American Campus Communities (ACC) 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	Aug. 04, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001283630	'
Trading Symbol	'acc	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	104,931,996
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'American Campus Communities Operating Partnership LP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001357369	'
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
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	$5,382,141		$5,286,872
Cash and cash equivalents	64,324		38,751
Restricted cash	35,132		35,451
Student contracts receivable, net	8,947		9,238
Other assets	230,449		227,728
Total assets	5,720,993		5,598,040
Liabilities:	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	1,425,398		1,507,216
Secured agency facility	87,750		87,750
Unsecured notes	798,224		398,721
Unsecured term loans	600,000		600,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0		150,700
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	58,436		65,088
Other liabilities	113,987		110,036
Total liabilities	3,083,795		2,919,511
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)	'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests/redeemable limited partners	53,054		47,964
American Campus Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 104,931,996 and 104,782,817 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	1,043		1,043
Additional paid in capital	3,013,401		3,017,631
Accumulated earnings and dividends	-428,676		-392,338
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7,290		-1,435
Total American Campus Communities, Inc. stockholders’ equity	2,578,478		2,624,901
Total equity	2,584,144		2,630,565
Partners’ capital:	'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7,290		-1,435
Total liabilities and equity	5,720,993		5,598,040
Wholly-owned properties, net	'		'
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	5,291,661	[1]	5,199,008	[1]
Liabilities:	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	1,259,243		1,372,925
Wholly-owned property held for sale	'		'
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	0		14,408
On-campus participating properties, net	'		'
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	90,480		73,456
Partially owned properties	'		'
American Campus Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'		'
Noncontrolling interests - partially owned properties	5,666		5,664
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'		'
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	5,382,141		5,286,872
Cash and cash equivalents	64,324		38,751
Restricted cash	35,132		35,451
Student contracts receivable, net	8,947		9,238
Other assets	230,449		227,728
Total assets	5,720,993		5,598,040
Liabilities:	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	1,425,398		1,507,216
Secured agency facility	87,750		87,750
Unsecured notes	798,224		398,721
Unsecured term loans	600,000		600,000
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0		150,700
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	58,436		65,088
Other liabilities	113,987		110,036
Total liabilities	3,083,795		2,919,511
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)	'		'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests/redeemable limited partners	53,054		47,964
American Campus Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity:	'		'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7,290		-1,435
Partners’ capital:	'		'
General partner – 12,222 OP units outstanding at both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	107		111
Limited partner – 104,919,774 and 104,770,595 OP units outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	2,585,661		2,626,225
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7,290		-1,435
Total partners’ capital	2,578,478		2,624,901
Total capital	2,584,144		2,630,565
Total liabilities and equity	5,720,993		5,598,040
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Wholly-owned properties, net	'		'
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	5,291,661		5,199,008
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Wholly-owned property held for sale	'		'
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	0		14,408
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | On-campus participating properties, net	'		'
Investments in real estate:	'		'
Investments in real estate, net	90,480		73,456
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Partially owned properties	'		'
Partners’ capital:	'		'
Noncontrolling interests - partially owned properties	$5,666		$5,664
[1]	The balance above excludes the net book value of Hawks Landing which was classified as a wholly-owned property held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. The property was sold in February 2014.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	104,931,996	104,782,817
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	104,931,996	104,782,817
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'
General partner, OP units outstanding (shares)	12,222	12,222
Limited partner, OP units outstanding (shares)	104,919,774	104,770,595

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) (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
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Third-party development services	$1,581	$555	$1,768	$1,034
Third-party management services	1,997	1,924	3,982	3,633
Resident services	608	432	1,481	1,029
Total revenues	171,977	153,212	355,160	316,374
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Third-party development and management services	2,720	2,422	5,506	4,728
General and administrative	4,978	4,626	9,352	8,432
Depreciation and amortization	48,450	47,153	96,625	92,755
Ground/facility leases	1,582	1,160	3,145	2,363
Total operating expenses	136,544	127,212	271,732	248,690
Operating income	35,433	26,000	83,428	67,684
Nonoperating income and (expenses)	'	'	'	'
Interest income	1,037	947	2,068	1,373
Interest expense	-20,989	-19,369	-42,079	-36,780
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-1,461	-1,413	-2,960	-2,724
Other nonoperating expense	0	0	0	-2,800
Total nonoperating expenses	-21,413	-19,835	-42,971	-40,931
Income before income taxes and discontinued operations	14,020	6,165	40,457	26,753
Income tax provision	-289	-255	-579	-510
Income from continuing operations	13,731	5,910	39,878	26,243
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) attributable to discontinued operations	0	2,756	-123	4,804
Gain from disposition of real estate	0	0	2,843	0
Total discontinued operations	0	2,756	2,720	4,804
Net income	13,731	8,666	42,598	31,047
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	293	617	762	1,408
Net income attributable to common shareholders	13,438	8,049	41,836	29,639
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	-4,877	4,801	-5,870	5,614
Comprehensive income	8,561	12,850	35,966	35,253
Income per share attributable to common shareholders - basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$0.13	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Net income per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$0.13	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Income per share attributable to common shareholders - diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations per share, diluted (in dollar per share)	$0.12	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Net income per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.12	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	104,918,131	104,779,159	104,870,167	104,738,522
Diluted (in shares)	105,609,561	105,390,682	105,583,346	105,377,793
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-205	-134	-586	-413
Wholly-owned properties	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Operating lease revenue	163,056	145,598	335,006	297,873
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses excluding general, administrative, depreciation and lease expense	76,034	68,922	151,842	134,979
On-campus participating properties	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Operating lease revenue	4,735	4,703	12,923	12,805
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses excluding general, administrative, depreciation and lease expense	2,780	2,929	5,262	5,433
Partially owned properties	'	'	'	'
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-88	-483	-176	-995
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Third-party development services	1,581	555	1,768	1,034
Third-party management services	1,997	1,924	3,982	3,633
Resident services	608	432	1,481	1,029
Total revenues	171,977	153,212	355,160	316,374
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Third-party development and management services	2,720	2,422	5,506	4,728
General and administrative	4,978	4,626	9,352	8,432
Depreciation and amortization	48,450	47,153	96,625	92,755
Ground/facility leases	1,582	1,160	3,145	2,363
Total operating expenses	136,544	127,212	271,732	248,690
Operating income	35,433	26,000	83,428	67,684
Nonoperating income and (expenses)	'	'	'	'
Interest income	1,037	947	2,068	1,373
Interest expense	-20,989	-19,369	-42,079	-36,780
Amortization of deferred financing costs	-1,461	-1,413	-2,960	-2,724
Other nonoperating expense	0	0	0	-2,800
Total nonoperating expenses	-21,413	-19,835	-42,971	-40,931
Income before income taxes and discontinued operations	14,020	6,165	40,457	26,753
Income tax provision	-289	-255	-579	-510
Income from continuing operations	13,731	5,910	39,878	26,243
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) attributable to discontinued operations	0	2,756	-123	4,804
Gain from disposition of real estate	0	0	2,843	0
Total discontinued operations	0	2,756	2,720	4,804
Net income	13,731	8,666	42,598	31,047
Net income attributable to common shareholders	13,643	8,183	42,422	30,052
Series A preferred unit distributions	-45	-45	-90	-91
Net income available to common shareholders/unitholders	13,598	8,138	42,332	29,961
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	-4,877	4,801	-5,870	5,614
Comprehensive income	8,721	12,939	36,462	35,575
Income per unit attributable to common unitholders – basic	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations per unit, basic (in dollars per unit)	$0.13	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Net income per unit, basic (in dollars per unit)	$0.13	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Income per unit attributable to common unitholders – diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations per unit, diluted (in dollars per unit)	$0.12	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Net income per unit, diluted (in dollars per unit)	$0.12	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Weighted-average common units outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	106,148,350	105,912,235	106,100,386	105,871,598
Diluted (in shares)	106,839,780	106,523,758	106,813,565	106,510,869
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Wholly-owned properties	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Operating lease revenue	163,056	145,598	335,006	297,873
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses excluding general, administrative, depreciation and lease expense	76,034	68,922	151,842	134,979
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | On-campus participating properties	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Operating lease revenue	4,735	4,703	12,923	12,805
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses excluding general, administrative, depreciation and lease expense	2,780	2,929	5,262	5,433
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Partially owned properties	'	'	'	'
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	($88)	($483)	($176)	($995)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY/ CAPITAL (unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Shares	Additional Paid in Capital	Accumulated Earnings and Dividends	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified						Partially owned properties		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests	General Partner	Limited Partner
									Partially owned properties
Capital, December 31, 2013 at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2,630,565	($1,435)	$5,664	$111	$2,626,225
Equity, December 31, 2013 at Dec. 31, 2013	2,630,565	1,043	3,017,631	-392,338	-1,435	5,664	'	'	'	'	'
Equity, December 31, 2013 (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	104,782,817	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital, December 31, 2013 (in units) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,222	104,770,595
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partners' / noncontrolling interests at fair value	-5,694	'	-5,694	'	'	'	-5,694	'	'	'	-5,694
Amortization of restricted stock awards	3,515	'	3,515	'	'	'	3,515	'	'	'	3,515
Vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units (in shares)	'	133,910	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	133,910
Vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units	-2,241	'	-2,241	'	'	'	-2,241	'	'	'	-2,241
Distributions to common and restricted stockholders	-78,174	'	'	-78,174	'	'	-78,174	'	'	-9	-78,165
Distributions to noncontrolling interests - partially owned properties	-174	'	'	'	'	-174	-174	'	-174	'	'
Conversion of operating partnership units to common stock (shares)	13,000	15,269	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,269
Conversion of operating partnership units to common stock	190	'	190	'	'	'	190	'	'	'	190
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps	-5,870	'	'	'	-5,870	'	-5,870	-5,870	'	'	'
Amortization of interest rates swap terminations	15	'	'	'	15	'	'	15	'	'	'
Net income	42,012	'	'	41,836	'	176	42,012	'	176	5	41,831
Capital, June 30, 2014 at Jun. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,584,144	-7,290	5,666	107	2,585,661
Equity, June 30, 2014 at Jun. 30, 2014	$2,584,144	$1,043	$3,013,401	($428,676)	($7,290)	$5,666	'	'	'	'	'
Equity, June 30, 2014 (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2014	'	104,931,996	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital, June 30, 2014 (in units) at Jun. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,222	104,919,774

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
Operating activities	'	'
Net income	$42,598	$31,047
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Gain from disposition of real estate	-2,843	0
Depreciation and amortization	96,672	94,680
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premiums/discounts	-3,347	-4,361
Share-based compensation	3,863	3,394
Income tax provision	579	510
Amortization of interest rate swap terminations	15	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	-2,315	-403
Student contracts receivable, net	268	5,799
Other assets	-4,921	-12,831
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-14,338	-9,918
Other liabilities	-2,956	-3,198
Net cash provided by operating activities	113,275	104,719
Investing activities	'	'
Proceeds from disposition of properties	1,327	0
Proceeds from disposition of land	1,681	0
Cash paid for property acquisitions	-9,117	-263
Cash paid for land acquisitions	-2,962	-507
Investment in on-campus participating property under development	-20,252	0
Investment in loans receivable	0	-49,154
Proceeds from loans receivable	2,984	0
Decrease (increase) in escrow deposits for investment transactions	1,532	-1,000
Change in restricted cash related to capital reserves	2,295	-799
Proceeds from insurance settlement	0	636
Purchase of corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment	-2,295	-1,295
Net cash used in investing activities	-175,013	-227,943
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from unsecured notes	399,444	398,636
Pay-off of mortgage loans	-85,187	-23,567
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	260,800	160,200
Pay downs of revolving credit facilities	-411,500	-321,000
Proceeds from construction loan	20,255	0
Principal payments on debt	-8,178	-7,404
Debt issuance and assumption costs	-4,852	-4,239
Termination of forward starting interest rate swaps	-4,122	0
Distributions to common and restricted stockholders	-78,174	-73,586
Distributions to noncontrolling partners	-1,175	-1,729
Net cash provided by financing activities	87,311	127,311
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	25,573	4,087
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	38,751	21,454
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	64,324	25,541
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities	'	'
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net	-1,748	5,614
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	'	'
Interest paid	54,159	46,907
Wholly-owned properties	'	'
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures for wholly-owned properties/on-campus participating properties	-25,244	-27,289
Investments in wholly-owned properties under development	-124,044	-147,564
On-campus participating properties	'	'
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures for wholly-owned properties/on-campus participating properties	-918	-708
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'
Operating activities	'	'
Net income	42,598	31,047
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Gain from disposition of real estate	-2,843	0
Depreciation and amortization	96,672	94,680
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premiums/discounts	-3,347	-4,361
Share-based compensation	3,863	3,394
Income tax provision	579	510
Amortization of interest rate swap terminations	15	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Restricted cash	-2,315	-403
Student contracts receivable, net	268	5,799
Other assets	-4,921	-12,831
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-14,338	-9,918
Other liabilities	-2,956	-3,198
Net cash provided by operating activities	113,275	104,719
Investing activities	'	'
Proceeds from disposition of properties	1,327	0
Proceeds from disposition of land	1,681	0
Cash paid for property acquisitions	-9,117	-263
Cash paid for land acquisitions	-2,962	-507
Investment in on-campus participating property under development	-20,252	0
Investment in loans receivable	0	-49,154
Proceeds from loans receivable	2,984	0
Decrease (increase) in escrow deposits for investment transactions	1,532	-1,000
Change in restricted cash related to capital reserves	2,295	-799
Proceeds from insurance settlement	0	636
Purchase of corporate furniture, fixtures and equipment	-2,295	-1,295
Net cash used in investing activities	-175,013	-227,943
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from unsecured notes	399,444	398,636
Pay-off of mortgage loans	-85,187	-23,567
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	260,800	160,200
Pay downs of revolving credit facilities	-411,500	-321,000
Proceeds from construction loan	20,255	0
Principal payments on debt	-8,178	-7,404
Debt issuance and assumption costs	-4,852	-4,239
Termination of forward starting interest rate swaps	-4,122	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	87,311	127,311
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	25,573	4,087
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	38,751	21,454
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	64,324	25,541
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities	'	'
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net	-1,748	5,614
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information	'	'
Interest paid	54,159	46,907
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Unvested Restricted Awards	'	'
Financing activities	'	'
Distributions paid	-584	-492
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Common units	'	'
Financing activities	'	'
Distributions paid	-78,501	-73,885
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Preferred units	'	'
Financing activities	'	'
Distributions paid	-90	-91
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Partially owned properties	'	'
Financing activities	'	'
Distributions to noncontrolling partners	-174	-847
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Wholly-owned properties	'	'
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures for wholly-owned properties/on-campus participating properties	-25,244	-27,289
Investments in wholly-owned properties under development	-124,044	-147,564
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | On-campus participating properties	'	'
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures for wholly-owned properties/on-campus participating properties	($918)	($708)

