| Cover | Feb. 22, 2021 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 22, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AMERICAN CAMPUS COMMUNITIES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-32265 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 76-0753089 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 12700 Hill Country Blvd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite T-200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Austin |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 78738 |
| City Area Code | 512 |
| Local Phone Number | 732-1000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ACC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001283630 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
