, whether the construction of the project is beyond a preliminary phase, whether sufficient units have been contracted to ensure the project will not revert to a rental project, the ability to reasonably estimate the aggregate project sale proceeds and aggregate project costs and the determination that the buyer has made an adequate initial and continuing cash investment under the contract in accordance with ASC Topic 360-20. As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s condominium community is accounted for under the Deposit Method. Under ASC Topic 360-20, the Company uses the relative sales value method to allocate costs and recognize profits from condominium sales. Under the relative sales value method, estimates of aggregate project revenues and aggregate project costs are used to determine the allocation of project cost of sales and the resulting profit in each accounting period. In subsequent periods, cumulative project cost of sale allocations and the resulting profits are adjusted to reflect changes in the actual and estimated costs and revenues of each project.
Cost Capitalization	'
	Cost capitalization
	For communities under development or construction, the Company capitalizes interest, real estate taxes, and certain internal personnel and associated costs associated with the development and construction activity. Interest is capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the weighted average cumulative project costs for each month multiplied by the Company’s weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage. Weighted average borrowing costs include the costs of the Company’s fixed rate secured and unsecured borrowings and the variable rate unsecured borrowings under its line of credit facilities. The weighted average borrowing costs, expressed as a percentage, were 4.6% and 5.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Internal development and construction personnel and associated costs are capitalized to projects under development or construction based upon the effort associated with such projects. Aggregate internal development and construction personnel and associated costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $737 and $973 for the three months and $2,163 and $2,692 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company treats each unit in an apartment community separately for cost accumulation, capitalization and expense recognition purposes. Prior to the completion of rental and condominium units, interest and other construction costs are capitalized and reflected on the balance sheet as construction in progress. The Company ceases the capitalization of such costs as the residential units in a community become substantially complete and available for occupancy or sale. This results in a proration of costs between amounts that are capitalized and expensed as the residential units in apartment and condominium development communities become available for occupancy or sale. In addition, prior to the completion of rental units, the Company expenses as incurred substantially all operating expenses (including pre-opening marketing as well as property management and leasing personnel expenses) of such rental communities. Prior to the completion and closing of condominium units, the Company expenses all sales and marketing costs related to such units.
Real Estate Assets, Depreciation and Impairment	'
	Real estate assets, depreciation and impairment
	Real estate assets are stated at the lower of depreciated cost or fair value, if deemed impaired. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the properties (buildings and components, - 40 years; other building and land improvements - 20 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment – 5-10 years).
	The Company continually evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of its real estate assets using the methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment of its existing real estate assets held for investment include significant declines in property operating profits, annually recurring property operating losses and other significant adverse changes in general market conditions that are considered permanent in nature. Under ASC Topic 360, a real estate asset held for investment is not considered impaired if the undiscounted, estimated future cash flows of an asset (both the annual estimated cash flow from future operations and the estimated cash flow from the theoretical sale of the asset) over its estimated holding period are in excess of the asset’s net book value at the balance sheet date. If any real estate asset held for investment is considered impaired, a loss is provided to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. In addition, for-sale condominium units completed and ready for their intended use are evaluated for impairment using the methodology for assets held for sale (using discounted projected future cash flows).
	The Company periodically classifies real estate assets as held for sale. An asset is classified as held for sale after the approval of the Company’s board of directors and after an active program to sell the asset has commenced. Upon the classification of a real estate asset as held for sale, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to the lower of its net book value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell the asset. Subsequent to the classification of assets as held for sale, no further depreciation expense is recorded. Real estate assets held for sale are stated separately on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Upon a decision to no longer market an asset for sale, the asset is classified as an operating asset and depreciation expense is reinstated. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had one apartment community classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet.
	For condominium communities, the operating results and associated gains and losses are reflected on the consolidated statement of operations in the caption titles “Net gains on condominium sales activities” (see discussion under “revenue recognition” above), and the net book value of the condominium assets is reflected separately on the consolidated balance sheet in the caption titled, “For-sale condominiums.”
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative financial instruments
	The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments at fair value under the provisions of ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” In conjunction with its implementation of updates to the fair value measurements guidance, the Company made an accounting policy election as of January 1, 2012 to measure derivative financial instruments subject to master netting agreements on a net basis. The Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swap arrangements to manage or hedge its exposure to interest rates changes. Under ASC Topic 815, derivative instruments qualifying as hedges of specific cash flows are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with an offsetting increase or decrease to accumulated other comprehensive income, an equity account, until the hedged transactions are recognized in earnings. Quarterly, the Company evaluates the effectiveness of its cash flow hedges. Any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is recognized immediately in earnings.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair value measurements
	The Company applies the guidance in ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to the valuation of real estate assets recorded at fair value, if any, to its impairment valuation analysis of real estate assets, to its disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments, principally indebtedness and to its derivative financial instruments. Fair value disclosures required under ASC Topic 820 are summarized in note 8 utilizing the following hierarchy:

		•	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date.