Organization_and_Description_o

Organization and Description of Business	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization and Description of Business	'
	Organization and Description of Business
	American Campus Communities, Inc. (“ACC”) is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that commenced operations effective with the completion of an initial public offering (“IPO”) on August 17, 2004.  Through ACC’s controlling interest in American Campus Communities Operating Partnership, L.P. (“ACCOP”), ACC is one of the largest owners, managers and developers of high quality student housing properties in the United States in terms of beds owned and under management.  ACC is a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered equity REIT with expertise in the acquisition, design, financing, development, construction management, leasing and management of student housing properties.  ACC’s common stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “ACC.”
	The general partner of ACCOP is American Campus Communities Holdings, LLC (“ACC Holdings”), an entity that is wholly-owned by ACC.  As of June 30, 2014, ACC Holdings held an ownership interest in ACCOP of less than 1%. The limited partners of ACCOP are ACC and other limited partners consisting of current and former members of management and nonaffiliated third parties.  As of June 30, 2014, ACC owned an approximate 98.8% limited partnership interest in ACCOP.  As the sole member of the general partner of ACCOP, ACC has exclusive control of ACCOP’s day-to-day management.  Management operates ACC and ACCOP as one business.  The management of ACC consists of the same members as the management of ACCOP.  ACC consolidates ACCOP for financial reporting purposes, and ACC does not have significant assets other than its investment in ACCOP.  Therefore, the assets and liabilities of ACC and ACCOP are the same on their respective financial statements.  References to the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our” mean collectively ACC, ACCOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by ACC and/or ACCOP.  References to the “Operating Partnership” mean collectively ACCOP and those entities/subsidiaries owned or controlled by ACCOP.  Unless otherwise indicated, the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements apply to both the Company and the Operating Partnership.
	As of June 30, 2014, our property portfolio contained 168 properties with approximately 102,700 beds in approximately 33,300 apartment units.  Our property portfolio consisted of 144 owned off-campus student housing properties that are in close proximity to colleges and universities, 18 American Campus Equity (“ACE®”) properties operated under ground/facility leases with eight university systems, five on-campus participating properties operated under ground/facility leases with the related university systems and one property containing a hotel which we plan to redevelop into a new student housing facility.  Of the 168 properties, ten were under development as of June 30, 2014, and when completed will consist of a total of approximately 7,100 beds in approximately 2,100 units.  Our communities contain modern housing units and are supported by a resident assistant system and other student-oriented programming, with many offering resort-style amenities.
	Through one of ACC’s taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”), we also provide construction management and development services, primarily for student housing properties owned by colleges and universities, charitable foundations, and others.  As of June 30, 2014, also through one of ACC’s TRSs, we provided third-party management and leasing services for 33 properties that represented approximately 25,800 beds in approximately 10,300 units.  Third-party management and leasing services are typically provided pursuant to management contracts that have initial terms that range from one to five years.  As of June 30, 2014, our total owned and third-party managed portfolio included 201 properties with approximately 128,500 beds in approximately 43,600 units.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements, presented in U.S. dollars, are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Our actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. All material intercompany transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated. All dollar amounts in the tables herein, except share, per share, unit and per unit amounts, are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), "Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606)", ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The ASU is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company at the beginning of its 2017 fiscal year; early adoption is not permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08 ("ASU 2014-08"), “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 changes the threshold for disclosing discontinued operations and the related disclosure requirements, requiring only disposals representing a strategic shift, such as a major line of business, a major geographical area or a major equity investment, to be presented as a discontinued operation. If the disposal does qualify as a discontinued operation under ASU 2014-08, the Company will be required to provide expanded disclosures. The guidance will be applied prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date. ASU 2014-08 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015 with early adoption permitted but only for disposals or classifications as held for sale which have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. While we have elected early adoption for our consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures and believe future sales of our individual operating properties will no longer qualify as discontinued operations, the sale of Hawks Landing in February 2014 has continued to be presented in discontinued operations as the property was classified as held for sale in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Interim Financial Statements
	The accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited, but have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and in conjunction with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, they do not include all disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring matters) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements of the Company for these interim periods have been included.  Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations, the results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for other interim periods or for the full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Investments in Real Estate
	Investments in real estate are recorded at historical cost.  Major improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset.  The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred.  Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	7-40 years
	Leasehold interest - on-campus	25-34 years (shorter of useful life or respective lease term)
	participating properties
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-7 years
	Project costs directly associated with the development and construction of an owned real estate project, which include interest, property taxes, and amortization of deferred finance costs, are capitalized as construction in progress.  Upon completion of the project, costs are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences.  Interest totaling approximately $2.7 million and $3.4 million was capitalized during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $4.9 million and $5.8 million was capitalized during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization of deferred financing costs totaling approximately $2,000 and $25,000 was capitalized as construction in progress during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7,000 and $0.1 million was capitalized as construction in progress during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Management assesses whether there has been an impairment in the value of the Company’s investments in real estate whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Impairment is recognized when estimated expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property.  The estimation of expected future net cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies on assumptions regarding current and future economics and market conditions.  If such conditions change, then an adjustment to the carrying value of the Company’s long-lived assets could occur in the future period in which the conditions change.  To the extent that a property is impaired, the excess of the carrying amount of the property over its estimated fair value is charged to earnings. The Company also performs a periodic assessment to determine which long-lived assets are likely to be sold prior to the end of their estimated useful lives. For those probable sales, an impairment charge is recorded for any excess of the carrying value of the asset over the expected net proceeds from the disposal. The Company believes that there were no impairments of the carrying values of its investments in real estate as of June 30, 2014.
	The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets based on relative fair values.  Fair value estimates are based on information obtained from a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property, our own analysis of recently acquired and existing comparable properties in our portfolio, and other market data.  Information obtained about each property as a result of due diligence, marketing and leasing activities is also considered.  The value allocated to land is generally based on the actual purchase price adjusted to fair value (as necessary) if acquired separately, or market research/comparables if acquired as part of an existing operating property.  The value allocated to building is based on the fair value determined on an “as-if vacant” basis, which is estimated using an income, or discounted cash flow, approach that relies upon internally determined assumptions that we believe are consistent with current market conditions for similar properties. The value allocated to furniture, fixtures, and equipment is based on an estimate of the fair value of the appliances and fixtures inside the units.
	Loans Receivable
	Loans held for investment are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan purchase discounts, and net of an allowance for loan losses when such loan is deemed to be impaired.  Loan purchase discounts are amortized over the term of the loan.  The Company considers a loan impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Significant judgments are required in determining whether impairment has occurred.  The Company performs an impairment analysis by comparing either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable current market price or the fair value of the underlying collateral to the net carrying value of the loan, which may result in an allowance and corresponding loan loss charge.  Loans receivable are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Intangible Assets
	A portion of the purchase price of acquired properties is allocated to the value of in-place leases for both student and commercial tenants, which is based on the difference between (i) the property valued with existing in-place leases adjusted to market rental rates and (ii) the property valued “as-if” vacant.  As lease terms for student leases are typically one year or less, rates on in-place leases generally approximate market rental rates.  Factors considered in the valuation of in-place leases include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up period considering current market conditions, nature of the tenancy, and costs to execute similar leases.  Carrying costs include estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up period, as well as marketing and other operating expenses.  The value of in-place leases is amortized over the remaining initial term of the respective leases.  The purchase price of property acquisitions is not expected to be allocated to student tenant relationships, considering the terms of the leases and the expected levels of renewals.
	Amortization expense related to in-place leases was approximately $0.9 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $1.8 million and $10.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Accumulated amortization at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was approximately $27.3 million and $25.5 million, respectively.  Intangible assets, net of amortization, are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the amortization of intangible assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	Mortgage Debt - Premiums and Discounts
	Mortgage debt premiums and discounts represent fair value adjustments to account for the difference between the stated rates and market rates of mortgage debt assumed in connection with the Company’s property acquisitions.  The mortgage debt premiums and discounts are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related mortgage loans using the effective-interest method.  The amortization of mortgage debt premiums and discounts resulted in a net decrease to interest expense of approximately $3.2 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $6.4 million and $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, net unamortized mortgage debt premiums were approximately $67.5 million and $74.6 million, respectively, and net unamortized mortgage debt discounts were approximately $1.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  Mortgage debt premiums and discounts are included in secured mortgage, construction and bond debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amortization of mortgage debt premiums and discounts is included in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	Unsecured Notes - Original Issue Discount
	In April 2013 and again in June 2014, the Company issued $400 million of senior unsecured notes (see Note 8) at 99.659 percent and 99.861 percent of par value, respectively, and recorded an original issue discount of approximately $1.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The total unamortized original issue discount was approximately $1.8 million and $1.3 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and is included in unsecured notes on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of the original issue discounts of approximately $30,000 and $28,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $59,000 and $28,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, is included in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	Pre-development Expenditures
	Pre-development expenditures such as architectural fees, permits and deposits associated with the pursuit of third-party and owned development projects are expensed as incurred, until such time that management believes it is probable that the contract will be executed and/or construction will commence.  Because the Company frequently incurs these pre-development expenditures before a financing commitment and/or required permits and authorizations have been obtained, the Company bears the risk of loss of these pre-development expenditures if financing cannot ultimately be arranged on acceptable terms or the Company is unable to successfully obtain the required permits and authorizations.  As such, management evaluates the status of third-party and owned projects that have not yet commenced construction on a periodic basis and expenses any deferred costs related to projects whose current status indicates the commencement of construction is unlikely and/or the costs may not provide future value to the Company in the form of revenues.  Such write-offs are included in third-party development and management services expenses (in the case of third-party development projects) or general and administrative expenses (in the case of owned development projects) on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company has deferred approximately $4.2 million in pre-development costs related to third-party and owned development projects that have not yet commenced construction.  Such costs are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	Earnings per Share – Company
	Basic earnings per share is computed using net income attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect common shares issuable from the assumed conversion of OP Units and common share awards granted.  Only those items having a dilutive impact on basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share.
	The following potentially dilutive securities were outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Common OP Units (Note 10)	1,230,219			1,133,076			1,230,219		1,133,076
	Preferred OP Units (Note 10)	107,662			114,128			110,131		114,128
	Total potentially dilutive securities	1,337,881			1,247,204			1,340,350		1,247,204
	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Numerator – basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	13,731			$	5,910		$	39,878		$	26,243
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(293		)		(584		)	(728		)	(1,351		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	13,438				5,326			39,150			24,892
	Amount allocated to participating securities	(263		)		(220		)	(584		)	(492		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,175				5,106			38,566			24,400
	Income from discontinued operations	—				2,756			2,720			4,804
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	—				(33		)	(34		)	(57		)
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	—				2,723			2,686			4,747
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	13,175			$	7,829		$	41,252		$	29,147
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	104,918,131				104,779,159			104,870,167			104,738,522
	Unvested Restricted Stock Awards (Note 11)	691,430				611,523			713,179			639,271
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	105,609,561				105,390,682			105,583,346			105,377,793
	Earnings per share – basic:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.13			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.13			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
	Earnings per share – diluted:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.12			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.12			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
Distributions per common share	$	0.38			$	0.36		$	0.74		$	0.6975
Earnings per Unit – Operating Partnership
Basic earnings per OP Unit is computed using net income attributable to common unitholders and the weighted average number of common units outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per OP Unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue OP Units were exercised or converted into OP Units or resulted in the issuance of OP Units and then shared in the earnings of the Operating Partnership.
The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per unit:
	Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
	June 30,							June 30,
	2014				2013			2014			2013
Numerator – basic and diluted earnings per unit:
Income from continuing operations	$	13,731			$	5,910		$	39,878		$	26,243
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests – partially owned properties	(88		)		(483		)	(176		)	(995		)
Income from continuing operations attributable to Series A preferred units	(45		)		(43		)	(87		)	(86		)
Amount allocated to participating securities	(263		)		(220		)	(584		)	(492		)
Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,335				5,164			39,031			24,670
Income from discontinued operations	—				2,756			2,720			4,804
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Series A preferred units	—				(2		)	(3		)	(5		)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders	—				2,754			2,717			4,799
Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	13,335			$	7,918		$	41,748		$	29,469
Denominator:
Basic weighted average common units outstanding	106,148,350				105,912,235			106,100,386			105,871,598
Unvested Restricted Stock Awards (Note 11)	691,430				611,523			713,179			639,271
Diluted weighted average common units outstanding	106,839,780				106,523,758			106,813,565			106,510,869
Earnings per unit - basic:
Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.13			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	0.13			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
Earnings per unit - diluted:
Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.12			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	0.12			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
Distributions per common unit	$	0.38			$	0.36		$	0.74		$	0.6975

Property_Acquisitions

Property Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Property Acquisitions	'
	Property Acquisitions
	On January 10, 2014, the Company acquired the Boulder Outlook Hotel property, which is located near the University of Colorado campus, for a purchase price of approximately $9.3 million. The seller will operate the hotel until the fourth quarter 2014 or first quarter 2015, at which point the hotel will be demolished and construction on a new student housing facility will commence.

