Post Apartment Homes 10-Q 8 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
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	'	54,403,761
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'POST APARTMENT HOMES LP	'
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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate assets	'	'
Land	$312,602	$327,270
Building and improvements	2,290,362	2,408,906
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	292,392	291,027
Construction in progress	66,187	74,064
Land held for future investment	48,689	61,768
Real estate assets, total	3,010,232	3,163,035
Less: accumulated depreciation	-895,723	-913,018
For-sale condominiums	'	1,122
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation of $40,986 at June 30, 2014	107,229	'
Total real estate assets	2,221,738	2,251,139
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate entities	4,071	4,056
Cash and cash equivalents	17,201	82,110
Restricted cash	4,967	4,712
Deferred financing costs, net	7,262	8,495
Other assets	32,550	31,165
Total assets	2,287,789	2,381,677
Liabilities and equity	'	'
Indebtedness, including $82,922 secured by assets held for sale as of June 30, 2014	976,760	1,098,734
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	77,313	73,431
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,844	16,687
Dividends and distributions payable	21,805	17,928
Accrued interest payable	4,569	5,157
Security deposits and prepaid rents	9,329	10,888
Total liabilities	1,106,620	1,222,825
Redeemable common units	7,235	6,121
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
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	9
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 authorized: 54,632 and 54,629 shares issued and 54,377 and 54,191 shares outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	546	546
Additional paid-in-capital	1,113,733	1,111,861
Accumulated earnings	81,230	66,138
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,902	-3,419
Stockholders Equity Subtotal Before Treasury Stock	1,190,616	1,175,135
Less common stock in treasury, at cost, 338 and 519 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-16,536	-22,188
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,174,080	1,152,947
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated property partnerships	-146	-216
Total equity	1,173,934	1,152,731
Total liabilities and equity	2,287,789	2,381,677
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Real estate assets	'	'
Land	312,602	327,270
Building and improvements	2,290,362	2,408,906
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	292,392	291,027
Construction in progress	66,187	74,064
Land held for future investment	48,689	61,768
Real estate assets, total	3,010,232	3,163,035
Less: accumulated depreciation	-895,723	-913,018
For-sale condominiums	'	1,122
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation of $40,986 at June 30, 2014	107,229	'
Total real estate assets	2,221,738	2,251,139
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated real estate entities	4,071	4,056
Cash and cash equivalents	17,201	82,110
Restricted cash	4,967	4,712
Deferred financing costs, net	7,262	8,495
Other assets	32,550	31,165
Total assets	2,287,789	2,381,677
Liabilities and equity	'	'
Indebtedness, including $82,922 secured by assets held for sale as of June 30, 2014	976,760	1,098,734
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other	77,313	73,431
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,844	16,687
Dividends and distributions payable	21,805	17,928
Accrued interest payable	4,569	5,157
Security deposits and prepaid rents	9,329	10,888
Total liabilities	1,106,620	1,222,825
Redeemable common units	7,235	6,121
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Equity	'	'
Preferred units	43,392	43,392
General partner	12,952	12,715
Limited partner	1,122,638	1,100,259
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-4,902	-3,419
Total Company shareholders' equity	1,174,080	1,152,947
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated property partnerships	-146	-216
Total equity	1,173,934	1,152,731
Total liabilities and equity	$2,287,789	$2,381,677

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	$895,723	$913,018
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares 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	54,632	54,629
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,377	54,191
Common stock in treasury, shares	338	519
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	895,723	913,018
Assets Held-for-sale [Member]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	40,986	'
Indebtedness, secured by assets held for sale	82,922	'
Assets Held-for-sale [Member] | Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation, assets held for sale	40,986	'
Indebtedness, secured by assets held for sale	$82,922	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	$89,414	$83,953	$177,442	$165,279
Other property revenues	5,389	5,098	10,654	9,916
Other	223	229	442	443
Total revenues	95,026	89,280	188,538	175,638
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance (exclusive of items shown separately below)	41,795	38,173	82,391	75,457
Depreciation	20,829	21,170	42,596	42,114
General and administrative	3,966	4,170	8,094	8,415
Investment and development	794	592	1,605	1,081
Other investment costs	210	516	483	821
Other expenses	502	'	1,409	'
Total expenses	68,096	64,621	136,578	127,888
Operating income	26,930	24,659	51,960	47,750
Interest income	4	23	16	59
Interest expense	-10,433	-11,042	-21,677	-22,094
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-620	-645	-1,265	-1,269
Net gains on condominium sales activities	'	13,981	810	22,175
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	501	477	986	955
Other income (expense), net	-196	-282	-391	-448
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	-4,287	'	-4,287	'
Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets	11,899	27,171	26,152	47,128
Gains on sales of real estate assets	36,092	'	36,092	'
Income from continuing operations	47,991	27,171	62,244	47,128
Discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued property operations	'	443	'	876
Income from discontinued operations	'	443	'	876
Net income	47,991	27,614	62,244	48,004
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-154	-58	-138	-55
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	-118	-68	-151	-120
Net income available	47,719	27,488	61,955	47,829
Distributions to preferred	-922	-922	-1,844	-1,844
Net income available to common shareholders	46,797	26,566	60,111	45,985
Per common share data - Basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$0.86	$0.48	$1.11	$0.83
Income from discontinued operations	'	$0.01	'	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.86	$0.49	$1.11	$0.84
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	54,223	54,464	54,199	54,450
Per common share data - Diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$0.86	$0.48	$1.10	$0.82
Income from discontinued operations	'	$0.01	'	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.86	$0.48	$1.10	$0.84
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	54,335	54,658	54,314	54,648
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	89,414	83,953	177,442	165,279
Other property revenues	5,389	5,098	10,654	9,916
Other	223	229	442	443
Total revenues	95,026	89,280	188,538	175,638
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance (exclusive of items shown separately below)	41,795	38,173	82,391	75,457
Depreciation	20,829	21,170	42,596	42,114
General and administrative	3,966	4,170	8,094	8,415
Investment and development	794	592	1,605	1,081
Other investment costs	210	516	483	821
Other expenses	502	'	1,409	'
Total expenses	68,096	64,621	136,578	127,888
Operating income	26,930	24,659	51,960	47,750
Interest income	4	23	16	59
Interest expense	-10,433	-11,042	-21,677	-22,094
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-620	-645	-1,265	-1,269
Net gains on condominium sales activities	'	13,981	810	22,175
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	501	477	986	955
Other income (expense), net	-196	-282	-391	-448
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	-4,287	'	-4,287	'
Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets	11,899	27,171	26,152	47,128
Gains on sales of real estate assets	36,092	'	36,092	'
Income from continuing operations	47,991	27,171	62,244	47,128
Discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued property operations	'	443	'	876
Income from discontinued operations	'	443	'	876
Net income	47,991	27,614	62,244	48,004
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-154	-58	-138	-55
Net income available	47,837	27,556	62,106	47,949
Distributions to preferred	-922	-922	-1,844	-1,844
Net income available to common shareholders	$46,915	$26,634	$60,262	$46,105
Per common share data - Basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$0.86	$0.48	$1.11	$0.83
Income from discontinued operations	'	$0.01	'	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.86	$0.49	$1.11	$0.84
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic	54,358	54,607	54,334	54,593
Per common share data - Diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (net of preferred distributions)	$0.86	$0.48	$1.10	$0.82
Income from discontinued operations	'	$0.01	'	$0.02
Net income available to common shareholders	$0.86	$0.48	$1.10	$0.84
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted	54,470	54,801	54,449	54,791

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net income	$47,991	$27,614	$62,244	$48,004
Net change in derivative financial instruments	-1,507	7,175	-1,487	8,100
Total comprehensive income	46,484	34,789	60,757	56,104
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:	'	'	'	'
Consolidated real estate entities	-154	-58	-138	-55
Operating Partnership	-114	-88	-147	-141
Total Company comprehensive income	46,216	34,643	60,472	55,908
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net income	47,991	27,614	62,244	48,004
Net change in derivative financial instruments	-1,507	7,175	-1,487	8,100
Total comprehensive income	46,484	34,789	60,757	56,104
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:	'	'	'	'
Consolidated real estate entities	-154	-58	-138	-55
Total Operating Partnership comprehensive income	$46,330	$34,731	$60,619	$56,049