		•	Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

		•	Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the assets or liability.

Organization_and_Significant_A2

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental cash flow information for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:


		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Interest paid, including interest capitalized	$	33,476		$	34,977
	Income tax payments, net		1,082			79
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Dividends and distributions payable		17,932			13,639
	Conversions of redeemable common units		—			591
	Common stock 401k matching contribution		670			639
	Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)		(3,754	)		4,033
	Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units, net		767			(576	)

Real_Estate_Activity_Tables

Real Estate Activity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Real Estate Activity (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Summary of Revenues and Expenses of Income from Discontinued Operations	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, income from discontinued operations included the results of operations of one apartment community classified as held for sale at September 30, 2013 as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Rental	$	1,113		$	1,054		$	3,272		$	3,085
	Other property revenues		111			104			327			315

	Total revenues		1,224			1,158			3,599			3,400

	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance		540			485			1,509			1,426
	Depreciation		175			198			527			600
	Interest		88			98			266			291

	Total expenses		803			781			2,302			2,317

	Income from discontinued property operations	$	421		$	377		$	1,297		$	1,083

Revenues Costs and Expenses Associated with Consolidated Condominium Activities	'
	The revenues, costs and expenses associated with consolidated condominium activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Condominium revenues	$	12,550		$	23,517		$	68,148		$	64,043
	Condominium costs and expenses		(7,257	)		(13,256	)		(40,680	)		(38,960	)

	Net gains on sales of residential condominiums, before income tax		5,293			10,261			27,468			25,083
	Income tax benefit		—			—			—			612

	Net gains on sales of condominiums	$	5,293		$	10,261		$	27,468		$	25,695

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs	'
	A summary of financial information for the Apartment LLCs in the aggregate is as follows:


			September 30,			December 31,
	Apartment LLCs - Balance Sheet Data		2013			2012
	Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $42,307 and $38,332 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively		$	210,058		$	212,877
	Cash and other			4,221			5,103

	Total assets		$	214,279		$	217,980

	Mortgage notes payable		$	177,723		$	177,723
	Other liabilities			1,396			2,588

	Total liabilities			179,119			180,311
	Members’ equity			35,160			37,669

	Total liabilities and members’ equity		$	214,279		$	217,980

	Company’s equity investment in Apartment LLCs (1)		$	(12,286	)	$	(11,764	)

				.

	-1	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s equity investment includes its credit investments of $16,518 and $16,297, respectively, discussed above.
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'
Schedule of Operation for Apartment LLCs	'

			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	Apartment LLCs - Income Statement Data		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Revenues
	Rental		$	6,505		$	6,226		$	19,141	$	18,421
	Other property revenues			475			476			1,435		1,411

	Total revenues			6,980			6,702			20,576		19,832

	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			2,550			2,651			7,939		7,733
	Depreciation and amortization			1,362			1,368			4,052		4,400
	Interest			2,278			2,278			6,774		6,903

	Total expenses			6,190			6,297			18,765		19,036

	Net loss from continuing operations			790			405			1,811		796
	Gain from discontinued operations			—			—			—		21,607

	Net income		$	790		$	405		$	1,811	$	22,403

	Company’s share of net income in Apartment LLCs		$	656		$	475		$	1,611	$	7,416

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Indebtedness (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Indebtedness	'
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s indebtedness consists of the following:


			Payment			Maturity			September 30,		December 31,
	Description		Terms		Interest Rate	Date			2013		2012
	Senior Unsecured Notes		Int.		3.375% - 4.75%		2017 - 2022	(1)	$	400,000	$	400,000
	Unsecured Bank Term Loan		Int.		LIBOR + 1.70% (2)		2018			300,000		300,000
	Unsecured Revolving Lines of Credit		Int.		LIBOR + 1.225% (3)		2016			—		—
	Secured Mortgage Notes		Prin. and Int.		4.88% - 5.99%		2015 - 2019	(4)		399,698		402,464

	Total								$	1,099,698	$	1,102,464


	-1	There are no maturities of senior unsecured notes in 2013. The remaining unsecured notes mature between 2017 and 2022.
	-2	Represents stated rate at September 30, 2013. As discussed below, the Company has entered into interest rate swap arrangements that effectively fix the interest rate under this facility. At September 30, 2013, the effective blended interest rate under the Term Loan was 3.24%.
	-3	Represents stated rate at September 30, 2013.
	-4	There are no maturities of secured notes in 2013. These notes mature between 2015 and 2019.
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Indebtedness	'
	The aggregate maturities of the Company’s indebtedness are as follows:


	Remainder of 2013		$	965
	2014			3,961
	2015			124,205
	2016			4,419
	2017			154,736
	Thereafter			811,412

			$	1,099,698

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte1

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Equity and Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Income Available to the Company	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, income from continuing operations, income from discontinued operations and net income available to the Company were comprised of the following amounts, net of noncontrolling interests:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations	$	18,553		$	21,831		$	65,509	$	64,006
	Income from discontinued operations		420			376			1,294		1,080

	Net income available to the Company	$	18,973		$	22,207		$	66,803	$	65,086

Schedule of Redeemable Common Units	'
	A roll-forward of activity relating to the Company’s Redeemable Common Units for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:


		Nine months ended
		September 30,
		2013			2012
	Redeemable common units, beginning of period	$	7,159		$	6,840
	Comprehensive income		185			149
	Conversion of redeemable common units for shares		—			(591	)
	Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units		(42	)		409
	Stock-based compensation		7			5
	Distributions to common unitholders		(131	)		(105	)
	Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units		(725	)		167

	Redeemable common units, end of period	$	6,453		$	6,874

Company_Earnings_Per_Share_Tab

Company Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Company Earnings Per Share (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations per share was as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	18,632		$	21,945		$	65,760		$	64,274
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(32	)		(55	)		(87	)		(96	)
	Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership		(47	)		(59	)		(164	)		(172	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(922	)		(922	)		(2,766	)		(2,766	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(39	)		(49	)		(136	)		(142	)

	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	17,592		$	20,860		$	62,607		$	61,098

	Common shares (denominator):
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		54,371			54,115			54,424			53,661
	Dilutive shares from stock options		168			277			187			340

	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		54,539			54,392			54,611			54,001

	Per-share amount:
	Basic	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.14

	Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.13

Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted income from continuing operations per unit was as follows:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	18,632		$	21,945		$	65,760		$	64,274
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(32	)		(55	)		(87	)		(96	)
	Preferred unit distributions		(922	)		(922	)		(2,766	)		(2,766	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(39	)		(49	)		(136	)		(142	)

	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	$	17,639		$	20,919		$	62,771		$	61,270

	Common units (denominator):
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic		54,514			54,259			54,567			53,809
	Dilutive units from stock options		168			277			187			340

	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted		54,682			54,536			54,754			54,149

	Per-unit amount:
	Basic	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.14

	Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	1.15		$	1.13

Fair_Value_Measures_and_Other_1

Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Effect of Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	'
	The following table summarizes the effect of these Interest Rate Swaps (designated as cash flow hedges) on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	Interest Rate Swap / Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$	(2,398	)	$	(3,729	)	$	3,691		$	(11,729	)

	Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense	$	(1,033	)	$	(988	)	$	(3,044	)	$	(1,722	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment's Contribution to Consolidated Revenues and Net Operating Income	'
	The following table reflects each segment’s contribution to consolidated revenues and NOI together with a reconciliation of segment contribution to property NOI to consolidated net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Additionally, substantially all of the Company’s assets relate to the Company’s property rental operations. Asset cost, depreciation and amortization by segment are not presented because such information at the segment level is not reported internally.


		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Fully stabilized communities	$	79,544		$	77,111		$	234,616		$	225,466
	Development and lease-up communities		5,096			522			10,995			599
	Acquired communities		2,663			1,190			6,037			1,190
	Other property segments		5,866			6,184			16,716			17,518
	Other		225			209			668			637

	Consolidated revenues	$	93,394		$	85,216		$	269,032		$	245,410

	Contribution to Property Net Operating Income
	Fully stabilized communities	$	48,374		$	47,049		$	143,847		$	138,183
	Development and lease-up communities		2,762			(120	)		5,068			(281	)
	Acquired communities		1,712			765			3,936			765
	Other property segments, including corporate management expenses		55			457			(210	)		323

	Consolidated property net operating income		52,903			48,151			152,641			138,990

	Interest income		8			20			67			359
	Other revenues		225			209			668			637
	Depreciation		(21,580	)		(20,136	)		(63,694	)		(58,572	)
	Interest expense		(11,186	)		(11,718	)		(33,280	)		(34,273	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		(646	)		(667	)		(1,915	)		(2,026	)
	General and administrative		(4,079	)		(3,763	)		(12,494	)		(11,931	)
	Investment and development		(367	)		(203	)		(1,448	)		(1,005	)
	Other investment costs		(418	)		(547	)		(1,239	)		(1,159	)
	Severance, impairment and other		(1,981	)		—			(1,981	)		—
	Gains on condominium sales activities, net		5,293			10,261			27,468			25,695
	Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net		656			475			1,611			7,416
	Other income (expense), net		(196	)		(137	)		(644	)		444
	Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness		—			—			—			(301	)