Property_Dispositions_and_Disc

Property Dispositions and Discontinued Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Property Dispositions and Discontinued Operations	'
	Property Dispositions and Discontinued Operations
	2014 Dispositions
	In February 2014, the Company sold Hawks Landing, a 122-unit, 484-bed owned off-campus property located near the campus of Miami University of Ohio for a sales price of approximately $17.3 million, including the assumption of an existing $15.6 million mortgage loan by the purchaser, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $1.3 million. The resulting gain on disposition of approximately $2.8 million is included in discontinued operations on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
	2013 Dispositions
	In 2013, the Company sold six owned off-campus properties containing 4,079 beds for a combined sales price of approximately $184.2 million resulting in total proceeds of approximately $180.5 million. The net income attributable to these properties is included in discontinued operations on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013.
	The properties discussed above are included in the wholly-owned properties segment (see Note 15).  Below is a summary of the results of operations for the properties discussed above:
		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Total revenues	$	—	$	6,454		$	279		$	12,894
	Total operating expenses	—		(2,734		)	(239		)	(5,245		)
	Depreciation and amortization	—		(556		)	—			(1,925		)
	Operating income	—		3,164			40			5,724
	Total nonoperating expenses	—		(408		)	(163		)	(920		)
	Net income (loss)	$	—	$	2,756		$	(123	)	$	4,804

Investments_in_WhollyOwned_Pro

Investments in Wholly-Owned Properties (Wholly-owned properties)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Wholly-owned properties	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Investments in Wholly-Owned Properties	'
	Investments in Wholly-Owned Properties
	Wholly-owned properties consisted of the following:
			June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Land (1) (2)		$	586,623		$	575,944
	Buildings and improvements		4,803,240			4,759,879
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment (2)		272,395			267,022
	Construction in progress (2)		243,930			121,923
			5,906,188			5,724,768
	Less accumulated depreciation		(614,527		)	(525,760		)
	Wholly-owned properties, net (3)		$	5,291,661		$	5,199,008
	(1)	The land balance above includes undeveloped land parcels with book values of approximately $40.6 million as of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  Also includes land totaling approximately $50.3 million and $39.4 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to properties under development.
	(2)	Land, furniture, fixtures and equipment and construction in progress as of June 30, 2014 include $3.6 million, $0.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, related to the University Walk property located in Knoxville, Tennessee that will serve students attending the University of Tennessee.  In July 2013, the Company entered into a purchase and contribution agreement with a private developer whereby the Company is obligated to purchase the property as long as the developer meets certain construction completion deadlines and other closing conditions.  The development of the property is anticipated to be completed in August 2014.  The entity is financed with an $8.8 million mezzanine loan from the Company, a $19.0 million construction loan from a third-party lender and a $1.5 million equity contribution from the developer. The Company is responsible for leasing, management, and initial operations of the project while the third-party developer is responsible for the development of the property. The entity that owns University Walk is deemed to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  As such, the assets and liabilities of the entity owning the property are included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements.
	-3	The balance above excludes the net book value of Hawks Landing which was classified as a wholly-owned property held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. The property was sold in February 2014.

OnCampus_Participating_Propert

On-Campus Participating Properties (On-campus participating properties)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
On-campus participating properties	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
On-Campus Participating Properties	'
	On-Campus Participating Properties
	On-campus participating properties are as follows:
					Historical Cost
	Lessor/University		Lease	Required Debt	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
			Commencement	Repayment
	Texas A&M University System / Prairie View A&M University (1)		2/1/96	9/1/23	$	42,714		$	42,288
	Texas A&M University System / Texas A&M International		2/1/96	9/1/23	6,871			6,767
	Texas A&M University System / Prairie View A&M University (2)		10/1/99	8/31/25	26,480			26,275
				8/31/28
	University of Houston System / University of Houston (3)		9/27/00	8/31/35	36,310			36,126
	West Virginia University Project / West Virginia University (4)		7/16/13	7/16/45	37,793			19,249
					150,168			130,705
	Less accumulated amortization				(59,688		)	(57,249		)
	On-campus participating properties, net				$	90,480		$	73,456
	(1)	Consists of three phases placed in service between 1996 and 1998.
	(2)	Consists of two phases placed in service in 2000 and 2003.
	(3)	Consists of two phases placed in service in 2001 and 2005.
	(4)	In July 2013, construction commenced on this facility which is scheduled to be placed in service in August 2014. Due to our involvement in the construction of the facility, any fees paid to the Company/lessee for development and construction management services during the construction period are deferred and amortized to revenue over the lease term.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
	As of June 30, 2014, the Company owned a noncontrolling interest in one unconsolidated joint venture that is accounted for utilizing the equity method of accounting.  The investment consists of a noncontrolling equity interest in a joint venture with the United States Navy that owns military housing privatization projects located on naval bases in Norfolk and Newport News, Virginia.  In 2010, the Company discontinued applying the equity method in regards to its investment in this joint venture as a result of the Company’s share of losses exceeding its investment in the joint venture.  Because the Company had not guaranteed any obligations of the investee and was not otherwise committed to provide further financial support to the investee, it therefore suspended recording its share of losses once the investment was reduced to zero.  We also earn fees for providing management services to this joint venture, which totaled approximately $0.4 million for each of the three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and $0.8 million for the each of the six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	A summary of the Company’s outstanding consolidated indebtedness, including unamortized debt premiums and discounts, is as follows:
			June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Debt secured by wholly-owned properties:
	Mortgage loans payable:
	Unpaid principal balance		$	1,193,090		$	1,300,371
	Unamortized debt premiums		67,518			74,575
	Unamortized debt discounts		(1,365		)	(2,021		)
			1,259,243			1,372,925
	Construction loans payable (1)		56,603			44,638
			1,315,846			1,417,563
	Debt secured by on-campus participating properties:
	Mortgage loan payable		31,024			31,380
	Bonds payable		42,440			42,440
	Construction loan payable		36,088			15,833
			109,552			89,653
	Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt		1,425,398			1,507,216
	Secured agency facility		87,750			87,750
	Unsecured notes, net of unamortized original issue discount		798,224			398,721
	Unsecured revolving credit facility		—			150,700
	Unsecured term loans		600,000			600,000
	Total debt		$	2,911,372		$	2,744,387
	(1)	Construction loans payable as of June 30, 2014 includes $12.0 million related to a construction loan that is partially financing the development and construction of University Walk, a VIE the Company is including in its consolidated financial statements (see Note 5). The creditor of this construction loan does not have recourse to the assets of the Company.
	Unsecured Notes
	In June 2014, the Operating Partnership issued an additional $400 million in senior unsecured notes under its existing shelf registration.  These 10-year notes were issued at 99.861 percent of par value with a coupon of 4.125 percent and a yield of 4.142 percent, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company.  Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1, with the first payment beginning on January 1, 2015. The notes will mature on July 1, 2024.  Net proceeds from the sale of the unsecured notes totaled approximately $395.3 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering expenses. The underwriting discount and offering expenses were capitalized to deferred financing costs and will be amortized over the term of the unsecured notes.  The Company used $340 million of the offering proceeds to pay down the outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility in full.  The terms of the unsecured notes include certain financial covenants that require the Operating Partnership to limit the amount of total debt and secured debt as a percentage of total asset value, as defined.  In addition, the Operating Partnership must maintain a minimum ratio of unencumbered asset value to unsecured debt, as well as a minimum interest coverage level. As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.
	In connection with the issuance of unsecured notes discussed above, the Company terminated two forward starting interest rate swap contracts with notional amounts totaling $200 million, resulting in payments to both counterparties totaling approximately $4.1 million, which were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the unsecured notes. When including the effect of these interest rate swap terminations, the effective yield on the unsecured notes is 4.269%. Refer to Note 12 for more information on the interest rate swap contracts mentioned above.
	Unsecured Credit Facility
	The Company has an aggregate unsecured credit facility totaling $1.1 billion which is comprised of two unsecured term loans totaling $600 million and a $500 million unsecured revolving credit facility, which may be expanded by up to an additional $500 million upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The maturity date of the unsecured revolving credit facility is March 1, 2018, and can be extended for an additional 12 months to March 1, 2019, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The maturity date of the $350 million term loan facility ("Term Loan I Facility") is January 10, 2017 and can be extended to January 10, 2019 through the exercise of two 12-month extension options, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The maturity date of the $250 million term loan ("Term Loan II Facility") is March 1, 2019.
	Each loan bears interest at a variable rate, at the Company’s option, based upon a base rate or one-, two-, three- or six-month LIBOR, plus, in each case, a spread based upon the Company’s investment grade rating from either Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Rating Group. As of June 30, 2014, the Term Loan II Facility bore interest at a variable rate of 1.66% per annum (0.16% + 1.50% spread). The Company has entered into multiple interest rate swap contracts with notional amounts totaling $350 million that effectively fix the interest rate to a weighted average annual rate of 0.88% on the outstanding balance of the Term Loan I Facility. Including the current spread of 1.50%, the all-in weighted average annual rate on the Term Loan I Facility was 2.38% at June 30, 2014. Refer to Note 12 for more information on the interest rate swap contracts mentioned above.
	Availability under the revolving credit facility is limited to an “aggregate borrowing base amount” equal to 60% of the value of the Company’s unencumbered properties, calculated as set forth in the unsecured credit facility.  Additionally, the Company is required to pay a facility fee of 0.25% per annum on the $500 million revolving credit facility.  As discussed above, in June 2014 the Company paid down the outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility in full with proceeds from a $400 million offering of senior secured notes. As a result, availability under the revolving credit facility totaled $500 million as of June 30, 2014.
	The terms of the unsecured credit facility include certain restrictions and covenants, which limit, among other items, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, liens, and the disposition of assets.  The facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and also contains financial covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain certain minimum ratios of “EBITDA” (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to fixed charges and total indebtedness.  The Company may not pay distributions that exceed a specified percentage of funds from operations, as adjusted, for any four consecutive quarters.  The financial covenants also include consolidated net worth and leverage ratio tests.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.
	Secured Agency Facility
	The Company has a $125 million secured revolving credit facility with a Freddie Mac lender which is scheduled to mature on September 1, 2014 and is currently secured by 8 properties referred to as the “Collateral Pool.”  The facility bears interest at one- or three-month LIBOR plus a spread that varies based on the debt service ratio of the Collateral Pool.  Additionally, the Company is required to pay an unused commitment fee of 1.0% per annum.  As of June 30, 2014, the secured agency facility bore interest at a weighted average annual rate of 2.19%.  The secured agency facility includes some, but not all, of the same financial covenants as the unsecured credit facility, described above.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

Stockholders_Equity_Partners_C

Stockholders' Equity / Partners' Capital	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity / Partners' Capital	'
	Stockholders' Equity / Partners' Capital
	In March 2013, the Company established a new at-the-market share offering program (the “ATM Equity Program”) through which the Company may issue and sell, from time to time, shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $500 million.  Actual sales under the program will depend on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, market conditions, the trading price of the Company’s common stock and determinations of the appropriate sources of funding for the Company.  The Company has not sold any shares under the ATM Equity Program and has $500 million available for issuance as of June 30, 2014.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Operating Partnership
	Partially-owned properties: As of June 30, 2014, the Operating Partnership consolidates three joint ventures that own and operate University Village at Sweet Home, University Centre and Villas at Chestnut Ridge owned-off campus properties.  The portion of net assets attributable to the third-party partners in these joint ventures is classified as “noncontrolling interests - partially owned properties” within capital on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership.  Accordingly, the third-party partners’ share of the income or loss of the joint ventures is reported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income of the Operating Partnership as “net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – partially owned properties.”
	As discussed in more detail in Note 5, the Company entered into a purchase and contribution agreement with a private developer whereby the Company is obligated to purchase the property (University Walk) as long as the developer meets certain construction completion deadlines and other closing conditions.  The $1.5 million equity contribution from the developer is reflected as noncontrolling interests - partially owned properties within capital on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of the Operating Partnership as of June 30, 2014.
	OP Units:  For the portion of OP Units that the Operating Partnership is required, either by contract or securities law, to deliver registered common shares of ACC to the exchanging OP unit holder, or for which the Operating Partnership has the intent or history of exchanging such units for cash, we classify the units as “redeemable limited partners” in the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership.  The units classified as such include Series A preferred units as well as common units that are not held by ACC or ACC Holdings.  The value of redeemable limited partners on the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership is reported at the greater of fair value or historical cost at the end of each reporting period.  Changes in the value from period to period are charged to limited partner’s capital on the consolidated statement of changes in capital of the Operating Partnership.  Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partners for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
	31-Dec-13	$	47,964
	Net income	586
	Distributions	(1,000		)
	Conversion of redeemable limited partner units into shares of ACC common stock	(190		)
	Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partner units at fair value	5,694
	30-Jun-14	$	53,054
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, 13,000 common OP units and 2,269 Series A preferred units were converted into an equal number of shares of ACC's common stock and during the year ended December 31, 2013, 1,500 Series A preferred units were converted into an equal number of shares of ACC's common stock. As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately 1.2% and 1.3%, respectively, of the equity interests of the Operating Partnership were held by owners of common OP Units and Series A preferred units not held by ACC or ACC Holdings.
	Company
	The noncontrolling interests of the Company include the third-party equity interests in partially-owned properties, as discussed above, which are presented as a component of equity in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  The Company’s noncontrolling interests also include the redeemable limited partners presented in the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership, which are referred to as “redeemable noncontrolling interests” in the mezzanine section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.  Noncontrolling interests on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income include the income/loss attributable to third-party equity interests in partially-owned properties, as well as the income/loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests (i.e. OP Units not held by ACC or ACC Holdings.)