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total Company Equity [Member]	Total Company Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests - Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests - Consolidated Real Estate Entities [Member]
In Thousands			General Partner [Member]	Limited Partners [Member]		Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]					Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]			Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]		Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$1,119,620	$1,119,620	$12,477	$1,075,524	$9	$43,392	$545	$1,107,354	$27,266	($11,679)	($11,679)	($3,781)	$1,119,714	$1,119,714	($94)	($94)
Comprehensive income	55,963	55,963	461	45,524	'	1,844	'	'	47,829	8,079	8,079	'	55,908	55,908	55	55
Contributions from the Company related to employee stock purchase, stock option and other plans	2,130	2,130	21	2,109	'	'	1	1,572	'	'	'	557	2,130	2,130	'	'
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	-6	-6	'	-6	'	'	'	-6	'	'	'	'	-6	-6	'	'
Equity-based compensation	1,764	1,764	18	1,746	'	'	'	1,764	'	'	'	'	1,764	1,764	'	'
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-1,844	-1,844	'	'	'	-1,844	'	'	-1,844	'	'	'	-1,844	-1,844	'	'
Distributions to common unitholders ($0.25 per unit)	-31,665	-31,665	-317	-31,348	'	'	'	'	-31,665	'	'	'	-31,665	-31,665	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-114	-114	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-114	-114
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	134	134	'	134	'	'	'	'	134	'	'	'	134	134	'	'
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	1,145,982	1,145,982	12,660	1,093,683	9	43,392	546	1,110,684	41,720	-3,600	-3,600	-3,224	1,146,135	1,146,135	-153	-153
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,152,731	1,152,731	12,715	1,100,259	9	43,392	546	1,111,861	66,138	-3,419	-3,419	-22,188	1,152,947	1,152,947	-216	-216
Comprehensive income	60,610	60,610	603	59,508	'	1,844	'	'	61,955	-1,483	-1,483	'	60,472	60,472	138	138
Contributions from the Company related to employee stock purchase, stock option and other plans	2,948	2,948	29	2,919	'	'	'	-55	-2,649	'	'	5,652	2,948	2,948	'	'
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	-7	-7	'	-7	'	'	'	-7	'	'	'	'	-7	-7	'	'
Equity-based compensation	1,934	1,934	19	1,915	'	'	'	1,934	'	'	'	'	1,934	1,934	'	'
Distributions to preferred unitholders	-1,844	-1,844	'	'	'	-1,844	'	'	-1,844	'	'	'	-1,844	-1,844	'	'
Distributions to common unitholders ($0.25 per unit)	-41,313	-41,313	-414	-40,899	'	'	'	'	-41,313	'	'	'	-41,313	-41,313	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-68	-68	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-68	-68
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	-1,057	-1,057	'	-1,057	'	'	'	'	-1,057	'	'	'	-1,057	-1,057	'	'
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$1,173,934	$1,173,934	$12,952	$1,122,638	$9	$43,392	$546	$1,113,733	$81,230	($4,902)	($4,902)	($16,536)	$1,174,080	$1,174,080	($146)	($146)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND ACCUMULATED EARNINGS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Dividend to common shareholders, per share	$0.76	$0.58
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Dividend to common shareholders, per share	$0.76	$0.58

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$62,244	$48,004
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	42,596	42,466
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,265	1,269
Net gains on sales of real estate assets	-36,902	-22,175
Other, net	205	811
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-986	-955
Distributions of earnings of unconsolidated entities	1,082	1,205
Stock-based compensation	1,939	1,768
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	4,287	'
Changes in assets, decrease (increase) in:	'	'
Other assets	-1,472	-1,946
Changes in liabilities, increase (decrease) in:	'	'
Accrued interest payable	-588	-641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,866	4,326
Security deposits and prepaid rents	-1,814	223
Net cash provided by operating activities	77,722	74,355
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'	'
Development and construction of real estate assets	-34,440	-79,078
Acquisition of communities	'	-48,399
Proceeds from sales of real estate assets	73,264	57,623
Capitalized interest	-1,601	-2,096
Property capital expenditures	-14,272	-16,990
Corporate additions and improvements	-1,687	-656
Other investments	-458	962
Net cash (provided by) used in investing activities	20,806	-88,634
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'	'
Lines of credit proceeds	80,213	'
Lines of credit repayments	-80,213	'
Payments on indebtedness	-121,974	-1,860
Payments of financing costs and other	-4,291	-292
Proceeds from employee stock purchase and stock options plans	2,278	1,439
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - real estate entities	-68	-114
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - common unitholders	-93	-72
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-1,844	-1,844
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-37,445	-27,263
Net cash used in financing activities	-163,437	-30,006
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-64,909	-44,285
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	82,110	118,698
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	17,201	74,413
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	62,244	48,004
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	42,596	42,466
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,265	1,269
Net gains on sales of real estate assets	-36,902	-22,175
Other, net	205	811
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities, net	-986	-955
Distributions of earnings of unconsolidated entities	1,082	1,205
Stock-based compensation	1,939	1,768
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	4,287	'
Changes in assets, decrease (increase) in:	'	'
Other assets	-1,472	-1,946
Changes in liabilities, increase (decrease) in:	'	'
Accrued interest payable	-588	-641
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,866	4,326
Security deposits and prepaid rents	-1,814	223
Net cash provided by operating activities	77,722	74,355
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'	'
Development and construction of real estate assets	-34,440	-79,078
Acquisition of communities	'	-48,399
Proceeds from sales of real estate assets	73,264	57,623
Capitalized interest	-1,601	-2,096
Property capital expenditures	-14,272	-16,990
Corporate additions and improvements	-1,687	-656
Other investments	-458	962
Net cash (provided by) used in investing activities	20,806	-88,634
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'	'
Lines of credit proceeds	80,213	'
Lines of credit repayments	-80,213	'
Payments on indebtedness	-121,974	-1,860
Payments of financing costs and other	-4,291	-292
Proceeds from employee stock purchase and stock options plans	2,278	1,439
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - real estate entities	-68	-114
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - common unitholders	-93	-72
Dividends paid to preferred shareholders	-1,844	-1,844
Dividends paid to common shareholders	-37,445	-27,263
Net cash used in financing activities	-163,437	-30,006
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-64,909	-44,285
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	82,110	118,698
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$17,201	$74,413

ORGANIZATION_AND_SIGNIFICANT_A

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
	At June 30, 2014, the Company had interests in 22,596 apartment units in 60 communities, including 1,471 apartment units in four communities held in unconsolidated entities and 1,201 apartment units in four communities currently under development or in lease-up. At June 30, 2014, approximately 29.3%, 22.1%, 13.6% 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 June 30, 2014, the Company had outstanding 54,377 shares of common stock and owned the same number of units of common limited partnership interests (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership, representing a 99.8% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership. Common Units held by persons other than the Company totaled 135 at June 30, 2014 and represented a 0.2% 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 99.8% and 99.7% for the three months and 99.8% and 99.7% and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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 six months ended June 30, 2014 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, 2013.
	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 were recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sales.” In periods prior to the sale of the Company’s final condominium unit in the first quarter of 2014, the Company accounted for condominium sales under the deposit method based on an evaluation of the factors specified in ASC Topic 360-20. The Company has no remaining investments in condominium communities. Under ASC Topic 360-20, the Company used 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 were 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 were 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, was 4.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Aggregate interest costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $755 and $1,092 for the three months and $1,601 and $2,096 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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 $512 and $670 for the three months and $1,001 and $1,426 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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.
	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 June 30, 2014, the Company had two apartment communities classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet.
	Derivative financial instruments
	The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments at fair value under the provisions of ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” The Company measures 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 rate 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.
	Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements (discontinued operations)
	In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” was issued. This new guidance establishes a single comprehensive revenue recognition model under U.S. GAAP and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under this new guidance, the amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from amounts recognized under existing accounting guidance and could also result in recognition in different reporting periods. Also, the provisions of ASU 2014-09 exclude revenue recognition regarding lease contracts. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2017 and is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance may have on its results of operations.
	In April 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Entity” was issued. This guidance amends ASC Topics 360 and 205 and changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity shall be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The new guidance also modifies the disclosure requirements for disposals reported as discontinued operations and for other significant disposals not reported as discontinued operations. Generally, the new guidance will result in fewer asset disposals being reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements. ASU 2014-08 is to be applied prospectively for periods on or after December 31, 2014 with early adoption permitted, but only for assets held for sale or sold that have not been reported in previously issued financial statements. The Company early adopted ASU 2014-08, effective as of January 1, 2014 (see note 2).
	Supplemental cash flow information
	Supplemental cash flow information for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Six months ended
			June 30,
			2014			2013
	Interest paid, including interest capitalized		$	23,866		$	25,009
	Income tax payments, net			1,039			1,074
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Dividends and distributions payable			21,805			18,066
	Common stock 401k matching contribution			658			670
	Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)			(2,350	)		3,521
	Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units, net increase (decrease)			(1,064	)		128