	Income from continuing operations		18,632			21,945			65,760			64,274
	Income from discontinued operations		421			377			1,297			1,083

	Net income	$	19,053		$	22,322		$	67,057		$	65,357

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model	'
	Compensation costs for stock options have been estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing method. The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are as follows:


			Nine months ended
			September 30,
			2013			2012
	Dividend yield			2	%		2	%
	Expected volatility			43.1	%		43.3	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.1	%		1.1	%
	Expected option term (years)			6.0 years			6.0 years
Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock	'
	A summary of the activity related to the Company’s restricted stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:


			Nine months ended September 30,
			2013						2012
						Weighted-Avg.						Weighted-Avg.
						Grant-Date						Grant-Date
			Shares			Fair Value			Shares			Fair Value
	Unvested shares, beginning of period			65		$	42			84		$	29
	Granted (1)			65			50			50			44
	Vested			(10	)		42			(5	)		30

	Unvested shares, end of period			120			46			129			35


	-1	The total value of the restricted share grants for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $3,271 and $2,184, respectively.
Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans	'
	A summary of stock option activity under all plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, is presented below:


			Nine months ended September 30,
			2013						2012
						Exercise						Exercise
			Shares			Price			Shares			Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period			685		$	34			1,501		$	31
	Granted			29			50			29			44
	Exercised			(75	)		28			(776	)		30

	Options outstanding, end of period (1)			639			35			754			34

	Options exercisable, end of period (1)			587			34			686			34

	Options vested and expected to vest, end of period (1)			637			35			751			34

	Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period		$	17.26					$	15.18


	-1	At September 30, 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was $6,822, $6,742 and $6,817, respectively. At that same date, the weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was 3.5 years, 3.0 years and 3.5 years, respectively.
	Upon the exercise of stock options, the Company issues shares of common stock from treasury shares or, to the extent treasury shares are not available, from authorized common shares. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1,454 and $14,659, respectively.
Schedule of Outstanding Options into Two Ranges, Based on Exercise Prices	'
	At September 30, 2013, the Company segregated its outstanding options into two ranges, based on exercise prices, as follows:


	Option Ranges		Options Outsanding									Options Exercisable
						Weighted Avg.			Weighted Avg.					Weighted Avg.
			Shares			Exercise Price			Life (Years)			Shares		Exercise Price
	$12.22 - $39.95			317		$	25			3.1			309	$	25
	$39.95 - $50.30			322			45			3.8			278		44

	Total			639			35			3.5			587		34

Organization_and_Significant_A3

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	Apartment		Apartment
	Property		Property
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	22,858	'	22,858	'	'
Number of real estate properties	61	'	61	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,196,000	'	54,196,000	'	54,470,000
Ownership interest percentage in Operating Partnership	99.70%	99.70%	99.70%	99.70%	'
Common units held by persons other than the Company	143,000	'	143,000	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	0.30%	'	0.30%	'	'
Number of shares for redemption of each common unit	1	'	1	'	'
Operating leases term (in years)	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Revenue recognized lease (in years)	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Development or construction costs	$737	$973	$2,163	$2,692	'
Atlanta, Georgia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	31.10%	'	31.10%	'	'
Dallas, Texas [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	22.30%	'	22.30%	'	'
Washington DC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	13.70%	'	13.70%	'	'
Tampa, Florida [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	9.90%	'	9.90%	'	'
Buildings and Components [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life (in years)	'	'	'40 years	'	'
Other Building and Land Improvements [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life (in years)	'	'	'20 years	'	'
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life (in years)	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful life (in years)	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	1,471	'	1,471	'	'
Number of real estate properties	4	'	4	'	'
Under Development [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	1,620	'	1,620	'	'
Number of real estate properties	5	'	5	'	'
For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	1	'	1	'	'
Number of real estate properties	1	'	1	'	'
Held for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	342	'	342	'	'
Number of real estate properties	1	'	1	'	'
Cost Capitalization [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average borrowing costs, percentage	4.60%	5.50%	4.60%	5.50%	'

Organization_and_Significant_A4

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Interest paid, including interest capitalized	$33,476	$34,977
Income tax payments, net	1,082	79
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Dividends and distributions payable	17,932	13,639
Conversions of redeemable common units	'	591
Common stock 401k matching contribution	670	639
Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)	-3,754	4,033
Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units, net	$767	($576)