Incentive_Award_Plan

Incentive Award Plan	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Incentive Award Plan	'
	Incentive Award Plan
	Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”)
	Upon reelection to the Board of Directors in May 2014, all members of the Company’s Board of Directors were granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in accordance with the American Campus Communities, Inc. 2010 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”).  These RSUs were valued at $95,000 for the Chairman of the Board of Directors and at $71,500 for all other members.  The number of RSUs was determined based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, as defined in the Plan.  All awards vested and settled immediately on the date of grant, and the Company delivered shares of common stock and cash, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. A compensation charge of approximately $0.6 million was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2014 related to these awards.
	A summary of ACC’s RSUs under the Plan as of June 30, 2014 and activity during the six months then ended is presented below:
		Number of RSUs
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—
	Granted	15,457
	Settled in common shares	(9,027	)
	Settled in cash	(6,430	)
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014	—
	Restricted Stock Awards (“RSAs”)
	A summary of ACC’s RSAs under the Plan as of June 30, 2014 and activity during the six months then ended, is presented below:
		Number of RSAs
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2013	602,191
	Granted	292,526
	Vested	(124,883	)
	Forfeited (1)	(81,058	)
	Nonvested balance at June 30, 2014	688,776
	(1) Includes shares withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon vesting.
	The fair value of RSA’s is calculated based on the closing market value of ACC’s common stock on the date of grant.  The fair value of these awards is amortized to expense over the vesting periods, which amounted to approximately $1.6 million for both three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 and $3.5 million and $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities.  The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its debt funding and the use of derivative financial instruments.  Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to the Company’s investments and borrowings.
	Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
	The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements.  To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and forward starting swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.  Forward starting swaps are used to protect the Company against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on a forecasted issuance of debt. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. Ineffectiveness resulting from the derivative instruments summarized below was immaterial for both three and six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding interest rate swap contracts as of June 30, 2014:
	Hedged Debt Instrument		Effective Date	Maturity Date		Pay Fixed Rate	Receive Floating		Current Notional			Fair Value
							Rate Index		Amount
	Cullen Oaks mortgage loan (1)		Feb 18, 2014	Feb 15, 2021		2.28%	LIBOR - 1 month		$	15,432		$	(349	)
	Cullen Oaks mortgage loan (1)		Feb 18, 2014	Feb 15, 2021		2.28%	LIBOR - 1 month		15,591			(352		)
	Term Loan I Facility		Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.87%	LIBOR – 1 month		125,000			(675		)
	Term Loan I Facility		Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.88%	LIBOR – 1 month		100,000			(565		)
	Term Loan I Facility		Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.89%	LIBOR – 1 month		62,500			(366		)
	Term Loan I Facility		Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.89%	LIBOR – 1 month		62,500			(368		)
	Park Point mortgage loan		Nov 1, 2013	Oct 5, 2018		1.55%	LIBOR - 1 month		70,000			(654		)
							Total		$	451,023		$	(3,329	)
	(1)	In February 2014, the Company renewed the Cullen Oaks Phase I and Phase II mortgage loans and extended the maturity date to February 15, 2021. The renewed loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% and require monthly payments of principal and interest. In connection with these loan renewals, the Company terminated the existing interest rate swap contract scheduled to mature on February 15, 2014, and entered into two new interest rate swap contracts described in the table above. Upon termination, the existing interest rate swap had a negative fair value of approximately $0.2 million, which the Company settled by structuring the financing into the terms of new interest rate swaps (commonly referred to as a "blend and extend"). As a result, the two new interest rate swaps had a negative fair value of approximately $0.2 million at inception of the hedging relationship.
	In March 2014, the Company entered into two forward starting interest rate swap contracts with notional amounts totaling $200 million designated to hedge the Company's exposure to increasing interest rates related to interest payments on an anticipated issuance of unsecured notes. As discussed in Note 8, in connection with the issuance of unsecured notes in June 2014, the Company terminated both swap contracts resulting in payments to both counterparties totaling approximately $4.1 million, which were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the unsecured notes. Amortization of the loss totaled approximately $15,000 for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
	The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
			Asset Derivatives								Liability Derivatives
				Fair Value as of								Fair Value as of
	Description		Balance Sheet	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013				Balance Sheet	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
			Location								Location
	Interest rate swaps contracts		Other assets	$	—		$	31			Other liabilities	$	3,329		$	1,466
	Total derivatives designated			$	—		$	31				$	3,329		$	1,466
	as hedging instruments

Fair_Value_Disclosures

Fair Value Disclosures	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value Disclosures
	The following table presents information about the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.  In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities the Company has the ability to access.  Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and inputs other than quoted prices observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
	In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety has been determined is based on the lowest level input significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	Disclosures concerning financial instruments measured at fair value are as follows:
		Fair Value Measurements as of
		June 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets and		Observable		Inputs				Identical Assets and		Observable		Inputs		Total
		Liabilities (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		(Level 3)				Liabilities (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	3,329	$	—	$	3,329	$	—	$	1,466	$	—	$	1,466
	Mezzanine:
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Company)/Redeemable limited partners (Operating Partnership)	$	—	$	53,054	$	—	$	53,054	$	—	$	47,964	$	—	$	47,964
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments, specifically interest rate swaps and forward starting swaps for nontrading purposes.  The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk arising from previously unhedged interest payments associated with variable rate debt and forward starting swaps to reduce exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on forecasted issuances of debt.  Through June 30, 2014, derivative financial instruments were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges.  Derivative contracts with positive net fair values inclusive of net accrued interest receipts or payments are recorded in other assets.  Derivative contracts with negative net fair values, inclusive of net accrued interest payments or receipts, are recorded in other liabilities.  The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative.  This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves.  The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts).  The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.
	The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds and guarantees.
	Although the Company has determined the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparty.  However, as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of the Company’s derivative financial instruments.  As a result, the Company has determined each of its derivative valuations in its entirety is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership have a redemption feature and are marked to their redemption value.  The redemption value is based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the redemption date, and therefore, is calculated based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the balance sheet date.  Since the valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Other Fair Value Disclosures
	Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Student Contracts Receivable, Mezzanine Loans Receivable, Other Assets, Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities:  The Company estimates that the carrying amount approximates fair value, due to the short maturity of these instruments.
	Secured Agency Facility, Unsecured Term Loan Facility II, Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility and Construction Loans: The fair value of these instruments approximates carrying values due to the variable interest rate feature of these instruments.
	Loans Receivable:  The fair value of loans receivable is based on a discounted cash flow analysis consisting of scheduled cash flows and discount rate estimates to approximate those that a willing buyer and seller might use.  These financial instruments utilize Level 3 inputs.
	Unsecured Notes: In calculating the fair value of unsecured notes, interest rate and spread assumptions reflect current creditworthiness and market conditions available for the issuance of unsecured notes with similar terms and remaining maturities.  These financial instruments utilize Level 2 inputs.
	Mortgage Loans Payable: The fair value of mortgage loans payable is based on the present value of the cash flows at current market interest rates through maturity.  The Company has concluded the fair value of these financial instruments are Level 2, as the majority of the inputs used to value these instruments fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Bonds Payable: The fair value of bonds payable is based on quoted prices in markets that are not active due to the unique characteristics of these financial instruments; as such, the Company has concluded the inputs used to measure fair value fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The table below contains the estimated fair value and related carrying amounts for the Company’s financial instruments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated		Carrying
		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value		Amount
	Assets:
	Loans receivable	$	49,154	$	52,701	$	49,154	$	51,192
	Liabilities:
	Unsecured notes	$	797,534	$	798,224	$	372,420	$	398,721
	Mortgage loans	1,277,087		1,290,267		1,382,773		1,404,305
	Bonds payable	47,039		42,440		44,908		42,440

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments
	Development-related guarantees: For its third-party development projects, the Company commonly provides alternate housing and project cost guarantees, subject to force majeure.  These guarantees are typically limited, on an aggregate basis, to the amount of the projects’ related development fees or a contractually agreed-upon maximum exposure amount.  Alternate housing guarantees typically expire five days after construction is complete and generally require the Company to provide substitute living quarters and transportation for students to and from the university if the project is not complete by an agreed-upon completion date.  Under project cost guarantees, the Company is responsible for the construction cost of a project in excess of an approved budget.   The budget consists primarily of costs included in the general contractors’ guaranteed maximum price contract (“GMP”).  In most cases, the GMP obligates the general contractor, subject to force majeure and approved change orders, to provide completion date guarantees and to cover cost overruns and liquidated damages.  In addition, the GMP is typically secured with payment and performance bonds.  Project cost guarantees expire upon completion of certain developer obligations, which are normally satisfied within one year after completion of the project. The Company’s estimated maximum exposure amount under the above guarantees is approximately $1.5 million as of June 30, 2014.
	In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various development-related purchase commitments with parties that provide development-related goods and services.  In the event that the Company was to terminate development services prior to the completion of projects under construction, the Company could potentially be committed to satisfy outstanding purchase orders with such parties.  At June 30, 2014, management did not anticipate any material deviations from schedule or budget related to third-party development projects currently in progress.
	In August 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to convey fee interest in a parcel of land, on which one of our student housing properties resides, to Drexel University (the “University”). Concurrent with the land conveyance, the Company as lessee entered into a ground lease agreement with the University as lessor for an initial term of 40 years, with three 10-year extensions, at the Company’s option. As part of the ground lease agreement, the Company committed to spend a minimum of $22.3 million in renovation and capital improvement costs over a five year period to improve the unit finishes, expand and improve amenity space and upgrade the exterior façade and other systems. In addition, the Company also agreed to convey the building and improvements to the University at an undetermined date in the future and to pay real estate transfer taxes not to exceed $2.4 million. The Company paid approximately $0.6 million in real estate transfer taxes upon the conveyance of land to the University, leaving approximately $1.8 million to be paid by the Company upon the transfer of the building and improvements to the University.
	Contingencies
	Litigation:  The Company is subject to various claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings, including the matter discussed below as well as other matters that have not been fully resolved and that have arisen in the ordinary course of business.  While it is not possible to ascertain the ultimate outcome of such matters, management believes that the aggregate amount of such liabilities, if any, in excess of amounts provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.  However, the outcome of claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings brought against the Company is subject to significant uncertainty.  Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of such an outcome to be remote, the ultimate results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty.
	Letters of Intent:  In the ordinary course of the Company’s business, the Company enters into letters of intent indicating a willingness to negotiate for acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, or other investment transactions.  Such letters of intent are non-binding, and neither party to the letter of intent is obligated to pursue negotiations unless and until a definitive contract is entered into by the parties.  Even if definitive contracts are entered into, the letters of intent relating to the acquisition and disposition of real property and resulting contracts generally contemplate that such contracts will provide the acquirer with time to evaluate the property and conduct due diligence, during which periods the acquirer will have the ability to terminate the contracts without penalty or forfeiture of any deposit or earnest money.  There can be no assurance that definitive contracts will be entered into with respect to any matter covered by letters of intent or that the Company will consummate any transaction contemplated by any definitive contract.  Furthermore, due diligence periods for real property are frequently extended as needed.  Once the due diligence period expires, the Company is then at risk under a real property acquisition contract, but only to the extent of any earnest money deposits associated with the contract.
	Environmental Matters:  The Company is not aware of any environmental liability with respect to the properties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, assets or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that such a material environmental liability does not exist. The existence of any such material environmental liability could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.