REAL_ESTATE_ACTIVITY

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY	'
	2	REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY
	Dispositions
	Assets held for sale/sold subsequent to January 1, 2014
	In the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company classified three apartment communities, containing 645 units, as held for sale. In May 2014, one of these apartment communities located in Houston, Texas, containing 308 units, was sold for gross proceeds of approximately $71,750. The Company recognized a gain of $36,092 on the sale of this community. At June 30, 2014, assets held for sale included two communities, containing 337 units, located in New York, New York. These real estate assets classified as held for sale are reported separately on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at $107,229, which represents the lower of their depreciated cost or fair value less costs to sell. This disposition activity is part of the Company’s on-going investment strategy of recycling investment capital to fund investment and development of apartment communities.
	The carrying amount of the major components of assets and liabilities of the two communities reflected as held for sale on the balance sheet were as follows:
			June 30, 2014
	Land		$	22,093
	Building and improvements			117,915
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment			8,207
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(40,986	)
	Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation		$	107,229
	Secured indebtedness		$	82,922
	Under ASU 2014-08 (see note 1), the Company determined that the three apartment communities discussed above did not meet the criteria requiring separate reporting as discontinued operations. As a result, the operations of these communities and the resulting gains on sales of the communities are reported in continuing operations for all periods presented. Total revenues and property net operating income of these assets is included in the segment information (see note 9) under the segment caption titled, “Held for sale and sold communities.” The net income and net income attributable to the Company, including gains on sales of real estate assets related to these communities, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Three months ended						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net income		$	37,356		$	774		$	37,493		$	1,274
	Net income, net of noncontrolling interest		$	37,202		$	716		$	37,355		$	1,219
	Assets held for sale/sold prior to January 1, 2014
	In periods prior to January 1, 2014, under ASC Topic 360, the operating results of real estate assets designated as held for sale and sold were reported in discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations for all periods presented. Additionally, all gains and losses on the sale of these assets were included in discontinued operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, income from discontinued operations included the results of operations of one apartment community, containing 342 units (this community was subsequently sold in October 2013) as follows:
			Three months ended			Six months ended
			June 30, 2013			June 30, 2013
	Revenues
	Rental		$	1,089		$	2,159
	Other property revenues			115			216
	Total revenues			1,204			2,375
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			498			969
	Depreciation			175			352
	Interest			88			178
	Total expenses			761			1,499
	Income from discontinued property operations		$	443		$	876
	Condominium activities
	In 2013 and through the first quarter of 2014, the Company sold condominium homes at two wholly owned condominium communities, one in Atlanta, Georgia (the “Atlanta Condominium Project”) and one in Austin, Texas (the “Austin Condominium Project”). The Austin Condominium Project completed its sell-out in the second quarter of 2013, and the Atlanta Condominium Project completed the sale of its final unit in March 2014. The revenues, costs and expenses associated with consolidated condominium activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			Three months ended						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Condominium revenues		$	—		$	38,123		$	2,442		$	55,598
	Condominium costs and expenses			—			(24,142	)		(1,632	)		(33,423	)
	Net gains on sales of condominiums		$	—		$	13,981		$	810		$	22,175
	For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company closed one and 50 condominium homes, respectively, at these condominium communities.

INVESTMENTS_IN_UNCONSOLIDATED_

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES	'
	3	INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES
	At June 30, 2014, 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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s investment in the 35% owned Apartment LLC totaled $4,071 and $4,056, respectively, excluding the credit investments discussed below. The Company’s investment in the 25% owned Apartment LLC at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 reflects a credit investment of $16,844 and $16,687, 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:
	Apartment LLCs - Balance Sheet Data		June 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $46,361 and $43,649 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		$	208,054		$	209,132
	Cash and other			5,943			4,978
	Total assets		$	213,997		$	214,110
	Mortgage notes payable		$	177,723		$	177,723
	Other liabilities			3,702			2,673
	Total liabilities			181,425			180,396
	Members’ equity			32,572			33,714
	Total liabilities and members’ equity		$	213,997		$	214,110
	Company’s equity investment in Apartment LLCs (1)		$	(12,773	)	$	(12,631	)
	-1	At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s equity investment includes its credit investments of $16,844 and $16,687, respectively, discussed above.
			Three months ended						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
	Apartment LLCs - Income Statement Data		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Revenues
	Rental		$	6,635		$	6,350		$	13,120	$	12,635
	Other property revenues			489			515			928		961
	Total revenues			7,124			6,865			14,048		13,596
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			2,830			2,738			5,581		5,389
	Depreciation and amortization			1,387			1,350			2,763		2,690
	Interest			2,258			2,258			4,496		4,496
	Total expenses			6,475			6,346			12,840		12,575
	Net income		$	649		$	519		$	1,208	$	1,021
	Company’s share of net income in Apartment LLCs		$	501		$	477		$	986	$	955
	At June 30, 2014, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INDEBTEDNESS	'
	4	INDEBTEDNESS
	At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s indebtedness consists of the following:
	Description		Payment		Interest Rate	Maturity Date	June 30,		December 31,
			Terms				2014		2013
	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
	Secured Mortgage Notes		Prin. and Int.		5.61% - 5.99%	2018 - 2019(3)		276,760		398,734
	Total						$	976,760	$	1,098,734
	-1	There are no maturities of senior unsecured notes in 2014. The remaining unsecured notes mature between 2017 and 2022.
	-2	Represents stated rate at June 30, 2014. As discussed below, the Company has entered into interest rate swap arrangements that effectively fix the interest rate under this facility. At June 30, 2014, the effective blended interest rate under the Term Loan was 3.24%.
	-3	There are no maturities of secured notes in 2014. These notes mature between 2018 and 2019.
	Debt	maturities
	The aggregate maturities of the Company’s indebtedness are as follows:
	Remainder of 2014		$	1,987
	2015			4,205
	2016			4,418
	2017			154,736
	2018			350,958
	Thereafter			460,456
			$	976,760
	Debt issuances and retirements
	In May 2014, the Company prepaid $120,000 of secured mortgage indebtedness using available cash and line of credit borrowings, which were largely repaid from the net proceeds of an apartment community sale (see note 2). The indebtedness was scheduled to initially mature in February 2015, and the stated rate on the indebtedness was 4.88%. In conjunction with the prepayment, the Company recognized an extinguishment loss of $4,287 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 related to the payment of prepayment premiums and the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs.
	Unsecured lines of credit
	At June 30, 2014, the Company had a $300,000 syndicated unsecured revolving line of credit (the “Syndicated Line”). At June 30, 2014, 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 and certain mixed-use projects, as defined. At June 30, 2014, letters of credit to third parties totaling $420 had been issued for the account of the Company under this facility.
	Additionally, at June 30, 2014, 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.
	Unsecured term loan
	At June 30, 2014, 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 June 30, 2014, 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 June 30, 2014 (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 June 30, 2014.