Real_Estate_Activity_Additiona

Real Estate Activity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended					1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	31-May-13	Jul. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Home	Home	Home	Home	Post Lakeside [Member]	Post South End [Member]	South End [Member]	Houston Land [Member]	Held for Sale [Member]	Held for Sale [Member]	For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]
	Property		Property		Apartment	Apartment	sqft		Apartment	Subsequent Event [Member]	Property
	Apartment		Apartment							Apartment	Apartment
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	22,858	'	22,858	'	300	360	'	'	342	342	1
Purchase price	'	'	'	'	$48,500,000	$74,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price allocation, land parcel acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,100,000	'	'	'
Purchase price allocation, building, improvements and equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,612	'	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties	61	'	61	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	1
Aggregate carrying value of condominium units	18,417,000	'	18,417,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,122
Apartment community sold approximately for gross proceeds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	47,500,000	'
Condominium homes sold	12	24	62	69	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	$612,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Real_Estate_Activity_Summary_o

Real Estate Activity - Summary of Revenues and Expenses of Income from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	$1,113	$1,054	$3,272	$3,085
Other property revenues	111	104	327	315
Total revenues	1,224	1,158	3,599	3,400
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance	540	485	1,509	1,426
Depreciation	175	198	527	600
Interest	88	98	266	291
Total expenses	803	781	2,302	2,317
Income from discontinued property operations	$421	$377	$1,297	$1,083

Real_Estate_Activity_Revenues_

Real Estate Activity - Revenues Costs and Expenses Associated with Consolidated Condominium Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Condominium revenues	$12,550	$23,517	$68,148	$64,043
Condominium costs and expenses	-7,257	-13,256	-40,680	-38,960
Net gains on sales of residential condominiums, before income tax	5,293	10,261	27,468	25,083
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	612
Net gains on sales of condominiums	$5,293	$10,261	$27,468	$25,695

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Property

Unconsolidated Properties [Member]

3.50% Mortgage Note Payable [Member]

5.63% Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]

5.71% Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]

Atlanta, Georgia [Member]

Washington, D.C. [Member]

Unconsolidated Property Sold [Member]

Property

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Unconsolidated Properties [Member]

Property

Real Estate Properties [Line Items]

Equity method investment, ownership percentage

25.00%

35.00%

Number of real estate properties

Investment in owned subsidiaries

$4,232

$4,533

Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities

16,518

16,297

16,518

16,297

Investment over equity underlying net assets

2,761

Net proceeds from sale of entire community

50,500

Mortgage note payable

177,723

51,000

85,724

41,000

29,272

Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net

$656

$475

$1,611

$7,416

$656

$475

$1,611

$7,416

$6,055

Mortgage notes payable bearing interest rate

3.50%

5.63%

5.71%

Automatic extension period (in years)

'1 year

Mortgage note payable maturity date

'2019

'2017

'January 2018

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $42,307 and $38,332 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	$2,264,299	$2,191,708	'	'
Total assets	2,367,325	2,363,364	'	'
Total liabilities	1,233,410	1,236,585	'	'
Members' equity	1,127,462	1,119,620	1,112,759	1,047,523
Total liabilities and equity	2,367,325	2,363,364	'	'
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $42,307 and $38,332 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	210,058	212,877	'	'
Cash and other	4,221	5,103	'	'
Total assets	214,279	217,980	'	'
Mortgage notes payable	177,723	177,723	'	'
Other liabilities	1,396	2,588	'	'
Total liabilities	179,119	180,311	'	'
Members' equity	35,160	37,669	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	214,279	217,980	'	'
Company's equity investment in Apartment LLCs	($12,286)	($11,764)	'	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation	$891,754	$842,925
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,518	16,297
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation	42,307	38,332
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	$16,518	$16,297

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_5

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Schedule of Operation for Apartment LLCs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	$87,895	$80,015	$253,174	$230,720
Other property revenues	5,274	4,992	15,190	14,053
Total revenues	93,394	85,216	269,032	245,410
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance	40,266	36,856	115,723	105,783
Interest	11,186	11,718	33,280	34,273
Total expenses	68,691	61,505	196,579	178,450
Net loss from continuing operations	17,592	20,860	62,607	61,098
Net income available to the Company	18,973	22,207	66,803	65,086
Company's share of net income in Apartment LLCs	656	475	1,611	7,416
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	6,505	6,226	19,141	18,421
Other property revenues	475	476	1,435	1,411
Total revenues	6,980	6,702	20,576	19,832
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance	2,550	2,651	7,939	7,733
Depreciation and amortization	1,362	1,368	4,052	4,400
Interest	2,278	2,278	6,774	6,903
Total expenses	6,190	6,297	18,765	19,036
Net loss from continuing operations	790	405	1,811	796
Gain from discontinued operations	'	'	'	21,607
Net income available to the Company	790	405	1,811	22,403
Company's share of net income in Apartment LLCs	$656	$475	$1,611	$7,416