Segments

Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segments	'
	Segments
	The Company defines business segments by their distinct customer base and service provided.  The Company has identified four reportable segments: Wholly-Owned Properties, On-Campus Participating Properties, Development Services, and Property Management Services.  Management evaluates each segment’s performance based on operating income before depreciation, amortization, minority interests and allocation of corporate overhead.  Intercompany fees are reflected at the contractually stipulated amounts.
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Wholly-Owned Properties
	Rental revenues	$	163,664		$	146,030		$	336,487		$	298,902
	Interest and other income	279			8			551			22
	Total revenues from external customers	163,943			146,038			337,038			298,924
	Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, ground/facility leases and allocation of corporate overhead	(76,645		)	(69,576		)	(153,025		)	(136,439		)
	Ground/facility leases	(932		)	(640		)	(1,868		)	(1,304		)
	Interest expense	(10,729		)	(10,796		)	(22,121		)	(22,410		)
	Operating income before depreciation, amortization, and allocation of corporate overhead	$	75,637		$	65,026		$	160,024		$	138,771
	Depreciation and amortization	$	46,657		$	45,530		$	93,166		$	89,517
	Capital expenditures	$	80,483		$	91,998		$	149,288		$	174,853
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	5,452,209		$	5,083,310		$	5,452,209		$	5,083,310
	On-Campus Participating Properties
	Rental revenues	$	4,735		$	4,703		$	12,923		$	12,805
	Interest and other income	3			2			6			4
	Total revenues from external customers	4,738			4,705			12,929			12,809
	Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, ground/facility leases and allocation of corporate overhead	(2,592		)	(2,742		)	(4,889		)	(5,065		)
	Ground/facility leases	(650		)	(520		)	(1,277		)	(1,059		)
	Interest expense	(1,112		)	(1,380		)	(2,261		)	(2,755		)
	Operating income before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	384		$	63		$	4,502		$	3,930
	Depreciation and amortization	$	1,228		$	1,182		$	2,440		$	2,356
	Capital expenditures	$	8,878		$	373		$	21,170		$	708
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	106,150		$	69,951		$	106,150		$	69,951
	Development Services
	Development and construction management fees	$	1,581		$	555		$	1,768		$	1,034
	Operating expenses	(2,737		)	(2,793		)	(5,580		)	(5,382		)
	Operating loss before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	(1,156	)	$	(2,238	)	$	(3,812	)	$	(4,348	)
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	2,010		$	3,012		$	2,010		$	3,012
	Property Management Services
	Property management fees from external customers	$	1,997		$	1,924		$	3,982		$	3,633
	Intersegment revenues	5,516			5,211			11,203			10,586
	Total revenues	7,513			7,135			15,185			14,219
	Operating expenses	(2,965		)	(2,549		)	(6,061		)	(5,121		)
	Operating income before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	4,548		$	4,586		$	9,124		$	9,098
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	7,037		$	6,369		$	7,037		$	6,369
	Reconciliations
	Total segment revenues	$	177,775		$	158,433		$	366,920		$	326,986
	Unallocated interest income earned on investments and corporate cash	755			937			1,511			1,347
	Elimination of intersegment revenues	(5,516		)	(5,211		)	(11,203		)	(10,586		)
	Total consolidated revenues, including interest income	$	173,014		$	154,159		$	357,228		$	317,747
	Segment operating income before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	79,413		$	67,437		$	169,838		$	147,451
	Depreciation and amortization	(49,911		)	(48,566		)	(99,585		)	(95,479		)
	Net unallocated expenses relating to corporate interest and overhead	(15,482		)	(12,706		)	(29,796		)	(22,419		)
	Other nonoperating expense	—			—			—			(2,800		)
	Income tax provision	(289		)	(255		)	(579		)	(510		)
	Income from continuing operations	$	13,731		$	5,910		$	39,878		$	26,243
	Total segment assets	$	5,567,406		$	5,162,642		$	5,567,406		$	5,162,642
	Unallocated corporate assets	153,587			129,003			153,587			129,003
	Total assets at June 30,	$	5,720,993		$	5,291,645		$	5,720,993		$	5,291,645

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	Distributions:  On July 30, 2014, the Company declared a second quarter 2014 distribution per share of $0.38 which will be paid on August 29, 2014 to all common stockholders of record as of August 15, 2014.  At the same time, the Operating Partnership will pay an equivalent amount per unit to holders of Common Units, as well as the quarterly cumulative preferential distribution to holders of Series A Preferred Units (see Note 10).

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements, presented in U.S. dollars, are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Our actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. All material intercompany transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated. All dollar amounts in the tables herein, except share, per share, unit and per unit amounts, are stated in thousands unless otherwise indicated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), "Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606)", ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The ASU is based on the principle that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to fulfill a contract. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new standard. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company at the beginning of its 2017 fiscal year; early adoption is not permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08 ("ASU 2014-08"), “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” ASU 2014-08 changes the threshold for disclosing discontinued operations and the related disclosure requirements, requiring only disposals representing a strategic shift, such as a major line of business, a major geographical area or a major equity investment, to be presented as a discontinued operation. If the disposal does qualify as a discontinued operation under ASU 2014-08, the Company will be required to provide expanded disclosures. The guidance will be applied prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date. ASU 2014-08 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2015 with early adoption permitted but only for disposals or classifications as held for sale which have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. While we have elected early adoption for our consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures and believe future sales of our individual operating properties will no longer qualify as discontinued operations, the sale of Hawks Landing in February 2014 has continued to be presented in discontinued operations as the property was classified as held for sale in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Interim Financial Statements	'
	Interim Financial Statements
	The accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited, but have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and in conjunction with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, they do not include all disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring matters) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements of the Company for these interim periods have been included.  Because of the seasonal nature of the Company’s operations, the results of operations and cash flows for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for other interim periods or for the full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investments in Real Estate	'
	Investments in Real Estate
	Investments in real estate are recorded at historical cost.  Major improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset.  The cost of ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred.  Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	7-40 years
	Leasehold interest - on-campus	25-34 years (shorter of useful life or respective lease term)
	participating properties
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-7 years
	Project costs directly associated with the development and construction of an owned real estate project, which include interest, property taxes, and amortization of deferred finance costs, are capitalized as construction in progress.  Upon completion of the project, costs are transferred into the applicable asset category and depreciation commences.  Interest totaling approximately $2.7 million and $3.4 million was capitalized during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $4.9 million and $5.8 million was capitalized during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization of deferred financing costs totaling approximately $2,000 and $25,000 was capitalized as construction in progress during the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $7,000 and $0.1 million was capitalized as construction in progress during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Management assesses whether there has been an impairment in the value of the Company’s investments in real estate whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Impairment is recognized when estimated expected future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the property.  The estimation of expected future net cash flows is inherently uncertain and relies on assumptions regarding current and future economics and market conditions.  If such conditions change, then an adjustment to the carrying value of the Company’s long-lived assets could occur in the future period in which the conditions change.  To the extent that a property is impaired, the excess of the carrying amount of the property over its estimated fair value is charged to earnings. The Company also performs a periodic assessment to determine which long-lived assets are likely to be sold prior to the end of their estimated useful lives. For those probable sales, an impairment charge is recorded for any excess of the carrying value of the asset over the expected net proceeds from the disposal. The Company believes that there were no impairments of the carrying values of its investments in real estate as of June 30, 2014.
	The Company allocates the purchase price of acquired properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets based on relative fair values.  Fair value estimates are based on information obtained from a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property, our own analysis of recently acquired and existing comparable properties in our portfolio, and other market data.  Information obtained about each property as a result of due diligence, marketing and leasing activities is also considered.  The value allocated to land is generally based on the actual purchase price adjusted to fair value (as necessary) if acquired separately, or market research/comparables if acquired as part of an existing operating property.  The value allocated to building is based on the fair value determined on an “as-if vacant” basis, which is estimated using an income, or discounted cash flow, approach that relies upon internally determined assumptions that we believe are consistent with current market conditions for similar properties. The value allocated to furniture, fixtures, and equipment is based on an estimate of the fair value of the appliances and fixtures inside the units.
Loans Receivable	'
	Loans Receivable
	Loans held for investment are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan purchase discounts, and net of an allowance for loan losses when such loan is deemed to be impaired.  Loan purchase discounts are amortized over the term of the loan.  The Company considers a loan impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Significant judgments are required in determining whether impairment has occurred.  The Company performs an impairment analysis by comparing either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable current market price or the fair value of the underlying collateral to the net carrying value of the loan, which may result in an allowance and corresponding loan loss charge.  Loans receivable are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	A portion of the purchase price of acquired properties is allocated to the value of in-place leases for both student and commercial tenants, which is based on the difference between (i) the property valued with existing in-place leases adjusted to market rental rates and (ii) the property valued “as-if” vacant.  As lease terms for student leases are typically one year or less, rates on in-place leases generally approximate market rental rates.  Factors considered in the valuation of in-place leases include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up period considering current market conditions, nature of the tenancy, and costs to execute similar leases.  Carrying costs include estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up period, as well as marketing and other operating expenses.  The value of in-place leases is amortized over the remaining initial term of the respective leases.  The purchase price of property acquisitions is not expected to be allocated to student tenant relationships, considering the terms of the leases and the expected levels of renewals.
Mortgage Debt - Premiums and Discounts	'
	Mortgage Debt - Premiums and Discounts
	Mortgage debt premiums and discounts represent fair value adjustments to account for the difference between the stated rates and market rates of mortgage debt assumed in connection with the Company’s property acquisitions.  The mortgage debt premiums and discounts are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related mortgage loans using the effective-interest method.  The amortization of mortgage debt premiums and discounts resulted in a net decrease to interest expense of approximately $3.2 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $6.4 million and $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, net unamortized mortgage debt premiums were approximately $67.5 million and $74.6 million, respectively, and net unamortized mortgage debt discounts were approximately $1.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  Mortgage debt premiums and discounts are included in secured mortgage, construction and bond debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amortization of mortgage debt premiums and discounts is included in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Pre-development Expenditures	'
	Pre-development Expenditures
	Pre-development expenditures such as architectural fees, permits and deposits associated with the pursuit of third-party and owned development projects are expensed as incurred, until such time that management believes it is probable that the contract will be executed and/or construction will commence.  Because the Company frequently incurs these pre-development expenditures before a financing commitment and/or required permits and authorizations have been obtained, the Company bears the risk of loss of these pre-development expenditures if financing cannot ultimately be arranged on acceptable terms or the Company is unable to successfully obtain the required permits and authorizations.  As such, management evaluates the status of third-party and owned projects that have not yet commenced construction on a periodic basis and expenses any deferred costs related to projects whose current status indicates the commencement of construction is unlikely and/or the costs may not provide future value to the Company in the form of revenues.  Such write-offs are included in third-party development and management services expenses (in the case of third-party development projects) or general and administrative expenses (in the case of owned development projects) on the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Earnings per Share - Company	'
	Earnings per Share – Company
	Basic earnings per share is computed using net income attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect common shares issuable from the assumed conversion of OP Units and common share awards granted.  Only those items having a dilutive impact on basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of estimated useful lives of assets	'
	Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
	Buildings and improvements	7-40 years
	Leasehold interest - on-campus	25-34 years (shorter of useful life or respective lease term)
	participating properties
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3-7 years
Schedule of potentially dilutive securities not included in calculating diluted earnings per share	'
	The following potentially dilutive securities were outstanding for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effects of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Common OP Units (Note 10)	1,230,219			1,133,076			1,230,219		1,133,076
	Preferred OP Units (Note 10)	107,662			114,128			110,131		114,128
	Total potentially dilutive securities	1,337,881			1,247,204			1,340,350		1,247,204
Schedule of summary of elements used in calculating basic earnings per share/unit	'
	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Numerator – basic and diluted earnings per share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	13,731			$	5,910		$	39,878		$	26,243
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	(293		)		(584		)	(728		)	(1,351		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	13,438				5,326			39,150			24,892
	Amount allocated to participating securities	(263		)		(220		)	(584		)	(492		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,175				5,106			38,566			24,400
	Income from discontinued operations	—				2,756			2,720			4,804
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	—				(33		)	(34		)	(57		)
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	—				2,723			2,686			4,747
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	13,175			$	7,829		$	41,252		$	29,147
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	104,918,131				104,779,159			104,870,167			104,738,522
	Unvested Restricted Stock Awards (Note 11)	691,430				611,523			713,179			639,271
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	105,609,561				105,390,682			105,583,346			105,377,793
	Earnings per share – basic:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.13			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.13			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
	Earnings per share – diluted:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.12			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	0.12			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
	Distributions per common share	$	0.38			$	0.36		$	0.74		$	0.6975
	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per unit:
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		June 30,							June 30,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Numerator – basic and diluted earnings per unit:
	Income from continuing operations	$	13,731			$	5,910		$	39,878		$	26,243
	Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests – partially owned properties	(88		)		(483		)	(176		)	(995		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Series A preferred units	(45		)		(43		)	(87		)	(86		)
	Amount allocated to participating securities	(263		)		(220		)	(584		)	(492		)
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,335				5,164			39,031			24,670
	Income from discontinued operations	—				2,756			2,720			4,804
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to Series A preferred units	—				(2		)	(3		)	(5		)
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders	—				2,754			2,717			4,799
	Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	13,335			$	7,918		$	41,748		$	29,469
	Denominator:
	Basic weighted average common units outstanding	106,148,350				105,912,235			106,100,386			105,871,598
	Unvested Restricted Stock Awards (Note 11)	691,430				611,523			713,179			639,271
	Diluted weighted average common units outstanding	106,839,780				106,523,758			106,813,565			106,510,869
	Earnings per unit - basic:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.13			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
	Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	0.13			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
	Earnings per unit - diluted:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	$	0.12			$	0.05		$	0.37		$	0.23
	Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders	$	—			$	0.02		$	0.02		$	0.05
	Net income attributable to common unitholders	$	0.12			$	0.07		$	0.39		$	0.28
	Distributions per common unit	$	0.38			$	0.36		$	0.74		$	0.6975

Property_Dispositions_and_Disc1

Property Dispositions and Discontinued Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summary of results of disposition and discontinued operations	'
	Below is a summary of the results of operations for the properties discussed above:
		Three Months Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Total revenues	$	—	$	6,454		$	279		$	12,894
	Total operating expenses	—		(2,734		)	(239		)	(5,245		)
	Depreciation and amortization	—		(556		)	—			(1,925		)
	Operating income	—		3,164			40			5,724
	Total nonoperating expenses	—		(408		)	(163		)	(920		)
	Net income (loss)	$	—	$	2,756		$	(123	)	$	4,804

Investments_in_WhollyOwned_Pro1

Investments in Wholly-Owned Properties (Tables) (Wholly-owned properties)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Wholly-owned properties	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Real Estate Properties	'
	Wholly-owned properties consisted of the following:
			June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Land (1) (2)		$	586,623		$	575,944
	Buildings and improvements		4,803,240			4,759,879
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment (2)		272,395			267,022
	Construction in progress (2)		243,930			121,923
			5,906,188			5,724,768
	Less accumulated depreciation		(614,527		)	(525,760		)
	Wholly-owned properties, net (3)		$	5,291,661		$	5,199,008
	(1)	The land balance above includes undeveloped land parcels with book values of approximately $40.6 million as of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  Also includes land totaling approximately $50.3 million and $39.4 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to properties under development.
	(2)	Land, furniture, fixtures and equipment and construction in progress as of June 30, 2014 include $3.6 million, $0.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, related to the University Walk property located in Knoxville, Tennessee that will serve students attending the University of Tennessee.  In July 2013, the Company entered into a purchase and contribution agreement with a private developer whereby the Company is obligated to purchase the property as long as the developer meets certain construction completion deadlines and other closing conditions.  The development of the property is anticipated to be completed in August 2014.  The entity is financed with an $8.8 million mezzanine loan from the Company, a $19.0 million construction loan from a third-party lender and a $1.5 million equity contribution from the developer. The Company is responsible for leasing, management, and initial operations of the project while the third-party developer is responsible for the development of the property. The entity that owns University Walk is deemed to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  As such, the assets and liabilities of the entity owning the property are included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements.
	-3	The balance above excludes the net book value of Hawks Landing which was classified as a wholly-owned property held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. The property was sold in February 2014.