EQUITY_AND_NONCONTROLLING_INTE

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	'
	5	EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
	Common stock
	In May 2012, the Company adopted an at-the-market (“ATM”) common equity sales program for the sale of up to 4,000 shares of common stock. At June 30, 2014, the Company had not used this program and had 4,000 shares remaining for issuance. There were no sales of common stock for the three or six months ended June 30, 2014 or 2013 under this program. In future periods, the Company and the Operating Partnership may 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. There were no shares of common stock or unsecured notes repurchased for the three or six months ended June 30, 2014 under this repurchase program. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 550 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $24,800 and at an average gross price per share of $45.08.
	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 June 30, 2014, the aggregate redemption value of the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership of $7,235 was in excess of its net book value of $2,848. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate redemption value of the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership of $6,121 was in excess of its net book value of $2,792. 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.
	A roll-forward of activity relating to the Company’s Redeemable Common Units for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
			Six months ended
			June 30,
			2014			2013
	Redeemable common units, beginning of period		$	6,121		$	7,159
	Comprehensive income			147			141
	Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units			7			6
	Stock-based compensation			5			4
	Distributions to common unitholders			(102	)		(83	)
	Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units			1,057			(134	)
	Redeemable common units, end of period		$	7,235		$	7,093

COMPANY_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

COMPANY EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
COMPANY EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	6	COMPANY EARNINGS PER SHARE
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations		$	47,991		$	27,171		$	62,244		$	47,128
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities			(154	)		(58	)		(138	)		(55	)
	Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership			(118	)		(67	)		(151	)		(118	)
	Preferred stock dividends			(922	)		(922	)		(1,844	)		(1,844	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)			(110	)		(60	)		(132	)		(97	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders		$	46,687		$	26,064		$	59,979		$	45,014
	Common shares (denominator):
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic			54,223			54,464			54,199			54,450
	Dilutive shares from stock options			112			194			115			198
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted			54,335			54,658			54,314			54,648
	Per-share amount:
	Basic		$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.11		$	0.83
	Diluted		$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.1		$	0.82
	Stock options to purchase 62 and 58 shares of common stock for the three months and 63 and 58 shares of common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations		$	47,991		$	27,171		$	62,244		$	47,128
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities			(154	)		(58	)		(138	)		(55	)
	Preferred unit distributions			(922	)		(922	)		(1,844	)		(1,844	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)			(110	)		(60	)		(132	)		(97	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders		$	46,805		$	26,131		$	60,130		$	45,132
	Common units (denominator):
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic			54,358			54,607			54,334			54,593
	Dilutive units from stock options			112			194			115			198
	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted			54,470			54,801			54,449			54,791
	Per-unit amount:
	Basic		$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.11		$	0.83
	Diluted		$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.1		$	0.82
	Stock options to purchase 62 and 58 shares of common stock for the three months ended and 63 and 58 shares of common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014. 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 and land held for future investment, for impairment purposes using Level 3 inputs, primarily comparable sales and market data, independent valuations and discounted cash flow models. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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 June 30, 2014, 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) and provide for an effective blended fixed rate for the corresponding amount of Term Loan borrowings, of approximately 3.24% at June 30, 2014 (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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were valued as net liabilities of $4,915 and $3,428, 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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Three months ended						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
	Interest Rate Swap / Cash Flow Hedging Instruments		2014			2013			2013			2012
	Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income		$	(2,553	)	$	6,162		$	(3,563	)	$	6,089
	Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense		$	(1,046	)	$	(1,013	)	$	(2,076	)	$	(2,011	)
	The amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income as of June 30, 2014 will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made under the hedged indebtedness. Over the next year, the Company estimates that $4,101 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 June 30, 2014, the termination payment by the Company would have been approximately $4,924.
	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 June 30, 2014, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $713,117 (carrying value of $676,760) and the fair value of variable rate debt, including the Company’s lines of credit, was approximately $305,509 (carrying value of $300,000). At December 31, 2013, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $816,582 (carrying value of $798,734) and the fair value of variable rate debt, including the Company’s lines of credit, was approximately $305,653 (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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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, 2013. The segment information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 has been adjusted to reflect the impact of reclassifying, from the fully stabilized community segment to the held for sale and sold community segment, the operating results of three apartment communities designated as held for sale or sold in 2014 as described below.
		•		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 2014 and 2013.
		•		Newly stabilized communities – those apartment communities which reached stabilized occupancy in 2013.
		•		Lease-up communities – those apartment communities that are under development and lease-up but were not stabilized by the beginning of 2014, including communities that stabilized in 2014.
		•		Acquired communities – those communities acquired in 2014 or 2013.
		•		Held for sale and sold communities – those apartment and mixed-use communities classified as held for sale or sold in 2014 (see note 2).
	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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. 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						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Fully stabilized communities		$	76,545		$	74,336		$	151,818		$	147,848
	Newly stabilized communities			4,331			3,459			8,637			5,631
	Lease-up communities			2,632			245			4,511			269
	Acquired communities			1,233			383			2,443			383
	Held for sale or sold communities			4,820			5,735			10,689			11,337
	Other property segments			5,242			4,893			9,998			9,727
	Other			223			229			442			443
	Consolidated revenues		$	95,026		$	89,280		$	188,538		$	175,638
	Contribution to Property Net Operating Income
	Fully stabilized communities		$	46,086		$	45,945		$	92,404		$	91,525
	Newly stabilized communities			2,693			1,912			5,365			2,586
	Lease-up communities			1,041			(252	)		1,719			(280	)
	Acquired communities			769			275			1,523			275
	Held for sale or sold communities			2,574			3,414			5,346			6,541
	Other property segments, including corporate management expenses			(155	)		(416	)		(652	)		(909	)
	Consolidated property net operating income			53,008			50,878			105,705			99,738
	Interest income			4			23			16			59
	Other revenues			223			229			442			443
	Depreciation			(20,829	)		(21,170	)		(42,596	)		(42,114	)
	Interest expense			(10,433	)		(11,042	)		(21,677	)		(22,094	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs			(620	)		(645	)		(1,265	)		(1,269	)
	General and administrative			(3,966	)		(4,170	)		(8,094	)		(8,415	)
	Investment and development			(794	)		(592	)		(1,605	)		(1,081	)
	Other investment costs			(210	)		(516	)		(483	)		(821	)
	Other expenses			(502	)		—			(1,409	)		—
	Gains on condominium sales activities, net			—			13,981			810			22,175
	Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net			501			477			986			955
	Other income (expense), net			(196	)		(282	)		(391	)		(448	)
	Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness			(4,287	)		—			(4,287	)		—
	Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets			11,899			27,171			26,152			47,128
	Gains on sales of real estate assets			36,092			—			36,092			—
	Income from discontinued operations			—			443			—			876
	Net income		$	47,991		$	27,614		$	62,244		$	48,004

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [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:
			Six months ended
			June 30,
			2014			2013
	Dividend yield			2.8	%		2	%
	Expected volatility			43	%		43.1	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.8	%		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 $818 and $802 for the three months and $1,588 and $1,473 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At June 30, 2014, there was $4,099 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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Six months ended June 30,
			2014						2013
			Shares			Weighted-Avg.			Shares			Weighted-Avg.
						Grant-Date						Grant-Date
						Fair Value						Fair Value
	Unvested shares, beginning of period			75		$	48			65		$	42
	Granted (1)			55			47			65			50
	Vested			(1	)		12			(3	)		37
	Unvested shares, end of period			129			48			127			46
	-1	The total value of the restricted share grants for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2,566 and $3,271, 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 $134 and $105 for the three months and $273 and $221 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, recognized under the fair value method. At June 30, 2014, there was $694 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.
	A summary of stock option activity under all plans for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, is presented below:
			Six months ended June 30,
			2014						2013
			Shares			Exercise			Shares			Exercise
						Price						Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period			539		$	36			685		$	34
	Granted			35			47			29			50
	Exercised			(201	)		34			(44	)		28
	Options outstanding, end of period (1)			373			38			670			35
	Options exercisable, end of period (1)			311			36			613			34
	Options vested and expected to vest, end of period (1)			371			38			667			35
	Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period		$	15.21					$	17.26
	-1	At June 30, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was $5,757, $5,387 and $5,741, respectively. At that same date, the weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was 4.5 years, 3.6 years and 4.5 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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $3,160 and $927, respectively.
	At June 30, 2014, the Company segregated its outstanding options into two ranges, based on exercise prices, as follows:
	Option Ranges		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
			Shares			Weighted Avg.			Weighted Avg.			Shares		Weighted Avg.
						Exercise Price			Life (Years)					Exercise Price
	$12.22 - $44.05			199		$	29			4.2			190	$	29
	$45.70 - $50.30			174			48			4.9			121		48
	Total			373			38			4.5			311		36
	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 $39 and $37 for the three months and $78 and $74 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 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. The TRSs recorded no net income tax expense (benefit) for federal income taxes for the three or six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, as a result of the ability to offset book and taxable income (loss), if any, through the use of offsetting valuation allowances resulting from the inability to recognize net deferred tax assets in the current or prior year as discussed below.
	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, 2013, net deferred tax assets approximately totaled $25,166. At December 31, 2013, 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 three and six months ended June 30, 2014, changes to the components of net deferred tax assets were offset by changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances.

OTHER_EXPENSES

OTHER EXPENSES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
OTHER EXPENSES	'
	12	OTHER EXPENSES
	Other expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 included expenses of approximately $502 and $659, respectively, related to the continuation of a strategic initiative to upgrade the Company’s operating and financial software systems. For the six months ended June 30, 2014, other expenses also included estimated casualty losses of $750 primarily related to extreme winter weather conditions in many of the Company’s markets as well as fire damage at one of the Company’s Atlanta, Georgia communities.