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Indeb

Indebtedness - Schedule of Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$1,099,698	$1,102,464
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Payment Terms	'Int.	'
Interest Rate, minimum	3.38%	'
Interest Rate, maximum	4.75%	'
Unsecured debt	400,000	400,000
Senior Notes [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2017	'
Senior Notes [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2022	'
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Payment Terms	'Int.	'
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.70%	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2018	'
Unsecured debt	300,000	300,000
Lines of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Payment Terms	'Int.	'
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.23%	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2016	'
Unsecured debt	'	'
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Payment Terms	'Prin. and Int.	'
Interest Rate, minimum	4.88%	'
Interest Rate, maximum	5.99%	'
Secured debt	$399,698	$402,464
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2015	'
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2019	'

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Indeb1

Indebtedness - Schedule of Indebtedness (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2018
Effective blended interest rate	3.24%
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2015
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2019
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2013
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2017
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity Date	'2022

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Aggre

Indebtedness - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Remainder of 2013	$965	'
2014	3,961	'
2015	124,205	'
2016	4,419	'
2017	154,736	'
Thereafter	811,412	'
Total aggregate maturities of indebtedness	$1,099,698	$1,102,464

Indebtedness_Additional_Inform

Indebtedness - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Letters of credit issued	$570	'
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	-301
Coverage's ratio	1.5	'
Company's ratio	2	'
Unencumbered assets to unsecured debt	1.5	'
Leverage ratio	60.00%	'
Total secured debt to total asset value	40.00%	'
Line of credit facility, covenant terms	'The Company's Syndicated Line, Cash Management Line, Term Loan and senior unsecured notes contain customary restrictions, representations, covenants and events of default and require the Company to meet certain financial covenants. Debt service and fixed charge coverage covenants require the Company to maintain	'
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	300,000	'
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.70%	'
Line of credit facility, expiration year	'January 2018	'
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, maximum	2.30%	'
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, minimum	1.50%	'
Number of extension options	2	'
Time period for term loan extension option	'6 months	'
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Interest rate paid under the Term Loan	1.54%	'
Effective blended interest rate on the Term Loan	3.24%	'
Lines of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	300,000	'
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.23%	'
Line of credit facility annual facility fees percentage	0.23%	'
Line of credit facility, expiration year	'January 2016	'
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, minimum	1.00%	'
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, maximum	1.80%	'
Facility fee rate based on credit ratings range, minimum	0.15%	'
Facility fee rate based on credit ratings range, maximum	0.40%	'
Line of credit facility, competitive bid option for short-term funds, percentage	50.00%	'
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	301
Cash Management Line [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	$30,000	'
Line of credit facility, expiration year	'January 2016	'
Number of extension options	1	'

Equity_and_Noncontrolling_Inte2

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-12

Sep. 30, 2012

At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member]

Gross [Member]

Net [Member]

Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]

Common stock, shares authorized

100,000

4,000

Common stock, shares issued

4,000

Sale of common stock, shares

137

550

Proceeds from sales of common stock

$25,457

$6,994

$26,153

$6,831

$25,457

Stock repurchase program, authorized amount

200,000

Shares of common stock repurchased

Number of common stock repurchased

443

Aggregate cost of common stock repurchased

20,064

Average gross price per common stock repurchased

$45.25

Redeemable common units

7,159

6,453

Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, net book value

$2,820

$2,839

Sales price per share

$51.24

$47.55

Equity_and_Noncontrollling_Int

Equity and Noncontrollling Interests - Income Available to the Company (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$18,553	$21,831	$65,509	$64,006
Income from discontinued operations	420	376	1,294	1,080
Net income available to the Company	$18,973	$22,207	$66,803	$65,086

Equity_and_Noncontrollling_Int1

Equity and Noncontrollling Interests - Schedule of Redeemable Common Units (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]	'	'
Redeemable common units, beginning of period	$7,159	'
Comprehensive income	73,607	55,201
Conversion of redeemable common units for shares	'	-591
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	42	-409
Stock-based compensation	2,715	2,089
Distributions to common unitholders	-49,550	-38,934
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	725	-167
Redeemable common units, end of period	6,453	'
Redeemable Common Units [Member]	'	'
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]	'	'
Redeemable common units, beginning of period	7,159	6,840
Comprehensive income	185	149
Conversion of redeemable common units for shares	'	-591
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	-42	409
Stock-based compensation	7	5
Distributions to common unitholders	-131	-105
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	-725	167
Redeemable common units, end of period	$6,453	$6,874