OnCampus_Participating_Propert1

On-Campus Participating Properties (Tables) (On-campus participating properties)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
On-campus participating properties	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Real Estate Properties	'
	On-campus participating properties are as follows:
					Historical Cost
	Lessor/University		Lease	Required Debt	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
			Commencement	Repayment
	Texas A&M University System / Prairie View A&M University (1)		2/1/96	9/1/23	$	42,714		$	42,288
	Texas A&M University System / Texas A&M International		2/1/96	9/1/23	6,871			6,767
	Texas A&M University System / Prairie View A&M University (2)		10/1/99	8/31/25	26,480			26,275
				8/31/28
	University of Houston System / University of Houston (3)		9/27/00	8/31/35	36,310			36,126
	West Virginia University Project / West Virginia University (4)		7/16/13	7/16/45	37,793			19,249
					150,168			130,705
	Less accumulated amortization				(59,688		)	(57,249		)
	On-campus participating properties, net				$	90,480		$	73,456
	(1)	Consists of three phases placed in service between 1996 and 1998.
	(2)	Consists of two phases placed in service in 2000 and 2003.
	(3)	Consists of two phases placed in service in 2001 and 2005.
	(4)	In July 2013, construction commenced on this facility which is scheduled to be placed in service in August 2014. Due to our involvement in the construction of the facility, any fees paid to the Company/lessee for development and construction management services during the construction period are deferred and amortized to revenue over the lease term.

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summary of outstanding consolidated indebtedness, including unamortized debt premiums and discounts	'
	A summary of the Company’s outstanding consolidated indebtedness, including unamortized debt premiums and discounts, is as follows:
			June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Debt secured by wholly-owned properties:
	Mortgage loans payable:
	Unpaid principal balance		$	1,193,090		$	1,300,371
	Unamortized debt premiums		67,518			74,575
	Unamortized debt discounts		(1,365		)	(2,021		)
			1,259,243			1,372,925
	Construction loans payable (1)		56,603			44,638
			1,315,846			1,417,563
	Debt secured by on-campus participating properties:
	Mortgage loan payable		31,024			31,380
	Bonds payable		42,440			42,440
	Construction loan payable		36,088			15,833
			109,552			89,653
	Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt		1,425,398			1,507,216
	Secured agency facility		87,750			87,750
	Unsecured notes, net of unamortized original issue discount		798,224			398,721
	Unsecured revolving credit facility		—			150,700
	Unsecured term loans		600,000			600,000
	Total debt		$	2,911,372		$	2,744,387
	(1)	Construction loans payable as of June 30, 2014 includes $12.0 million related to a construction loan that is partially financing the development and construction of University Walk, a VIE the Company is including in its consolidated financial statements (see Note 5). The creditor of this construction loan does not have recourse to the assets of the Company.

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized activity of redeemable limited partners	'
	Below is a table summarizing the activity of redeemable limited partners for the six months ended June 30, 2014:
	31-Dec-13	$	47,964
	Net income	586
	Distributions	(1,000		)
	Conversion of redeemable limited partner units into shares of ACC common stock	(190		)
	Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partner units at fair value	5,694
	30-Jun-14	$	53,054

Incentive_Award_Plan_Tables

Incentive Award Plan (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of restricted stock units	'
	A summary of ACC’s RSUs under the Plan as of June 30, 2014 and activity during the six months then ended is presented below:
		Number of RSUs
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	—
	Granted	15,457
	Settled in common shares	(9,027	)
	Settled in cash	(6,430	)
	Outstanding at June 30, 2014	—
Summary of restricted stock awards	'
	A summary of ACC’s RSAs under the Plan as of June 30, 2014 and activity during the six months then ended, is presented below:
		Number of RSAs
	Nonvested balance at December 31, 2013	602,191
	Granted	292,526
	Vested	(124,883	)
	Forfeited (1)	(81,058	)
	Nonvested balance at June 30, 2014	688,776

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summary of outstanding interest rate swap contracts	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding interest rate swap contracts as of June 30, 2014:
	Hedged Debt Instrument	Effective Date	Maturity Date		Pay Fixed Rate	Receive Floating		Current Notional			Fair Value
						Rate Index		Amount
	Cullen Oaks mortgage loan (1)	Feb 18, 2014	Feb 15, 2021		2.28%	LIBOR - 1 month		$	15,432		$	(349	)
	Cullen Oaks mortgage loan (1)	Feb 18, 2014	Feb 15, 2021		2.28%	LIBOR - 1 month		15,591			(352		)
	Term Loan I Facility	Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.87%	LIBOR – 1 month		125,000			(675		)
	Term Loan I Facility	Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.88%	LIBOR – 1 month		100,000			(565		)
	Term Loan I Facility	Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.89%	LIBOR – 1 month		62,500			(366		)
	Term Loan I Facility	Feb 2, 2012	Jan 2, 2017		0.89%	LIBOR – 1 month		62,500			(368		)
	Park Point mortgage loan	Nov 1, 2013	Oct 5, 2018		1.55%	LIBOR - 1 month		70,000			(654		)
						Total		$	451,023		$	(3,329	)
Schedule of fair value of derivative financial instruments and classification on consolidated balance sheet	'
	The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		Asset Derivatives								Liability Derivatives
			Fair Value as of								Fair Value as of
	Description	Balance Sheet	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013				Balance Sheet	June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		Location								Location
	Interest rate swaps contracts	Other assets	$	—		$	31			Other liabilities	$	3,329		$	1,466
	Total derivatives designated		$	—		$	31				$	3,329		$	1,466
	as hedging instruments

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Tables

Fair Value Disclosures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of financial instruments measured at fair value	'
	Disclosures concerning financial instruments measured at fair value are as follows:
		Fair Value Measurements as of
		June 30, 2014								December 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant		Total		Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
		Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable				Active Markets for		Other		Unobservable
		Identical Assets and		Observable		Inputs				Identical Assets and		Observable		Inputs		Total
		Liabilities (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		(Level 3)				Liabilities (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	31
	Liabilities:
	Derivative financial instruments	$	—	$	3,329	$	—	$	3,329	$	—	$	1,466	$	—	$	1,466
	Mezzanine:
	Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Company)/Redeemable limited partners (Operating Partnership)	$	—	$	53,054	$	—	$	53,054	$	—	$	47,964	$	—	$	47,964
Schedule of estimated fair value and related carrying amounts of mortgage loans and bonds payable	'
	The table below contains the estimated fair value and related carrying amounts for the Company’s financial instruments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
		Estimated		Carrying		Estimated		Carrying
		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value		Amount
	Assets:
	Loans receivable	$	49,154	$	52,701	$	49,154	$	51,192
	Liabilities:
	Unsecured notes	$	797,534	$	798,224	$	372,420	$	398,721
	Mortgage loans	1,277,087		1,290,267		1,382,773		1,404,305
	Bonds payable	47,039		42,440		44,908		42,440

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment information	'
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Wholly-Owned Properties
	Rental revenues	$	163,664		$	146,030		$	336,487		$	298,902
	Interest and other income	279			8			551			22
	Total revenues from external customers	163,943			146,038			337,038			298,924
	Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, ground/facility leases and allocation of corporate overhead	(76,645		)	(69,576		)	(153,025		)	(136,439		)
	Ground/facility leases	(932		)	(640		)	(1,868		)	(1,304		)
	Interest expense	(10,729		)	(10,796		)	(22,121		)	(22,410		)
	Operating income before depreciation, amortization, and allocation of corporate overhead	$	75,637		$	65,026		$	160,024		$	138,771
	Depreciation and amortization	$	46,657		$	45,530		$	93,166		$	89,517
	Capital expenditures	$	80,483		$	91,998		$	149,288		$	174,853
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	5,452,209		$	5,083,310		$	5,452,209		$	5,083,310
	On-Campus Participating Properties
	Rental revenues	$	4,735		$	4,703		$	12,923		$	12,805
	Interest and other income	3			2			6			4
	Total revenues from external customers	4,738			4,705			12,929			12,809
	Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, ground/facility leases and allocation of corporate overhead	(2,592		)	(2,742		)	(4,889		)	(5,065		)
	Ground/facility leases	(650		)	(520		)	(1,277		)	(1,059		)
	Interest expense	(1,112		)	(1,380		)	(2,261		)	(2,755		)
	Operating income before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	384		$	63		$	4,502		$	3,930
	Depreciation and amortization	$	1,228		$	1,182		$	2,440		$	2,356
	Capital expenditures	$	8,878		$	373		$	21,170		$	708
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	106,150		$	69,951		$	106,150		$	69,951
	Development Services
	Development and construction management fees	$	1,581		$	555		$	1,768		$	1,034
	Operating expenses	(2,737		)	(2,793		)	(5,580		)	(5,382		)
	Operating loss before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	(1,156	)	$	(2,238	)	$	(3,812	)	$	(4,348	)
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	2,010		$	3,012		$	2,010		$	3,012
	Property Management Services
	Property management fees from external customers	$	1,997		$	1,924		$	3,982		$	3,633
	Intersegment revenues	5,516			5,211			11,203			10,586
	Total revenues	7,513			7,135			15,185			14,219
	Operating expenses	(2,965		)	(2,549		)	(6,061		)	(5,121		)
	Operating income before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	4,548		$	4,586		$	9,124		$	9,098
	Total segment assets at June 30,	$	7,037		$	6,369		$	7,037		$	6,369
	Reconciliations
	Total segment revenues	$	177,775		$	158,433		$	366,920		$	326,986
	Unallocated interest income earned on investments and corporate cash	755			937			1,511			1,347
	Elimination of intersegment revenues	(5,516		)	(5,211		)	(11,203		)	(10,586		)
	Total consolidated revenues, including interest income	$	173,014		$	154,159		$	357,228		$	317,747
	Segment operating income before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	$	79,413		$	67,437		$	169,838		$	147,451
	Depreciation and amortization	(49,911		)	(48,566		)	(99,585		)	(95,479		)
	Net unallocated expenses relating to corporate interest and overhead	(15,482		)	(12,706		)	(29,796		)	(22,419		)
	Other nonoperating expense	—			—			—			(2,800		)
	Income tax provision	(289		)	(255		)	(579		)	(510		)
	Income from continuing operations	$	13,731		$	5,910		$	39,878		$	26,243
	Total segment assets	$	5,567,406		$	5,162,642		$	5,567,406		$	5,162,642
	Unallocated corporate assets	153,587			129,003			153,587			129,003
	Total assets at June 30,	$	5,720,993		$	5,291,645		$	5,720,993		$	5,291,645

Organization_and_Description_o1

Organization and Description of Business - Additional Information (Details Textuals)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	168
Number of beds (beds)	102,700
Number of units (units)	33,300
Redevelopment pending	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	1
Wholly-owned properties | Off Campus Properties	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	144
Wholly-owned properties | American Campus Equity	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	18
Number of university systems (university systems)	8
Wholly-owned properties | On-campus participating properties	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	5
Wholly-owned properties | Under Development	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	10
Number of beds (beds)	7,100
Number of units (units)	2,100
Management And Leasing Services	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	33
Number of beds (beds)	25,800
Number of units (units)	10,300
Real Estate Investment	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Number of properties (properties)	201
Number of beds (beds)	128,500
Number of units (units)	43,600
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
Limited Partner ownership interest (percent)	98.80%
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Maximum	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'
General Partner ownership interest (percent)	1.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Assets (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Minimum | Buildings and improvements	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'7 years
Minimum | Furniture, fixtures and equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'3 years
Maximum | Buildings and improvements	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'40 years
Maximum | Furniture, fixtures and equipment	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'7 years
On-campus participating properties | Minimum | Leasehold interest	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'25 years
On-campus participating properties | Maximum | Leasehold interest	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'34 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Potentially Dilutive Securities Not Included in Calculating Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Potential dilutive securities (shares)	1,337,881	1,247,204	1,340,350	1,247,204
Common OP Units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Potential dilutive securities (shares)	1,230,219	1,133,076	1,230,219	1,133,076
Preferred OP Units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Potential dilutive securities (shares)	107,662	114,128	110,131	114,128