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS_COMMITMENTS_

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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. Discovery has closed, and the Court has denied motions filed by the parties relating to additional discovery and expert witnesses. Each party filed Motions for Summary Judgment, which were briefed in April 2014, and are now pending before the Court. Until such time as the court issues rulings on the application of the law to the facts of this case, 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 their business from time to time, some 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.

ORGANIZATION_AND_SIGNIFICANT_A1

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
	At June 30, 2014, the Company had interests in 22,596 apartment units in 60 communities, including 1,471 apartment units in four communities held in unconsolidated entities and 1,201 apartment units in four communities currently under development or in lease-up. At June 30, 2014, approximately 29.3%, 22.1%, 13.6% 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 June 30, 2014, the Company had outstanding 54,377 shares of common stock and owned the same number of units of common limited partnership interests (“Common Units”) in the Operating Partnership, representing a 99.8% ownership interest in the Operating Partnership. Common Units held by persons other than the Company totaled 135 at June 30, 2014 and represented a 0.2% 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 99.8% and 99.7% for the three months and 99.8% and 99.7% and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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 six months ended June 30, 2014 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, 2013.
	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 were recognized in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 360-20, “Property, Plant and Equipment – Real Estate Sales.” In periods prior to the sale of the Company’s final condominium unit in the first quarter of 2014, the Company accounted for condominium sales under the deposit method based on an evaluation of the factors specified in ASC Topic 360-20. The Company has no remaining investments in condominium communities. Under ASC Topic 360-20, the Company used 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 were 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 were 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, was 4.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. Aggregate interest costs capitalized to projects under development or construction were $755 and $1,092 for the three months and $1,601 and $2,096 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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 $512 and $670 for the three months and $1,001 and $1,426 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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.
	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 June 30, 2014, the Company had two apartment communities classified as held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet.
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.” The Company measures 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 rate 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.
Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements	'
	Recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements (discontinued operations)
	In May 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” was issued. This new guidance establishes a single comprehensive revenue recognition model under U.S. GAAP and provides for enhanced disclosures. Under this new guidance, the amount of revenue recognized for certain transactions could differ from amounts recognized under existing accounting guidance and could also result in recognition in different reporting periods. Also, the provisions of ASU 2014-09 exclude revenue recognition regarding lease contracts. The new guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2017 and is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance may have on its results of operations.
	In April 2014, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of Entity” was issued. This guidance amends ASC Topics 360 and 205 and changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity shall be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The new guidance also modifies the disclosure requirements for disposals reported as discontinued operations and for other significant disposals not reported as discontinued operations. Generally, the new guidance will result in fewer asset disposals being reported as discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements. ASU 2014-08 is to be applied prospectively for periods on or after December 31, 2014 with early adoption permitted, but only for assets held for sale or sold that have not been reported in previously issued financial statements. The Company early adopted ASU 2014-08, effective as of January 1, 2014 (see note 2).

ORGANIZATION_AND_SIGNIFICANT_A2

ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Supplemental cash flow information	'
	Supplemental cash flow information for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Six months ended
		June 30,
		2014			2013
	Interest paid, including interest capitalized	$	23,866		$	25,009
	Income tax payments, net		1,039			1,074
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Dividends and distributions payable		21,805			18,066
	Common stock 401k matching contribution		658			670
	Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)		(2,350	)		3,521
	Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units, net increase (decrease)		(1,064	)		128

REAL_ESTATE_ACTIVITY_Tables

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amount of Assets and Liabilities	'
	The carrying amount of the major components of assets and liabilities of the two communities reflected as held for sale on the balance sheet were as follows:
		June 30, 2014
	Land	$	22,093
	Building and improvements		117,915
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		8,207
	Less: accumulated depreciation		(40,986	)
	Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	$	107,229
	Secured indebtedness	$	82,922
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The net income and net income attributable to the Company, including gains on sales of real estate assets related to these communities, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net income	$	37,356		$	774		$	37,493		$	1,274
	Net income, net of noncontrolling interest	$	37,202		$	716		$	37,355		$	1,219
Summary of Revenues and Expenses of Income from Discontinued Operations	'
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, income from discontinued operations included the results of operations of one apartment community, containing 342 units (this community was subsequently sold in October 2013) as follows:
		Three months ended			Six months ended
		June 30, 2013			June 30, 2013
	Revenues
	Rental	$	1,089		$	2,159
	Other property revenues		115			216
	Total revenues		1,204			2,375
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance		498			969
	Depreciation		175			352
	Interest		88			178
	Total expenses		761			1,499
	Income from discontinued property operations	$	443		$	876
Revenues Costs and Expenses Associated with Consolidated Condominium Activities	'
	The revenues, costs and expenses associated with consolidated condominium activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Condominium revenues	$	—		$	38,123		$	2,442		$	55,598
	Condominium costs and expenses		—			(24,142	)		(1,632	)		(33,423	)
	Net gains on sales of condominiums	$	—		$	13,981		$	810		$	22,175

INVESTMENTS_IN_UNCONSOLIDATED_1

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED REAL ESTATE ENTITIES (Tables) (Unconsolidated Properties [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'
Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs	'
	A summary of financial information for the Apartment LLCs in the aggregate is as follows:
	Apartment LLCs - Balance Sheet Data		June 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $46,361 and $43,649 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		$	208,054		$	209,132
	Cash and other			5,943			4,978
	Total assets		$	213,997		$	214,110
	Mortgage notes payable		$	177,723		$	177,723
	Other liabilities			3,702			2,673
	Total liabilities			181,425			180,396
	Members’ equity			32,572			33,714
	Total liabilities and members’ equity		$	213,997		$	214,110
	Company’s equity investment in Apartment LLCs (1)		$	(12,773	)	$	(12,631	)
	-1	At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s equity investment includes its credit investments of $16,844 and $16,687, respectively, discussed above.
Schedule of Operation for Apartment LLCs	'
			Three months ended						Six months ended
			June 30,						June 30,
	Apartment LLCs - Income Statement Data		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Revenues
	Rental		$	6,635		$	6,350		$	13,120	$	12,635
	Other property revenues			489			515			928		961
	Total revenues			7,124			6,865			14,048		13,596
	Expenses
	Property operating and maintenance			2,830			2,738			5,581		5,389
	Depreciation and amortization			1,387			1,350			2,763		2,690
	Interest			2,258			2,258			4,496		4,496
	Total expenses			6,475			6,346			12,840		12,575
	Net income		$	649		$	519		$	1,208	$	1,021
	Company’s share of net income in Apartment LLCs		$	501		$	477		$	986	$	955

INDEBTEDNESS_Tables

INDEBTEDNESS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Indebtedness	'
	At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s indebtedness consists of the following:
	Description		Payment		Interest Rate	Maturity Date	June 30,		December 31,
			Terms				2014		2013
	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
	Secured Mortgage Notes		Prin. and Int.		5.61% - 5.99%	2018 - 2019(3)		276,760		398,734
	Total						$	976,760	$	1,098,734
	-1	There are no maturities of senior unsecured notes in 2014. The remaining unsecured notes mature between 2017 and 2022.
	-2	Represents stated rate at June 30, 2014. As discussed below, the Company has entered into interest rate swap arrangements that effectively fix the interest rate under this facility. At June 30, 2014, the effective blended interest rate under the Term Loan was 3.24%.
	-3	There are no maturities of secured notes in 2014. These notes mature between 2018 and 2019.
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Indebtedness	'
	The aggregate maturities of the Company’s indebtedness are as follows:
	Remainder of 2014		$	1,987
	2015			4,205
	2016			4,418
	2017			154,736
	2018			350,958
	Thereafter			460,456
			$	976,760

EQUITY_AND_NONCONTROLLING_INTE1

EQUITY AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Redeemable Common Units	'
	A roll-forward of activity relating to the Company’s Redeemable Common Units for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Six months ended
		June 30,
		2014			2013
	Redeemable common units, beginning of period	$	6,121		$	7,159
	Comprehensive income		147			141
	Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units		7			6
	Stock-based compensation		5			4
	Distributions to common unitholders		(102	)		(83	)
	Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units		1,057			(134	)
	Redeemable common units, end of period	$	7,235		$	7,093