Company_Earnings_Per_Share_Sch

Company Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$18,632	$21,945	$65,760	$64,274
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-32	-55	-87	-96
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	-48	-60	-167	-175
Dividends to preferred shareholders	-922	-922	-2,766	-2,766
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)	-39	-49	-136	-142
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	17,592	20,860	62,607	61,098
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	54,371	54,115	54,424	53,661
Dilutive shares from stock options	168	277	187	340
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	54,539	54,392	54,611	54,001
Basic	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.14
Diluted	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.13
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	($47)	($59)	($164)	($172)

Company_Earnings_Per_Share_Add

Company Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Gross Antidilutive [Member])	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Gross Antidilutive [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	186	29	57	165

Operating_Partnership_Earnings

Operating Partnership Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$18,632	$21,945	$65,760	$64,274
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-32	-55	-87	-96
Preferred unit distributions	-922	-922	-2,766	-2,766
Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	17,592	20,860	62,607	61,098
Weighted average units outstanding - basic	54,371	54,115	54,424	53,661
Dilutive units from stock options	168	277	187	340
Weighted average units outstanding - diluted	54,539	54,392	54,611	54,001
Basic	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.14
Diluted	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.13
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	18,632	21,945	65,760	64,274
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-32	-55	-87	-96
Preferred unit distributions	-922	-922	-2,766	-2,766
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)	-39	-49	-136	-142
Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	$17,639	$20,919	$62,771	$61,270
Weighted average units outstanding - basic	54,514	54,259	54,567	53,809
Dilutive units from stock options	168	277	187	340
Weighted average units outstanding - diluted	54,682	54,536	54,754	54,149
Basic	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.14
Diluted	$0.32	$0.38	$1.15	$1.13

Operating_Partnership_Earnings1

Operating Partnership Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Gross Antidilutive [Member])	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	186	29	57	165
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	186	29	57	165

Fair_Value_Measures_and_Other_2

Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended							9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2013	Agreement	Fixed Rate Debt [Member]	Fixed Rate Debt [Member]	Variable Rate Debt [Member]	Variable Rate Debt [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Three Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Fourth Interest Rate Swap [Member]	Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	$400	$400	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of interest rate swap agreements	'	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Notional amounts	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	230,000	70,000	'
Derivative, fixed interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.55%	1.50%	'
LIBOR rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'One-month	'One-month	'
Reduction in blended interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.24%
Derivative maturity period	'	'2018-01	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,975	11,710	'	'	'
Accumulated comprehensive income to interest expense, future periods	'	3,991	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Termination payment	4,971	4,971	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of debt	'	'	825,826	860,217	305,988	298,551	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of debt	'	'	$799,698	$802,464	$300,000	$300,000	'	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measures_and_Other_3

Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments - Schedule of Effect of Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (Cash Flow Hedging [Member], Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	($2,398)	($3,729)	$3,691	($11,729)
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense	($1,033)	($988)	($3,044)	($1,722)

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Y
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Stabilized occupancy benchmark percentage	95.00%
Number of years to achieve stabilized occupancy subsequent to completion of construction	1

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment's Contribution to Consolidated Revenues and Net Operating Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other revenues	$225	$209	$668	$637
Revenues	93,394	85,216	269,032	245,410
Consolidated property net operating income	52,903	48,151	152,641	138,990
Interest income	8	20	67	359
Other revenues	225	209	668	637
Depreciation	-21,580	-20,136	-63,694	-58,572
Interest expense	-11,186	-11,718	-33,280	-34,273
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-646	-667	-1,915	-2,026
General and administrative	-4,079	-3,763	-12,494	-11,931
Investment and development	-367	-203	-1,448	-1,005
Other investment costs	-418	-547	-1,239	-1,159
Severance, impairment and other	-1,981	'	-1,981	'
Gains on condominium sales activities, net	5,293	10,261	27,468	25,695
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	656	475	1,611	7,416
Other income (expense), net	-196	-137	-644	444
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	'	'	-301
Income from continuing operations	18,632	21,945	65,760	64,274
Income from discontinued operations	421	377	1,297	1,083
Net income	19,053	22,322	67,057	65,357
Fully Stabilized Communities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	79,544	77,111	234,616	225,466
Consolidated property net operating income	48,374	47,049	143,847	138,183
Development and Lease-Up Communities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	5,096	522	10,995	599
Consolidated property net operating income	2,762	-120	5,068	-281
Acquired Communities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,663	1,190	6,037	1,190
Consolidated property net operating income	1,712	765	3,936	765
Other Property Segments, Including Corporate Management Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	5,866	6,184	16,716	17,518
Consolidated property net operating income	$55	$457	($210)	$323