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Elements Used in Calculating Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) (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
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$13,731	$5,910	$39,878	$26,243
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	-293	-584	-728	-1,351
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	13,438	5,326	39,150	24,892
Amount allocated to participating securities	-263	-220	-584	-492
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,175	5,106	38,566	24,400
Income from discontinued operations	0	2,756	2,720	4,804
Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	-33	-34	-57
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	0	2,723	2,686	4,747
Net income attributable to common shareholders	13,175	7,829	41,252	29,147
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	104,918,131	104,779,159	104,870,167	104,738,522
Unvested Restricted Stock Awards	1,337,881	1,247,204	1,340,350	1,247,204
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	105,609,561	105,390,682	105,583,346	105,377,793
Earnings per share – basic:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities, basic (in dollars per share)	$0.13	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders, basic (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.02	$0.02	$0.05
Net income attributable to common shareholders, basic (in dollars per share)	$0.13	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Earnings per share – diluted:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities, diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.12	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders, diluted (in dollars per share)	$0	$0.02	$0.02	$0.05
Net income attributable to common shareholders, diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.12	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Distributions per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.36	$0.74	$0.70
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'	'	'
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	13,731	5,910	39,878	26,243
Amount allocated to participating securities	-263	-220	-584	-492
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,335	5,164	39,031	24,670
Income from discontinued operations	0	2,756	2,720	4,804
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	0	2,754	2,717	4,799
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$13,335	$7,918	$41,748	$29,469
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Unvested Restricted Stock Awards	691,430	611,523	713,179	639,271

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Potential dilutive securities (shares)	1,337,881	1,247,204	1,340,350	1,247,204

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Elements Used in Calculating Basic and Diluted Earnings per Unit (Details) (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
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$13,731	$5,910	$39,878	$26,243
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	-293	-584	-728	-1,351
Amount allocated to participating securities	-263	-220	-584	-492
Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,175	5,106	38,566	24,400
Income from discontinued operations	0	2,756	2,720	4,804
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	0	2,723	2,686	4,747
Net income attributable to common shareholders	13,175	7,829	41,252	29,147
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Potential dilutive securities (shares)	1,337,881	1,247,204	1,340,350	1,247,204
Earnings per unit - diluted:	'	'	'	'
Distributions per common unit (in dollars per unit)	$0.38	$0.36	'	'
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'	'	'
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	13,731	5,910	39,878	26,243
Income from continuing operations attributable to Series A preferred units	-45	-43	-87	-86
Amount allocated to participating securities	-263	-220	-584	-492
Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities	13,335	5,164	39,031	24,670
Income from discontinued operations	0	2,756	2,720	4,804
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Series A preferred unit distributions	0	-2	-3	-5
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareholders	0	2,754	2,717	4,799
Net income attributable to common shareholders	13,335	7,918	41,748	29,469
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted average common units outstanding (in units)	106,148,350	105,912,235	106,100,386	105,871,598
Diluted weighted average common units outstanding (in units)	106,839,780	106,523,758	106,813,565	106,510,869
Earnings per unit - basic:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating, basic (in dollars per share)	$0.13	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders, basic (in dollars per unit)	$0	$0.02	$0.02	$0.05
Net income attributable to common unitholders, basic (in dollars per unit)	$0.13	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Earnings per unit - diluted:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to common unitholders, net of amount allocated to participating securities, diluted (in dollars per unit)	$0.12	$0.05	$0.37	$0.23
Income from discontinued operations attributable to common unitholders, diluted (in dollars per unit)	$0	$0.02	$0.02	$0.05
Net income attributable to common unitholders, diluted (in dollars per unit)	$0.12	$0.07	$0.39	$0.28
Distributions per common unit (in dollars per unit)	'	'	$0.74	$0.70
Partially owned properties | AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'	'	'
Numerator - basic and diluted earnings per unit:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests	($88)	($483)	($176)	($995)
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Potential dilutive securities (shares)	691,430	611,523	713,179	639,271
Restricted Stock Awards | AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'	'	'
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards	691,430	611,523	713,179	639,271

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mortgages

Mortgages

Senior notes - April 2013

Senior notes - April 2013

Senior notes - April 2013

Senior notes - April 2013

Senior notes - April 2013

Senior notes - April 2013

Senior notes - June 2014

Senior notes - June 2014

In-place leases assumed

In-place leases assumed

In-place leases assumed

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized Interest

$2,700,000

$3,400,000

$4,900,000

$5,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of deferred financing costs capitalized as construction in progress

2,000

25,000

7,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets

'

'

1,800,000

10,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

5,400,000

'

Accumulated amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,300,000

'

25,500,000

Increase (decrease) to interest expense from amortization of debt premiums and discounts

-3,200,000

-3,500,000

-6,400,000

-7,100,000

'

'

'

30,000

28,000

59,000

28,000

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

Unamortized debt premiums

'

'

'

'

67,500,000

74,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized debt discounts

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

2,000,000

'

1,800,000

'

1,800,000

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Proceeds As Percentage Of Par Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.66%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original issue discount on senior unsecured notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

Deferred pre-development costs

$4,200,000

'

$4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property_Acquisitions_Details

Property Acquisitions (Details) (Boulder Outlook Hotel, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 10, 2014
Boulder Outlook Hotel	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Purchase price	$9.30

Property_Dispositions_and_Disc2

Property Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Summary of Results of Operations for Properties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$0	$6,454	$279	$12,894
Total operating expenses	0	-2,734	-239	-5,245
Depreciation and amortization	0	-556	0	-1,925
Operating income	0	3,164	40	5,724
Total nonoperating expenses	0	-408	-163	-920
Net income (loss)	$0	$2,756	($123)	$4,804

Property_Dispositions_and_Disc3

Property Dispositions and Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Bed		Bed		Off Campus Properties	Off Campus Properties	Off Campus Properties
	Unit		Unit		Hawks Landing	Hawks Landing	University Mills, Campus Ridge, The Village at Blacksburg, State College Park, University Pines, and Northgate Lakes [Member]
					Bed		Property
							Bed
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of units (units)	33,300	'	33,300	'	122	'	'
Number of beds (beds)	102,700	'	102,700	'	484	'	4,079
Sale price of disposed property	'	'	'	'	$17,300,000	'	$184,200,000
Assumed mortgage loan	'	'	'	'	15,600,000	'	'
Proceeds from disposition of properties	'	'	1,327,000	0	1,300,000	'	180,500,000
Number of properties sold (properties)	'	'	'	'	'	'	6
Gain from disposition of property	$0	$0	$2,843,000	$0	'	$2,800,000	'

Investments_in_WhollyOwned_Pro2

Investments in Wholly-Owned Properties - Summary (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Land	$3,600		'
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	600		'
Construction in progress	18,100		'
Investment Property, Net	5,382,141		5,286,872
Wholly-owned properties	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Land	586,623	[1],[2]	575,944	[1],[2]
Buildings and improvements	4,803,240		4,759,879
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	272,395	[1]	267,022	[1]
Construction in progress	243,930	[1]	121,923	[1]
Real estate properties gross	5,906,188		5,724,768
Less accumulated depreciation	-614,527		-525,760
Investment Property, Net	$5,291,661	[3]	$5,199,008	[3]
[1]	Land, furniture, fixtures and equipment and construction in progress as of June 30, 2014 include $3.6 million, $0.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, related to the University Walk property located in Knoxville, Tennessee that will serve students attending the University of Tennessee. In July 2013, the Company entered into a purchase and contribution agreement with a private developer whereby the Company is obligated to purchase the property as long as the developer meets certain construction completion deadlines and other closing conditions. The development of the property is anticipated to be completed in August 2014. The entity is financed with an $8.8 million mezzanine loan from the Company, a $19.0 million construction loan from a third-party lender and a $1.5 million equity contribution from the developer. The Company is responsible for leasing, management, and initial operations of the project while the third-party developer is responsible for the development of the property. The entity that owns University Walk is deemed to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”), and the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. As such, the assets and liabilities of the entity owning the property are included in the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s consolidated financial statements.
[2]	The land balance above includes undeveloped land parcels with book values of approximately $40.6 million as of both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Also includes land totaling approximately $50.3 million and $39.4 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to properties under development.
[3]	The balance above excludes the net book value of Hawks Landing which was classified as a wholly-owned property held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013. The property was sold in February 2014.

Investments_in_WhollyOwned_Pro3

Investments in Wholly-Owned Properties - Summary (Parentheticals) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Undeveloped land parcels	$40,600,000	$40,600,000
Land	3,600,000	'
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	600,000	'
Construction in progress	18,100,000	'
Mezzanine loan	8,800,000	'
Contributions by noncontrolling partners	1,500,000	'
Under Development	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Undeveloped land parcels	50,300,000	39,400,000
University Walk - Knoxville, TN | Construction loans	'	'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'	'
Construction loan balance	$19,000,000	'

OnCampus_Participating_Propert2

On-Campus Participating Properties (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Investment Property, Net	$5,382,141		$5,286,872
On-campus participating properties	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Real estate properties, gross	150,168		130,705
Less accumulated depreciation	-59,688		-57,249
Investment Property, Net	90,480		73,456
On-campus participating properties | Texas A and M International	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Lease commencement	1-Feb-96		'
Required debt repayment	1-Sep-23		'
Real estate properties, gross	6,871		6,767
Phases Placed In Service Between 1996 and 1998 | Prairie View A and M University	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Number of Project Phases	3		'
Phases Placed In Service Between 1996 and 1998 | On-campus participating properties | Prairie View A and M University	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Lease commencement	1-Feb-96	[1]	'
Required debt repayment	1-Sep-23	[1]	'
Real estate properties, gross	42,714	[1]	42,288	[1]
Phases Placed In Service In 2000 and 2003 | Prairie View A and M University	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Number of Project Phases	2		'
Phases Placed In Service In 2000 and 2003 | On-campus participating properties | Prairie View A and M University	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Lease commencement	1-Oct-99	[2]	'
Real estate properties, gross	26,480	[2]	26,275	[2]
Phases Placed In Service In 2001 and 2005 | University Of Houston	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Number of Project Phases	2		'
Phases Placed In Service In 2001 and 2005 | On-campus participating properties | University Of Houston	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Lease commencement	27-Sep-00	[3]	'
Required debt repayment	31-Aug-35	[3]	'
Real estate properties, gross	36,310	[3]	36,126	[3]
Phases Placed in Service in 2013 | On-campus participating properties | West Virginia University	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Lease commencement	16-Jul-13	[4]	'
Required debt repayment	16-Jul-45	[4]	'
Real estate properties, gross	$37,793	[4]	$19,249	[4]
Minimum | Phases Placed In Service In 2000 and 2003 | On-campus participating properties | Prairie View A and M University	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Required debt repayment	31-Aug-25	[2]	'
Maximum | Phases Placed In Service In 2000 and 2003 | On-campus participating properties | Prairie View A and M University	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Required debt repayment	31-Aug-28	[2]	'
[1]	Consists of three phases placed in service between 1996 and 1998.
[2]	Consists of two phases placed in service in 2000 and 2003.
[3]	Consists of two phases placed in service in 2001 and 2005.
[4]	In July 2013, construction commenced on this facility which is scheduled to be placed in service in August 2014. Due to our involvement in the construction of the facility, any fees paid to the Company/lessee for development and construction management services during the construction period are deferred and amortized to revenue over the lease term.

Investment_in_Unconsolidated_J

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management fee earned	$1,997	$1,924	$3,982	$3,633
Equity Method Investments	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Management fee earned	$400	$400	'	$800

Debt_Summary_of_Outstanding_Co

Debt - Summary of Outstanding Consolidated Indebtedness, Including Unamortized Debt Premiums and Discounts (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	$1,425,398		$1,507,216
Secured agency facility	87,750		87,750
Unsecured notes, net of unamortized original issue discount	798,224		398,721
Unsecured revolving credit facility	0		150,700
Unsecured term loans	600,000		600,000
Total debt	2,911,372		2,744,387
Mortgage loans payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Unamortized debt premiums	67,500		74,600
Unamortized debt discounts	-1,400		-2,000
Wholly-owned properties, net	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	1,259,243		1,372,925
Total debt	1,315,846		1,417,563
Wholly-owned properties, net | Mortgage loans payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	1,193,090		1,300,371
Unamortized debt premiums	67,518		74,575
Unamortized debt discounts	-1,365		-2,021
Wholly-owned properties, net | Construction loans payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	56,603	[1]	44,638	[1]
On-campus participating properties, net	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Total debt	109,552		89,653
On-campus participating properties, net | Mortgage loans payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	31,024		31,380
On-campus participating properties, net | Construction loans payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	36,088		15,833
On-campus participating properties, net | Bonds payable	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Secured mortgage, construction and bond debt	$42,440		$42,440
[1]	Construction loans payable as of June 30, 2014 includes $12.0 million related to a construction loan that is partially financing the development and construction of University Walk, a VIE the Company is including in its consolidated financial statements (see Note 5). The creditor of this construction loan does not have recourse to the assets of the Company.

Debt_Summary_of_Outstanding_Co1

Debt - Summary of Outstanding Consolidated Indebtedness, Including Unamortized Debt Premiums and Discounts (Parentheticals) (Detail Textuals) (University Walk, USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
University Walk	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Construction loans payable	$12

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

Senior notes - June 2014

Senior notes - June 2014

Interest Rate Swap

Term Loan I Facility

Term Loan II Facility

Revolving credit facility

Secured Agency Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility

Forward starting swap contracts

Forward starting swap contracts

Forward starting swap contracts

AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.