COMPANY_EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tab

COMPANY EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	'
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	47,991		$	27,171		$	62,244		$	47,128
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(154	)		(58	)		(138	)		(55	)
	Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership		(118	)		(67	)		(151	)		(118	)
	Preferred stock dividends		(922	)		(922	)		(1,844	)		(1,844	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(110	)		(60	)		(132	)		(97	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	46,687		$	26,064		$	59,979		$	45,014
	Common shares (denominator):
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		54,223			54,464			54,199			54,450
	Dilutive shares from stock options		112			194			115			198
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		54,335			54,658			54,314			54,648
	Per-share amount:
	Basic	$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.11		$	0.83
	Diluted	$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.1		$	0.82
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share	'
	For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, 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						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders (numerator):
	Income from continuing operations	$	47,991		$	27,171		$	62,244		$	47,128
	Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		(154	)		(58	)		(138	)		(55	)
	Preferred unit distributions		(922	)		(922	)		(1,844	)		(1,844	)
	Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)		(110	)		(60	)		(132	)		(97	)
	Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	$	46,805		$	26,131		$	60,130		$	45,132
	Common units (denominator):
	Weighted average units outstanding - basic		54,358			54,607			54,334			54,593
	Dilutive units from stock options		112			194			115			198
	Weighted average units outstanding - diluted		54,470			54,801			54,449			54,791
	Per-unit amount:
	Basic	$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.11		$	0.83
	Diluted	$	0.86		$	0.48		$	1.1		$	0.82

FAIR_VALUE_MEASURES_AND_OTHER_1

FAIR VALUE MEASURES AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
	Interest Rate Swap / Cash Flow Hedging Instruments	2014			2013			2013			2012
	Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	$	(2,553	)	$	6,162		$	(3,563	)	$	6,089
	Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense	$	(1,046	)	$	(1,013	)	$	(2,076	)	$	(2,011	)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. 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						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Fully stabilized communities	$	76,545		$	74,336		$	151,818		$	147,848
	Newly stabilized communities		4,331			3,459			8,637			5,631
	Lease-up communities		2,632			245			4,511			269
	Acquired communities		1,233			383			2,443			383
	Held for sale or sold communities		4,820			5,735			10,689			11,337
	Other property segments		5,242			4,893			9,998			9,727
	Other		223			229			442			443
	Consolidated revenues	$	95,026		$	89,280		$	188,538		$	175,638
	Contribution to Property Net Operating Income
	Fully stabilized communities	$	46,086		$	45,945		$	92,404		$	91,525
	Newly stabilized communities		2,693			1,912			5,365			2,586
	Lease-up communities		1,041			(252	)		1,719			(280	)
	Acquired communities		769			275			1,523			275
	Held for sale or sold communities		2,574			3,414			5,346			6,541
	Other property segments, including corporate management expenses		(155	)		(416	)		(652	)		(909	)
	Consolidated property net operating income		53,008			50,878			105,705			99,738
	Interest income		4			23			16			59
	Other revenues		223			229			442			443
	Depreciation		(20,829	)		(21,170	)		(42,596	)		(42,114	)
	Interest expense		(10,433	)		(11,042	)		(21,677	)		(22,094	)
	Amortization of deferred financing costs		(620	)		(645	)		(1,265	)		(1,269	)
	General and administrative		(3,966	)		(4,170	)		(8,094	)		(8,415	)
	Investment and development		(794	)		(592	)		(1,605	)		(1,081	)
	Other investment costs		(210	)		(516	)		(483	)		(821	)
	Other expenses		(502	)		—			(1,409	)		—
	Gains on condominium sales activities, net		—			13,981			810			22,175
	Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net		501			477			986			955
	Other income (expense), net		(196	)		(282	)		(391	)		(448	)
	Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness		(4,287	)		—			(4,287	)		—
	Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets		11,899			27,171			26,152			47,128
	Gains on sales of real estate assets		36,092			—			36,092			—
	Income from discontinued operations		—			443			—			876
	Net income	$	47,991		$	27,614		$	62,244		$	48,004

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_PLANS_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [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:
			Six months ended
			June 30,
			2014			2013
	Dividend yield			2.8	%		2	%
	Expected volatility			43	%		43.1	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.8	%		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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
			Six months ended June 30,
			2014						2013
			Shares			Weighted-Avg.			Shares			Weighted-Avg.
						Grant-Date						Grant-Date
						Fair Value						Fair Value
	Unvested shares, beginning of period			75		$	48			65		$	42
	Granted (1)			55			47			65			50
	Vested			(1	)		12			(3	)		37
	Unvested shares, end of period			129			48			127			46
	-1	The total value of the restricted share grants for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $2,566 and $3,271, respectively.
Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans	'
	A summary of stock option activity under all plans for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, is presented below:
			Six months ended June 30,
			2014						2013
			Shares			Exercise			Shares			Exercise
						Price						Price
	Options outstanding, beginning of period			539		$	36			685		$	34
	Granted			35			47			29			50
	Exercised			(201	)		34			(44	)		28
	Options outstanding, end of period (1)			373			38			670			35
	Options exercisable, end of period (1)			311			36			613			34
	Options vested and expected to vest, end of period (1)			371			38			667			35
	Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period		$	15.21					$	17.26
	-1	At June 30, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was $5,757, $5,387 and $5,741, respectively. At that same date, the weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, exercisable and vested/expected to vest was 4.5 years, 3.6 years and 4.5 years, respectively.
Schedule of Outstanding Options into Two Ranges, Based on Exercise Prices	'
	At June 30, 2014, the Company segregated its outstanding options into two ranges, based on exercise prices, as follows:
	Option Ranges		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
			Shares			Weighted Avg.			Weighted Avg.			Shares		Weighted Avg.
						Exercise Price			Life (Years)					Exercise Price
	$12.22 - $44.05			199		$	29			4.2			190	$	29
	$45.70 - $50.30			174			48			4.9			121		48
	Total			373			38			4.5			311		36

Recovered_Sheet1

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Apartment		Apartment
	Property		Property
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	22,596	'	22,596	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties	60	'	60	'	'	'
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,377,000	'	54,377,000	'	'	54,191,000
Common units, shares outstanding	135,000	'	135,000	'	'	'
Ownership interest percentage in Operating Partnership	99.80%	99.70%	99.80%	99.70%	'	'
Common units held by persons other than the Company	135,000	'	135,000	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	0.20%	'	0.20%	'	'	'
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	'	'	'
Investments in condominium communities	'	'	'	'	$0	$1,122
Aggregate interest costs capitalized to projects under development or construction	755	1,092	1,601	2,096	'	'
Development or construction costs	$512	$670	$1,001	$1,426	'	'
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	'	'	'
Unconsolidated Properties [Member] | Atlanta, Georgia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties	3	'	3	'	'	'
Unconsolidated Properties [Member] | Washington, D.C. [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties	1	'	1	'	'	'
Under Development [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units in real estate property	1,201	'	1,201	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties	4	'	4	'	'	'
Held for Sale [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of real estate properties	2	'	2	'	'	'
Cost Capitalization [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average borrowing costs, percentage	4.60%	4.60%	4.60%	4.60%	'	'
Operating Communities [Member] | Atlanta, Georgia [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	'	'	29.30%	'	'	'
Operating Communities [Member] | Dallas, Texas [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	'	'	22.10%	'	'	'
Operating Communities [Member] | Washington, D.C. [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	'	'	13.60%	'	'	'
Operating Communities [Member] | Tampa, Florida [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration of location for communities, percentage	'	'	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	'	'	'

Recovered_Sheet2

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Interest paid, including interest capitalized	$23,866	$25,009
Income tax payments, net	1,039	1,074
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Dividends and distributions payable	21,805	18,066
Common stock 401k matching contribution	658	670
Construction and property capital expenditure cost accruals, increase (decrease)	-2,350	3,521
Adjustments to equity related to redeemable common units, net increase (decrease)	($1,064)	$128

Real_Estate_Activity_Additiona

Real Estate Activity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

31-May-14

31-May-14

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Property

Home

Home

For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]

Discontinued Operations [Member]

Austin Condominium Project [Member]

Atlanta Condominium Project [Member]

Apartment Communities Sold [Member]

Apartment Communities Sold [Member]

Assets Held-for-sale [Member]

Assets Held-for-sale [Member]

Assets Held-for-sale [Member]

Apartment

Property

Property

Apartment

For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]

For-Sale Condominium Homes [Member]

Houston, Texas [Member]

Houston, Texas [Member]

Apartment

New York [Member]