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares of common stock reserved for issuance	3,469	'	3,469	'
Stock grants counted against the total shares for every share issued	'	'	2.7	'
Stock-based compensation arrangement maximum assumption expected period, years	'	'	'10 years	'
Description and terms of 2003 incentive stock plan	'	'	'Incentive stock awards are granted under the Companybs 2003 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended and restated in October 2008 (the b2003 Stock Planb). Under the 2003 Stock Plan, an aggregate of 3,469 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. Of this amount, stock grants count against the total shares available under the 2003 Stock Plan as 2.7 shares for every one share issued, while options (and stock appreciation rights (bSARb) settled in shares) count against the total shares available as one share for every one share issued on the exercise of an option (or SAR). The exercise price of each option granted under the 2003 Stock Plan may not be less than the market price of the Companybs common stock on the date of the option grant and all options may have a maximum life of ten years. Participants receiving restricted stock grants are generally eligible to vote such shares and receive dividends on such shares. Substantially all stock option and restricted stock grants are subject to annual vesting provisions (generally three to five years) as determined by the compensation committee overseeing the 2003 Stock Plan.	'
Maximum number of shares issuable under the ESPP	300	'	300	'
Percentage of share purchase price	'	'	85.00%	'
Discount on the share purchases	'	'	15.00%	'
Employee stock purchase plan description, compensation expense	$40	$48	$114	$193
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total compensation expense relating to stock award	811	530	2,244	1,610
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	3,441	'	3,441	'
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition, years	'	'	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total compensation expense relating to stock award	143	90	364	291
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition, years	'	'	'1 year 9 months 18 days	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	536	'	536	'
Equity Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	'	$1,454	$14,659
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award vesting period, (in years)	'	'	'3 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award vesting period, (in years)	'	'	'5 years	'

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Dividend yield	2.00%	2.00%
Expected volatility	43.10%	43.30%
Risk-free interest rate	1.10%	1.10%
Expected option term (years)	'6 years	'6 years

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unvested shares, beginning of period	65	84
Granted, Shares	65	50
Vested, Shares	-10	-5
Unvested shares, end of period, Shares	120	129
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning of period, Unvested Shares	$42	$29
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$50	$44
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$42	$30
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, end of period, Unvested Shares	$46	$35

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_4

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Total value of the restricted share grants	$3,271	$2,184

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_5

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans (Detail) (Equity Option [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity Option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning of period, Shares	685	1,501
Granted, Shares	29	29
Exercised, Shares	-75	-776
Options outstanding, end of period, Shares	639	754
Options exercisable, end of period, Shares	587	686
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period, Shares	637	751
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period	$17.26	$15.18
Options outstanding, beginning of period, Exercise Price	$34	$31
Granted, Exercise Price	$50	$44
Exercised, Exercise Price	$28	$30
Options outstanding, end of period, Exercise Price	$35	$34
Options exercisable, end of period, Exercise Price	$34	$34
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period, Exercise Price	$35	$34

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$6,822
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	6,742
Aggregate intrinsic values of stock options expected to vest	$6,817
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, years	'3 years 6 months 0 days
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options exercisable, years	'3 years
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options expected to vest, years	'3 years 6 months 0 days

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_7

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of Outstanding Options into Two Ranges, Based on Exercise Prices (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	'3 years 6 months 0 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	639
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$35
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	587
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$34
Outstanding Options with Range Based Exercise Prices Set One [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$12.22
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$39.95
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	'3 years 1 month 6 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	317
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$25
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	309
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$25
Outstanding Options with Range Based Exercise Prices Set Two [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Exercise price range, lower range limit	$39.95
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$50.30
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	'3 years 9 months 18 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	322
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$45
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	278
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$44

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum annual distribution of adjusted taxable income for REIT qualification	'	'	90.00%	'	'	'	'
Subsequent taxable years	'	'	'4 years	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from prior period tax positions	'	'	'	'	'	$797	$797
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	612	'	'	'
Net income tax expense (benefit) for federal income taxes	0	0	0	0	'	'	'
Net deferred tax assets	'	'	'	'	$38,559	'	'

Severance_Impairment_and_Other1

Severance, Impairment and Other Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Settlement And Impairment Provisions [Abstract]	'	'
Severance charges	'	$989
Non-cash impairment charges	400	400
Charges related to strategic initiative	'	281
Charges related to casualty losses	'	$311

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apartment	Held for Sale [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
		Apartment	Held for Sale [Member]	Held for Sale [Member]
			Apartment
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of units	22,858	342	342	'
Net gain on sale of apartment community	'	'	'	$28,000
Apartment community sold approximately for gross proceeds	'	'	$47,500	'