Extension_option

Property

Term loan facility

Term Loan I Facility

Term Loan II Facility

Revolving credit facility

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Loan

Contract

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount

'

'

'

'

'

$400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument proceeds as percentage of par value (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

99.86%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate of note and outstanding bond (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

4.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Yield rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

4.14%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from sale of notes

'

'

'

'

'

395,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Offering proceeds to pay down outstanding balance

'

'

'

'

'

340,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount

451,023,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

200,000,000

Number of interest rate swap contracts terminated

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

Termination of forward starting interest rate swap

4,122,000

0

'

4,122,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,100,000

4,100,000

'

Effective interest rate after effect of derivative instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.27%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

1,100,000,000

600,000,000

350,000,000

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

Number of loan extension options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Duration of loan extension options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of unsecured term loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, additional borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility, additional extension period

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable interest rate at period end

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.66%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reference rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.16%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.50%

1.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate during period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, required unused commitment fee per annum (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

Ratio of borrowing amount to value of properties (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, weighted average annual interest rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.88%

'

'

2.19%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of properties used to secure debt (properties)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit, description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'one- or three-month LIBOR plus

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Partners_C1

Stockholders' Equity / Partners' Capital - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (ATM Equity Program, USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ATM Equity Program	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
ATM equity program, aggregate offering price authorized (up to $500 million as of March 31, 2013)	'	$500
Aggregate common stock available for issuance	$500	'

Noncontrolling_Interests_Summa

Noncontrolling Interests - Summarized Activity of Redeemable Limited Partners (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	$47,964
Distributions	-174
Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partner units at fair value	-5,694
Ending balance	53,054
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	47,964
Distributions	-174
Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partner units at fair value	-5,694
Ending balance	53,054
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | Redeemable noncontrolling interests	'
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	47,964
Net income	586
Distributions	-1,000
Conversion of redeemable limited partner units into shares of ACC common stock	-190
Adjustments to reflect redeemable limited partner units at fair value	5,694
Ending balance	$53,054

Noncontrolling_Interests_Addit

Noncontrolling Interests - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Contributions by noncontrolling partners	1.5	'
Conversion of common units to ACC common stock (shares)	13,000	'
AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Number of third-party joint venture partners (entities)	3	'
Equity interests held by owners of common units and series A preferred units/ retained by seller (percent)	1.20%	1.30%
Series A Preferred Unit	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Conversion of common units to ACC common stock (shares)	2,269	1,500

Incentive_Award_Plan_Summary_o

Incentive Award Plan - Summary of Restricted Stock Units and Awards (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Number of RSUs and RSAs	'
Beginning balance (shares)	0
Granted (shares)	15,457
Settled in common shares (shares)	-9,027
Settled in cash (shares)	-6,430
Ending balance (shares)	0
Restricted Stock Awards	'
Number of RSUs and RSAs	'
Beginning balance (shares)	602,191
Granted (shares)	292,526
Vested (shares)	-124,883
Forfeited (shares)	-81,058	[1]
Ending balance (shares)	688,776
[1]	Includes shares withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon vesting.

Incentive_Award_Plan_Additiona

Incentive Award Plan - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	31-May-13	31-May-13
	Restricted Stock Awards	Restricted Stock Awards	Restricted Stock Awards	Restricted Stock Awards	Incentive Award Plan 2010	Chairman of the Board of Directors	All other members
					Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	Incentive Award Plan 2010	Incentive Award Plan 2010
						Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based awards, value	'	'	'	'	'	$95,000	$71,500
Allocated share-based compensation expense	$1,600,000	$1,600,000	$3,500,000	$3,200,000	$600,000	'	'

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summary of Outstanding Interest Rate Swap Contracts (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Current Notional Amount	$451,023,000
Fair Value	-3,329,000
Interest Rate Swap One - 2.2750 Fixed Rate	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Effective Date	18-Feb-14	[1]
Maturity Date	15-Feb-21	[1]
Pay Fixed Rate (percent)	2.28%	[1]
Receive Floating Rate Index	'LIBOR - 1 month	[1]
Current Notional Amount	15,432,000	[1]
Fair Value	-349,000	[1]
Interest Rate Swap Two - 2.2750 Fixed Rate	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Effective Date	18-Feb-14	[1]
Maturity Date	15-Feb-21	[1]
Pay Fixed Rate (percent)	2.28%	[1]
Receive Floating Rate Index	'LIBOR - 1 month	[1]
Current Notional Amount	15,591,000	[1]
Fair Value	-352,000	[1]
Interest Rate Swap - 0.8695% Fixed Rate	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Effective Date	2-Feb-12
Maturity Date	2-Jan-17
Pay Fixed Rate (percent)	0.87%
Receive Floating Rate Index	'LIBOR – 1 month
Current Notional Amount	125,000,000
Fair Value	-675,000
Interest Rate Swap - 0.88% Fixed Rate	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Effective Date	2-Feb-12
Maturity Date	2-Jan-17
Pay Fixed Rate (percent)	0.88%
Receive Floating Rate Index	'LIBOR – 1 month
Current Notional Amount	100,000,000
Fair Value	-565,000
Interest Rate Swap - 0.8875% Fixed Rate	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Effective Date	2-Feb-12
Maturity Date	2-Jan-17
Pay Fixed Rate (percent)	0.89%
Receive Floating Rate Index	'LIBOR – 1 month
Current Notional Amount	62,500,000
Fair Value	-366,000
Interest Rate Swap - 0.889% Fixed Rate	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Effective Date	2-Feb-12
Maturity Date	2-Jan-17
Pay Fixed Rate (percent)	0.89%
Receive Floating Rate Index	'LIBOR – 1 month
Current Notional Amount	62,500,000
Fair Value	-368,000
Interest Rate Swap - 1.545% Fixed Rate	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Effective Date	1-Nov-13
Maturity Date	5-Oct-18
Pay Fixed Rate (percent)	1.55%
Receive Floating Rate Index	'LIBOR - 1 month
Current Notional Amount	70,000,000
Fair Value	($654,000)
[1]	In February 2014, the Company renewed the Cullen Oaks Phase I and Phase II mortgage loans and extended the maturity date to February 15, 2021. The renewed loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% and require monthly payments of principal and interest. In connection with these loan renewals, the Company terminated the existing interest rate swap contract scheduled to mature on February 15, 2014, and entered into two new interest rate swap contracts described in the table above. Upon termination, the existing interest rate swap had a negative fair value of approximately $0.2 million, which the Company settled by structuring the financing into the terms of new interest rate swaps (commonly referred to as a "blend and extend"). As a result, the two new interest rate swaps had a negative fair value of approximately $0.2 million at inception of the hedging relationship.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments and Classification on Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) (Designated as hedging instrument, USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments	$0	$31
Other liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments	3,329	1,466
Interest rate swaps contracts | Other assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments	0	31
Interest rate swaps contracts | Other liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Total derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments	$3,329	$1,466

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap One - 2.2750 Fixed Rate

Interest Rate Swap Two - 2.2750 Fixed Rate

Mortgages

Swap

Forward starting swap contracts

Forward starting swap contracts

Forward starting swap contracts

Forward starting swap contracts

Cullen Oaks Phase I and Phase II Loans

Contract

Contract

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75%

'

'

'

'

'

Number of interest rate swap contracts (contracts)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

2

'

'

Notional amount

$451,023,000

$451,023,000

'

$350,000,000

$15,432,000

[1]

$15,591,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

$200,000,000

Interest rate swap, fair value

-200,000

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments related to terminated swap contracts

'

4,122,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

4,100,000

'

4,100,000

'

Amortization of interest rate swap terminations

$15,000

$15,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

In February 2014, the Company renewed the Cullen Oaks Phase I and Phase II mortgage loans and extended the maturity date to February 15, 2021. The renewed loans bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.75% and require monthly payments of principal and interest. In connection with these loan renewals, the Company terminated the existing interest rate swap contract scheduled to mature on February 15, 2014, and entered into two new interest rate swap contracts described in the table above. Upon termination, the existing interest rate swap had a negative fair value of approximately $0.2 million, which the Company settled by structuring the financing into the terms of new interest rate swaps (commonly referred to as a "blend and extend"). As a result, the two new interest rate swaps had a negative fair value of approximately $0.2 million at inception of the hedging relationship.

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Financi

Fair Value Disclosures - Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative financial instruments	$0	$31
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative financial instruments, Liabilities	3,329	1,466
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Company)/Redeemable limited Partners (Operating Partnership)	53,054	47,964
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative financial instruments, Liabilities	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Company)/Redeemable limited Partners (Operating Partnership)	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative financial instruments	0	31
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative financial instruments, Liabilities	3,329	1,466
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Company)/Redeemable limited Partners (Operating Partnership)	53,054	47,964
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative financial instruments	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Derivative financial instruments, Liabilities	0	0
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Company)/Redeemable limited Partners (Operating Partnership)	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Disclosures_Estimat

Fair Value Disclosures - Estimated Fair Value and Related Carrying Amounts of Mortgage Loans and Bonds Payable (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated Fair Value	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Loans receivable	$49,154	$49,154
Liabilities:	'	'
Unsecured notes	797,534	372,420
Mortgage loans	1,277,087	1,382,773
Bonds payable	47,039	44,908
Carrying Amount	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Loans receivable	52,701	51,192
Liabilities:	'	'
Unsecured notes	798,224	398,721
Mortgage loans	1,290,267	1,404,305
Bonds payable	$42,440	$42,440

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
	Alternate Housing Guarantees	Project Cost Guarantees	Drexel University Property	Capital Addition Purchase Commitments	Maximum	Alternate Housing and Project Cost Guarantees
			Contract	Drexel University Property	Drexel University Property
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Guarantee expiration period	'5 days	'1 year	'	'	'	'
Estimated maximum exposure under guarantee, amount	'	'	'	'	'	$1.50
Lease term	'	'	'40 years	'	'	'
Number of lease renewal options	'	'	3	'	'	'
Lease extension period	'	'	'10 years	'	'	'
Commitment as part of ground lease agreement, amount	'	'	'	22.3	'	'
Time period Company to improvements	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'
Commitment to pay real estate transfer taxes, amount	'	'	1.8	'	2.4	'
Real estate transfer taxes paid upon conveyance of land	'	'	$0.60	'	'	'

Segment_Summary_Details

Segment - Summary (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property management fees from external customers	$1,997	$1,924	$3,982	$3,633	'
Total revenues	171,977	153,212	355,160	316,374	'
Operating expenses	-136,544	-127,212	-271,732	-248,690	'
Interest expense	-20,989	-19,369	-42,079	-36,780	'
Income from continuing operations	13,731	5,910	39,878	26,243	'
Total assets	5,720,993	'	5,720,993	'	5,598,040
Operating segments	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	177,775	158,433	366,920	326,986	'
Income from continuing operations	13,731	5,910	39,878	26,243	'
Total segment assets	5,567,406	5,162,642	5,567,406	5,162,642	'
Unallocated corporate assets	153,587	129,003	153,587	129,003	'
Total assets	5,720,993	5,291,645	5,720,993	5,291,645	'
Operating segments | Wholly-owned properties	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	163,664	146,030	336,487	298,902	'
Interest and other income	279	8	551	22	'
Total revenues	163,943	146,038	337,038	298,924	'
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, ground/facility leases and allocation of corporate overhead	-76,645	-69,576	-153,025	-136,439	'
Ground/facility leases	-932	-640	-1,868	-1,304	'
Interest expense	-10,729	-10,796	-22,121	-22,410	'
Operating income before depreciation, amortization, and allocation of corporate overhead	75,637	65,026	160,024	138,771	'
Depreciation and amortization	46,657	45,530	93,166	89,517	'
Capital expenditures	80,483	91,998	149,288	174,853	'
Total segment assets	5,452,209	5,083,310	5,452,209	5,083,310	'
Operating segments | On-campus participating properties	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Rental revenues	4,735	4,703	12,923	12,805	'
Interest and other income	3	2	6	4	'
Total revenues	4,738	4,705	12,929	12,809	'
Operating expenses before depreciation, amortization, ground/facility leases and allocation of corporate overhead	-2,592	-2,742	-4,889	-5,065	'
Ground/facility leases	-650	-520	-1,277	-1,059	'
Interest expense	-1,112	-1,380	-2,261	-2,755	'
Operating income before depreciation, amortization, and allocation of corporate overhead	384	63	4,502	3,930	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,228	1,182	2,440	2,356	'
Capital expenditures	8,878	373	21,170	708	'
Total segment assets	106,150	69,951	106,150	69,951	'
Operating segments | Development Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Development and construction management fees	1,581	555	1,768	1,034	'
Operating expenses	-2,737	-2,793	-5,580	-5,382	'
Operating income before depreciation, amortization, and allocation of corporate overhead	-1,156	-2,238	-3,812	-4,348	'
Total segment assets	2,010	3,012	2,010	3,012	'
Operating segments | Property Management Services	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Property management fees from external customers	1,997	1,924	3,982	3,633	'
Intersegment revenues	5,516	5,211	11,203	10,586	'
Total revenues	7,513	7,135	15,185	14,219	'
Operating expenses	-2,965	-2,549	-6,061	-5,121	'
Operating income before depreciation, amortization, and allocation of corporate overhead	4,548	4,586	9,124	9,098	'
Total segment assets	7,037	6,369	7,037	6,369	'
Unallocated interest income earned on investments and corporate cash	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	755	937	1,511	1,347	'
Elimination of intersegment revenues	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	-5,516	-5,211	-11,203	-10,586	'
Total consolidated revenues, including interest income	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	173,014	154,159	357,228	317,747	'
Segment operating income before depreciation, amortization and allocation of corporate overhead	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	79,413	67,437	169,838	147,451	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	-49,911	-48,566	-99,585	-95,479	'
Net unallocated expenses relating to corporate interest and overhead	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	-15,482	-12,706	-29,796	-22,419	'
Other nonoperating expense	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	0	0	0	-2,800	'
Income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	($289)	($255)	($579)	($510)	'

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Detail Textuals)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Identified reportable segments (segments)	4

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 30, 2014
			Dividend Declared
			Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, dividends per share, declared (usd per share)	$0.38	$0.36	$0.38
Dividend distribution date	'	'	29-Aug-14
Dividend payable, date of record	'	'	15-Aug-14