Apartment

Property

Property

Apartment

Apartment

Community

Real Estate Properties [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of real estate properties

60

60

'

2

1

1

1

'

1

'

3

2

Number of units in real estate property

22,596

22,596

'

'

342

'

'

'

308

'

645

337

Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation

$107,229

$107,229

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$107,229

'

'

Apartment community sold approximately for gross proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

71,750

'

'

'

'

Net gain on sale of apartment community

$36,092

$36,092

'

'

'

'

'

$36,092

'

'

'

'

Condominium homes sold

'

1

50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Real_Estate_Activity_Carrying_

Real Estate Activity - Carrying Amount of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land	$312,602	$327,270
Building and improvements	2,290,362	2,408,906
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	292,392	291,027
Less: accumulated depreciation	-895,723	-913,018
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	107,229	'
Assets Held-for-sale [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land	22,093	'
Building and improvements	117,915	'
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	8,207	'
Less: accumulated depreciation	-40,986	'
Assets held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation	107,229	'
Secured indebtedness	$82,922	'

Real_Estate_Activity_Net_Incom

Real Estate Activity - Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income Loss From Operations Net Of Non Controlling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$47,991	$27,614	$62,244	$48,004
Net income, net of noncontrolling interest	47,719	27,488	61,955	47,829
Apartment Communities Sold [Member] | Assets Held-for-sale [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Loss From Operations Net Of Non Controlling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	37,356	774	37,493	1,274
Net income, net of noncontrolling interest	$37,202	$716	$37,355	$1,219

Real_Estate_Activity_Summary_o

Real Estate Activity - Summary of Revenues and Expenses of Income from Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'
Rental	$1,089	$2,159
Other property revenues	115	216
Total revenues	1,204	2,375
Expenses	'	'
Property operating and maintenance	498	969
Depreciation	175	352
Interest	88	178
Total expenses	761	1,499
Income from discontinued property operations	$443	$876

Real_Estate_Activity_Revenues_

Real Estate Activity - Revenues Costs and Expenses Associated with Consolidated Condominium Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Real Estate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Condominium revenues	$38,123	$2,442	$55,598
Condominium costs and expenses	-24,142	-1,632	-33,423
Net gains on sales of condominiums	$13,981	$810	$22,175

Recovered_Sheet3

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Property		3.50% Mortgage Note Payable [Member]	5.63% Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]	5.71% Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]	Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	Washington, D.C. [Member]	Atlanta, Georgia [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
						Property		Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	Unconsolidated Properties [Member]
								Property	Property
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25.00%	35.00%
Number of real estate properties	60	'	'	'	'	4	'	1	3	'	'
Investment in owned subsidiaries	$4,071	$4,056	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,844	16,687	'	'	'	16,844	16,687	'	'	'	'
Mortgage note payable	'	'	$51,000	$85,724	$41,000	$177,723	$177,723	'	'	'	'
Mortgage notes payable bearing interest rate	'	'	3.50%	5.63%	5.71%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Mortgage note payable maturity date	'	'	'2019	'2017	'January 2018	'	'	'	'	'	'
Automatic extension period (in years)	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'	'	'	'	'	'

Recovered_Sheet4

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $46,361 and $43,649 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	$2,221,738	$2,251,139	'	'
Total assets	2,287,789	2,381,677	'	'
Total liabilities	1,106,620	1,222,825	'	'
Members' equity	1,173,934	1,152,731	1,145,982	1,119,620
Total liabilities and equity	2,287,789	2,381,677	'	'
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Real estate assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $46,361 and $43,649 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	208,054	209,132	'	'
Cash and other	5,943	4,978	'	'
Total assets	213,997	214,110	'	'
Mortgage notes payable	177,723	177,723	'	'
Other liabilities	3,702	2,673	'	'
Total liabilities	181,425	180,396	'	'
Members' equity	32,572	33,714	'	'
Total liabilities and equity	213,997	214,110	'	'
Company's equity investment in Apartment LLCs	($12,773)	($12,631)	'	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Summary of Financial Information for Apartment LLCs (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Real estate assets, accumulated depreciation	$895,723	$913,018
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	16,844	16,687
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Real estate assets, accumulated depreciation	46,361	43,649
Investments in unconsolidated real estate entities	$16,844	$16,687

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities - Schedule of Operation for Apartment LLCs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	$89,414	$83,953	$177,442	$165,279
Other property revenues	5,389	5,098	10,654	9,916
Total revenues	95,026	89,280	188,538	175,638
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance	41,795	38,173	82,391	75,457
Interest	10,433	11,042	21,677	22,094
Total expenses	68,096	64,621	136,578	127,888
Net income available	47,719	27,488	61,955	47,829
Company's share of net income in Apartment LLCs	501	477	986	955
Unconsolidated Properties [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Rental	6,635	6,350	13,120	12,635
Other property revenues	489	515	928	961
Total revenues	7,124	6,865	14,048	13,596
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance	2,830	2,738	5,581	5,389
Depreciation and amortization	1,387	1,350	2,763	2,690
Interest	2,258	2,258	4,496	4,496
Total expenses	6,475	6,346	12,840	12,575
Net income available	649	519	1,208	1,021
Company's share of net income in Apartment LLCs	$501	$477	$986	$955

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Indeb

Indebtedness - Schedule of Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total	$976,760	$1,098,734
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
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Payment Terms	'Int.	'
Interest Rate, spread over LIBOR	1.70%	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2018	'
Unsecured debt	300,000	300,000
Secured Mortgage Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Payment Terms	'Prin. and Int.	'
Interest Rate, minimum	5.61%	'
Interest Rate, maximum	5.99%	'
Secured debt	$276,760	$398,734
Minimum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2017	'
Minimum [Member] | Secured Mortgage Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2018	'
Maximum [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2022	'
Maximum [Member] | Secured Mortgage Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2019	'

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Indeb1

Indebtedness - Schedule of Indebtedness (Parenthetical) (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2014
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Effective blended interest rate	3.24%
Minimum [Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2017
Maximum [Member] | Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt instrument, Maturity	'2022

Indebtedness_Schedule_of_Aggre

Indebtedness - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Remainder of 2014	$1,987	'
2015	4,205	'
2016	4,418	'
2017	154,736	'
2018	350,958	'
Thereafter	460,456	'
Total aggregate maturities of indebtedness	$976,760	$1,098,734

Indebtedness_Additional_Inform

Indebtedness - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prepaid secured mortgage indebtedness	$120,000	'	'
Indebtedness maturity date	'	'	'2015-02
Stated rate on the indebtedness	'	4.88%	4.88%
Net gain (loss) on extinguishment of indebtedness	'	4,287	4,287
Letters of credit issued	'	420	420
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
Lines of Credit [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	'	300,000	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%
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
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%
Time period extension option	'	'	'6 months
Term loan facility, borrowing capacity	'	300,000	300,000
Interest rate based on credit ratings ranges, minimum	'	'	1.50%
Six-month extension options	'	2	2
Unsecured Bank Term Loan [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate paid under the Term Loan	'	1.54%	1.54%
Effective blended interest rate on the Term Loan	'	3.24%	3.24%
Cash Management Line [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	'	$30,000	$30,000
Line of credit facility, expiration year	'	'	'January 2016
Number of extension options	'	'	1
Time period extension option	'	'	'1 year

Recovered_Sheet5

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	31-May-12
					At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member]	At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member]	At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member]	At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member]	At-The-Market Common Equity Sales Program [Member]
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000	100,000	'	'	'	'	'	4,000
Sale of common stock, shares	'	'	'	'	0	0	0	0	'
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	'	'	'	$200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchased shares of common stock, shares	0	0	550	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchased shares of common stock, aggregate cost	'	'	24,800	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchased shares of common stock, average gross price	'	'	$45.08	'	'	'	'	'	'
Redeemable common units	7,235	7,235	6,121	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership, net book value	$2,848	$2,848	$2,792	'	'	'	'	'	'

Recovered_Sheet6

Equity and Noncontrolling Interests - Schedule of Redeemable Common Units (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]	'	'
Redeemable common units, beginning of period	$6,121	'
Comprehensive income	60,610	55,963
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	7	6
Stock-based compensation	1,934	1,764
Distributions to common unitholders	-41,313	-31,665
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	1,057	-134
Redeemable common units, end of period	7,235	'
Redeemable Common Units [Member]	'	'
Equity And Noncontrolling Interests [Line Items]	'	'
Redeemable common units, beginning of period	6,121	7,159
Comprehensive income	147	141
Adjustment for ownership interest of redeemable common units	7	6
Stock-based compensation	5	4
Distributions to common unitholders	-102	-83
Adjustment to redemption value of redeemable common units	1,057	-134
Redeemable common units, end of period	$7,235	$7,093

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		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Income from continuing operations	$47,991	$27,171	$62,244	$47,128
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-154	-58	-138	-55
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	-118	-68	-151	-120
Distributions to preferred	-922	-922	-1,844	-1,844
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)	-110	-60	-132	-97
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	46,687	26,064	59,979	45,014
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	54,223	54,464	54,199	54,450
Dilutive shares from stock options	112	194	115	198
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	54,335	54,658	54,314	54,648
Basic	$0.86	$0.48	$1.11	$0.83
Diluted	$0.86	$0.48	$1.10	$0.82
Continuing Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	'	($67)	'	($118)

Company_Earnings_Per_Share_Add

Company Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Gross Antidilutive [Member])	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Gross Antidilutive [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	62	58	63	58

Operating_Partnership_Earnings

Operating Partnership Earnings Per Unit - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$47,991	$27,171	$62,244	$47,128
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-154	-58	-138	-55
Preferred unit distributions	-922	-922	-1,844	-1,844
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)	-110	-60	-132	-97
Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	46,687	26,064	59,979	45,014
Weighted average units outstanding - basic	54,223	54,464	54,199	54,450
Dilutive units from stock options	112	194	115	198
Weighted average units outstanding - diluted	54,335	54,658	54,314	54,648
Basic	$0.86	$0.48	$1.11	$0.83
Diluted	$0.86	$0.48	$1.10	$0.82
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	47,991	27,171	62,244	47,128
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	-154	-58	-138	-55
Preferred unit distributions	-922	-922	-1,844	-1,844
Unvested restricted stock (allocation of earnings)	-110	-60	-132	-97
Income from continuing operations available to common unitholders	$46,805	$26,131	$60,130	$45,132
Weighted average units outstanding - basic	54,358	54,607	54,334	54,593
Dilutive units from stock options	112	194	115	198
Weighted average units outstanding - diluted	54,470	54,801	54,449	54,791
Basic	$0.86	$0.48	$1.11	$0.83
Diluted	$0.86	$0.48	$1.10	$0.82

Operating_Partnership_Earnings1

Operating Partnership Earnings Per Unit - Additional Information (Detail) (Gross Antidilutive [Member])	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	62	58	63	58
Post Apartment Homes, L.P. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive stock options to purchase common stock	62	58	63	58

Recovered_Sheet7

Fair Value Measures and Other Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Three Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Fourth Interest Rate Swap [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Fixed Rate Debt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt [Member]

Variable Rate Debt [Member]

Three Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Fourth Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Agreement

Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Market Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of interest rate swap agreements

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amounts

'

230,000

70,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, fixed interest rate

'

1.55%

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Counterparty paying

'

'

'

'Counterparty paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate

'Counterparty paying the Company the floating one-month LIBOR rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in blended interest rate

3.24%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative maturity period

'2018-01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,915

3,428

'

'

'

'

Accumulated comprehensive income to interest expense, future periods

4,101

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Termination payment

4,924

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

713,117

816,582

305,509

305,653

Carrying value of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$676,760

$798,734

$300,000

$300,000

Recovered_Sheet8

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		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income	($2,553)	$6,162	($3,563)	$6,089
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense	($1,046)	($1,013)	($2,076)	($2,011)

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Stabilized occupancy benchmark percentage	95.00%	95.00%
Number of years to achieve stabilized occupancy subsequent to completion of construction	'1 year	'1 year

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment's Contribution to Consolidated Revenues and Net Operating Income (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other	$223	$229	$442	$443
Revenues	95,026	89,280	188,538	175,638
Consolidated property net operating income	53,008	50,878	105,705	99,738
Interest income	4	23	16	59
Other revenues	223	229	442	443
Depreciation	-20,829	-21,170	-42,596	-42,114
Interest expense	-10,433	-11,042	-21,677	-22,094
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-620	-645	-1,265	-1,269
General and administrative	-3,966	-4,170	-8,094	-8,415
Investment and development	-794	-592	-1,605	-1,081
Other investment costs	-210	-516	-483	-821
Other expenses	-502	'	-1,409	'
Gains on condominium sales activities, net	'	13,981	810	22,175
Equity in income of unconsolidated real estate entities, net	501	477	986	955
Other income (expense), net	-196	-282	-391	-448
Net loss on extinguishment of indebtedness	-4,287	'	-4,287	'
Income from continuing operations, before gains on sales of real estate assets	11,899	27,171	26,152	47,128
Gains on sales of real estate assets	36,092	'	36,092	'
Income from discontinued operations	'	443	'	876
Net income	47,991	27,614	62,244	48,004
Fully Stabilized Communities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	76,545	74,336	151,818	147,848
Consolidated property net operating income	46,086	45,945	92,404	91,525
Communities Stabilized During 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,331	3,459	8,637	5,631
Consolidated property net operating income	2,693	1,912	5,365	2,586
Lease Up Communities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,632	245	4,511	269
Consolidated property net operating income	1,041	-252	1,719	-280
Acquired Communities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	1,233	383	2,443	383
Consolidated property net operating income	769	275	1,523	275
Held For Sale Communities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,820	5,735	10,689	11,337
Consolidated property net operating income	2,574	3,414	5,346	6,541
Other Property Segments, Including Corporate Management Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	5,242	4,893	9,998	9,727
Consolidated property net operating income	($155)	($416)	($652)	($909)

Recovered_Sheet9

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
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	$39	$37	$78	$74
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total compensation expense relating to restricted stock	818	802	1,588	1,473
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	4,099	'	4,099	'
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 restricted stock	134	105	273	221
Unrecognized compensation costs, weighted average period of recognition, years	'	'	'2 years 0 months	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	694	'	694	'
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	'	$3,160	$927
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_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Dividend yield	2.80%	2.00%
Expected volatility	43.00%	43.10%
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.10%
Expected option term (years)	'6 years	'6 years

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unvested shares, beginning of period	75	65
Granted, Shares	55	65
Vested, Shares	-1	-3
Unvested shares, end of period	129	127
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Unvested shares, beginning of period	$48	$42
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted	$47	$50
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested	$12	$37
Weighted-Avg. Grant-Date Fair Value, Unvested Shares, end of period	$48	$46

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Company's Restricted Stock (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Total value of the restricted share grants	$2,566	$3,271

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_4

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans (Detail) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning of period, Shares	539	685
Granted, Shares	35	29
Exercised, Shares	-201	-44
Options outstanding, end of period, Shares	373	670
Options exercisable, end of period, Shares	311	613
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period, Shares	371	667
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period	$15.21	$17.26
Options outstanding, beginning of period, Exercise Price	$36	$34
Granted, Exercise Price	$47	$50
Exercised, Exercise Price	$34	$28
Options outstanding, end of period, Exercise Price	$38	$35
Options exercisable, end of period, Exercise Price	$36	$34
Options vested and expected to vest, end of period, Exercise Price	$38	$35

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_5

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Plans (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding	$5,757
Aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable	5,387
Aggregate intrinsic values of stock options expected to vest	$5,741
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options outstanding, years	'4 years 6 months
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options exercisable, years	'3 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual lives of stock options expected to vest, years	'4 years 6 months

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_6

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of Outstanding Options into Two Ranges, Based on Exercise Prices (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	'4 years 6 months
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	373
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$38
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	311
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$36
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	$44.05
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	'4 years 2 months 12 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	199
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$29
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	190
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$29
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	$45.70
Exercise price range, upper range limit	$50.30
Range of exercise prices remaining contractual life, outstanding	'4 years 10 months 24 days
Range of exercise prices shares, outstanding	174
Range of exercise prices weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$48
Range of exercise prices shares, exercisable	121
Options Exercisable, Weighted Avg. Exercise Price	$48

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Minimum annual distribution of adjusted taxable income for REIT qualification	90.00%	'
Subsequent taxable years	'4 years	'
Net deferred tax assets	'	$25,166
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, increases resulting from prior period tax positions	$797	$797

Other_Expense_Additional_Infor

Other Expense - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Component Of Operating Cost And Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Other expense	$502	$1,409
Software Systems [Member]	'	'
Component Of Operating Cost And Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Other expense	502	659
Natural Disasters and Other Casualty Events [Member]	'	'
Component Of Operating Cost And Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Other expense	'	$750